January 5, 2011

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT STEPHEN P. YOUNGER

Response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address

New York State Bar Association President Stephen P. Younger of New York (Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP) today issued the following statement:

“Governor Cuomo has outlined a bold agenda to restore New York’s fiscal health and the people’s confidence in government. We applaud the Governor’s positive steps toward raising the ethical standards of those serving the public. The State Bar Association soon will issue its recommendations on government ethics reform. We look forward to working with the Governor to renew New Yorkers’ trust in their government.

“As the State tackles major fiscal problems, we must remember that an independent and well-functioning judicial system, accessible to all citizens, is a fundamental tenet of our democracy. The State Bar Association remains committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has equal access to our justice system.

“We are pleased the Governor highlighted his support for same-sex marriage. The State Bar Association also strongly supports equal legal rights for same-sex couples. 

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the Governor and the State Legislature on these and other important issues during the upcoming legislative session.”

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Founded in 1876, the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New York and the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. The State Bar’s programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years. For more information, visit us at our website at www.nysba.org.