Pleased with governor’s address

To the Editor:

I was encouraged by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent State of the State address, but there is still much work to be done as the 2012 legislative session begins. While I was pleased to hear the governor address the need to grow jobs and improve New York state’s economy, lawmakers must redouble their efforts to reduce state spending, cut the job-killing red tape that hampers job growth and eliminate the unfunded mandates that threaten to bust the new property-tax cap.

  In 2012, lawmakers should have three priorities: reduce state spending, get state government out of the way of job creators, and eliminate unfunded mandates that suffocate local governments and schools. The state Legislature did indeed work together to accomplish a great deal in 2011. With the start of a new year and new session, I agree with Governor Cuomo that lawmakers must continue to build on those accomplishments.

  Albany also has a responsibility to lend a hand to the small-business community. The Republican Conference and I will continue to push for our jobs program, which focuses on providing tax cuts for small businesses while emphasizing job creation and retention. Owing to the current economic uncertainty, small-business owners across our state have not been hiring new employees. Albany has a responsibility to quell that fear and get our state back on track.

Governor Cuomo’s commitment to continue to work across party lines signals a seriousness in addressing a number of critical issues facing New York. My hope is that the governor will follow up on that and understand that while there are no easy decisions during these difficult times, choices must be made now to create a more fiscally responsible New York.

David McDonough

State Assemblyman,

19th District