“Today has been a truly historic day for New York as its first female Governor issued her remarks on the State of the State. I have always been impressed and encouraged by Governor Hochul’s leadership, decisiveness, and pride in fighting for others – particularly for her home region of Western New York.

“I welcome her proposal to designate the University at Buffalo in my district a “flagship” of the SUNY system and her commitment to see higher education institutions spur economic growth in surrounding off-campus communities. In addition, I’m pleased to see the inclusion of a $120 million new academic building for UB’s engineering school, which has been one of my priorities. Her mention of transit-oriented development, like that promised by the proposed NFTA Metro Rail extension to UB’s North Campus, shows a new way of thinking about how to create vibrant, successful and connected communities.

“I look forward to working with the Governor to help more than 2 million low- and middle-income New Yorkers through a $1 billion property tax rebate program. I applaud her focus on ensuring parents have access to quality and affordable childcare, including on all SUNY campuses. And I support the Governor’s proposals to reform the State’s ethics commission, to impose term limits on statewide offices, and to redouble our efforts to combat gun violence. The Governor’s address this afternoon highlighted these priorities, and showed the path forward for New York State as we recover and rebuild from the pandemic and it’s devastating effects on families, businesses, and communities.”