Statement From Senator Patrick M. Gallivan on the Governor’s State of the State Address

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I - 59th District) was selected by his Senate colleagues today to give official notification to Governor Andrew M. Cuomo that the Senate is standing at ready to conduct its business for 2012. Gallivan notified the Governor prior to the annual State of the State address this afternoon, which Gallivan applauded for “its strong vision for New York State’s future” while stressing the importance of building upon the cooperation and collegiality that enabled last year’s progress.

“Governor Cuomo outlined a broad agenda for the State’s future this afternoon, articulating the urgency of our challenges and the limitless potential of our future. Last year was a year of great accomplishment, but much remains to be done. We still tax too much, we still spend too much, and good paying jobs are still too far and few between -- particularly in Western New York.

Rebuilding the Western New York Economy and providing opportunity for its families, students, seniors, businesses, and farmers remains my top priority for 2012. The Governor’s speech today signaled to me that he shares that priority. Specific proposals to invest $1 billion in the economic future of the City of Buffalo, expand and improve upon the NY-Farms program, reform and redesign New York’s failing education and pension systems, while continuing to seek ways to make government more competent, efficient and honest all point to the promise of our collective future.

I once again expect to work closely with the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature to make these goals a reality. We must also work to address the staggering cost of Medicaid, and the state’s reliance on taxes and spending. These are both still fundamental obstacles to growth and I look forward to the Governor being an engaged partner with the Senate Majority on these issues, as he has been in the past.”