Governor Pataki today delivered an inspiring and hopeful message to start the New Year. The challenges we face in New York State are many and diverse, but they can be overcome by the spirit of cooperation and optimism so clearly stated in the Governor's "State of the State" message.

I applaud Governor Pataki for outlining a bold blueprint for New York's future that includes concrete proposals to build a stronger economy, reform state government, make our streets safer, provide affordable healthcare, and lower taxes.

Like Governor Pataki, Assembly Minority members have proposed initiatives that will improve the lives of each and every New Yorker. As we all know, a good-paying job is imperative to a person's quality of life. New York is a great place to do business, with a workforce matched by no other. With some help from state government, our businesses will not only survive, but thrive. I firmly believe in the Governor's vision to create a million new jobs by the end of the decade.

I also proudly echo the calls by the Governor for real, substantive reform in our state government. The way the state conducts the people's business must be fundamentally changed.

The Governor outlined other new approaches to old problems, and I am excited to begin work on them as well - particularly Medicaid.

New York is the safest large state in the nation, but we can do more. The successful crime-fighting strategies that have already been implemented under Governor Pataki's leadership and our shared goal of strengthening Megan's Law will make New York's streets even safer.

I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues on these important issues in the coming year.