Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his 2021 State of the State address virtually on Monday, as he faces a second wave of coronavirus and a record-high budget deficit.
Ending the COVID-19 crisis and closing the $15 billion budget gap led the long list of proposals the governor had for 2021.
In his 11th State of the State address, Gov. Cuomo led with plans to get control of and end the pandemic.
He emphasized testing, vaccinations, supporting hospitals and putting an emphasis on telehealth.
Cuomo also put pressure on the federal government to close the state's growing $15 billion budget gap.
He avoided the idea of raising taxes on the wealthy.
To increase revenue, the state is looking to legalize recreational marijuana and online sports betting.
The governor says he will use this year to also focus on transitioning to more green energy and addressing racism.
Not everyone shares Cuomo’s vision - newly elected Republican state Assemblyman Mike Lawler, who represents parts of Rockland, wrote in a statement, “we need to prioritize our spending and focus on how we can make New York affordable for our seniors, working families, and small businesses.”