Research


Scope and Content Note

The central subject and correspondence files of Governor Mario M. Cuomo document the management of state government during the longest-serving Democratic gubernatorial administration to date. Documents include incoming correspondence from constituents, private organizations, and public officials at all levels of government; copies of responses prepared by the governor's office or representatives of other state agencies; topical reports and background publications; and both regular and special reports from state agencies.

The records document political relations with Native Americans and Native American land claims; urban housing issues, including rent and other tenant concerns, community development, block grant programs, and state subsidized housing programs such as Mitchell-Lama; the HIV-AIDS crisis; civil rights, discrimination, and affirmative action; legislation requiring parental consent prior to performance of abortions on minors; and the ongoing capital punishment debate during the Cuomo administration.

Other subjects include presidential politics during the 1984, 1988, and 1992 elections; revenue sharing and aid to localities; state aid to education; the Liberty Scholarship program; Medicaid; community-based mental health programs and services; alcohol and substance abuse; sales and property taxes; crime and corrections; environmental conservation; hydroelectric power development, including the James Bay project; medical malpractice insurance; awards and citations; and meetings/interviews with the public.