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North Country's state reps critical of Cuomo's state of the state remarks

Posted 1/14/21

Two of the North Country’s Republican state representatives are criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State remarks. New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, says the governor …

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North Country's state reps critical of Cuomo's state of the state remarks

Posted

Two of the North Country’s Republican state representatives are criticizing Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State remarks.

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, says the governor contradicts himself for not seeing that the COVID-19 situation is worse than in the spring. And Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, says the State Legislature needs to begin convening legislative session in-person to start a dialogue among lawmakers.

Here is Griffo’s statement:

“The Governor’s words today are a contradiction at best if he does not see that things are worse now than they were in the spring relative to COVID-19. While our state may have been ambushed by the virus last year, we are still in the middle of a dark night,” Griffo said.

“Despite our efforts, the virus continues to launch a deadly assault stronger and more sustained than before. We see this in diminished resources, capacity, medicine, supplies and equipment at the state’s hospitals and health care facilities. Case numbers, hospitalization rates and deaths are all worse today than in the spring, businesses continue to struggle and the lifestyles of New Yorkers have been altered significantly.

“While I respect and appreciate the efforts of all those who have stepped up to combat this invisible enemy, it is time to reassess and readdress our approach and effort. We must ensure that hospitals have the necessary supplies, added capacity, staff and resources needed to accept patients and treat them now. COVID-19 testing must be expanded and made easier and more affordable.

“The state’s vaccine distribution program is in disarray and the rollout is failing. It must be immediately improved and conducted in accordance with established medical and scientific protocols with no shortcuts due to a lack of supplies. New Yorkers need to know when they are eligible and where they can go to get the vaccine easily.

“There is no halftime in this deadly game, despite what the Governor’s book might say, and we cannot afford to let our guard down. We must do better now.”

Here is Stec’s statement:

“Schools and businesses and many other organizations are ‘in-person’ and so, too, should our state government,” Stec said in a prepared statement. “The governor outlined his agenda today. Members of the Legislature have a lot of ideas and their own goals as well. But we have to meet. Working remotely had its time and place but it isn’t an effective way to govern. We need to work together safely by following guidelines and come up with solutions.”

Stec said he has heard from constituents frustrated by the slow and confusing roll-out of the COVID vaccines.

“People, especially older and vulnerable residents, should have access to the vaccine. The state had months to get ready for this. The state taking it over initially, instead of working with our counties who prepare every year for this kind of exercise, has been a mistake. It looks like the message is finally getting through but time is of the essence.”

Stec said he is interested in the governor’s proposal to expand telehealth, which has seen much greater use during the health crisis.

“Our hospitals, clinics, doctor offices and mental health providers have all done a tremendous job,” said Stec. “The use of telehealth is very valuable and improving it makes sense. Along with the ideas the governor has, he has to recognize that we need better broadband to ensure that everyone can make use of this technology that can help keep them well.”