Gov Paterson's State of the State Address

WBNG-TV reported on Paterson's State of the State Address. As WBNG related: In his second State of the State address, Governor David A. Paterson today outlined his plan to rebuild New York through firm and decisive steps ,including fiscal and ethics reform and an economic development plan that puts New Yorkers back to work.

The Governor laid out an agenda to end the culture of over-spending and abuse of power that has for too long dominated State government, including a proposal for sweeping and comprehensive ethics reform - the centerpiece of which is a new independent Ethics Commission.

Governor Paterson also announced a replacement for Empire Zones – the Excelsior Jobs Program – which includes three aggressive tax incentives for targeted growth industries, the Sustainable Neighborhoods Project to revitalize prime housing stock that sits vacant in urban cities across New York State and the Manufacturing Legacy Program to leverage the strengths of the State’s manufacturing industries to guarantee the economic security of the people who are carrying its legacy into the twenty-first century. In addition, the Governor proposed a bold initiative to revive the New York Insurance Exchange that would bring buyers and sellers of complex commercial insurance closer together, providing increased transparency and security for everyone in the process. Read more here.

The Future Generation Looks Bright for Nonprofits

During a recent project in the Capital Region, I met a high school student, Travon Jackson, volunteering with a local historical society. He and a friend have outlined an idea for a grassroots effort in the community focused on education and accessibility. He is looking for guidance and ideas on how to make this concept a reality. Share your feedback here or feel free to e-mail him directly. We can only hope that more students take an interest in the nonprofit sector and work to improve our communities with similar ideas.

The Idea: A non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the intellectual depth of the community and encouraging an enthusiasm for knowledge.

Our Niche: A community-minded organization that provides an intellectually and socially stimulating environment at minimal public expense.

What makes us unique?
Location in the community we hope to serve

• Many colleges and universities offer free courses online in the form of pod casts, lectures, tutorials and complete online classes. Most of these online methods, while beneficial to individuals, have no relation to the community and provide little opportunity for social interaction.

Non-Profit Motivation

• Without the element of profit, our motivation comes solely from genuine concern for the community and our efforts can be directed -towards bettering the community instead of bettering our annual revenue.

Future Possibilities:

• Partnerships with local universities for student teaching credit.
• Class instruction by local volunteers, educators with degrees.
• Classes taught in Morning, Afternoon and Evening time slots.

We want to provide accessible education in subjects relevant to young or undereducated individuals. With genuine care for the community, desire to better others and an open-minded approach to education we want to be a positive influence that helps to empower the community.