After praising the heroes of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, Gov. George Pataki spelled out his vision for the future of our state in last week's State of the State address. Looking back on seven years of accomplishments, the governor set a bold new agenda to kick off the new year. He outlined ways to revitalize the state's economy , enact stronger anti-terrorism laws, and address the unprecedented fiscal challenges New York faces in the wake of the terrorist attacks and the national economic recession.

"We will rebuild, we will succeed, we will meet tomorrow as we meet today, with the same confidence, the same optimism and the same belief in the unlimited potential of our future that we had on Sept. 10. The spirit of New Yorkers was shown to the world on Sept. 11 and in the days since. It is invincible spirit, a spirit of compassion and courage...tempered, but not harshened...tested, but not weakened...bent, but not broken." These are powerful words that Pataki spoke regarding the tragedy that hit America.

One of the first priorities the governor issued was a call for decisive, bipartisan action to rebuild Lower Manhattan. He described how the new Lower Manhattan Redevelopment Corporation will work to oversee the rebuilding efforts of the area and, by creating a community economic development corporation, would ensure that investment and growth would reach every corner of New York City.

In addition to carrying out previously planned tax cuts as scheduled, the governor said he will advance a broad package of initiatives that - combined with the innovative and successful investments already under way - will help to reinvigorate the economic progress in upstate New York and on Long Island. The plan calls for:

* The formation of an Empire Opportunity Fund to support major capital infrastructure, construction and other economic development projects that create and retain jobs or build capacity for future job growth. Projects include: industrial parks, downtown commercial revitalization, redevelopment of brownfields, convention centers, inner harbor and other waterfront improvements, parks, recreational centers and tourism destinations.

* A $100 million expansion of the Excelsior Linked Deposit Program, which provides low-cost loans to small businesses across New York.

* A plan to invest $250 million in initial funding for high-tech job-creation programs, such as the Governor's Centers of Excellence program.

Pataki's bold leadership pulled the state from the crisis of the early 1990s and his State of the State address showed that he is ready to lead New York through the tremendous challenges we face since the Sept. 11 attacks. He proposed strengthening New York's anti-terrorism laws by:

* Protecting New York's water supplies, bridges, tunnels, communications and transportation centers and other sensitive locations.

* Sentencing those who possess chemical or biological weapons to life in prison without parole;

* Abolishing the statute of limitations on all terrorist crimes; and,

* Improving security at New York airports, beginning with LaGuardia and JFK, with the goal of making New York's airports the model of safety for the nation.

Along with the governor, I will continue to work to reform New York's education system. The governor spoke about advancing a comprehensive educational reform package that will focus on funding, flexibility and accountability to ensure that every child attends a first-class school with first-class teachers.

The governor's plan would build on:

* A sweeping overhaul of the state's school aid formula and enactment of Flex Aid;

* Increased accountability in city schools by giving the mayors of New York's five largest cities greater control over their school systems;

* Rewards for schools and teachers that show the most improvement in meeting New York's high learning standards; and,

* Setting the foundation for a world-class diploma by ensuring that every child passes the standardized tests given in the fourth and eighth grades.

"The human cost of Sept. 11 was devastating. Only time's healing touch, and a continued outpouring of compassion and support can ease the profound suffering that has been inflicted upon so many New Yorkers. Addressing the other costs - the economic fallout, the damage to our state's finances, and the threat to public security - will require more than that. I will take time. It will take perseverance. It will require courage," the Governor said. I share his commitment and will work diligently with all members of the Legislature to keep the Empire State great.