The Remarks Of Speaker Sheldon Silver

Post-Inauguration Press Conference

Speaker's Conference Room, State Capitol, Albany, NY
Monday, March 17, 2008

Speaking for each and every member of the Assembly, I thank Governor Paterson for honoring The People's House by choosing to take the oath of office in our historic chamber.

The significance of this occasion is reflected in the many leaders who traveled to Albany to lend their support to our new governor on this incredible day; most notably: Senior United States Senator Charles Schumer; United States Senator and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton; Governor John Corzine of New Jersey; Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts; and Governor M. Jodi Rell of Connecticut.

Among the many history-making events that fill the annals of the New York State Assembly, few if any have been more uplifting or of more immediate importance to the citizens of this state, than the inauguration of our new Chief Executive.

It has been a long time since we have heard more eloquent, more spirited, or more unifying remarks delivered by a governor in the Assembly Chamber.

In these difficult days of economic recession and political upheaval, Governor Paterson's message to the people - a message of hope - brought much-needed reassurance that public service in its purest form and the restoration of the people's trust in their state government is moving forward here in Albany, as it always should be.

We applaud the Governor for enunciating his goals of enhancing our children's education, providing for the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, improving the quality of life for our least fortunate especially single mothers, revitalizing local economies and promoting job creation throughout the state but especially Upstate New York, easing the tax burden on working families, and building and preserving affordable housing for working men and women across this state.

On behalf of the people that we represent, the Assembly pledges its full and unwavering support to Governor Paterson, as he guides this state toward a sound and on-time budget, and to better days for the Empire State.

In light of the continuing decline of our national and state economies, which are fueled to a large extent by our financial services industry, Governor Paterson has asked us to re-think our budget proposals.

It was the uncertain nature of the economy that prompted the Assembly Majority to publish revenue forecasts initially that were the most cautious.

We took no risks on hopeful estimates that may not pan out. We give no credence to proposals that appeared to be more "pie-in-the-sky" than reality.

Why? Because we do not want to be back here in September, as school is getting under way, cutting budgets and laying off workers.

So we stand ready to work with Governor Paterson and with our colleagues in the Senate to craft and enact a timely state budget that meets the needs of working families while taking into account the potential pitfalls in our economic future.

Fortunately, we now have an Executive with the character and the charisma, the experience and the leadership to bring us together to complete the difficult work that lies ahead.

As the old saying assures us, it is the darkest hours in which the stars are most clearly visible.

Governor David Paterson is the warm, bright star that New Yorkers need at this moment in our history.

Now, let us stand united as one state, one people, and together with Governor Paterson's leadership, let us move forward confidently into the future.