State lawmakers gathered in Albany Wednesday for Governor George Pataki?s (R-NY) 12th and final State of the State address.

Pataki says the state of New York is strong and getting stronger every day. In his speech, Pataki stressed his legacy of tax cuts, tough-on-crime politics and job creation efforts. He also touched on his success in better education for children with state aid to after-school programs.

The three-term Republican called for more tax cuts, tougher restrictions on sex offenders and incentives for companies that develop clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The governor?s 2006 agenda also includes keeping violent sexual predators confined for life, as well as eliminating the statute of limitation for rape.

Pataki announced that the state should end the current fiscal year with a $2 billion surplus. Earlier projections had New York ending the year with a $4 billion deficit. Meanwhile, some believe Pataki is planning to run for president in 2008. He announced in July that he would not seek re-election for governor.

Related links: Governor George E. Pataki's 2006 State of the State Address Full text of Pataki's address