New York State Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon (D, I-Utica/Rome), released the following statement in response to Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State address in Albany:

“As we open the 2021 legislative session with the annual State of the State address, we must continue to focus on the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, our health care workers and hospitals are still struggling to provide adequate care and resources to patients due to the pandemic’s strain on their supplies. As we work to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, my colleagues and I will work closely with the governor’s office to ensure that communication is clear and straightforward.

“I was pleased to hear the Governor talk about the Medical Supplies Act, which would prioritize the purchase of PPE and other medical supplies made in America. This would benefit the state, and our counties as the Mohawk Valley is home to several local businesses involved in the production of these critical materials. This new law would build off passage of last year’s “New York Buy American” Act – which I supported – that requires all structural steel and structural iron used in all state road and bridge construction projects to be made in American construction materials. It would also support my current Meet NY legislation that promotes buying New York State products and services. Supporting our local businesses in this emergency is something we must remain diligent on.

“Concerning the budget, our top priority must be providing the much-needed funding to our public, private and non-profit agencies and organizations. Also the data has shown that the governor’s mobile sports betting proposal could bring in much-needed revenue for the state.

“However, I currently do not support the governor’s other proposed revenue raiser – legalizing recreational marijuana. First, while I support the use of medical marijuana, the limited number of drug recognition experts (DREs) in New York and in the Mohawk Valley specifically would make it difficult to properly evaluate drivers under suspicion of driving under the influence. Training additional DRE officers is costly and would place a burden on law enforcement agencies. Second, in our community we have an overwhelming need for drug rehabilitation and assistance, legalizing marijuana could also exacerbate and intensify substance use in our communities.

“The Mohawk Valley is facing unprecedented challenges in 2021. However, I want to assure you that, as we move forward, I’ll continue fighting to make sure our families and small businesses get the resources and support they need. Our communities came together to support each other in 2020, and we’ll continue to do the same in 2021.”