New York, NY —

In his first state-of-the-state address, Governor Eliot Spitzer proposed sweeping reforms in government ethics, education, health care and the economy. He said it's time for New York's stagnant government to start working for the entire state. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.

REPORTER: In the hour long speech, Governor Spitzer appears ready to roll up his sleeves and tackle what seems to be intractable problems facing the state. He says he will propose a three-year, $6 billion property tax cut Jan. 31. He introduced ethics and lobbying reforms to diminish the influence of special interests. Spitzer promised to fight Medicaid fraud and improve the educational system.

SPITZER: New Yorkers have embraced change - the idea that on Day One of this new administration, those of us in this chamber must come together to face our challenges as one.

REPORTER: His theme was One New York and that bipartisan and regional differences need to be put aside. For WNYC, I'm Elaine Rivera