Dear Friend,
Yesterday morning, Governor Cuomo and state legislators wrapped up another successful session – including the most aggressive economic development agendas in our state's history and extraordinary achievements to restore New York as the progressive leader of the nation – furthering the Governor's work to bring integrity to Albany, and to prove that government can work and produce results for its people.
During his first year in office, the Governor closed a $10 billion budget deficit with no new taxes, cut middle class income tax rates to the lowest rate in 60 years, enacted a property tax cap, created the Regional Economic Development Councils as part of a new economic development paradigm and achieved marriage equality. His second year was equally productive. He enacted a national model teacher evaluation system, enacted a Tier VI pension system that will save tens of billions of dollars, undertook the NY Works infrastructure program including the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge, expanded the DNA database to better protect New Yorkers from crime and protected vulnerable.
Continuing his commitment to growing this state's economy and creating jobs, this year the Governor created bold job initiatives, particularly focused on upstate, that will change the face of job creation in New York, including:
- START-UP NY: Designed to jump start the upstate economy, this bold jobs program creates tax-free communities linked to State University of New York (SUNY) and private college campuses.
- High-tech Job Programs: Including the innovative "Hot Spot" incubators, the Venture Capital Fund, and job linkage initiative, these programs will transform the face of job creation in New York by better commercializing our state's ideas and innovations, creating new businesses, and training our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
- Upstate NY Jobs From Gaming: If passed by voters in November, world-class destination gaming resorts will drive economic growth by attracting tourists, generating economic activity for local businesses, and creating thousands of good-paying jobs.
- Reducing Taxes on Businesses and Families: Nearly $800 million in tax relief for New York businesses over the next three years, and provides relief for middle class families with a targeted tax credit of $350 per year for three years, beginning in 2014.
- Financial Assistance for Local Governments: Establishes a Financial Restructuring Board for local governments & reforms the binding arbitration to help eligible distressed cities and local governments manage their finances and provide public services in a more cost-effective manner.
The Governor's achievements this session also helped New York reclaim its role as the progressive capital of the nation, such as:
- He tackled one of the most difficult and politically challenging issues facing the nation – gun violence – with the NY SAFE Act.
- Continuing to put our students first, the Governor's nationally-recognized education reforms will ensure we are creating a world-class education system that prepares the next generation for the future.
- To align with the standard of living in this state, this year's budget included an minimum wage increase from $7.25 to $9 per hour over three years.
- $1 billion affordable housing program to preserve and create 14,300 affordable housing units, which will also create jobs and stabilize distressed areas.
The Governor also proposed sweeping legislation that would combat public corruption, give voters a greater voice at the ballot and end the corroding influence of money in politics. He made it clear to the Legislature that he would not compromise and was prepared to use his authority under the Executive Law to create a commission to investigate corruption among public officials in Albany. This would include addressing our state's weaknesses and proposing reforms in such areas as elections, campaign finance, and the abuse of public office or public funds for personal gain.
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the Governor worked tirelessly to help our state recover and rebuild, helping secure approximately $30 billion in federal aid for our state. This will enable New York to build back smarter and stronger and ensure that the state is better prepared for the future.
Click here to read more about this session's accomplishments.
For two and a half years, the Governor has been working to bring efficiency and integrity to Albany, and to create a government that offers the promise of a prosperous future for all.
This session's success would not have been possible without the support of the people.
Thank you for all that you do,
The Andrew Cuomo Committee