Governor Pataki Delivers "State of the State"

On Wednesday, January 8, 2003, Governor George Pataki delivered his ninth State of the State address to a packed Assembly chamber. In his speech the Governor commended his administration's accomplishments and urged the legislature to work together to end partisanship and persevere through some hard times for the greater economic good ahead.

Without giving specifics, the Governor proposed to improve New York's economic climate by spending less (except on public security), spurring economic development by cutting more taxes and by selling state assets. Some highlights of his message include:

Spend less money
Make government more efficient
Improve public security
Preserve approved tax cuts
Expand economic development incentives
Give large city mayors more power over school districts
Strengthen state ability to track and prosecute terrorist activity
Reform Rockefeller drug laws
In 10 years, draw 25% of state's energy from renewable resources
Refinance start bonds
Privatize certain state assets
Adopt stricter emissions standards for automobile
Create a new Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response

A full text of the address can be read at: www.state.ny.us/governor