Hogan, Palmesano, O’Mara and Nojay’s Reaction to State of The State
January 9, 2014
“It was a great speech,” said Mayor Shawn Hogan, (D, Hornell.) “As a local government leader, I know that some of my colleagues take offense to the governor talking about taxes and local government, the levels of government and too much government in New York State. I know that he’s right, there are too many levels of government in New York State.”
“The governor’s speech was a disappointment,” said Assemblyman Bill Nojay (R, Pittsford). “He didn’t have any solutions to the chronic unemployment problems of upstate New York and the southern tier. No mention of fracking, no mention of repealing Common Core. He talked about Buffalo, but hey, how about the rest of us?”
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) had mixed feelings about the state of the state speech. “While I agree with the governor that we must reduce the crushing property tax burden placed upon our local taxpayers, I am disappointed that he failed to mention the need to address the problem of unfunded mandates, which are the true cost drivers that continue to increase our local municipal and school district budgets and, therefore, local property taxes. Additionally, while I appreciate the Governor’s focus on education, I was disappointed he did not mention once the need to address the rushed and disastrous implementation of the new Common Core standards,” Palmesano stated.
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R, Big Flats) liked what he heard about manufacturing tax breaks.
“I’ve heard it over and over again from local economic development leaders that revitalizing the manufacturing sector is the key to turning around the upstate economy. We have to keep working toward a future where ‘Made in
Upstate New York’ is once again synonymous with economic growth and opportunity, innovation, quality and endurance. Manufacturing has always been the economic engine of many upstate communities, and it remains our
best hope for any long-term revitalization and economic security for our workers and their families,” said O’Mara. “Taking action this year on pro-manufacturing tax cuts and other tax and regulatory reforms would be a
great start. Taking additional steps to make New York State less regulated, less taxed and a better place to do business will make a difference.”
