What Can Latino New Yorkers Expect from Governor Paterson?

“I have a vision for New York.  It’s a New York where achievement is developed only from hard work, where doors are always open and where anyone can achieve no matter where they live.”  This is David Paterson, New York’s new governor, in his inaugural address on March 17th.

In a series of events few of us could have imagined, David Paterson has risen to make history as New York State’s first African American governor.  In 2002, Paterson was elected minority leader of the New York State Senate, the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history. 

Now, as he takes office, Governor Paterson steps into an opening for change that is as unexpected as his rise to power.  Both houses of the State Legislature want to demonstrate their willingness to work with him.  It is probable that Paterson will be freer now than at any time in the future to call for significant action on a number of important issues.  

As minority leader of the Senate, Paterson established a reputation as a thoughtful, diligent yet tough legislator who could win the day with kindness and still count friends on both sides of the aisle.  He will need those qualities to succeed as governor during what portends to be particularly tough economic times for the state and the nation.  As we know, when the economy turns down, it is the working poor who are the first to feel the pain.

What can the Latino community expect from Governor Paterson?  Among the new governor’s top issues are health care and housing – two areas of great concern to Latino New Yorkers.  Governor Paterson had a strong background working on affordable housing issues as a state senator.

As lieutenant governor, Paterson directed the Health Commissioner and the Insurance Superintendent to develop a comprehensive strategy for universal health insurance for New York State.  The state has recently filed a lawsuit to require the federal government to approve the extension of the SCHIP health care program for New York’s children.  Governor Paterson should do all he can to support the suit as well as forming coalitions with other governors who also want to extend the benefits of SCHIP.

The governor should also ensure that the state’s funding formula for educational aid produces equitable resources for New York City schools.  As for other issues, Paterson has been the primary champion for minority-owned businesses in New York.  He has also been a long-time opponent of the death penalty. 
    
In this time of bipartisanship in Albany, Governor Paterson has an opportunity to radically alter the disastrous and discriminatory Rockefeller drug laws.  While their rates of drug use are not drastically different from Whites, Blacks and Latinos comprise about 90 percent of the drug offenders in state prisons.  Most of these prisoners belong in drug treatment programs, not behind bars. 

The governor should also support the call to close underutilized juvenile justice facilities – which would save the state money - and institute new programs designed to prepare young people in the system for a successful life after they leave.

These are issues that greatly affect the Latino community.  But Governor Paterson faces a rough road ahead.  His first priority is to deliver a budget on an April 1st deadline; the governor has to forge a consensus that will require compromise and some pain.  The state’s fiscal picture is gloomy and next year’s deficit is projected to be worse.

From El Diario/La Prensa
March 28, 2008