Lt. Gov Bob Duffy Brings Governor's Message to Region

Lt. Governor Bob Duffy is spreading Governor Cuomo's State of the State message across the region.

The proposals are many and not without contention.

Everything from teacher merit pay to the minimum wage.

"Minimum wage is not enough for a person or family to live on. He also recognizes that you don't want to overburden small businesses," said Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy, (D) New York.

One other issue that hits home for the Lieutenant Governor are the families affected by the West Webster tragedy.

He spent time with them as they were honored on the state stage Wednesday.

"I think it's important for the state to know the sacrifices these two individuals made and it also reinforces the Governor's position on why he is taking such a strong stance to make our state safer."

Governor Cuomo, a gun owner and hunter, wants the to impose the toughest assault weapons ban in the nation and put measures in place to make sure mental health is a part of the plan.

Duffy is a former Rochester police chief and agrees.

"We both respect the 2^nd Amendment, we both respect people's rights. The Governor made it very clear, it is not about taking guns away from people, but when it comes to assault weapons, assault weapons are not for hunting. The person who took the lives of our firefighters did not deserve or have that weapon in his hands," said Duffy.

Authorities say accused shooter William Spengler got his weapons from a former neighbor who the U.S. Attorney's Office says bought two of the weapons for Spengler.

The third gun was stolen from an Ohio home in the 1970's, according toe authorities.

However police say they don't know how it got into Spengler's hands.

When asked if the proposed gun control policy would have prevented that from happening, Duffy said no law will ever be comprehensive enough to stop all crimes, but they want to prevent as many as possible from happening.

Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy also highlighted the issue of adding three casinos in Upstate NY.

Voters would have to approve it.

It is expected to bring in needed revenue and draw tourism but the question is whether it would include the Rochester region.

"Rochester, this area, certainly would be part of that region and part of the competition, if it would want it." said Duffy.

However, no proposal is a done deal yet as the legislative session has just begun.