“We are a community based on progressive principles. We must remain that progressive capital of the nation.” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 2013 State of the State address
(NEW YORK) MintPress – Indeed, in his third annual State of the State speech, Cuomo, a Democrat, unleashed a barrage of proposals favored by the left wing of his party.
He has faced criticism from liberals for paying too little attention to their concerns on social issues, while being too conciliatory to Republicans in the state.
During his first two years in office, Cuomo focused on a centrist fiscal policy that included a cap on property tax increases, steep spending cuts and negotiations with unions that led to a cut in pension benefits for future state employees.
On Wednesday, in addition to his emotional appeals for stricter gun control legislation and stepped up federal aid for Hurricane Sandy victims, Cuomo proposed increasing the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour from $7.25 an hour, public financing of elections, tougher greenhouse gas standards and a solar jobs program.
He also put forward plans for a $1 billion affordable housing initiative, grants for schools that extend school days, a 10-point women’s rights program and a commitment to addressing the NYPD’s aggressive war on marijuana.
And he said he would push for a referendum in November allowing an expansion of casino gambling in upstate New York as a means of attracting tourists and boosting economically struggling areas.
Cuomo is widely considered to be a presidential contender for 2016 and may be reaching out to his liberal primary electorate.
His proposals are also likely to face a more receptive audience in the legislature this year because the Senate, which had been controlled by Republicans, is now controlled by a coalition that includes several Democrats. The Assembly is controlled by Democrats.
Whatever the reasons, Republicans took notice. Assemblyman Steve Katz from the Hudson Valley called the speech “a sharp veer to the left offering big government solutions for all problems.”
Widespread support
At the same time, Cuomo received applause from several advocacy groups, especially for his moves to promote gender equality.
The line of the entire 80-minute speech that drew the most attention, in fact, was Cuomo’s remark that “It’s time for a Women’s Equality Act” in New York. “Let’s make history again,” he said, referring to the 2011 passage of the same-sex marriage legislation.
Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), issued a statement saying, “We’re pleased that the governor’s priorities for the coming session include a vigorous agenda for women’s equality that would make major strides in closing loopholes in New York’s existing protections for women.
“We particularly applaud his commitment to pay equity, extending protections against sexual harassment to all workers in New York, and protecting women’s fundamental right to choose,” it added.
A central component of the Women’s Equality Act is the Reproductive Health Act, which addresses critical flaws in New York’s current abortion law, making it possible for a woman to make her own health care decisions during pregnancy, especially if her health is in danger.
“In the last election, New Yorkers spoke up in support of a woman’s right to make her own reproductive health decisions, recognizing that she cannot participate fully in society if she cannot make the choices that are best for her and her family,” said Andrea Miller, president of NARAL Pro Choice New York in a statement.
“Today Governor Cuomo demonstrated loud and clear that he understands and shares that commitment,” she continued.
“As elected officials across the country continue to push legislation that makes life harder for women, particularly by attacking women’s reproductive rights, we are proud to have a governor who is clearly dedicated to putting New York at the forefront in the nation in helping women and their families lead better, safer, healthier lives.”
Cuomo was also lauded for taking the bull by the horns with regard to climate control, committing to lowering carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
“He showed true leadership by speaking up on the need to fight climate change.,” raved Rob Moore, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York, in a press release
Heartfelt plea
Cuomo also continued to use Hurricane Sandy as a reason to talk about global warming.
“It is denial to say each of these situations is a once-in-a-lifetime. There is a 100-year flood every two years now. It is inarguable that the sea is warmer and there is a changing weather pattern, and the time to act is now,” he said.
Among his proposals were a bailout fund for homeowners who want to move out of flood-prone regions and aid for building homes that can withstand floods.
He also called for measures to better protect subways, public utilities, the fuel delivery system and New York Harbor.
But as always, with these and Cuomo’s other proposals, money is key factor in their success. It’s still not clear how much federal aid will come through when Congress decides how much to send to New York to defray the costs of rebuilding after Sandy.
The state’s financial picture will also be clouded until Cuomo introduces his budget later this month.
In the meantime, he criticized lawmakers, saying, “That is just too little too late, and it has nothing to do with the way Congress has acted in the past. This has long been established, that in the face of a disaster, the national government comes in to help.
“Remember New York,” he added. His address certainly made it harder to forget.