State of the State: "a winter of reckoning"
The governor just delivered a short, punchy speech to open the 2010 legislative session.
Paterson started by calling this a “winter of reckoning” and said our “years of living on the margins of our means” has to end.
He then gave a sketch of fiscal and ethical reforms that together, he said will be “integral” to New York’s re-emergence as a national leader.
Missing from the 30 minute speech were the traditional laundry lists of specific geographies and programs that observers use to gauge a governor’s attention to special interests or regions.
He did say the Empire Zone economic development program will be “in the past,” to be succeeded by his Excelsior Jobs Program. Most of what he talked about comes under the heading high tech — including closer relationships with universities and corporate R&D.
Paterson: high-tech relationships key
Paterson also referenced the gutting of the state’s manufacturing sector, which he promised to “make whole again”. The North Country has been hammered by layoffs and plant closures at General Motors, Alcoa, Corning, Pfizer, and other plants.
Paterson: make manufacturing “whole again”
Paterson also spoke directly of the Upstate economy, vowing to make the region ” the back office for corporate America”.
Paterson: make upstate the “back office”
Here’s reaction from Stephen Acquario, of the NYS Association of Counties:
Today, Governor David Paterson introduced a blueprint for New York State to emerge from this recession. County leaders from across the state look forward to reviewing the details of many of these initiatives, especially the economic development programs. Fostering job growth is critical for New York State to come out of this economic downturn stronger than before. Linking higher education and our businesses in ways that create emerging industries would spur job growth in our communities. All efforts should focus on a renewed commitment to retaining and creating jobs in all areas of the state.
And the New York State School Boards Association:
Governor Paterson’s speech today was short on specifics for education. Understandably, this tough economic climate makes it difficult to launch major new initiatives.
It is clear that the current system of funding and delivering public education programs and services in New York is unsustainable. State aid is no longer guaranteed. Federal stimulus money is ending in 2011. And with a projected state budget shortfall of $27.5 billion, public education for our schoolchildren is at risk.
We need reforms that will allow school districts to operate more efficiently and save local taxpayers money. We are calling upon legislators to eliminate costly state mandates, oppose cost shifts onto local taxpayers, and stop sweetening employee benefit packages.
School boards must do their part to hold down costs at the local level. We are strongly recommending that local leaders negotiate conservative employee compensation packages, and share programs among area districts.
Together, we must find a way to hold down costs while still providing students with the world-class education they deserve.
And Attorney general Andrew Cuomo, widely anticipated to be a challenger to Paterson’s election bid this year:
New Yorkers now face great challenges that stem in part from the
failure of government to address their needs, as well as past failures
to address the excesses of Wall Street. It is now more urgent than ever
that we make New York more affordable; restore trust in government by
reforming Albany; create, attract and retain jobs throughout the State;
and not forget those in need.Governor Paterson has properly acknowledged some of these challenges in
his State of the State address today. The key now, however, is to get it
done. To solve these problems in these times will require sustained
effort, seriousness of purpose and the ability to build a coalition for
change.
More, during All Before 5 and tomorrow’s 8 O’clock Hour.
