Cumo Outlines Agenda in State of the State Address

ALBANY – Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, Wednesday, presented his 10th state of the state message with what he called a progressive program for 2020.

Area Democratic politicians embraced their party leader’s proposals while Republicans were skeptical and wondered where the funding would come from given that the state is facing a $6 billion deficit going into the new fiscal year.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro, Cuomo’s Republican challenger in 2018, said that is “a failure to acknowledge the fiscal stress” the state is under. “As eloquent as he was, it was irresponsible not to have a cold, hard conversation about the fiscal of the state and to suggest that he would undo the Medicaid cap, if he does, is a direct assault on property taxpayers across the State of New York. He will undo a signature achievement of his administration while directly shifting costs to overburdened property taxpayers,” said Molinaro.

State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson (D, Newburgh), acknowledged the state faces financial issues. “We know that there are a lot of challenges here. State of the state speeches are very aspirational and sometimes everything can’t be accomplished in one year, but we will work and see what we can do and hopefully we will come to a consensus and try to get as much done as possible,” he said.

Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, Wednesday, presented his 10th state of the state message with what he called a progressive program for 2020.
Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, Wednesday, presented his 10th state of the state message with what he called a progressive program for 2020.

Molinaro was disappointed that Cuomo did not bring up the newly imposed bail reforms, which he said must be modified to protect the public interest.

Democratic Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan said the governor’s “strong plan… will positively impact the lives of Ulster County’s 180,000 residents.”

State Senator Susan Serino (R, Hyde Park) said she “did not hear a real solution to close the over $6 billion deficit our state is facing, or proposals to right the wrongs caused by the bail ‘reform’ law.”

The governor’s proposals include Domestic Terrorism Law; ‘Restore Mother Nature’ Bond Act; Legalizing Cannabis; Expanded Excelsior Free College Tuition; Paid Sick Leave & Fighting Child Poverty; Achieving 100% Statewide Cell Phone Service; Protecting Gig Economy Workers; Addressing Veteran Homelessness & Suicides; ‘Nothing to Hide’ Tax Returns Disclosure; Empire Station Complex; and Reimagining the Erie Canal.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email