After listening to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address today, I remain optimistic for the success we can bring to the state and taxpayers this year. Given our economic situation, and the distance we still need to travel for economic certainty, the time to act boldly is becoming more evident.

Tackling the major issues facing our state – passing comprehensive mandate relief for localities and school districts, controlling state spending, creating private-sector jobs and cutting red tape in order to maximize efficiency in government, both at the state and local levels – the Legislature and the governor need to continue to work for a favorable solution that benefits everyone in the state.

While there certainly are no quick fixes, many of the ideas highlighted today are ideas that I have advocated to help our state’s recovery. It is our duty to not just talk about what must be done, but to seriously work on the issues that are affecting New Yorkers. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature, and I am committed to pointing our great state in the right direction.