Initiatives

against people with special needs, lacking any real consistent standards for tracking and investigating complaints or punishing those who commit abuse and neglect.

the local governments and school districts to raise taxes no more than 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. As important is that the tax cap is not a dictate from Albany. Communities may raise or lower property taxes according to the needs of the community. If the taxpayers want to pay more taxes they can, and they can override the cap with a 60 percent vote for schools and by a 60 percent vote of the governing body for local governments.

advancing proposals to reduce the statutory and regulatory burden on local governments and school districts. Governor Cuomo signed the law creating the Mandate Relief Council as part of a mandate relief package that will save local governments and school districts more than $125 million.

year, we are able to propose a pro-growth budget without catastrophic cuts or new taxes, fees or borrowing. Our stronger fiscal position now allows us to tackle long overdue pension reform and mandate relief that will lower the cost of government, drive accountability in our schools to put students first, and leverage tens of billions of dollars of new private sector investment to create jobs without significant cost to the taxpayer.
Through fiscal discipline and working in partnership with the private sector, we are strengthening our economy to create jobs and secure our state’s future. This budget represents the next step in our plan to transform New York State.
-Governor Andrew M Cuomo

first State of the State Address an action plan to fundamentally transform New York State’s government and economy by getting the state’s fiscal house in order, radically redesigning our governmental structures and operations, and restoring integrity and performance to state government

been shaped in this building, and many great leaders have walked these hallways as they worked for the people of New York.History continues to be made, and the exhibits displayed here are designed to make the Capitol a living museum to educate visitors about New York's extraordinary legacy.The Capitol's architectural grandeur and historic significance serve as a fitting monument to the vast diversity and richness of the Empire State.Enjoy your visit!

In the spirit of the old town green, CitizenConnects provides a way for you to participate in state government and share your thoughts, opinions and ideas for New York's future. Get involved in your community, come out and participate!Governor Cuomo believes that government works when the voice of the people rings strong and true. Democracy works best when people are most engaged. It’s your government: own it!Through CitizenConnects, Governor Cuomo encourages you to make your voice heard.

Governor Cuomo in strengthening the state’s systems of protection and safety for vulnerable New Yorkers in residential care settings. The Governor’s attention and commitment to this responsibility of the State offers an opportunity for all New Yorkers to collaborate in shaping an enduring and effective system of safeguards. The Governor defined this role broadly to evaluate and provide recommendations concerning State programs related to developmental disabilities, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, children and the elderly. A component of my duties will include evaluating the protection, safety, and quality of care of vulnerable persons, the conditions of related State operated and licensed facilities, and the fiscal performance of related programs. I will also coordinate with the Governor's Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE) to evaluate and provide recommendations concerning the management, design and structure of state agencies operating or overseeing programs or facilities for vulnerable persons. As part of this process, I invite your suggestions and recommendations. Please click on the Suggestions and Recommendations link to send them. Thank you. Clarence J. SundramSpecial Advisor to the Governor on Vulnerable Persons

Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York.

then, our government has grown into a sprawling and expensive bureaucracy. To rebuild an effective state government, Governor Cuomo has created the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission. This team of business leaders, management experts, and academics will help streamline the government and save taxpayers' money. Read more and submit your ideas on modernizing and right-sizing state government, improving performance, and increasing accountability.

issues that have been left unresolved for decades, and a legislative session that delivered results. New Yorkers can have a renewed sense of pride and confidence in their state government. We must now seize this momentum and press forward to continue to make this government work for the people once again. I applaud the leadership of Senator Skelos and Speaker Silver and the members of the Legislature for passing these unprecedented reforms. I also thank the people of New York State for making their voices heard and being the driving force behind these actions." - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

key legislative priorities including a property tax cap, ethics reform and marriage equality. For real change to occur in New York, the people of our state must be directly involved. That is exactly what Governor Cuomo's "People First" campaign is all about.

address, continuing his commitment to make government work for the people again.Building on the successes of last year, Governor Cuomo’s bold new agenda includes plans to: - Create tens of thousands of new jobs across the state by investing state resources to leverage billions of dollars in private investment through public-private sector partnerships to drive economic growth.- Reimagining the state government to ensure it gets results for the people while protecting taxpayer dollars.- Strengthen New York’s legacy as the progressive capital of the nation.

broad effort to redesign and reinvent our state government with the goal of producing long term cost savings and better services to our people. It is a plan that reduces our state’s current year deficit without raising taxes. Read more

restoring New Yorkers’ faith and trust in their government. As he continues to travel the state delivering a message of change in Albany and outlining lasting fixes to the many long-term problems we all face, the Governor wants to hear from you. The NY Citizens Campaign is a website designed to increase that dialogue, because we are all part of the solution. Read more and submit your ideas for the future of New York.

Medicaid program to achieve measurable improvement in health outcomes, sustainable cost control and a more efficient administrative structure” said Governor Cuomo in creating The Medicaid Redesign Team. The team has been tasked to find ways to reduce costs and increase quality and efficiency in the Medicaid program for the upcoming 2011-12 Fiscal Year. As part of its work, the Team is seeking ideas from the public at large, as well as experts in health care delivery and insurance, the health care workforce, economics, business, consumer rights and other relevant areas. Read more and submit your ideas on reshaping New York’s Medicaid program.