Statement By New York Governor Eliot Spitzer Regarding The Senate Majority’s Upstate Economic Development Plan

May 15, 2007 -- "Since January 1st, my administration has made some significant strides toward tackling New York’s devastating economic decline. We have made economic development a true government priority and produced real results in just a few short months. In the last several weeks alone, the state has already seen deals announced that hold the commitment of thousands of new jobs.

Today the Senate released a plan that suggests they are now ready to join us in this effort. Their plan addresses many of the priorities I outlined in January in my Renew New York Agenda. As I noted in a progress report issued last month, we are advancing virtually all of the priority items in what is now a shared agenda. We have already acted to reduce property taxes by $1.3 billion and ease business taxes, create a $600 million program to advance stem cell research, control health care costs, expand tourism promotions, and cut workers’ compensation costs. In addition, we have had a string of successes in traditional economic development in the upstate region, highlighted by the landmark Sematech announcement earlier this week and the Beech-Nut announcement today.

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However, this is only the beginning of the process. We have a great deal of work to do to create a true resurgence of the upstate region. We are glad the Senate has joined us in this important effort. We look forward to working with both the Senate and Assembly to advance economic development in the state. "

Source: New York Governor