Assemblymember Cahill’s Statement on Governor Paterson’s State of the State Address

January 7, 2009

Governor David Paterson used his first State of the State address to once again demonstrate his determination to lead New York through what has become the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression. Building upon the message put forth last month when he unveiled a proposed sixteen month budget, the Governor called upon the Legislature to set aside political differences and see this crisis as the opportunity it is to rethink and reform government in New York State.

The Governor outlined a series of ambitious proposals aimed at reinventing our economy, by prioritizing equity in education, access to college, property tax reform, affordable quality health care, investment in infrastructure and most importantly, as I have been calling for, a commitment to energy independence. To get the economy moving again, we need to get to work right away at turning our ideas into actions by taking our existing resources and using them in a wiser and more coordinated fashion.

Given the magnitude of the fiscal situation it is clear that we will have to come to an agreement upon difficult but necessary spending cuts and revenue enhancements – that is new taxes and fees – that will impact all areas of the state. As this plan develops it is essential that no single part of our society to bear an unfair portion of the burden.

Education aid and health care funding represent over fifty percent of the total state budget. Spending reductions in these areas will be unavoidable. I am concerned that the Governor’s education budget may cut too deep, especially for schools districts in the Hudson Valley where the proposed reductions in state aid could threaten the quality of our children’s education while adding to the immense burden on property taxpayers. I look forward to working with the Governor to lessen the budget’s impact on education and to explore initiatives that will help local governments and school districts address the property tax crisis through the consolidation of services and administrative functions.

When it comes to health care, it is critical that we continue to our march towards quality and affordable universal health care. In advancing proposals that emphasize preventative primary care, streamline access to Family Health Plus and Medicaid, and mandate private insurance plans offer family coverage to children through their twenties, the Governor has demonstrated a commitment to this goal. These initiatives can be paid for through proposed savings in Medicaid, allowing us to do more with less.

The Executive's declaration that innovative energy solutions are essential to our economic recovery echoes the position advocated by the Assembly. That concept has been at the center of our call for a comprehensive energy plan and energy independence for New York. By dramatically raising the bar for the State’s clean energy goals through an increased emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable power the Governor has set the stage for New York to lead a green revolution. By meeting our energy needs in New York State we will be shielded from the volatility of the global energy market. By reducing consumption we will lower energy costs, improve air quality and help combat climate change. We can create jobs at every level from entry to executive, from unskilled to highly technical by developing the green economy in New York State. These important commitments will not be without a significant up front costs. The Executive’s proposal is heavily reliant on funding collected from ratepayers. We need to make sure that these monies are dispersed in a transparent and accountable way through the state budget and in the context of a comprehensive State Energy Plan.

In many ways, the Governor’s energy initiatives build upon efforts begun in the Hudson Valley. The New York Energy Policy Institute and the upstate battery consortium mirror the university and industry partnership model being successfully employed by The Solar Energy Consortium. In order to effectively grow the green economy, we need to have a well trained workforce in place. Ulster County Community College and Ulster BOCES have already taken the lead in establishing training programs that can be replicated throughout New York. As these plans move forward I will work to ensure that our region receives the resources necessary to continue to lead the way to energy independence.

I am confident that in 2009, we have the will have a partner in Governor Paterson and the new State Senate to finally address key issues that have remained unanswered for too long. Environmental justice, reform of our antiquated drug laws, equal rights for all New Yorkers and public financing of elections are all within our reach.

We have many challenges before us. The time is long past when we can afford to allow politics and rhetoric to impede progress. This economic crisis has presented us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to remake New York State. I will work with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature to seize upon this opportunity to fight for affordable and accessible health care coverage, equity in education, property tax relief, energy independence and real economic development; initiatives that will truly serve working families in the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions.

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