One major issue that fell short last year was marijuana legalization. It was a failure that Mr. Cuomo promised to remedy in 2020, a move that could pour much-needed revenue into state coffers. At the same time, the governor also suggested that the state university system be enlisted to do research on the drug and its effects, saying that “the cannabinoid industry has gone unregulated and unchecked,” likening the drug’s potential peril to that of opioids.
“The federal government failed Americans with opioids,” Mr. Cuomo said, in a briefing book released with the governor’s speech. “And we cannot allow that to happen with cannabinoids.”
The governor’s agenda — entitled “Making Progress Happen” — also outlined a robust list of social proposals with many geared at improving women’s status in the state, including studies to increase representation for women on corporate boards (California just enacted a law guaranteeing that) and $20 million in grants for female entrepreneurs. Mr. Cuomo also promised to take aim at the so-called pink tax, by which businesses charge women more for services and personal care items.