Governor's State of the State Lacks Boost for Upstate Economy

ALBANY, 01/03/18 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref – Oneonta) today commented on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address:

“A new legislative session is underway, but my top priority has not changed from my very first year in office - do everything possible at the state level to ensure there are opportunities for growth in the 51st Senate District and across New York.

“Our state is faced with some tough fiscal challenges, and in my estimation the best way to clear those hurdles is through economic growth.  The governor failed to detail any concrete plans to lead us in that direction.  I am hopeful that his state budget will include workable ideas to strengthen our upstate economy.

“Controlling state spending, derailing new taxes, ending costly and unnecessary state regulations, and partnering with our business leaders to boost our economy are just a few of the initiatives I will be advancing in 2018.  I also want to strengthen our infrastructure and accelerate our broadband expansion to rural areas.  It is also time to review our current economic development programs – we should not be wasting state resources on programs that aren’t generating jobs.

“We need to ensure New York is affordable for families and for businesses.  The governor has laid out an ambitious and expensive plan but we cannot lose sight of the bottom line.  A permanent property tax cap and cuts to energy taxes need to come first before we start doling out money for new, untested pursuits.  And I repeat, new taxes are not the answer.

“The senate has taken steps previously to rein in sexual harassment in the workplace, but it is clear new measures are necessary and I support an even tougher stance on this vile crime.  We also need to continue our efforts to combat the heroin epidemic. 

“I stand ready to work with the governor on the portions of his agenda that will help improve lives for New Yorkers, just as I have done in the past.  A challenging year lies ahead, but we have a strong foundation to build on and I look forward to a productive legislative session that will lead to a more vital New York.”

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Additional video comments from Senator Seward can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4nxizs1pmw6agyu/Seward-SU-010318.mp4?dl=0