Westchester Reacts: Cuomo's State of the State Address

Reaction started coming quickly following today's State of the State address in Albany by Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

Click here to read the full text of Cuomo's address.

Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino:

“The Governor deserves high marks for the progress made on the new Tappan Zee Bridge. The proposal to designate 10 tax-free Innovation Hot-Spots is an exciting one and we believe that our North 60 bio-tech project is an ideal candidate. But the most significant aspect of the speech was what was missing. There was no mention of mandate relief, which is the biggest and most urgent problem facing local communities and schools all across the state. Nine current state mandates already consume 85 cents of every Westchester county property tax levy dollar. We need real relief now and there was no sign of it in the speech. Lastly, I’m concerned that the Governor’s upstate casino proposal could harm Empire City in Yonkers.”

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins:

"Since he has taken office, Governor Andrew Cuomo has consistently put the people of New York at the forefront of his decision making. The broad and extensive agenda he delivered today in his State of the State address shows that the Governor remains focused on transforming New York into a model of economic growth and educational excellence while also strengthening safeguards and investing in infrastructure for the protection of our residents.

"Governor Cuomo’s commitment to rebuilding the parts of New York hard hit by Hurricane Sandy is exemplary. I also commend his willingness to ensure that public utilities improve their service for residents and business owners in the wake of severe weather events, and that all state agencies quicken their responses to those in need as such. Included in these improvements should be the burying of power lines in outage prone areas, for which I have proposed county legislation.

"When it comes to protecting our residents, public officials must do their utmost to eliminate risks and accentuate safety. There can be no halfway measures in this regard. Governor Cuomo’s strong call for new gun control measures will have a lasting impact on life in New York, and I will do everything possible to aid him in his efforts to vanquish gun violence here. Again, this is a good example of putting the people first.

"I fully appreciate Governor Cuomo’s visionary approach to getting things done in New York, and his tireless fight against inequality in all walks of life. He has brought all kinds of individuals and groups to the table on a number of initiatives, including the building of a new Tappan Zee Bridge, which many pundits said would not be possible. His verve for public service, forward thinking and a positive approach to problem solving are benefitting the residents of New York in so many ways. Westchester is ready to assist the Governor in increasing economic development for all of New York’s residents, and I am proud to be part of these endeavors with him."

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman: 

“In the year ahead, New York faces many hurdles, including continued rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy, growing our economy, strengthening our democracy and protecting our communities from gun violence. In today’s State of the State speech, Governor Cuomo laid out important steps to address these challenges. I look forward to working with the governor and all of our state’s leaders to make New York safer and stronger for all our communities.”

New York Assemblyman David Buchwald, 93rd District:

“Ensuring that New York State continues to attract new businesses and create more good-paying, permanent jobs is essential to the welfare of our local economy,” Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) said. “The agenda that the governor outlined today in his State of the State address is a significant step in the right direction towards improving the economy, controlling state spending and providing tax relief to hard-working Westchester families.”

“I look forward to working with the governor on these issues, as well as supporting important measures like an increase in the state’s minimum wage, a strong recovery from Hurricane Sandy and sensible gun safety legislation to keep our families and children safe.”