Repudiating the era of "fend-for-yourself Federalism," New York State's Governor Mario Cuomo looks back over a decade in office and ahead to his state's role in the twenty-first century; in the process he creates a blueprint for restoring the promise of the American Dream not only to the people of New York State, but to all Americans.

The New York Idea embraces common sense and compassion: government using its resources to stimulate private-sector growth, then requiring those who benefit to extend in turn an increased measure of hope and opportunity to those on the bottom rungs of the economic ladder. Its application requires a realistic appreciation of the importance of the free market and an intelligent recognition of the legitimate role government can play in supporting and spurring growth.

In The New York Idea, Governor Cuomo cites real-world, politically workable instances from his own experience to reveal how such a strategy can succeed. Governor Cuomo sees New York as a microcosm of the United States, and the New York experience - its successes and its failures - instructive to citizens and elected officials - in all states, as America struggles to recover from a decade of failed national policy.

The New York Idea is an unprecedented look at the practicalities and possibilities of state government, as envisioned by a sitting governor.