David Paterson described New York’s situation as perilous and the economic challenges it faces as historic during his first State of the State address as Governor of New York.
While talking about multi-billion dollar budget deficits and diminishing job prospects among challenges that the state has not seen in decades, Paterson outlined plans that he believes will help New Yorkers get through these difficult times and emerge better off than they were before the economic downturn.
“This is not the time for fear,” Paterson said during his address on Wednesday, January 7. “This is the time for action. This is the time for courage. This is the time for hope.”
In an address that focused more on policy ideas and less on specifics, Paterson spoke about the need to balance the budget, make sure there is access to affordable health care and education, create additional jobs and establish one of the most ambitious clean energy plans in the nation.
Some of the specifics Paterson talked about included increasing eligibility for Family Health Plus, thereby expanding coverage to 400,000 more New Yorkers, and a five-point plan to stop the childhood obesity epidemic currently engulfing New York.
In terms of energy, Paterson unveiled a “45 by 15” plan that has New York meeting 45 percent of its electricity needs by 2015 while reducing air pollution and creating an additional 50,000 jobs.
“Our program ‘45 by 15’ will not simply revitalize our economy; it will help protect our environment,” Paterson said.
In addition, Paterson also spoke about the need for Washington to come up with money to fund infrastructure projects that the state is ready to commence if it receives federal funding. He also spoke about the State Legislature needing to implement recommendations set forth by the Ravitch Commission in order to curtail the MTA budget gap.
Immediately after Paterson’s speech, legislators and special interest groups began reacting to items in his address.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall praised the governor’s courage as well his energy plans.
“Here in Queens and the rest of New York City, the push for a greener sustainable environment has been a high priority for new commercial and residential building projects and expansions,” said Marshall. “Governor Paterson’s energy programs will complement these efforts greatly by making energy more efficient.”
Queens Assemblymember Jose Peralta said this year’s State of the State address was different because the governor had unveiled his budget prior to the address, but added, “It’s going to be interesting time. He [Paterson] is very accurate that we are facing very, very troublesome times.” Peralta believes that things will start happening more quickly now that the Democrats control the majority of votes in the Senate as well as the Assembly.
Peralta said there would still need to be serious discussions about a commuter tax and millionaire’s tax - two programs Paterson did not address during his speech - in order for the state to close the budget gaps.
To read more reactions to Governor Paterson’s State of the State address, log onto qns.com
WORST OF TIMES
By Pete Davis
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