Gov. Cuomo focuses on vision for NYS

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Governor Andrew Cuomo was at City Honors Thursday morning, in downtown Buffalo. Cuomo came to western New York to deliver his State of the State and budget message.

Gun advocates had said they would be outside of Cuomo's event at City Honors, but they did not show up Thursday. While Cuomo did mention guns in his speech, his focus was on his vision for the state.

Cuomo says that the legislature is on track to pass the third consecutive budget on time, by April 1st. Cuomo says lawmakers will find a way to balance the budget without raising taxes.

The governor took stances on big issues Thursday, saying he wants to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.75, he says that workers working full time do not make a livable wage. 

Cuomo also spoke about small businesses, saying that if someone has an idea and sees it through in New York State, they will receive help. "The State of New York will invest in them from a $50 million fund, if they stay here. There is only one caveat, they stay and grow in New York, and they hire people from New York and they keep the jobs in New York."

Cuomo also said he wants three casinos in upstate New York, and that he would like school districts to have the option for more learning time.

Cuomo also touched on gun control, saying that lawmakers are heroes for passing the SAFE Act, saying that lawmakers were courageous in the face of gun lobbying.