My Fellow New Yorkers By David A. Paterson

"For several months now, I have regularly shared with you the steps that my administration has taken to responsibly address New York's fiscal crisis. Today, I delivered my State of the State address, giving a frank assessment of New York's challenges, and proposing a wide-ranging series of initiatives to put our state back on the right track."

"This is no time for fear. This is a time for courage. This is a time for hope. Most of all, this is a time for action. 

"This is a time for those of us who serve to live up to the example that New York families have set for us-- to recognize that we must make painful choices about what we can and cannot afford; we must sacrifice what we want today so that we can pay for what we need tomorrow.

"I am constantly inspired when I witness New Yorker's commitment to their state, their families, and to their shared sense of responsibility and sacrifice; that commitment underlies many of the initiatives that I laid out in my speech today.

"New York's commitment to leadership demands that we meet our constitutional obligation and balance our state budget, even if that means making difficult choices. We must also stand up and encourage additional action from our leaders in Washington DC. President-Elect Obama and the Congress must act quickly to stimulate the national economy. 

"Today, I restated my call that Congress pass a comprehensive stimulus package for the States and to pass it by the end of January. I further call upon our federal partners to quickly reform our financial regulation system. But let me be clear - if the federal government does not act, I shall. We need sensible regulation to oversee our financial industry so that the savings and retirement funds of New Yorkers will not be at risk. 

"New York's commitment to the environment demands that we be at the forefront of one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in America. By 2015, New York will meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. Our new “45 by 15” program will help rebuild our economy by creating an estimated 50,000 new jobs, meet our energy needs, while protecting our environment. Improving energy efficiency at schools, hospitals, and local governments will allow us to cut costs and hopefully cut taxes in the future. 

"New York's commitment to innovation demands that we once again invest in roads and bridges, in higher education institutions, in statewide broadband installation and the computerization of medical records, and in clean water and wastewater systems. We should complete signature projects all across our State including the Peace Bridge, the Tappan Zee Bridge, the Second Avenue Subway, and the East Side Access. And we should implement the Ravitch Commission recommendations to improve an essential piece of our infrastructure, the MTA. 

"New York's commitment to our families demands that we make it easier for families to take care of one another. That is why I proposed a bill allowing families to cover family members up to the age of 29 in their family coverage plans at their own cost. It is unacceptable that one in three New Yorkers from the ages of 19 to 29 are still uninsured. We must also aggressively address the greatest threat to our children’s health today, the obesity epidemic. First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson and I unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address this challenge, including banning trans fats in restaurants, requiring calorie posting in chain restaurants, banning junk food sales in schools, and placing a surcharge on sugared beverages like soda.

"New York's commitment to our communities demands that, even in these difficult times, we must make sure we respect one another, serve one another and protect one another. Nearly 3 million adults volunteered 397 million hours of community service last year, contributing an estimated $7 billion to our economy through their service. In these difficult times community service is more important than ever. We must fund an increase in the number and capacity of Regional Volunteer Centers throughout the state. I also encourage all New Yorkers to visit www.newyorkersvolunteer.org to learn what they can do to serve their neighbors in need. 

"Today, New York State is faced with difficult decisions. We are suffering statewide and national recessions that may continue for months or even years. We face a series of savage fiscal choices and are confronted with the worst budget deficit in the history of our state.

"But we should not confuse this crisis with our long term reality, because our future is bright. Our workforce remains strong, and our vibrant university system will continue to produce high quality graduates for decades to come. We remain a center of innovation – from the stem cell research at Cornell University to the clean-tech cluster upstate to the information and nanotechnology clusters around the state. Though shaken, New York City remains a global financial capital that will eventually bounce back. 

"The essence of New York is that we refuse to fear the future. We understand that shared sacrifice today is the price for growth tomorrow, and that by balancing our budget and making key investments, we can prepare our state for the time when this crisis is over. 

"I have delivered my executive budget, and laid out my agenda for the year ahead. Now it is the time for me to listen to my colleagues and the people of New York. I encourage you to watch my State of the State Address to learn more, and to share your thoughts with me. 

"It is time to come together and to take back the future of New York. I ask you to join me."

Governor David A. Paterson

Comments

Great speach. Especially well delivered when you realize that he was not reading from notes and he got most of it just as was in the prepared booklets that were handed out.

His speech was empty. It was full of generalities, and b.s. and NO solutions.

His only solutions are more taxes. He is a waste.

The Book of Proverbs says: "He who sows the wind reaps the whirlwind."....and that is what we are seeing now.

It's like the blind leading the blind