“I am as disappointed by what was not in the governor’s speech as I am by the number of contradictions in it. 

You cannot say affordability is a priority and then not offer details on how to achieve it. You cannot say protecting our citizens is a priority and still defend policies that have proven to make us less safe. You cannot say you are worried about high utility costs and then continue supporting the energy policies doing the damage. Bragging about sending more hydropower to New York City without addressing how this valuable resource could improve Western New York’s fortunes is also disappointing.

I agree with the governor that more accessible and affordable child care is a tremendous need, but how do we provide it, and at what cost? I also agree with the governor that we need to take steps to lower auto insurance premiums, which are the highest in the nation, and I welcome the chance to work with her to deliver this relief to motorists. 

Finally, I was disappointed the governor closed her speech by saying she would work with the Majority leadership from New York City to develop these initiatives with no mention of reaching across the aisle or trying to build consensus. Thirty-one percent of New York residents are represented by Minority legislators, most of them from upstate New York. Ignoring the needs and concerns of one-third of our state’s residents is not how you develop effective public policy. I hope the governor will change course as session progresses.”