Gary D. Finch

LEGISLATIVE COLUMN FROM THE DESK OF ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH

FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 1, 2007

GOVERNOR SPITZER’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS A PACKAGE OF WELCOMED IDEAS

     Governor Spitzer addressed New York state in his first State of the State address in Albany to a warm reception from both Republicans and Democrats alike. As I listened to his speech five important areas relating to central New York stood out the most: ethics reform, governmental reform, property tax relief, improving education, and bringing upstate businesses back to New York.

     I applaud the governor for taking the initiative to ensure state government not remain in its current state, instead embracing change through ethics reform. It is imperative that New York state increase the
ethical standards of its public officials and I welcome the opportunity to vote on meaningful legislation that will achieve these goals.

     It is important that we bring about governmental reform as well. I agree with Governor Spitzer that New York needs a non-partisan redistricting commission that investigates the well being of New York’s constituents and does not protect the interests of political leaders from either house. Redistricting reform is something my colleagues and I have been advancing for a number of years, and we look forward to partnering with the governor on this issue.

     Spitzer plans to implement a 3 year, $6 billion property tax relief program, aiming most of that relief at the middle class families of New York. My Conference colleagues and I made real property tax reform one
of our top priorities for the past several years, working diligently to bring relief to New York’s middle class, so I eagerly anticipate making it reality during the upcoming legislative session. I applaud the governor’s property tax relief plan.

     Education also took on a large role in the governor’s State of the State address and I agree we need to take a serious look at our education system from top to bottom. Holding schools accountable for how money is spent and establishing a Commission on Public Higher Education are necessary to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our educational system.

     Lastly, it was a breath of fresh air to hear the governor discuss his plan to revitalize upstate New York’s businesses. For too long we have watched businesses flee upstate – for other states and other countries –
because of rising costs and taxes. An environment hostile to business, has decreased career opportunities for our young people, forcing them to move out of state. Property tax relief is the first step in the right
direction, as well as proper funding, tax breaks and development plans. I am anxious to get to work with the governor in revitalizing upstate New York. I truly believe it is the greatest place in the country and I
want our business leaders to feel the same way.

     My colleagues and I are very anxious to get to work with Governor Spitzer on these items as well as the important matter of civil confinement. We have a lot of work to do in the next two years. I am fully confident that together we can accomplish much toward building a greater New York for all its residents.

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