| So what do I think, being from upstate, about this? I think Spitzer is trying. He really is. There's a lot of people, both Democrats and Republicans, here in upstate that have felt ignored for a long time by their state leaders. But Spitzer is making an effort to not only reach out to people in upstate, but to address our concerns and make upstate better.
A few other highlights of his speech may include:
He may also indicate his general support for a plan unveiled by the higher education commission that calls for tuition being adjusted campus-by-campus, based on ambitions and needs. However, he was vague when asked about it Monday, stating he is "hesitant" to raise tuition "if we can avoid doing so."
Two people familiar with Spitzer's speech also said the governor wants to raise the idea of privatizing the Division of the Lottery, although the matter may be more fully explained at his budget address later this month. His Division of the Budget staff, concerned about closing a $4.3 billion budget gap, has been considering leasing to a private company all or part of the lottery operation and has also been reviewing borrowing against future lottery revenues, according to people informed of the discussions.
Interesting notion about the Lottery. I like the tuition being adjusted campus-by-campus. He also might talk about the rumored property tax cap, which I know will relieve a burden that many people (especially in upstate) have had to carry for a long time.
I may be in attendance at the Jan. 16 State of the Upstate address. It'll be interesting to see what he says then, especially in regards to the execution of this billion dollar plan he will set forth tomorrow. |
