FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 21, 2008
GOVERNOR PATERSON CALLS FOR IMPROVED PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO STEM STATE’S JOB LOSSES
During Syracuse Address Governor Says State’s Innovation Should Lead to
Job Growth Here, not Elsewhere
Governor Paterson: New York is Now Open for Business
Governor David A. Paterson today called on New York’s business and government leaders to develop a stronger alliance to ensure that New York’s business and research innovations lead to expanded job growth here in the State, instead of being exported outside New York. During a major policy address in Syracuse – Paterson’s first visit to Central New York since becoming the State’s chief executive – the Governor said that an improved public-private partnership has the potential to reverse job losses that have driven families out of the State and severely hampered economic growth.
“With the number of innovative companies and institutions we have, why has job growth over the past 10 years been only 2 percent Upstate, but 9 percent in the rest of the country?,” said Governor Paterson during an address before the Metropolitan Development Association, a Central New York business group. “Why are so many of our young people still moving away? Why are so many of our cities still in crisis? The basic question I ask myself as Governor is this: why does it seem like so many of the ideas are created here, but so many of the jobs are created elsewhere? I believe the answer is that in New York, there has been a missing partner – and that missing partner has been state government.”
The Governor also said it was critical for New York to lower the cost of doing business, noting that other states have made themselves more business friendly by investing in infrastructure and combating burdensome problems such as high health care and energy costs.
“If we are going to compete in the Innovation Economy, government can be a missing partner no more. Rather, we need to build a true partnership for growth between the State and our business community,” said Governor Paterson. “Our role in this partnership will be first, to give you the tools you need to grow your business; and second, to make Upstate more competitive by lowering the cost of doing business. If we work together, our partnership can unlock Upstate’s potential and bring lasting growth to every corner of our State.”
During his address, the Governor reflected on the importance of Earth Day and also emphasized the need for the State’s businesses to embrace energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives that have the potential to create more “green collar” jobs.
Noting that Popular Science ranked Syracuse as the #2 “green” city in the Northeast, Governor Paterson said government must establish strong partnerships with local stakeholders to strengthen green business throughout the State. He called the goal of reducing statewide energy use 15 percent by 2015 the nation’s most ambitious conservation target, noting it is already driving growth and innovation in New York’s green technology sector.
“We know that to fight global warming we must do at least two things: reduce our energy use and invest in clean, renewable energy,” said Governor Paterson.
Governor Paterson committed to fully funding a program to meet 25 percent of New York’s energy needs through renewable sources. He said the State is expanding training opportunities for the renewable energy job sector, beginning with a $2 million program for solar installation training at community colleges.
Governor Paterson said the recently enacted 2008-09 State Budget begins to address those problems with the $700 million for the Upstate Revitalization Fund, developed in partnership with local business leaders and other stakeholders throughout Upstate. Highlights of the fund include:
-- $120 million to commercialize cutting-edge research at colleges and universities;
-- $35 million for a new round of critical projects to create the physical infrastructure in Upstate cities to support job creation;
-- $100 million for housing initiatives across Upstate New York;
-- $70 million to restore all of our Upstate State Parks to their former glory;
-- $40 million for an Agricultural Development Fund to help our farmers innovate and access new markets;
-- $30 million to maintain and upgrade our network of roads and bridges; and
-- $5 million to increase broadband access in underserved communities throughout New York.
In office for just a few weeks, Governor Paterson noted New York was successful in cutting $1 billion in State agency spending from the budget. He said more must be done, however, to ensure New York remains in sound fiscal shape.
“Our economy is still reeling,” said Governor Paterson. “When this storm hits, we can’t simply do what Albany usually does: turn around and tax the first business or the first resident we see. Rather, we have to cut wasteful spending.”
Irwin L. Davis, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York, said: “From his inaugural address and his work on the new state budget, Governor Paterson has made it clear that revitalizing the Upstate economy is among his highest priorities. We are pleased that the Governor has chosen to deliver his first major address on the Upstate economy at the MDA annual meeting and look forward to working with his administration to promote growth in our region in the years ahead.”
The Metropolitan Development Association of Syracuse and Central New York is a private, not-for-profit corporation, representing the business leadership of Syracuse and Central New York. Members include chief executive officers from some of the largest corporations and institutions in the region.