A sermon often has a three or more point outline, and the Governor’s did: (1) Reckoning, (2) Restraint, (3) Reform, and (4) Rebuild. Paterson focused on the dire financial situation that New York State is in.

He spoke of fiscal reform that would include cuts to bureaucracy by merging agencies "to improve efficiency and save money; the public tracking of agency performance; and a long-term strategy for fiscal planning." He called for a spending cap tied to the average rate of inflation that would limit the amount of budget growth.

In the area of ethics reform, Paterson presented the "Reform Albany Act" that he says would "fundamentally change the culture of Albany." It involves an independent Ethics Commission that would oversee both the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.

His ethics reform would also seek to end the so-called "pay-to-play" way of doing business in Albany by requiring state officers to disclose the names of clients and income received through any outside legal or other professional practices.

Paterson would like to see campaign finance reform that "would drastically reduce the maximum campaign contributions available, ban corporate contributions, and provide for a 4:1 public matching system with enhancements to encourage participation." Under Paterson’s plan the maximum amount that could be donated to a candidate’s campaign would be $1,000.00, instead of the current $2,400.00.

Paterson also called for term limits. State Senators and Members of Assembly would each be limited to six two-year terms. Statewide office-holders (such as the Governor, Attorney-General or the Comptroller) would be limited to two, four-year terms.

A sermon often contains some rebuke about sin, and the Governor identified two in particular: the sins of reckless financial spending and the abuse of power. Paterson said, "Cultures of addiction to spending, power or approval have doomed empires, and they now threaten the Empire State." This was more than a great line, but also a great truth. The culture of Albany is more than dysfunctional. Dysfunction can exist without the presence of pride, but in Albany, many have allowed pride to take hold of their hearts. Some have forgotten that they are called to serve the people of the great State of New York, rather than the people serving the interests of their elected officials.

A good sermon has some illustrations. Sure enough, the Governor sprinkled a few in, including a reference to the recent death of a friend. Illustrations like that are supposed to touch your heart. Governor Paterson is a likeable man. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his public policy decisions, he is approachable and has a way of connecting with the people with whom he comes into contact.

Old-school sermons often end with a poem—apparently someone forgot to tell the Governor, but he did use poetic language, such as his reference to "a winter of reckoning for New York." In fact, the Governor began his address with these words. He did not enter with the normal formalities of greeting various dignitaries. Paterson did not smile once throughout the entire message, but focused on the somber reality that New York State must get its financial and ethical house in order.

A good sermon has an application—answering the "what shall I do" question. In this case, the Governor called on the Legislature to (1) restrain spending, (2) pass reform legislation, and (3) rebuild New York.

Paterson ended his message by saying: "God bless all of you and God bless the people of New York."

The State Legislature heard a sermon of sorts when Pastor Paterson was preaching on January 6. I must admit, if Paterson’s address was sincere, he has had quite a Damascus Road experience somewhere between serving as a state legislator and becoming the Governor. His conversion to fiscal and ethical reform is a far cry from his former days in the State Senate, but then again, being in charge sometimes has that effect on a person.

Now the question is whether or not our legislators will apply what they have heard. No doubt some will try, but sadly, the Governor’s address was received very coolly by many members of the State Legislature.

Democratic Conference Leader Senator John Sampson responded to the Governor’s State of the State by saying, "New Yorkers are frustrated and so am I."

Senate Minority Leader, Republican Senator Dean Skelos said, "Governor Paterson talked a lot about fiscal restraint, but we’ve heard that speech before. Last year, he gave a similar speech and promised to hold the line on spending and not raise taxes. Unfortunately, that did not happen."

Rev. Jason McGuire, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms’ Executive Director said, "My observation is that it’s pretty frigid between the Governor and members of the Legislature. To cut the budget by an expected $9 billion is going to be a heavy lift, when there is an election later this year, and what appears to be bad blood between branches of government."

When probed about tension between the Governor and certain members of the State Legislature (particularly Senate Democrats), Sampson said, "We don’t have to like one another. But we have to respect one another."

It does not look like the New York State Legislature is about to start practicing Paterson’s new religion anytime soon.