FOR RELEASE:

Statement From State Comptroller DiNapoli on
Governor Paterson's State of the State Address

In the past, governors would inspire us with their State of the State addresses, and then deliver more somber news in their budget proposals.

This year, we’ve already heard the bad news. Last month, the Governor presented us with his budget plan. He has struggled to present a balanced budget in the face of an unprecedented financial crisis.

The Governor’s budget has more than enough pain to go around. No one said this would be easy. When you’re dealing with a $15 billion budget gap, there’s obviously going to be a lot of painful choices.

Today we heard Governor Paterson’s hopes and aspirations for New York. But we also heard his challenge. That challenge is to all of us in government and to every New Yorker. The challenge is to use this time of crisis as a moment of opportunity to create a better New York at the end of this rough road.

Governor Paterson’s State of the State address is a call to action. Every New Yorker should heed that call.

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