Andrew Cuomo in 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Civil Rights: Implement a default voter registration system

The key to reforming our government is engaging people in the democratic process. We already know government is of the people, by the people, for the people. So why do we make it so difficult for the people to participate? Voter registration should be a presumption, not a hurdle. Let's flip the paradigm and automatically enroll voters when they get a driver's license. They can always opt out.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Corporations: Cut taxes for small businesses to stimulate growth

To stimulate economic growth I propose a tax cut for small businesses because that is the engine that is driving the economy. 97% of all businesses in New York employ fewer than 100 people--that's 3.4 million employees working in small businesses. I propose a $300 million tax cut that will reduce the rate from 6.5% to 4%, plus a 15% income exemption for partnerships and S-corporations. That's a tax reduction for one million small companies and another clear signal that New York is open for business.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Corporations: Current low minimum wage amounts to corporate welfare

Some argue that raising the minimum wage is government interference in the private sector. That argument is the height of hypocrisy. Companies that pay the minimum wage--like a McDonald's--have full time workers who are still below the poverty level and qualify for welfare and food stamps. That costs taxpayers, on average, $6,800 per worker. So McDonald's is paying $18,000 and we are paying $6,800 to subsidize that worker. It is corporate welfare at its worst.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Education: Parent participation essential for schools to function

Last year we implemented reforms in our education system because parents were losing faith; roughly 20% of our students opted out of exams and in some districts it was high as 90%. Simply put, the education system fails without parental trust. Our goal was to restore that trust and so we reduced testing, increased parental participation and empowered local districts and we said we would correct the State Education Department's Common Core curriculum implementation mistakes and testing regimen.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Education: Turn failing schools into charter schools

Let's transform every failing school in the state of New York into a community school. Our charter schools are public schools and serve some of our neediest students--more than 100,000 of them all across the state. Charters are an important option for parents in communities with failing schools and provide education laboratories. On average, charters are half the cost of public schools. They are an important component of our system and we continue to encourage their development in this budget.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Education: $200 tax break for teachers

We are working to attract and keep the best public school teachers, many of whom work very hard under very difficult circumstances. Many teachers even go into their own pocket to pay for food and supplies for the students in their classroom. What a beautiful sign of dedication. But they shouldn't have to bear that cost. They deserve our encouragement, support and gratitude. I propose a $200 tax credit to reimburse teachers for their expenses.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Energy & Oil: Increase commitment to green energy: 50% by 2030

One of the most effective programs to make our state cleaner and greener is the Environmental Protection Fund. I propose raising the Environmental Protection Fund to the highest level in history--$300 million. We previously set a goal that 50 percent of New York's energy must come from renewables by 2030. This year it's no longer a goal--it is now a requirement. Further, we will eliminate all use of coal in New York State by 2020.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Environment: Training program to support green energy development

Let's be the international capital for clean and green energy products. We have already attracted some of the largest solar manufacturers, research and development firms on the planet to New York. I now propose a $15 million Clean Energy Opportunity Training Program so SUNY and our community colleges can train the workers with solar technology and installation. And I propose installing solar in over 150,000 homes and businesses and converting SUNY facilities to renewable energy by the year 2020.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Health Care: Extra funding for breast cancer screenings

Early detection is the best treatment for breast cancer. I propose $90 million to make New York have the most aggressive breast cancer screening operation in this country. Mobile units that can get to women, longer hours for clinics, weekend hours for clinics. DFS making sure insurance companies are willing to pay for the screening.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Homeland Security: Counterterrorism unit to be moved to NY state police

Last year I asked former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly to do a security audit and tell us the best way to defend ourselves and the state's counterterrorism operations. Commissioner Ray Kelly recommends moving the state's counterterrorism operations to the New York State Police to improve intelligence sharing and reduce response time. I believe that recommendation makes sense. I'm going to recommend it in this budget.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Homeland Security: State Police need more gear

Terrorist attacks no longer mean just airplanes and buildings. More and more, attacks include heavily armed individuals, active shooters in shopping malls. To ensure that our State Police have the right equipment to respond to these situations I propose $4 million to provide every on-duty uniformed State Trooper with better weapons, body armor and tactical helmets.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Jobs: Raise minimum wage to $15, for economic justice

There is an unhealthy income inequality gap that is only growing. I say lift up the poor and the working families of this state and pay a real decent wage that honors FDR's original intent and promise. We can raise the minimum wage to $15 and we can show this nation what real economic justice means. Now, my $15 proposal is reasonable. And it is phased in over an amount of time to allow our economy to grow and to adjust to expand the number of people participating in that success.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Jobs: Require paid family leave, like 182 other countries

People have children and mothers run the risk of losing their job if they stay home with their child. Out of 185 countries, the United States is one of just three that does not have paid maternity leave. We should have a paid leave program, paid for by employees, who can get twelve weeks of pay. At the end of the day family matters. Intimate relationships matter and in this 24/7 world let this state make a statement of what is really important and those relationships are important.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Tax Reform: Tax cuts as part of strategy to create jobs

We limited the state's new spending to less than 2% a year. We passed a 2% property tax cap that has brought welcome relief to the citizens of our state and we have cut income, corporate and estate taxes. In total, we have reduced the tax burden on New Yorkers by $114 billion dollars. Why is that important? Because reducing taxes is part of our strategy to create jobs.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

On Welfare & Poverty: $20B more for increasing homeless services

Each jurisdiction requesting homeless assistance from the state will be asked to design a Continuum of Care strategic plan, which assesses the size and needs of each sub group within the homeless population and identifies what they need. I propose a record $20 billion over the next 5 years to be spent on homelessness. This proposal includes $10 billion for 100,000 permanent affordable units, $10 billion for 6,000 new beds over 5 years, 1,000 emergency shelter beds, and other homeless services.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature Jan 13, 2016

The above quotations are from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts by Andrew Cuomo.
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Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018