“It is heartening that Governor Paterson focused on ethics, fiscal responsibility and jobs.

 I was pleased to hear the Governor speak of a spending cap to get out-of-control spending in line.  Albany has to rein in irresponsible behavior, and a spending cap is a good first step.  My conference passed a spending cap before New York City took control of the Senate last year, and currently, I have a petition drive to contain reckless spending.  We need to push the Assembly to pass it too, to finally help our hardworking, overburdened taxpayers.

 It was great that the Governor spoke about revitalizing the economy, with a focus on small businesses and manufacturing.  The only way to solve the state budget deficit and help families is to grow more jobs so that we have more economic opportunities and our young people don’t have to leave.

 It’s going to be a tough year, and I will continue to stand up against tax hikes and bad fiscal policies that hurt Upstate.  I hope that the state Legislature and the Governor work together on behalf of the people in New York State so we can have brighter future.”

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