Governor Cuomo today set forth a strong agenda for New York State in 2014. His leadership and vision have pushed New York in a positive direction.

Over the past few years, the state’s financial position has grown stronger with spending more closely aligned with revenue. However, more work remains to achieve structure balance. In this current fiscal year, my office identified almost $5 billion in temporary resources to support state spending. It is also time to tackle comprehensive reforms to the state’s budget process, debt and capital planning.

Despite a stronger national and state economy, many municipalities across New York face real fiscal issues that need to be addressed. The issues facing our local governments require serious discussion and solutions. My office will continue to examine local finances closely through our Fiscal Monitoring System and audits and flag those in fiscal stress.

Recent political scandals demonstrate it’s time for New York State to build a new foundation of public trust by enacting campaign finance reform, including the public financing of statewide elections. Now, more than ever, we need to tip the scales of influence away from the few and put it back into the hands of everyday New Yorkers.

I look forward to working with the Executive and the Legislature and reviewing the details in the Governor’s plans when he releases his proposed 2014-15 budget