Governor Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State Address

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo presented his 2021 State of the State address today with the theme of “Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew.” The Governor used his 2021 State of the State address to provide an overview of seven policy area initiatives. The Governor announced that in the coming days he will follow up these initiatives with three additional presentations to further set forth the proposed action plans that will be included within the seven initiatives.

With respect to the State’s $15 billion deficit, the Governor held the federal government responsible for the deficit noting that, with regard to fighting COVID-19, the federal government “passed the buck to the states but did not pass the bucks to the states.” The Governor expressed optimism that the new administration in Washington D.C. would be more receptive to providing financial aid to the States.

The seven policy area initiatives the Governor set forth in his 2021 State of the State are as follows:

1. Defeat COVID-19

• Manage hospitalizations
• Pass “Medical Supplies Act” legislation
• Pass comprehensive telehealth legislation

2. Vaccinate NY

• Secure increased vaccination supplies
• Reach out to underserved communities
• Establish a “Public Health Corps” by training and employing 1,000 “fellows” to assist in the State’s vaccination effort
• Establish an on-line “Citizen Health Training Program” through Cornell to educate 100,000 persons to be prepared for public health emergencies

3. Manage the Short-Term Economic Crisis

• $15B State deficit
• Medicaid reimbursement rate is the lowest of all states
• Legalize adult use of marijuana
• Institute state sponsored mobile sports betting

4. Invest in the Future

• Expand construction and transportation infrastructure initiatives
• Expand access to broadband
• Local policing and public safety initiatives

5. Transition to Green Energy

• Climate change is an “existential threat”
• NY – Green Energy Capital of the World
• Manufacturing and R&D expertise initiatives

6. Understand the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

• Rent and mortgage relief
• Affordable healthcare for all
• Election reform initiatives

7. Address Systemic Injustice

• Provide for affordable healthcare and eliminate premiums for 400,000 additional low-income residents
• Rent & mortgage relief
• Convert vacant commercial space into affordable housing

The Governor’s 2021-22 Executive Budget is expected to be released shortly. NYSHFA|NYSCAL will be sending out detailed information on the Governor’s proposals impacting the delivery of long-term care as they become available.

NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Stephen B. Hanse, Esq.
President & CEO
518-462-4800 x11