GOVERNOR CUOMO APPEARS AT PURCHASE COLLEGE-SUNY TO LAUD SUCCESS OF 2013 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, PERFORM CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF NEW START-UP NY LAW

Purchase, NY (June 27, 2013) -- New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo made an appearance at Purchase College-SUNY today to laud the success of the just-completed 2013 New York State legislative session and to perform a ceremonial signing of the Start-Up NY law passed last week that will establish tax-free zones on and around SUNY campuses to encourage new business in New York State.

In front of approximately 300 guests – including local and state lawmakers and officials– Purchase College President Thomas J. Schwarz welcomed Governor Cuomo to campus and thanked him for what he and the state legislature are doing to help SUNY campuses.

During his speech, Governor Cuomo detailed the accomplishments of the 2013 legislative session including the approval of Start-Up NY, which the Governor called a “game changer” that will transform SUNY campuses and university communities across the state into tax-free communities.

Purchase President Schwarz said of the Start-Up New York initiative:  “We are excited to work with Governor Cuomo and the business community on this forward thinking legislation to continue to rebuild New York and Westchester. Governor Cuomo and the Legislature have reopened NY for business. Purchase College, SUNY is honored to have been the venue for the signing of the Governor’s bill.”

In addition to addressing  passage of Start-Up NY, Governor Cuomo this morning stressed the fact the 2013 legislative session achieved overarching goals of social progress and fiscal responsibility.  He pointed out that the legislative session accomplished a third straight balanced, on-time budget;  provided tax relief for middle-class families; provided tax cuts for businesses; passed the NY SAFE Act; and passed the upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act that will establish four destination gaming resorts in upstate New York to boost tourism and economic development.