New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement today after the mayor’s State of the City address in Brooklyn:

“We find ourselves confronted with an outlook for the city’s economy much different from that of last year’s State of the City speech. While we may be facing one of the bleakest economic times in recent memory, I believe that the right formula of initiatives coupled with a sense of urgency and the resiliency of New Yorkers can help us move out of this economic downturn.

I am pleased that the mayor recognizes and will act on several strategies that I have advocated in the past, including the easing of the Unincorporated Business Tax on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed; increasing career and technical education programs in our schools; the streamlining of city job training programs; and lobbying for federal funding to upgrade air traffic control systems at our surrounding airports. 

My office remains committed to helping New Yorkers in these tough fiscal times and I look forward to working with the mayor to help guide the city to economic recovery.”

For more information on the Comptroller’s Office visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov

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