Statement from Assemblyman Tom O’Mara

State of the State Address

            I am pleased to note that Governor Spitzer’s first State of the State address, which focuses on how to revitalize Upstate New York’s economy, includes many ideas which I have been advocating for in the state Legislature. From cutting property taxes, to reforming Workers Compensation and reducing the state’s burdensome cost structure on business, these are issues that, if properly addressed, will help steer our economy back on track, put money back into the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers and attract businesses to New York State. 

            It is my hope that Governor Spitzer will be able to implement many of these initiatives and eliminate the bureaucracy that has crippled our state for years.  I also found it reassuring when the new governor praised Governor Pataki’s capping of the local shares of Medicaid, which has kept property taxes down.  I look forward to continuing the fight against Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse and I am hopeful that governor Spitzer will be an able partner in this endeavor.  

            For too long, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has blocked many common-sense initiatives that would have helped move our state in the right direction. I am optimistic that Governor Spitzer, along with the Assembly Republican Conference, will help put our state back on track.

            If the governor is serious about improving Upstate New York, he will find many allies in the Assembly Republican Conference.