ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – Gov. George Pataki used his final State of the State address Wednesday to push for tax cuts to spur the economy, create tax incentives to boost manufacturing and to call for the use of renewable energy sources such as wind power.

He also called on state lawmakers to pass legislation preventing the release of violent sexual predators.

“Let’s aim high, let’s have the courage and foresight to envision the ideal that should shape our actions here in Albany,” Pataki told a joint session of the Legislature. “Let’s envision and work toward a New York that is nothing less than the cleanest, safest, most prosperous state in America.”

Many proposals in the less-than hour long speech sought to revive the economy statewide to help nurture a high-tech future.

“Tax cuts work,” Pataki said. “And when we cut taxes, New Yorkers work.”

Pataki, seeking to avoid irrelevance as a lame duck governor, praised state lawmakers as partners in reviving New York’s economy and making New York the safest large state in America over the past 11 years.

“I consider myself more like a veteran eagle,” Pataki said in an interview with The Associated Press before the address. “This is an aggressive agenda … I want to get it done this year. Certainly, the important thing is not how long you serve, but what you accomplish. And there is nothing in this bold agenda that can’t be accomplished this year.”

Pataki, who took office in 1995, is not seeking a fourth, four-year term but is considering a run for president in 2008.

Pataki also called for:

_Keeping violent sexual predators confined for life, longer sentences for sex offenders, and the elimination of the statute of limitation for rape. He would also require DNA samples of every criminal.

_ A “pro-family tax cut” eliminating the so-called marriage penalty.

_Greater tax relief from local school taxes for seniors and families under the state STAR program including rebate checks sent directly to taxpayers.

_A $500 heating fuel tax credit to many senior citizens.

_Income and business tax cuts.

_More state aid for poor, urban schools, including helping parents secure tutoring.

_Expanding charter schools, the privately operated schools that use public funding.

_Math and science summer programs at community colleges for students in middle school _ the level that has struggled most to improve under state reforms.

_Free tuition to the State University of New York and the City University of New York for math and science majors who agree to teach in New York.

_Greater funding of state Centers of Excellence research centers and high-tech programs as well as $600 million public/private matching fund to encourage biotech research: “Let’s empower our children to be the eminent achievers, innovators and creators of tomorrow.”

_Business tax-free areas called “Empire Zones” in every county by the end of the year.

_Tax incentives to attract renewable energy firms from around the globe, tax incentives for renewable energy such as wind and solar power, and tax-free retail sale of ethanol and similar renewable fuels to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group said the broad environmental, crime and education initiatives could be substantial for New Yorkers, but he needs to see details. Horner added he was disappointed that there was no government reform proposal. He also noted Pataki retains great budget power to enact his proposals under the state constitution and to direct the budget that shapes most of the legislative session.

“Lame duck or not, he’s still the engine that drives the train,” Horner said.