In his fourth State of the State Address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reflected on his past three years in office and laid out his plans for the next year.

Cuomo discussed how he believes New York State is in a much better place today than three years ago, but he added there is room for improvement in areas such as state schools and providing tax breaks.

“I think it’s going to be a banner year for the state of New York,” Cuomo said.

The address was held in Albany Wednesday afternoon. Cuomo reviewed several changes New York made in the last three years. He pointed to better fiscal discipline, new texting while driving laws, marriage equality and the New York SAFE Act, which puts limits on firearms, as accomplishments the state has achieved.

Just a few years ago, Cuomo said New York suffered from political gridlock, adding that the state had “lost its way.” But he said he believes things are now moving toward a better future.

“We changed the direction of this state for the better,” Cuomo said.

The governor also recognized Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner during his address. He praised the two for the work they’ve done in sharing resources and services between Onondaga County and the city of Syracuse – something Cuomo encouraged other leaders to do as well.

Before the address, Cuomo made public his decision to allow limited use of medical marijuana in New York State. He further detailed these plans, saying he wants to establish a program allowing up to 20 hospitals to prescribe medical marijuana.

The government will then evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the medical marijuana system, Cuomo said.

Cuomo also asked lawmakers to take action on women’s rights. He said he proposed the 10-point Women’s Equality Act last year, but nothing was done, saying it was “another year where government failed to act for women.”

The plan aims to eliminate discrimination against women as well as protect women’s rights.

Cuomo closed his speech by discussing the Moreland Commission, a project he enacted to investigate public corruption. He said improving ethics in government is an important step in order to accomplish the tasks he laid out for New York.

“We’re going to invest in our schools like never before, we’re going to get the economy back and reform the tax code,” Cuomo said. “But we need the public to trust us and believe in us and that’s what ethics reform is all about.”

Published on January 8, 2014 at 8:52 pm

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27