While it is very clear that we have made progress in reining in high taxes and controlling state spending, it is also clear that more needs to be done to achieve the promise of better opportunity for every New Yorker.

I was disappointed that the Governor’s speech today did not include more about specific ways in which we can recharge the economy and bring more jobs and opportunity to the communities I represent in Central and Northern New York.

We need to permanently reduce taxes, and do more to help government at every level by eliminating mandates and ensure that New York is a state where people want to live and raise their families.

We do need to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring our children receive a quality education and college that is affordable and accessible to the hard working middle class.

We need to continue to support our farmers and small businesses, and create an environment where they can grow and succeed.

While I expect that the Governor’s Budget in the next few weeks will contain more detail, it is clear to me that taking actions that improve our economy, grow jobs and create a better quality of life for every family and individual should be our priorities this year.

We do face extraordinary challenges this year, but we have shown repeatedly that state government is capable of rising and working together to make positive change that benefits our whole state. I fully expect that we will do so again this year.