Local representatives react to Spitzer's address

ALBANY – One local Democratic lawmaker called the proposals in Governor Spitzer’s State of the State address “bold, visionary and urgently needed” in upstate.

Republicans agree the Governor’s plan sounds good, for the most part. Some, however, are skeptical the state can afford it.

Spitzer says it will require tough decisions come budget time.

“We must make the hard choices necessary to live within our means – recognizing that every choice must help the people of New York invent a better future,” he said.

Notably for Upstate, Spitzer is calling for a $1 billion fund to go toward investing in businesses, infrastructure needs for shovel-ready sites and agribusiness.

The plan also calls for the formation of a bipartisan commission to come up with reccomendations aimed at reforming the root causes of why taxes are so high, making the tax relief system fairer for middle class taxpayers and putting a “fair” cap on school spending.

Town of Smyrna Supervisor Jim Bays (D) says the proposed $1 billion investment into upstate economies couldn’t be a better plan at a better time.

“The fund would provide the capital that is needed to attract businesses to upstate New York; provide significant aid for fast-growing businesses and industry sectors throughout the State; strengthen our infrastructure; and fund several critical economic development projects in each region of Upstate,” Bays stated in a press release Wednesay. “The Governor’s proposal is bold, visionary, and urgently needed in our upstate communities. It is evidence that when it comes to revitalizing upstate, the Governor means business.”

Senator Tom Libous (R-Binghamton) say he’s anxious to see if Spitzer’s $1 billion for upstate and other funding can actually materalize in a fiscally sound budget, and if any of that money will come to parts of the Southern Tier like Chenango and Broome counties.

“What does it mean for Chenango County? I didn’t hear a lot about the Southern Tier in his address. I heard a lot about what’s going to happen in Buffalo, Long Island and the Hudson Valley,” Libous said. “I’m anxious to hear those details.”

Spitzer will be giving the first ever State of Upstate address in Buffalo next week. Libous hopes more specific details about this area will come out then.

“Let’s hear what he has to say,” said Libous.

The Republican-led Senate is proposing legislation this session that would double and triple rebate checks for seniors and STAR program participants over the next two years. It would also freeze taxes paid to schools and eventually phase them out for residential taxpayers in five years and replace that money with state aid.

Spitzer’s response: “Experience has taught us that we need stronger medicine.”