Statement by Senator Brad Hoylman on Governor Cuomo's 2014 State of the State Address

Governor Cuomo delivered an impassioned and thoughtful State of the State today on a wide range of topics including ethics reforms, economic development, education and infrastructure improvement.

In particular I am encouraged by the Governor’s commitment to implementing the good government reforms suggested by the Moreland Commission. We have a long way to go to restore New Yorkers’ trust in their government and we cannot afford to delay these crucial reforms any longer. We must make them a top priority in order to instill the confidence in our legislature to pass the many great ideas presented in the Governor’s speech, including investing in affordable housing, creating a tax credit for low- and moderate-income renters, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting crucial investments in infrastructure.

I'm also heartened that the Governor called for legislation that will strengthen reporting of discrimination in our schools. In August, I issued a report on the Hate Crimes Law that discussed the need to examine the way Hate Crimes are reported in New York State. I look forward to working with the Governor to help fight hatred and discrimination wherever it is found.

In addition, the Governor's plan for the state take over of the construction projects at LaGuardia and JFK Airports is a win for millions of airline passengers and promises to improve New York's standing as an international center for commerce and culture.

I’m grateful that the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to the full-ten point Women’s Equality Act, including a woman’s right to choose, and public financing of elections. Also, we must take decisive action this session to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, ban hydrofracking, increase protections for tenants, eliminate excessive testing for our school kids, preserve services for our seniors, and strengthen the minimum wage and other protections for workers. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the legislature on theses important issues.