(Albany, NY) – Coming off a politically successful first year in office, highlighted by a December special session, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo(D) delivered his second State of the State address Wednesday afternoon in Albany.
As he did last year, Cuomo chose to deliver his speech not at the Capitol, but at the nearby convention center so a larger audience could attend. Presumably, members of the public. Voters.
Cuomo began as you might expect him to recounting the successes of 2011, but vowing that there is more work to be done in the coming year. Cuomo suggested a three point plan for the future that included; an economic blueprint for growth, a re-imagined state government and a “progressive future” for New York.
The theme of the speech was “Building a new New York with you.” Cuomo appeared on a large stage with banners proclaiming “pride, integrity and performance” behind him. A theater sized screen flashed images coordinated with his remarks.
On the economy, Cuomo led off by proposing to build the largest convention center in the nation to replace the Javits Center in New York City. He promised to “master plan” the Javits center site for use as a mixed use facility revitalizing that part of the city.
Cuomo also called for an amendment to the state constitution to allow for casino gambling. He said it is important to recognize the economic importance of gaming in the region and for New York to compete. “It’s not a question of whether we should have gaming in New York – the fact is we already do. We don’t fully realize, regulate it or capitalize on it, but we have gaming.”
Cuomo said New York has excess power generating capacity, but lacks a modern infrastructure to deliver power to where it is needed. He announced that he plans to issue a request for proposals to implement a master plan to power New York. He referred to it as an “energy highway” system not unlike the interstate highway system.
In what might be seen by some as an attempt to be viewed as a progressive leader on the national stage, Cuomo laid out a long list of social spending priorities including the implementation of a New York healthcare exchange in response to the national healthcare law.
The proposal sure to get the most attention however, is Cuomo’s plan to phase in a system of public campaign financing. “These and other reforms to our campaign finance laws are necessary to empower New Yorkers by giving them an equal voice in our elections,” he said. In a move similar to his effort to pass a gay marriage law in 2011, Cuomo said his proposed campaign finance reforms must be passed this year.
In an effort to make progress on the immigration issue, Cuomo proposed the establishment of an “Office for New Americans.” It’s mission would be to help “legal permanent residents” from foreign countries to grow and prosper in New York by helping them to obtain proper credentialing or licensing and education.
Cuomo ended his address by challenging those who say he had a good first year, but can’t repeat his performance in year two. First he included the legislature as partners in the successes of 2011 and added, “Cynics will say we can’t do it again, that we can’t do any better. Well, cynics don’t know us, and they don’t know New York.
“Today I am telling you this: We are going to reach even higher. Last year, we learned to walk – this year, we run.”
Text: Cuomo State of the State
