ALBANY, N.Y. -- A Cicero couple was featured in Governor David Paterson's State of the State address. John and Jessica Falgitano joined Paterson in Albany for the speech.

Paterson used the couple as an example of a family looking to the future for the state. John is a firefighter for the Fayetteville Fire Department and Jessica is a nurse and retired Army Reservist. They also have three children.

Paterson says they are part of the new generation of New Yorkers being tested by the current fiscal crisis.

"In these difficult economic times, the Falgitanos have had to tighten

their belts. They are turning down the heat, clipping coupons and driving less to save on gas. Yet despite everything, the Falgitanos remain hopeful and tomorrow remains bright. John and Jessica want their three children to graduate from college and build their own lives here in New York State," Paterson said.

Paterson says the Falgitano's grandparents faced similar tough times in the state during the Great Depression.