Most of what Hochul talked about had the same information as what was offered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, save for what had to particularly do with Western New York. Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas introduced Hochul. “I was out in Albany recently and I attended the Address and I can tell you that there are a lot of things that we out here in Western New York are not aware of that are happening across the state, including here in our community,” he said.

Rosas then continued to talk about Athenex and the creation of new jobs for Western New York. He mentioned that Wells is taking over Fieldbrook in Dunkirk and looking to invest over $100 million. This will create 75 to 100 jobs for community members. “Each one of those jobs is projected to be paid a salary of over $40,000 starting, with a full benefit package,” said Rosas.

Hochul then took the stage, seemingly beaming over giving the address at the Fredonia incubator on Central Avenue in the city since she is from this region as well. The lieutenant governor focused her speech on hope and optimism.

She spoke of the young people coming back into the state — a 16% increase — after losing 10% in the last decade, as well as jobs dissolving in the area in past years, but new businesses taking off now. “I love coming back here (in Western New York) because I know a comeback when I see it,” said Hochul.

OBSERVER Photo by Natasha Matteliano Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke in Dunkirk Friday.

Bringing up the Small Business Revolution, the competition for the number one spot that Fredonia is trying to nab, Hochul said that she has voted every day on all her devices. “I’m going to continue to use my social media to get the word out because I want to make sure we win that great competition,” said Hochul.

Dunkirk Dave, the groundhog, was even mentioned by Hochul. We are only 15 days away from checking on him, to see whether we will have more wintry weather or not. Jokingly, Hochul stated that in 15 days we will declare that winter is over and we will have sunny days from there on out. “You know, I can’t guarantee that kind of weather, but I can talk to you about the climate we have here in the State of New York,” said Hochul. “Things are very bright compared to what we came from.”

She then continued on to the State of the State Address and these are the remarkable things she had to say about Western New York.

¯ The state has invested over $10.5 billion in Western New York.

¯ Unemployment rate has gone down from 10% to 4%.

¯ New attractions in Western New York have been bringing in revenue and putting Western New York on the map.

¯ Cutting taxes for middle class New Yorkers and small businesses (by 40%).

¯ Raising the eligibility threshold of the Excelsior Scholarship to $150,000.

¯ Raising the minimum wage.

¯ Property tax rates have gone down.

¯ Capping the cost of medications, specifically insulin.

¯ Increasing Child Tax Credit.

¯ Expand suicide prevention strategies for veterans, law enforcement, correctional officers, first responders.

¯ Legalizing marijuana and medical marijuana.

Hochul closed the presentation with bringing up her theme of hope and optimism again. “I’m an optimist. Coming out of Buffalo I have seen some tough times, but I know there were some great times also. It is that sense of optimism that is going to propel us forward,” said Hochul. “This good feeling we now have, that’s going to be the catalyst for this great place that has tremendous assets.”