Earlier this month, state Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her first State of the State address in the Assembly Chambers in Albany. Her aggressive agenda included health care and climate change and also outlined a plan for an economic and new government from the coronavirus pandemic and new government investments in the health care industry, housing and renewable energy.

The governor is proposing a $10 billion plan to grow the state’s health-care workforce by 20% over the next five years, saying the pandemic worsened long-simmering staffing problems. The governor also announced initiatives that include a proposal to invest in electric cars and $500 million in off-shore wind port infrastructure to meet the requirements of a sweeping state initiative calling for 70% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030. Such projects will power one-third of New York City with wind, solar and hydro power.

She also urged a $4 billion bond act funding for environmental projects, including climate change mitigation. She also wants additional funding for road and bridge repairs.

The governor goes on to explain more of her initiatives, but nothing is said about what the residents of this state want or don’t want.

Here’s a couple of things I can say. First, we don’t want wind turbines in Lake Erie or anywhere else in the countryside.

Also, why do we need electric cars?

Hochul said nothing about the closing of our state prisons that impact the communities they were in. Nothing was said about the bail-reform boondoggle in this state where criminals are running loose right after they are arrested.

Nothing was said about illegal aliens now having the right to vote in New York City. Nothing was said about stimulus checks for felons and the illegal aliens in this state. Nothing was said about the millions spent on illegals living in this state that tax payers pay for.

We heard Hochul’s dreams, what about the realities?

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com