Two days after his inauguration as New York’s 54th governor, Eliot Spitzer delivered a message of government reform and change during his first State of the State address before a joint session of the state Legislature.

“The future of New York does not belong to the army of the status quo,” he said. “The future belongs to those who seek change.”

While Spitzer promoted an ambitious agenda, he pledged he will not raise taxes, promising to cut property taxes by $6 billion.                       

More emphasis on higher ed

Gov. Spitzer’s hour-long address set a positive course for the future of public higher education in New York state, affirming the commitment to higher education he made during his gubernatorial campaign.

“We must begin an effort to make our higher education system the best in America,” he said. “Because, to compete in an innovation economy, New Yorkers need more than a high school degree.”

UUP President William Scheuerman was thrilled to hear Spitzer’s pronouncement, saying UUP shares the governor’s goal of helping SUNY become the best. But he emphasized the goal cannot be attained unless the state provides the necessary financial resources.
“The State University of New York is already heading in the right direction, with the hiring of more full-time faculty last year,” he said. “We hope Gov. Spitzer will maintain that momentum by proposing a new state budget that continues investing in SUNY’s faculty and other resources students need.”

Spitzer introduced his first budget Jan. 31.

Spitzer also emphasized his commitment to higher education by declaring his intention to form a Commission on Public Higher Education. He explained its purpose is “to recommend a comprehensive policy for achieving academic excellence, ensuring access, and contributing to the state’s workforce and economic development efforts.”  

Commitment beyond higher ed

The new governor’s commitment to education extends to K-12, promising his first budget would include a new school aid formula that dramatically increases investment over the next four years. He also proposed longer school days and school years.

New York State United Teachers, UUP’s statewide affiliate, gave its blessing to Spitzer’s vision for change. NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi said Spitzer’s speech reminded him of a strong teacher’s first day in front of a new class.

“Really good teachers establish a tone on that first day,” he said. “The governor did that. It’s good classroom management to start strong, with clear goals and responsibilities.”

— Donald Feldstein