  |
| |
|
Gov. focuses on tax cuts, education, energy reforms Jan. 19, 2006 In his 12th and final State of the State address, Gov. Pataki touched on several education and tax-cut proposals. He also unveiled broad technology initiatives, including research into renewable energy. While encouraged by Pataki's call to increase the ranks of math and science teachers through free tuition at the City and State university systems, NYSUT leaders were awaiting more details in the governor's executive budget that was to be released Jan. 17. "Some pundits are looking at the governor's speech as an effort to cement his legacy," New York State United Teachers President Dick Iannuzzi said. "Speeches don't do that; leadership and action do. Gov. Pataki's legacy will ultimately be measured by what he does for students most in need." Education reforms Although he did call for additional funding for high-need schools, Pataki made no direct mention of the ongoing Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit that calls for increased funding to provide a "sound, basic education" to New York City public schools. NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin acknowledged the support of the governor and the Legislature in the move to higher standards, adding that the state still needs to address the "core group of students who are struggling at the bottom of the academic ladder because their schools and communities lack the resources to provide the best quality education programs and economic opportunities." Several of Pataki's broad-brush education initiatives echoed the theme of establishing the state as a hub of developing technology, including creating more specialty schools for math and science instruction like the Capital Region's Tech Valley High School , set to open in September. A day before his Jan. 4 address, Pataki announced that a $435 million nanoelectronic research facility for computer chip research and development will be located at the State University at Albany . Pataki also called for:
In a "pro-family" tax cut proposal, Pataki vowed to eliminate the marriage penalty, provide a $500 heating fuel tax credit for seniors, eliminate the estate tax, and reduce business and personal income taxes. Proposed changes to the STAR property tax relief program would increase the benefit to senior citizens and give a direct school property tax rebate check to homeowners. "Before the governor starts issuing rebate checks we think he should first lead the state to an acceptable settlement of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case and its principles for all New York state's students," Lubin said. "While we have not seen details of his proposal, we hope it will not be a fiscal shell game for taxpayers or our schools." Noting that New York 's economy continues to lag behind the rest of the nation, Lubin said the best way to fix the economy is to prime the education system. "Our priority will be to ensure that public education — including the state's community colleges and public colleges and universities — has the resources it needs to lead New York to economic prosperity," he pledged. — Clarisse Butler Banks |
|
| | |