Statement by Senator Simcha Felder in Response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address

"I strongly support Governor Cuomo’s plan to reduce taxes across New York State," said Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), who was selected to deliver the message to the Governor today that the Senate had convened.

“New York is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. People have been fleeing our great state because of the unbelievable tax burden. Governor Cuomo recognizes that we needs to stop this hemorrhaging and get serious about providing real tax relief if New York is to remain competitive and maintain its status as a financial leader. This year, I look forward to working with Senate Majority Coalition Leader Dean Skelos and the rest of my colleagues to continue creating new jobs; boosting the State’s economy; and putting money back into the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers.

I was also heartened by Governor Cuomo’s acknowledgement of the federal lawsuit stemming from the anti-Semitic incidents at Pinebush High School. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to introducing legislation requiring school officials to report patterns of racial or religious discrimination or harassment to the State Education Department and the State police as a condition of their employment. This sends the right message that hatred and bullying of any kind will not be tolerated in our schools.”