CenterState CEO President Robert Simpson Comments on Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address

Media Coverage | Gov. Hochul's State of the State Press Release & Transcript

SYRACUSE, NY – Robert M. Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, in Syracuse, issued the following statement following Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address: 

“Gov. Kathy Hochul has laid out a strong vision for supporting New York in becoming a globally recognized hub for technology, innovation and opportunity in her State of the State address, through significant proposed investments in our workforce, infrastructure and children.  

“We applaud the governor’s plan to create workforce development centers through the One Network for Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) initiative, which advances the state and our own workforce and economic development goals. ON-RAMP's flagship location in Syracuse will be a clear, go-to workforce resource for the entire community, whether a person is looking for a career or to fill jobs. This proposal has the potential to transform our workforce development efforts and have a profound impact, particularly for disadvantaged populations, in unlocking the talent within our community.  

“CenterState CEO is excited for the opportunity to lead the planning and design of the ON-RAMP hub in Syracuse. We are acutely aware that the time to invest in our advanced manufacturing workforce is now. CenterState CEO, with a multitude of regional partners, is currently addressing this through workforce development programming such as Surge Defense, Electrical Mechanical Technician and Surge Advanced Manufacturing. But these programs and others like it need to scale up to ensure New York keeps pace with expected industry growth, and that we do so equitably.  

“The governor’s full proposal to expand this program to cities across the Thruway is another exciting opportunity to work with our Upstate neighbors. This initiative, along with the recent federal Tech Hubs designation and other cross-thruway collaborations, expands success past a singular region and establishes Upstate New York as a super region growing the advanced manufacturing industry in New York. We thank Gov. Hochul for her continued partnership and vision, and trust in us.  

“We cannot grow without strong, reliable infrastructure. We applaud Gov. Hochul’s commitment to making investment in critical infrastructure, from roads to industrial sites to housing. The $100 million expansion of the FAST NY Shovel-Ready program will help prepare Central New York sites and infrastructure for anticipated Micron suppliers and other advanced manufacturing growth. We support the governor’s focus on increasing the state’s housing supply, a necessary component of keeping New York accessible for all. 

“Our success cannot be limited to only some Central New York’s residents. We need to make sure that opportunity extends beyond those traditionally positioned to benefit and to all corners of our community. That’s why we’re happy to see Gov. Hochul’s plans to address childhood poverty in Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. Children are the workforce of the future. In supporting their success, New York positions itself for decades of future growth. When we invest in those who need it most, we can create a more vibrant community for everyone.  

“Finally, we appreciate the governor holding the line on taxes, in addition to all of her proposed investments. This is an important part of making New York more competitive and better positioned to take advantage of all the opportunities ahead of us."