The Seat Belt Law has since been adopted by every state in the Union and has proven to have saved thousands of lives. His record was defined by enlightened innovation, instituting first-in-the-nation laws on everything from seat belt use to acid rain controls, the state's first significant ethics laws for public officials, the law requiring the application of generally accepted accounting principles to the state’s budget and the first state statute requiring regular and independent audits of all executive agencies, including the Comptroller’s Office, the State Inspector General’s Office, and his own Office of the Governor. It also provided the foundation for two subsequent state/city agreements creating 13,500 housing units for homeless individuals and their families. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to house the mentally ill individuals of New York State resulted in the New York/New York Agreement in 1990, which created over 3,000 units of permanent supportive housing and served as a national model for government. He also initiated a revolutionary ten-year commitment to New York's children called "The Decade of the Child." Cuomo also launched Child Health-Plus and the Children’s Assistance Program, America's first real alternatives to welfare reform later used as models for Federal welfare programs. He created the country's most extensive drug treatment network, its largest program of housing assistance for the homeless, a nationally recognized plan for AIDS prevention and treatment, and tough but constructive new approaches to criminal justice, particularly in the area of drug-related crime. He furthered the national debate on economic policy and trends through the findings of the Cuomo Commission on Trade and Competitiveness - The Cuomo Commission Report (1988) and America's Agenda: Rebuilding Economic Strength (1992).ĭuring the decade that rocked the nation with the exploding crises of crack cocaine, homelessness and AIDS, Governor Cuomo also enhanced New York's reputation as a leader in socially progressive legislation. During Cuomo's tenure, foreign investment in New York almost doubled and thousands of new export opportunities were created for New York firms. He launched the largest economic development initiative in New York history, spurring private sector growth through billions of dollars of public investment in infrastructure enhancements and the creation of an unparalleled network of high-tech research facilities. In twelve years at the helm of the nation's most populous state, Governor Cuomo steered the State through two recessions, balanced twelve consecutive budgets, cut taxes, created more than half a million jobs, and led the state through two national recessions. Beginning with his widely admired keynote address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention and his celebrated speech on the relationship of religion and politics at Notre Dame, he has helped define the progressive political landscape for more than two decades. He was elected New York State's 52nd Governor in 1983 and twice won re-election, setting records for popularity in both contests. Chuck Schumer said, "He was a colossal political mind and represented the very best of public service he leaves an indelible legacy on the state he loved." Pataki said Cuomo was "possessed of a soaring intellect" and "a great New Yorker.Mario Cuomo was the longest serving Democratic Governor in the modern history of New York State. Mario Cuomo was a man of unwavering principle who possessed a compassion for humankind without equal." New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said, "Tonight, New York City has lost a giant. Tributes came from both sides of the political aisle Thursday. He was described as being “in good spirits” at that time. He ran for a fourth term but was defeated by George Pataki.Ĭuomo was hospitalized for a heart treatment in November. He beat Lewis Lehrman to win the governor’s office in 1982 and was re-elected two more times, in 1986 and again in 1990. Hugh Carey in 1975 and was elected lieutenant governor in 1978. "His own story taught him that as Americans, we are bound together as one people, and our country's success rests on the success of all of us, not just a fortunate few," Obama said in a statement.īorn in Queens, Cuomo was appointed as New York’s secretary of state by Gov. President Barack Obama hailed the son of Italian immigrants for a life of public service dedicated to progressive values. Supreme Court, saying he wanted to stay in politics. In 1993, he turned down an opportunity to be nominated by President Bill Clinton for a seat on the U.S.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |