Opening Remarks
"Good afternoon. Let me on behalf of the New York State Assembly congratulate Governor David Paterson as the 55th governor of the state of New York. Speaking for each and every member of the Assembly, I thank Governor Paterson for honoring the people’s house by choosing to take the oath of office in our historic chamber. The significance of this event is reflected in the many leaders who traveled to Albany to lend their support to our Governor on this incredible day and most notably U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Governor John Corzine of New Jersey, Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and Governor Jodi Rell of Connecticut. Among the many history-making events that fill the annals of the New York State Assembly, few if any, have been more uplifting, or of more immediate importance to citizens of this state, than the inauguration of our chief executive. It has been a long time since we have heard more eloquent, more spirited or more unifying remarks delivered by a governor in the Assembly chamber. In These difficult days of economic recession and political upheaval, Governor’s Paterson’s message to the people, a message of hope, brought much needed reassurance that public service in its purest form and the restoration of the people’s trust in their state government is moving forward here in Albany as it always should be. We applaud the Governor for annunciating the goals of enhancing our children’s education, providing for the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, improving the quality of life for our least fortunate, especially single mothers. Revitalizing local economies and promoting job creation throughout our state and particularly throughout Upstate New York, easing the tax burden on working families and building and preserving affordable housing for working men and women across this state. On behalf of the people we represent, the Assembly pledges its full and unwavering support to Governor Paterson as he guides the state to a sound and on-time budget and to better days for this, the Empire State. In light of the continuing decline of our national and our state economy, which is fueled to a large extent by our financial services industry, Governor Paterson has asked us to rethink our budget proposals. It was the uncertain nature of the economy that prompted the Assembly Majority to publish revenue forecasts initially that were the most cautious. We took no risks on hopeful estimates that did not pan out. We gave no credence to proposals that appeared more pie in the sky than reality. Why? Because we do not want to be back here in September, as school is getting underway, cutting budgets and laying off workers. So we stand ready to work with Governor Paterson and with our colleagues in the Senate to craft and enact a timely state budget that meets the needs of working families while taking into account the potential pitfalls of our economic future. Fortunately, we now have an executive with the character and the charisma, the experience and the leadership to bring us together to complete the difficult work that lies ahead. As the old saying assures us, it is in our darkest hours that the stars are most clearly visible. Governor David Paterson is the warm, bright star that New Yorkers need at this moment in our history. And now let us stand united as one state and one people and united with Governor Paterson’s leadership, let us move forward confidently into the future."
Video Excerpt 1
"In These difficult days of economic recession and political upheaval, Governor’s Paterson’s message to the people, a
message of hope, brought much needed reassurance that public service in its purest form and the restoration of the people’s
trust in their state government is moving forward here in Albany as it always should be."
Video Excerpt 2
"Among the many history-making events that fill the annals of the New York State Assembly, few if any, have been more
uplifting or of more immediate importance to citizens of this state, than the inauguration of our chief executive. It has been a
long time since we have heard more eloquent, more spirited or more unifying remarks delivered by a Governor in the Assembly
chamber."
Video Excerpt 3
"We stand ready to work with Governor Paterson and with our colleagues in the Senate to craft and enact a timely state
budget that meets the needs of working families while taking into account the potential pitfalls of our economic future."
Video Excerpt 4
"We are prepared to sit in partnership with the Governor and the Senate and make the tough decisions that bring this
state a budget on time."
Video Excerpt 5
"We applaud the Governor for annunciating the goals of enhancing our children’s education, providing for the health and
well-being of all New Yorkers, improving the quality of life for our least fortunate, especially single mothers."
Audio Excerpt 1
"We stand ready to work with Governor Paterson and our colleagues in the senate to craft and enact a timely state
budget that meets the needs of working families while taking into account the potential pitfalls of our economic future."
Audio Excerpt 2
"In These difficult days of economic recession and political upheaval, Governor’s Paterson’s message to the people, a
message of hope, brought much needed reassurance that public service in its purest form and the restoration of the people’s
trust in their state government is moving forward here in Albany as it always should be."
Audio Excerpt 3
"He asked us to rethink our budget proposals and we are prepared to sit with him and be guided by his leadership in the
areas that he thinks are necessary to scale back."
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