Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Statement from Senator David J. Valesky
Governor Cuomo’s broad and comprehensive State of the State address gives us a road map to continue the forward progress we have made together in the past three years. I was especially pleased with his focus on breaking the cycle of economic decline in Upstate New York, decreasing the property tax burden, and investing in our public education system. I look forward to seeing details of his proposals in the Executive Budget in the coming weeks, and working with my colleagues in the Legislature to enact a responsible, forward-looking agenda that improves our state, our region and our economy.
State of the State – Statement from Preservation League of NYS on Energy Transmission Policy Initiative
#NYSOS14 proposal may protect historic, scenic resources from new Energy Superhighway
(Albany, NY – Jan. 8, 2014)(readMedia) “There’s an old saying – ‘Do you want it done fast or do you want it done right?'” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. “It looks like Governor Cuomo wants to give the developers planning New York’s new Energy Superhighway the chance to do both.”
He continued, “Governor Cuomo is proposing a fast-track permitting process for electrical transmission projects that commit to no expansion in width or height of the existing delivery corridor. The Public Service Commission has heard a clear message during review of the next generation of transmission siting proposals: citizens want thoughtfully-designed and -engineered projects that will limit intrusion on community character, historic resources and scenic lands. We are pleased that the Governor is proposing to expedite applications for projects that require no widening of utility easements and no additional tower height. We hope this will foster a more innovative and cooperative approach from developers addressing transmission issues in New York State than seen in the proposals submitted to the PSC last fall.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo Recognizes Oneida Nation in State of the State Address
(Verona, NY – Jan. 8, 2014) In today’s State of the State address in Albany, Governor Andrew Cuomo recognized the Oneida Indian Nation and Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, who was in attendance as an invited guest of the Governor. Cuomo commented on the agreements reached in 2013 between the State and the Oneida Nation, and the State’s recent agreements with other Indian Nations in New York.
“After decades of conflicts, we renewed our spirit of partnership with the Indian Nations across this state,” said Cuomo. “Let’s take a moment to recognize the Nation Representative Ray Halbritter from the Oneida Nation of New York, Ron LaFrance of the St. Regis Mohawk, Beverly Cook of the St. Regis Mohawk and Michael Kimelberg of the Seneca Nation. Thank you, and thank you for being with us today. Thank you.”
The Oneida Nation reached a historic agreement with the State of New York in 2013 to resolve all outstanding disputes regarding the status of the Nation’s lands, property taxes, sales taxes and gaming at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
From State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
“Governor Cuomo today set forth a strong agenda for New York State in 2014.
His leadership and vision have pushed New York in a positive direction.
Over the past few years, the state’s financial position has grown stronger
with spending more closely aligned with revenue. However, more work remains
to achieve structure balance. In this current fiscal year, my office
identified almost $5 billion in temporary resources to support state
spending. It is also time to tackle comprehensive reforms to the state’s
budget process, debt and capital planning.
Despite a stronger national and state economy, many municipalities across
New York face real fiscal issues that need to be addressed. The issues
facing our local governments require serious discussion and solutions. My
office will continue to examine local finances closely through our Fiscal
Monitoring System and audits and flag those in fiscal stress.
Recent political scandals demonstrate it’s time for New York State to build
a new foundation of public trust by enacting campaign finance reform,
including the public financing of statewide elections. Now, more than ever,
we need to tip the scales of influence away from the few and put it back
into the hands of everyday New Yorkers.
I look forward to working with the Executive and the Legislature and
reviewing the details in the Governor’s plans when he releases his proposed
2014-15 budget.”
From Senator Joseph A. Griffo.
Gov. Cuomo’s themes of taxes, technology and tourism in today’s State of the State Address are key facets of growing our economy in Central and Northern New York.
The governor’s proposal to reduce the corporate income tax rate for upstate manufacturers to zero is perhaps the most welcomed news of his address. This, combined with the elimination of a utility surcharge, should make our region a more attractive place to start or grow a business. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make both a reality.
Property taxes have eclipsed income taxes as our state’s greatest disincentive to living here. The governor recognizes this, and I was pleased that he has proposed steps to credit property owners in fiscally responsible towns as well as improve a patently unfair estate tax system.
I believe the Legislature should go farther than the governor proposed to provide meaningful tax relief, such as completely eliminating the “move to die tax” and creating a permanent state spending cap.
I look forward to seeing the details of the governor’s plan when his budget is released Jan. 21. We cannot rely on one-shot revenues and accounting gimmicks to make this tax cut a reality, or we’ll simply return to the fiscal challenge we faced just a few years ago. That type of “roller-coaster” budgeting is bad for the state, bad for business and bad for the people who live here.
I also want to ensure that the governor’s plan isn’t to “pay” for tax relief by shortchanging our school systems – or rob from vital programs, such as funding for disabled care.
I’m pleased that Gov. Cuomo remains focused on preparing New Yorkers – particularly upstate – to work in the 21st century economy. Nano and cybersecurity in the Mohawk Valley and biotech and telecommunications in the north country are helping to diversify our economy. We need to cultivate a skilled labor force to provide to these industries as they grow, which is why I’m going to be advocating for job training for the unemployed and underemployed and continuing education programs during budget negotiations. I’m also pleased by his call for more technology in the classroom.
While the technology sector represents the promise of the future, the tourism industry is the reality of the present. Gov. Cuomo understands that the Tug Hill and Thousand Islands regions are some of New York’s most alluring destinations – and I’m pleased that he’s committed scarce advertising dollars for promotion of our winter activities. His new proposal to combine sportsmen’s licenses with driver licenses is also welcomed, as long as it isn’t an attempt to collect more fees from outdoor enthusiasts.
I’m also encouraged to hear the governor wants to invest in upstate roads and bridges and study the feasibility of Interstate 98.
Finally, I appreciate the governor’s call to clean up Albany, especially in light of two recent, disappointing revelations about Assembly members. However, I believe focusing on public campaign financing is not the solution. We need dramatic reform in how Albany runs, and that includes stronger ethics laws and term limits for members and leadership positions, just to name two. I’ve relentlessly fought for a government that works more for the people than the special interests, and I’d welcome the governor into my corner on this issue.
From Business Council of New York State
Statement on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address from Heather C. Briccetti, Esq. President and CEO
The Business Council of New York State applauds the Governor’s continued commitment to improve the state’s business climate
(Albany, NY – Jan. 8, 2014)(readMedia) There is much for business in New York to be encouraged about in Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address.
His continued emphasis on holding growth in overall state spending to under 2 percent is for another year is welcomed news.
The Business Council applauds the Governor’s tax relief proposals that will provide more than $2 billion in savings to New York employers and residents. This is big news for the state’s economy, especially upstate, as these tax cuts will provide broad-based business tax relief, and support key business sectors across New York.
The Business Council represents a wide range of enterprises across the state, all of whom are burdened by regulations and we look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature in establishing in a joint commission to identify ways to eliminate regulatory barriers that make it difficult to do business in New York State and hinder economic growth.
We await further details in the Governor’s budget proposal and stand ready to assist the Governor in making these important real through the Legislative process.
Statement from Parks & Trails New York on Governor Cuomo’s 2014 State of the State Address
(Jan. 8, 2014) In today’s State of the State address, Governor Cuomo reinforced his commitment to the revitalization of New York’s world-class state park system. We applaud the Governor’s continued investment in these treasured landscapes and cultural landmarks for New Yorkers today and for future generations.
Over the past two years, with the State’s commitment of over $200 million for park restoration, Governor Cuomo has made parks an integral part of his efforts to rebuild the state’s infrastructure and economy. His leadership reflects his recognition of the important role parks play in local economic growth, in protecting important natural areas, and in providing affordable and healthy recreational opportunities for New Yorkers and visitors, alike.
Sustained investment in the restoration of New York’s park system will enable the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to continue its progress in addressing the estimated $1 billion backlog of infrastructure needs and critical safety repairs, breathing new life into the park system.
We also commend the Governor’s plan to bring parks into the twenty-first century through his e-Business strategy, employing new technologies for common park procedures such as camping reservations and vehicle entrances. Similarly, mobile apps and enhanced guides and maps will encourage new generations of New Yorkers to visit and experience our 179 parks and 35 historic sites and spur continued growth in visitation. A lifetime State Parks’ Empire Passport will allow New Yorkers easier access to the natural and historic treasures in their backyards.
Parks & Trails New York was founded in 1985 to support the New York State Park System, and in the almost 30 years since, we have been the state’s leading organization working to preserve and enhance a network of parks, trails and greenways for all New Yorkers for generations to come.
SSFC Responds to Gov. Cuomo’s 2014 State of the State Address
The system for distributing state aid to schools is broken and needs to be fixed, says Dr. Rick Timbs: “We need relief and reform. First and foremost: Do away with the GEA!’
Statements from: Dr. Rick Timbs, Executive Director, SSFC
Focus on Public Education:
“We thank Governor Cuomo for shining the spotlight on public education in his State of the State address. We are encouraged that he noted the great disparities in public education in New York State, but we are disappointed that Gov. Cuomo offered no concrete plan for substantive, sufficient and sustainable state aid equity and relief.’’
Gap Elimination Adjustment Should End:
“We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: We call on the Governor to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment. The GEA cuts are killing school districts – over the last four years, the GEA has been used to reduce state aid to schools by more than $8.4 billion. If the state’s budget gap has been eliminated, it is high time for the state to pay the current $1.638 billion it clearly owes our schools. There is no need to continue these destructive cuts.’’
Pre-K Funding:
“We are concerned about the Governor’s proposal for universal, full-day pre-Kindergarten. Pre-Kindergarten is a wonderful idea, but there are many school districts across the state in which kindergarten programs are on the chopping block. After the initial infusion of funding, how are districts going to pay for pre-Kindergarten? Without sustainable funding, pre-K then becomes another desired program but financially an unfunded mandate – and another costly, unfunded mandate is the LAST thing struggling school districts need as the state talks reform but does little to fund K-12 programs of merit.’’
Disagree the New NY Education Reform Commission Has Been Successful:
“The New NY Education Reform Commission has failed to provide a final report of any kind and it is over four months overdue. The Governor formed the Commission to explore ways to improve education funding, distribution and costs, among other things, and come up with solutions for high need districts/low wealth school communities. Enough is enough! The New NY Education Reform Commission has failed.’’
How to Achieve Fairness, Equity and a New State Aid Formula:
“Sufficient state aid must be provided through a new Foundation Aid Formula, one that provides fair and equitable funding to ALL students. Effective IMMEDIATELY the Governor needs to impanel a new commission to address the Foundation Aid formula. The commission should be similar to the depoliticized and highly focused expertise laden “Berger Commission.” The single charge must be a new Foundation Aid formula by 2015-16. The legislature and the Governor appear to be unwilling or unable to address school funding that is equitable, adequate and sustainable.’’