Andrew Cuomo possible presidential campaign, 2016
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 Andrew Cuomo |
Governor of New York (Assumed office: 2011) Attorney General of New York (2007-2010) |
2028 • 2024 • 2020 • 2016 |
- See also: Andrew Cuomo
Andrew Cuomo was a potential candidate for the office of President of the United States in 2016.
Andrew Cuomo is the 56th governor of New York. He was first elected on November 2, 2010, and he won re-election in 2014. Prior to being elected governor, Cuomo served as New York attorney general from 2007 to 2010. He also served as assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 1993 to 1997 and as secretary of HUD from 1997 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton.[1]
When asked on November 22, 2013, whether he would consider a 2016 presidential bid, Cuomo said, "Hillary Clinton is ‘apparently’ running for president of the United States, and I should also say Chris Christie is ‘apparently’ running for president of the United States. I – very apparently – am not."[2] Seventeen presidents have served as governors.[3]
In recent candidate rankings, Crowdpac ranked Cuomo as a 5.5L (L being liberal) on a scale ranging from 10L to 10C, making him, if he had entered the race, the fourth-most liberal Democratic presidential candidate.[4]
On the issues
Economic and fiscal
Taxes
- The Cato Institute gave Andrew Cuomo a grade of "B" in 2014 because of "a major tax-cut package he signed into law. The package cut the corporate income tax rate from 7.1 to 6.5 percent, reduced the corporate tax rate on qualified manufacturers from 5.9 percent to zero, ended a separate bank tax system, ended a surcharge on utility customers, increased the estate tax exemption, reduced the property tax burden on manufacturers and provided property tax breaks to homeowners."[5]
- The 2014 tax-cut package also lowered the tax rate on the highest bracket, but it extended a surcharge for individuals making over $200,000 that was supposed to expire.[6]
- The Cato Institute gave Cuomo a grade of "D" in 2012. According to the Cato Institute, "In December 2011, Cuomo signed an increase in the top personal income tax rate, which is expected to raise $1.9 billion annually. A previous 'temporary' hike in the top rate from 6.85 percent to rates of 7.85 percent and 8.97 percent was supposed to expire at the end of 2011. But Cuomo’s legislation will 'temporarily' create a new top rate of 8.82 percent through the end of 2014. Cuomo’s tax plan included some tax breaks, but the overall net tax increase was more than $1.5 billion a year. ...There were no new taxes in the governor’s budget this year, and his spending increases have been about average among the governors. Also to his credit, Cuomo approved pension reforms for public sector workers, which could save state and local governments in New York tens of billions of dollars over coming years."[7]
- In 2011, Cuomo proposed a bill that capped property taxes at 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever was less.[8]
| Presidential scorecards for Andrew Cuomo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Organization | Logo | Grade |
| Crowdpac |  | 5.5L |
| LPA |  | 42% |
International trade
- In October 2014, Andrew Cuomo created a program to increase trade between New York and foreign countries. He said, “At the center of who we are as New York is a trading seaport, that’s what we were. That’s what made New York, New York. And that’s still what makes New York, New York. We’re a center for international ideas and commerce."[9]
Budgets
- In 2011, Cuomo proposed legislation that capped school superintendent salaries based on student enrollment.[10]
- According to the Wall Street Journal, during Cuomo's tenure as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, "the number of full-time employees at HUD declined" but he "also added hundreds of high-paid positions as part of his 'Community Builders' program, which came under withering criticism from HUD's veteran field staffs, federal auditors, and Republican lawmakers in Washington."[11]
Agricultural subsidies
- In October 2014, Andrew Cuomo created the "New York State New Farmers Grant Fund" to encourage the growth of agribusiness in New York. He said, "By funding as much as 50 percent of the start-up costs for young farmers, we are creating new opportunities for young farmers across the State and planting the seeds for their long-term success. I am proud to be supporting the next generation of farmers in New York, and I look forward to seeing our agricultural economy flourish for seasons and generations to come.”[12]
- In January 2014, Cuomo allocated $21 million to help dairy farmers "produce renewable energy and improve their business operations. The funding will help dairy farmers convert farm waste to energy and develop individualized business and environmental plans to reduce operating costs and increase profitability."[13]
Federal assistance programs
- On August 1, 2013, Andrew Cuomo announced that "$30 million in funding is available to attract private-sector investment in New York States landmark Pay for Success program, which is part of the States efforts to transform how government does business while serving vulnerable New Yorkers. The State is seeking partners to raise up to $30 million in private investment for innovative social service programs under this initiative. The Pay for Success initiative will attract private funding for child welfare and early childhood, healthcare, and public safety programs. If performance standards and actual savings targets are met or exceeded, the State will repay investors for program costs as well as to provide a return on investment based on the effectiveness of the program, and the State will also benefit from future savings."[14]
- According to the Washington Post, while serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 1999, Cuomo "released a report titled 'Now Is the Time: Places Left Behind in the New Economy,' calling for more aid for economic development in depressed areas, more housing vouchers, more redevelopment of troubled housing projects, more money for programs from Youth Opportunity Areas to Economic Development Initiatives to 21st Century Learning Centers."[15]
Labor and employment
- Andrew Cuomo said that one of his top priorities in 2012 would be reducing public employee pensions.[16]
- In 2011, Cuomo finalized a union contract with the Public Employees Federation that eliminated "across-the-board raises for three years," implemented furlough days and increased the employee contribution to healthcare.[17]
- In 2011, Cuomo proposed a bill that increased the public employee pension contribution, increased the retirement age and increased the time of employment for vesting.[18]
- He vetoed a bill that "Provides employees in labor class positions at all levels of state and local government bump and retreat rights within the workforce."[19]
Foreign affairs
Military preparedness and budget
- On November 24, 2014, Andrew Cuomo "vetoed legislation to provide veterans with health information about service-related post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries."[20]
National security
- In September 2014, Andrew Cuomo and Governor Chris Christie (R) "increased security at mass transit centers" in response to the ISIS threat. Cuomo said, “My point as the governor of New York is that New York is at the top of everybody's threat list. There has to be another leg to the strategy. It can't just be, we'll have the best intelligence and the best security system and we will catch every threat before it gets here and we will not miss one. Because if you miss one, there will be massive damage.”[21]
International relations
- In August 2014, Andrew Cuomo met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a trip to Israel, and he expressed his support for Israel and the need for the country to defend itself.[22]
Epidemic control
- Andrew Cuomo "announced mandatory 21-day quarantines for medical workers arriving from West Africa," in response to the Ebola crisis in 2014, according to Slate.[23]
Domestic
Federalism
Judiciary
- According to The New York Times, Andrew Cuomo "extending his trend of naming Democrats to the Court of Appeals, announced that he planned to replace a respected Republican judge, Victoria A. Graffeo, with a more liberal voice: Justice Leslie E. Stein, an appellate division jurist in Albany" in 2014.[24]
- On June 30, 2014, Cuomo posted the following comments on his Facebook page in response to the Supreme Court's decision in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case: "Today’s #HobbyLobby decision is a setback for equality in the workplace and unfairly denies women access to healthcare."[25]
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
- On March 31, 2015, Andrew Cuomo banned state funded travel to Indiana because of the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). He issued the following statement: "Today, I direct all agencies, departments, boards and commissions to immediately review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to the State of Indiana and to bar any such publicly funded travel that is not essential to the enforcement of state law or public health and safety. The ban on publicly funded travel shall take effect immediately. New York State has been, and will continue to be, a leader in ensuring that all LGBT persons enjoy full and equal civil rights. With this action, we stand by our LGBT family members, friends and colleagues to ensure that their rights are respected."[26]
- On April 4, 2015, after the Indiana General Assembly made changes to the RFRA, Cuomo lifted the travel ban. He released the following statement: "After reviewing the amendments made to Indiana’s state law and consulting with LGBT advocacy groups here in New York, I believe the changes enacted by the Indiana Executive and Legislature should prevent the Religious Freedom Restoration Act from being used to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender citizens and travelers. As a result, I am lifting New York's ban against state funded and state sponsored travel to Indiana, effective immediately. Here in New York, we believe that all Americans, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation or any other protected classes, should be treated equally under the law. Our nation's Constitution ensures equality and justice for all. We must never forget that 'all' does not mean 'some', but all of us and we will continue to fight and stand up for equality until it is a reality for all Americans."[27]
- Cuomo put forward a campaign finance proposal that lowered the corporate contribution limit.[28]
Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
- In 2013, Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013, which "expands the definition of a prohibited 'assault weapon,' increases penalties for crimes committed with guns, requires background checks for private gun sales, establishes a statewide gun registration database, and prohibits gun ownership by mentally ill patients," according to Project Vote Smart.[29]
- According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, "In 2000, Cuomo led HUD efforts to negotiate a historic agreement with America's largest handgun manufacturer. The agreement requires Smith & Wesson to change the design, distribution and marketing of guns to make them safer and to help keep them out of the hands of children and criminals."[30]
Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
- Cuomo was criticized by the Tenth Amendment Center for requesting $30 billion in federal aid after Hurricane Sandy.[31]
Voting rights
- In April 2014, Andrew Cuomo signed the National Popular Vote Compact, which requires the state to "award its electoral college votes to whichever presidential candidate wins the national popular vote," according to the New York Daily News. Cuomo said, "With the passage of this legislation, New York is taking a bold step to fundamentally increase the strength and fairness of our nation's presidential elections."[32]
Crime and justice
- In 2012, Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that required individuals "convicted of a crime to provide DNA samples," according to Project Vote Smart.[33]
Natural resources
Fracking
- In December 2014, Andrew Cuomo banned fracking in New York "because of concerns over health risks," according to The New York Times.[34]
- In 2011, Cuomo expressed his desire to close the Indian Point nuclear plant in Buchanan, N.Y. He explained, "As attorney general, I did a lot of work on Indian Point. I understand the power and the benefit. I also understand the risk, and this plant, in this proximity to New York City, was never a good risk."[35]
Energy development
- Andrew Cuomo started "a $1 billion NY Green Bank to stimulate private sector financing and to facilitate the financing of creditworthy clean-energy projects" and allocated "$1 billion through the NY-Sun initiative to promote the wide scale deployment of solar projects."[36]
Environmental protection
- In January 2013, Andrew Cuomo "proposed lowering the total amount of carbon dioxide that companies may emit under a regional cap-and-trade program to regulate air pollution," according to Bloomberg Business.[37]
- Cuomo "secured $583 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), increasing it 17 percent from the year he took office. The EPF is the state’s core funding source for projects such as: purchasing land for the state Forest Preserve, restoring historic sites, conserving farmland, restoring habitats, boosting recycling programs, supporting the stewardship of public lands for managing trails and lands, protecting natural resources, and preserving wildlife habitats."[36]
Climate change
- In January 2013, Andrew Cuomo said, “First thing we have to learn is to accept the fact, and I believe it is a fact, that climate change is real. It’s inarguable that the sea is warmer and that there is a changing weather pattern, and the time to act is now.”[37]
Healthcare
- In 2012, Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order to establish the New York Health Benefit Exchange under the Affordable Care Act.[38] Cuomo commented on the exchange saying, “The bottom line is that creating this health exchange will lower the cost of health insurance for small businesses, local governments and individual New Yorkers across the state.”[39]
Immigration
- On June 1, 2011, Andrew Cuomo announced that New York would no longer participate in the federal "Secure Communities Program" to deport serious felons. He said, "There are concerns about the implementation of the program as well as its impact on families, immigrant communities and law enforcement in New York. As a result, New York is suspending its participation in the program."[40]
Education
- In January 2015, Andrew Cuomo angered teachers' unions with his education reform agenda. According to The New York Times, Cuomo "has said that he thinks the state’s teacher grading system, only in its third year, is too easy to pass, making it too difficult to fire underperforming educators. He has suggested that the limit on the number of charter schools needs to be raised or eliminated. He has also expressed support for a tax credit for people and companies donating money to public schools and private school scholarships."[41]
- In response to his agenda, Karen E. Magee, the president of New York State United Teachers, said, “He has declared war on the public schools. I’ll be happy to stand with the teachers, the students and the parents if the governor wants to have a war. I’m more than confident that we will win.”[41]
- In his 2014-2015 Executive Budget, Cuomo explained, "We need real standards for our students, a meaningful teacher evaluation system and I support the national common core agenda. New York was one of 45 states to adopt Common Core. But the way Common Core has been managed by the Board of Regents is flawed. There is too much uncertainty, confusion and anxiety. We will assemble a panel that includes education experts and Members of the Legislature to make recommendations for corrective action by the end of this session on how Common Core should be implemented."[42]
- In 2014, Cuomo proposed eliminating standardized testing for all students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.[42]
- Cuomo expanded full day Pre-k and proposed statewide, universal full day Pre-k in his 2014-2015 Executive Budget. He also proposed implementing statewide after-school programs.[42]
- His 2014-2015 budget allocated $20 million for a "Teacher Excellence Fund" to reward high-performing teachers.[42]
- In 2011, Cuomo signed a bill that created a state-wide evaluation system for teachers based on performance rather than seniority.[43]
- During his time as governor, Cuomo has supported high-performing charter schools.[44]
Abortion
- In January 2014, Andrew Cuomo explained that "extreme conservatives" who opposed his abortion rights policies were not welcome in New York. He said, “Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that's who they are and they're the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that's not who New Yorkers are. If they’re moderate Republicans like in the Senate right now, who control the Senate — moderate Republicans have a place in their state."[45]
- Cuomo proposed legislation that would decriminalize abortions after 24 weeks, if a woman's health was at risk.[46]
Gay rights
- In 2011, Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allowed same-sex marriage in New York.[47]
Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Andrew + Cuomo + 2016
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ Biography.com, "Andrew Cuomo," accessed July 10, 2013
- ↑ The Hill, "Cuomo: I'm not running for president in 2016," November 22, 2013
- ↑ Center on the American Governor, "The Governors Who Became President: Brief Biographies," accessed October 30, 2013
- ↑ Crowdpac, "2016 Presidential Election," accessed July 27, 2015
- ↑ Cato Institute, “Fiscal Report Card on America's Governors: 2014," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ New York Times, “Albany Tax Deal to Raise Rate for Highest Earners," December 6, 2011
- ↑ Cato Institute, “Fiscal Policy Report Card on America's Governors: 2012," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ Governor of New York, “Governor's Program Bill," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ Observer.com, "Cuomo Proposes New York State Create An Export-Import Bank," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ Governor of New York, “Governor's Program Bill," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, “Audit Faulted Cuomo's HUD Overhaul," October 23, 2010
- ↑ Governor.NY.gov, “Governor Cuomo Launches New Farmers Grant Fund to Support Agribusiness in New York," October 14, 2014
- ↑ Governor.NY.gov, "Governor Cuomo Announces $21 Million to Create Economic Opportunity for Dairy Farmers Statewide," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ Governor.NY.gov, "Governor Cuomo Announces up to $30 Million in Funding Available to Spur Private-Sector Investment in Pay For Success Programs to Serve Vulnerable New Yorkers," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ Washington Post, "Cuomo Launches Anti-Poverty Campaign," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ New York Times, “Cuomo Says Curbing Public Pension Benefits Will Be His Top Goal in ’12," July 13, 2011
- ↑ New York Times, “Union Yields on Benefits in Deal With Cuomo," July 16, 2011
- ↑ New York Governor, “Governor's Program Bill," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ New York State Assembly, “A07780 Memo," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ CBS New York, "Cuomo Cites Agency Gains For Disabled In Veto," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ Capital New York, “Cuomo vows to build ‘most sophisticated’ terrorist defense," September 28, 2014
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, “Foreign Policy at Fore in Cuomo Israel Trip," August 13, 2014
- ↑ Slate.com, "Fifty Protocols, Fifty States, One Gigantic Mess," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ The New York Times, "Down Two Judges, New York’s Court of Appeals Carries On," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ Facebook, “Governor Andrew Cuomo," June 30, 2014
- ↑ Governor.NY.gov, "Governor Cuomo Bans Non-Essential State Travel to Indiana," accessed April 16, 2015
- ↑ Governor.NY.gov, "Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Regarding Indiana Travel Ban," accessed April 16, 2015
- ↑ Prospect.org, “Governor Cuomo Announces Campaign Finance Reform Package," June 12, 2013
- ↑ Vote Smart, “S 2230 - Establishes Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement - Key Vote," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ HUD.gov, "Andrew M. Cuomo," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ Tenth Amendment Center, “Andrew Cuomo, Get a Clue!" accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ New York Daily News, "New York joins campaign to end Electoral College role in presidential elections," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ Vote Smart, “S 6733 - Expands DNA Database to Include Misdemeanors - Key Vote," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ The New York Times, "Citing Health Risks, Cuomo Bans Fracking in New York State," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ NPR.org. "Fight Over Nuclear Plant Draws N.Y. Political Heavies," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Andrew Cuomo, “The Environment," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Bloomberg.com, "Carbon Cap for Northeast Cap-and-Trade Plan," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ Governor.NY.Gov, "Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Establishing Statewide Health Exchange," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ New York Times, “Cuomo Acts to Advance Health Law in New York," April 12, 2012
- ↑ Governor.NY.Gov, "Governor Cuomo Suspends Participation in Federal Secure Communities Program," accessed February 5, 2015
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 The New York Times, "Cuomo’s Education Agenda Sets Battle Lines With Teachers’ Unions," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Governor.NY.gov, "Executive Budget, 2014-2015," accessed February 6, 2015
- ↑ Governor of New York, “Governor's Program Bill," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ Andrew Cuomo, “Education," accessed December 19, 2014
- ↑ National Review, “Pro-Life? Not Welcome in Andrew Cuomo’s New York," January 17, 2014
- ↑ Bloomberg, “Cuomo’s Abortion Bill Dies in N.Y. Senate as Coalition Balks," June 17, 2013
- ↑ Politico, “Cuomo signs New York gay marriage bill," June 27, 2011
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