Governor Eliot Spitzer today delivered his first State of the State address outlining plans for a three-year, $6 billion property tax cut aimed at the middle class and other initiatives to reform state government and revitalize the upstate economy.

“The governor’s platform mirrors much of our conference’s agenda,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia). “We have been calling for major tax cuts to ease the financial burden New York families are under, and I am excited to work with this new governor to deliver the economic relief New Yorkers need.”

“I am very optimistic about Western New York’s future after today,” said Hawley. “The governor identified important areas of need for our region including job creation, tax relief, and agricultural viability – areas that I have fought to improve since taking office.”

“It is my hope that Mr. Spitzer will be able to deliver on his promises to revitalize our economy while delivering real tax relief. New York State ranks first nationally in average local and state taxes per person at $5,260 annually. I believe we can begin to reverse this trend by working together, in a bi-partisan way, for the good of the people of this state.”