New York State Senator Kemp Hannon hailed Governor George Pataki's recent State of the State Address as inspirational; a speech that addressed the important issues now facing the state, particularly in the areas of economic development, health care and education.

"There is no denying that New York State is currently facing fiscal and economic challenges caused by the Sept. 11 attacks and the nationwide recession. But in his address Governor Pataki laid out a comprehensive agenda to ensure that the economy in every part of our state comes back stronger than ever before," Hannon said.

The governor's plan to strengthen the economy includes carrying out previously planned tax cuts and investing in a new Empire Opportunity Fund and the Centers of Excellence Program, which will create jobs and opportunity on Long Island.

"I'm glad to see that the tax cuts will go forward. They must go forward because tax cuts create jobs," Hannon said. "Economic development and job creation will also be the Senate Majority's top priority during the 2002 legislative session. We will be creative and proactive, expanding the Senate's Gen*NY*sis biotechnology economic development plan and making the state more economically competitive."

Pataki also focused on health care in his address, encouraging prompt, nonpartisan action to make hospitals and nursing homes stronger and protect the quality of care loved ones receive.

Hannon, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said he is primed to work with Pataki to better New York State's health care system and fully supports the governor's goal to improve the Family Health Plus, Child Health and EPIC programs to give more children, working parents and seniors the health care they need and deserve.

Hannon would also support the governor's efforts to ensure that low-income women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through New York's national model screening program get the treatment and medications they need to combat those dreaded diseases. He also supports efforts to expand the mobile mammography initiative so women across the state get the critical screenings they need.

In the area of education, Pataki said he would advance a comprehensive education reform package focusing on funding, flexibility and accountability to ensure that every child attends a first-class school with first-class teachers. The governor's plan calls for the adoption of "Flex Aid," a common sense, student-based proposal to simplify the state's system of financing schools and provide greater flexibility in state aid use.

"Education has always been a priority for the Senate Majority and this year we will continue to support adequate funding for school districts throughout the state so they can provide the best education possible for our children," Hannon said.

He is also supportive of Pataki's sweeping reform agenda to protect New Yorkers, including plans to improve airport security, beginning with LaGuardia and JFK; and criminal justice reforms such as lowering the legal limit for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) to .08.

"The governor's call for bold, decisive action is exactly what we need if New York is going to overcome the huge challenges we now face. I am eager to work with the governor and my fellow legislators in the 2002 session to turn crisis in New York State into comeback once again."