In 2010, the people of New York sought new leadership and a new direction, away from the policies that have driven jobs, people and opportunities away from the Empire State.

A few weeks ago, Governor Andrew Cuomo presented his first Executive Budget, which cut spending for the first time in 15 years, eliminated a $10 billion deficit, included no new taxes and retooled government to be leaner and more efficient.

Last night, the final votes were cast on an on-time, historic spending plan that I believe will be remembered as a turning point in New York's economic and fiscal recovery. It also marked the first budget since 2008 that I have been able to support. I remain proud to have cast those no votes, and am just as proud to have voted in the affirmative this week.

As our new governor has said, this is not the end of the journey, but rather just the beginning. However, it still gives us real reason for optimism as we move and look forward. 

Some highlights from the final 2011-12 budget:

Agency Consolidation

• Consolidates eight agencies for a savings of more than $50 million, including the merger of the Insurance and Banking Departments into a new Department of Financial Services.
   
• Authorizes future consolidations and reduction of government bureaucracy through the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE).

Reduced Spending

• Balances our educational needs with current fiscal realities, reducing total aid by $1.3 billion, while providing permanent changes to cap annual increases. By making school aid a two-year appropriation, we also help local school districts with their out-year budget planning. In the midst of austerity we maintain our commitment to education and remain among the nation's leaders in per-student spending.
   
• Redesigns Medicaid with a year-to-year decrease of more than $300 million and limits future growth to a rolling 10-year average of a price index related to the actual cost of providing health care services. In this and in other measures, the budget reflects the recommendations of Governor Cuomo's Medicaid Redesign Team.

Economic Development

• 10 new Regional Economic Development Councils, chaired by Lt. Governor Robert Duffy, to assess and meet the unique challenges that exist across the state. 
   
• Creates the Recharge New York program, which replaces Power for Jobs to provide a permanent, reliable, low-cost energy program for employers in exchange for job creation.
   
• Expands the tax benefits available for businesses through the Excelsior Jobs program.
   
• Distributes federal New Market Tax Credits to leverage private sector investment on major redevelopment projects in low-income communities such as Rochester.

Perhaps more important than any of these details is the larger message this budget sends to New Yorkers and those who might consider living here or establishing their businesses within our borders.

By adopting Governor Cuomo's budget and responding to the will of the people, we signal that we are determined to live within our means, committed to easing the burdens of taxation, and prepared to put out the welcome mat to young people and employers.

Ready, in other words, to once again be the Empire State.