BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Governor Andrew Cuomo's annual State of the State address on Wednesday highlighted his goals for the new year and to highlight initiatives his office has accomplished during his term.
While Cuomo touted many initiatives that impact all New Yorkers such as his planned prohibition of single-use styrofoam food containers and his continued battle against vaping, Assemblyman Sean Ryan said Western New Yorkers should expect significantly more funds to protect the environment.
READ MORE AND LISTEN TO CUOMO'S STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH HERE
"That almost always turns into more funding for our water supply and sewer supply which are tremendously costly to operate," Ryan said shortly after Cuomo's speech. "The governor also announced another middle class tax cut so the income levels of most Western New Yorkers would qualify again for another reduction in New York State tax. Finally, the governor talked about flattening out the money going towards school districts to make sure lower-wealth districts, which most Western New York districts are, receive the same amount of money as higher-wealth districts."
"We are a state on its knees facing fiscal and moral crisis of untold damage," Langworthy said in the video statement. "New York once was once the envy of the world. Named the Empire State for our ingenuity, our vast wealth, and our resources. Today, we've gone from the Empire State to the Vampire State. Our distinctions are a national embarrassment: Highest taxes in America, worst economic outlook, least business friendly, worst place to retire, and most government corruption."
Langworthy also said more people are fleeing New York, which would have a significant impact on representation at the federal level with the 2020 census here. He criticized the $6 billion budget deficit, which Cuomo blamed on the rising costs of Medicaid and cuts in federal spending.
"In 2020 we can restore balance to New York and put a check on democrats' out-of-control policies and stem the bleeding," Langworthy said. "Instead of leaving, let's fight. Our state is worth it and our families are worth it."
State Senator Patrick Gallivan, a republican, was upset that Governor Cuomo neglected to discuss more about his plans to cut the state's deficit and the ongoing controversy surrounding elimination of cash bail for some crimes due to its effect on public safety.