Statement from County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro following Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address

“Governor Cuomo has laid out an aggressive agenda – focused on economic development, green technology and job creation. We embrace the Governor’s economic “Hot Spots” and we will work to compete for the Hudson Valley. I look forward to our continued partnership and work to improve the safety, character and quality of life for those we serve as we take New York to the next step in economic growth and job creation.

As a parent of two terrific children, one with special needs, I am encouraged to hear the Governor’s proposals for early intervention and PreK to ensure our children can compete and succeed for the future.

Dutchess County remains committed to working collaboratively with the Governor and our state legislators to shape good public policy, improve our economic condition and confront the challenges facing every family, farmer and small business in our community.

As this county government seeks to transform itself, restructure the way we function and maximize efficiencies, we need cooperation and support from the State to improve our economy and enhance our tax base including local home rule authority to enact our budget proposals as well as the legislative relief from the burden of unfunded mandates.

Having served in the Assembly as Assistant Minority Leader Pro-Tempore and on Governor Cuomo’s Transition and Mandate Relief Teams, I know the challenges state leaders face and welcome the opportunity to assist in overcoming these challenges in partnership with Dutchess County’s legislative delegation.

We have a bold vision for Dutchess County’s future, with $2 million committed to municipal government consolidation and reform. Working together with our partners in local and state government, we can deliver smaller, smarter and more successful government that is responsive to the needs of our constituents and careful with the resources our taxpayers entrust to us.”