The Governor’s 2011-12 State Budget address this afternoon was another stark message of the reality that all New Yorkers must face. The State of New York spends too much, regulates too much and taxes too much. The news was not good, but the proposals the governor has put forth are certainly good starting points. I will spend the next several days reviewing the details of the governor’s plan, ensuring that it reduces spending and taxes, and that it creates opportunities for existing businesses to grow and new businesses to open. However, we also must get serious and eliminate the onerous mandates the state imposes on counties, local governments and school districts. Providing property tax relief and redesigning the Medicaid program both must be goals that are actively and aggressively pursued in this year’s budget deliberations.