Assemblyman Cahill’s Statement on 2010 State of the State Address

January 6, 2010

Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainly that has threatened the State’s and the nation’s fiscal stability, left countless families struggling and shaken New Yorkers’ faith in their institutions, Governor Paterson delivered a State of the State address that presented New York with a path to a more prosperous and sustainable future. Together, with a focus on a new energy economy and a sleeker, more efficient government we can put people back to work and restore confidence.

First and foremost, we must remain vigilant in maintaining New York’s fiscal health. Though not as bad as many states, the economic downturn has had a serious impact on our financial outlook. I agree with the Governor’s call to use this as an opportunity to enact real and recurring spending reforms, to address the structural budget deficits and return our state to the forefront of our national economy. By modernizing our state government through agency consolidation and the elimination of duplicative services, we can deliver a cost effective and efficient government to the people of New York. We should not stop at the state level; we must bring these concepts to all levels of government, especially our schools as I have proposed.

The Governor identified comprehensive ethics reform as critical to our ability to govern. There is no doubt that the inexcusable actions of a few have cast a shadow over state government. Meaningful changes to the culture in Albany are crucial to moving New York forward. Throughout my tenure in public service, I have worked to change business as usual in Albany. The Assembly has acted time and again on strengthening our ethics laws and reforming our campaign finance system. I welcome the Governor to this discussion and look forward to working with him to finally bring about the changes the Assembly has long championed in order to restore the people’s faith in our government.

The Executive’s plan to rebuild New York is rooted in the development of a new energy economy, which has long been the centerpiece of my energy agenda. A commitment to energy independence has the potential to thrust us forward in the same way the Erie Canal cemented our status as the Empire State 200 years ago. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Governor when it comes to implementing the policies that have made New York a clear leader in energy innovation.

In many ways, the Governor’s proposals build upon efforts begun in the Hudson Valley. His proposal to foster the development of clean energy manufacturing clusters mirrors the university and industry partnership model being successfully employed by The Solar Energy Consortium. The Executive’s focus on transforming long dormant manufacturing facilities into centers that will produce many of the products that will drive the development of the new energy economy is a welcome compliment to the transformation already in progress at TechCity.

Following up on the goals and challenges presented by the State Energy Plan, the Governor presented a legislative agenda consistent with the Assembly’s which focused on economic development, consumer protection, infrastructure, efficiency and alternative energy. Progress in these areas will provide New Yorkers with much needed economic security.

We have many challenges before us. This economic crisis has presented us with a unique opportunity to remake New York State. I will work with the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature implement the reforms and further the policies that will restore prosperity, rebuild confidence in our government and truly serve the needs of the communities throughout the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions.

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