"This is a time of crisis for our state, a time when we must transform our government to once again become the progressive capital of the nation - and to seize the moment of opportunity that is before us."
Faced with a budget deficit of nearly $10 billion, the highest taxes in the nation and public faith in state government at an all-time low, Governor Cuomo has established the tone and set the agenda for a better future. Symbolically, his address was given not in legislative chambers but at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, before an audience that included thousands of the same taxpayers who rose up in November to demand better state government.
Among them was Geraldine Sullivan of Irondequoit, who I invited to the ceremony and who Governor Cuomo recognized because of her struggle in the face of rising property taxes.
As the governor said, help is on the way for Geraldine and all those who share her concerns. In coming days we will embark on an ambitious effort to consolidate state agencies; ease the burden on businesses and hard-working families through a property tax cap and by streamlining Medicaid and reducing the cost of education; and enact ethics reforms that will hold state officials to the highest standards of conduct.
In the Assembly, I will join with the governor on these and a host of other fundamental issues, such as independent redistricting in which citizens are given their rightful role in deciding who represents them and their communities.
I also anticipate a great partnership with Governor Cuomo in the effort to revitalize the Upstate economy. Most encouragingly, the governor has proposed the creation of regional economic councils, coordinated by Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy, as part of his pledge to stem the losses of jobs and people that have crippled New York for so many years. As former Rochester mayor, Lt. Gov. Duffy has keen insight into the Upstate's unique challenges, and I know he will continue to be a strong voice on our behalf.
As someone who has consistently worked to overhaul our state's economic development policies, I believe the Cuomo Administration will be instrumental in helping our region, and all of New York, finally turn the corner toward renewed prosperity.
With Andrew Cuomo's arrival in the governor's office, New Yorkers today have real cause for optimism. It is an optimism I share, and I look forward to helping bring about a new era for the Empire State.