As Gov. Andrew Cuomo deploys cabinet members and aides around the state to present again his plans to local audiences, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, the New York State School Boards Association, the New York State Public Employees Federation, and Unshackle Upstate have a variety reactions to Cuomo’s Sate of the State message yesterday.

OBPA Executive Director Wade A. Davis praised the governor for what Davis sees as a forthcoming investment in the port’s infrastructure.

"Governor Cuomo recognizes the job-creating value of port infrastructure investment for the region,” Davis said in a statement. “The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority greatly appreciates the anticipated $10 million investment by the State, which when complete, will increase the port's competitiveness and continue to create jobs for many years to come,” he said.

New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Timothy Kremer said he is concerned that the message Cuomo sent about public education yesterday might result in schools’ state aid being “held hostage” to the governor’s proposed reforms.

“Governor Cuomo today delivered a broad, sweeping vision for reforming the public education system,” Kremer said.

“We admire the governor’s willingness to take on such bold initiatives as reforming the cumbersome teacher disciplinary process, repairing the state’s broken teacher and principal evaluation system, and rewarding exemplary teachers.

“But state aid to school districts should not be held hostage to education reforms. Without knowing how much state funding they will receive, school boards will not be able to properly develop their budgets and estimate their tax levies.

“We are concerned that the governor’s speech made little mention of anything positive about public education. Schools need relief from the Gap Elimination Adjustment and a greater investment in Foundation Aid, not an expansion of charter schools or adoption of education tax credits,” Kremer said.

He said the governor’s plans fall far short of the needs of public schools.

“Even the governor’s $1.1 billion funding proposal – which is only available if lawmakers adopt his package of reforms — falls way short of the amount schools need to sustain current programs.

“While we support efforts to improve student achievement in chronically underperforming schools, we would oppose those solutions that unduly place blame on elected school board members for issues that may be beyond their control.

“The governor’s proposals represent a starting point. We look forward to working with lawmakers to support New York’s public schools,” Kremer said.

New York State Public Employees Federation President Susan M. Kent is concerned that the governor does not plan on increasing agency budgets in spite of current understaffing.

“With agency budgets remaining flat, understaffing will continue and needed public services in communities will decline. Yet, the governor emphasized how he believes in community and that 'the New York way is one for all, and all for one,'” Kent said.

"The governor spoke about the billions of dollars in settlement funds the state has received and how he has earmarked the money. PEF members were directly responsible for bringing that $5.4 billion into New York. We believe the governor and the Legislature should recognize the value of the work done by the professional workers represented by PEF in securing the settlement by ensuring funds from the windfall are reinvested, in part, to state agencies to maintain and improve public services in all New York communities.

PEF represents 54,000 New York State workers in jobs such as nurses, accountants, and engineers.

Greg Biryla, executive director of the business lobbying group and proponent of lower property taxes Unshackle Upstate, said Cuomo’s budget presentation “advanced a mix of positive measures and flawed ideas.”

“Controlling the growth of state spending is essential and we’re encouraged to see Governor Cuomo remain steadfast to that commitment. Just as families and businesses are forced to live within their means, it’s important for state government to do the same,” he said.

“Gov. Cuomo’s continued focus on strengthening the Upstate economy is greatly appreciated. The $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Fund empowers local stakeholders to advance plans that will boost job growth and improve their communities.

“Governor Cuomo’s pledge to make the 2-percent property tax cap – which has saved homeowners and businesses millions – is especially encouraging. While we applaud the governor for focusing on New York’s property tax crisis, we believe that this circuit breaker proposal misses the mark. Simply shifting the property tax burden to all taxpayers fails to address the costly mandates that drive up property taxes.

“We’re also discouraged by other measures advanced in the governor’s presentation. An increase in the minimum wage, before the completion of the current phase-in, is a big step backwards in the state’s effort to improve its anti-business reputation. Considering the state’s tremendous investment in infrastructure, we believe adding a Project Labor Agreement component to the design-build program will increase costs and reduce efficiency. This reform in unwarranted and we encourage Governor Cuomo to reconsider his position,” Biryla said.