“Today’s messaging by Gov. Hochul was very middle-of-the-road and filled with several ideas that my Minority colleagues and I have called on for years, including support for economic growth, tax relief, restoring faith in government and support for small businesses, healthcare, educators and farmers, among other things. One glaring omission from the speech was any mention of repealing bail reform or an all-encompassing plan to improve public safety, two very important pieces that New Yorkers often point to as greatest concerns or priorities.

“On the surface, this address was admirable, however, with just a small piece of the 228 initiatives that comprise this State of the State agenda, time will tell as to its true form given the strong push for more ‘progressive reforms’ by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. In a time when New York leads in positive COVID-19 cases, outmigration and crushing taxes, I hope that we can do as the governor suggested – set aside differences, work across the aisle and do our best to represent the best interest of all New Yorkers.”