Governor Paterson presented his 1st State of the State Message January 7th in Albany to a packed Assembly Chamber. The Message highlighted the decisive and prudent action Governor Paterson is taking to get the state's fiscal house in order while continuing to set forth meaningful reforms. The Governor outlined three pillars of his vision for a brighter New York: First, balance the budget. Second, strengthen the health care system, improve schools, create jobs, rebuild the infrastructure, clean the environment and begin clean energy revolution. Third, promote respect for one another.
Three initiatives in the State of the State carry special importance to the Aging Services community. Noting that in these difficult times community service is more important than ever, the Governor is supporting volunteerism with an expansion of the Regional Volunteer Centers across the state. The Governor is combating the growing obesity epidemic and will create a new revolving loan fund to increase the number of healthy food markets in under-served communities. Additionally, the Governor proposed increasing services for veterans who live in rural areas.
