The 2011 legislative session made several significant advances on the agenda to put New York back on the map. An on-time state budget, strong ethics laws, more affordable power, and a property tax cap are just some of the highlights from a successful, bipartisan session. All of the pieces are in place, but work remains to complete the puzzle: New York’s economic recovery from the longest recession since the Great Depression.

This year, Albany finally got serious about working to make New York a more attractive place for businesses to thrive and a more affordable place to raise our families. The 2011-2012 state budget was the first step in that process of positive transformation. With the strong leadership in the state Senate, I joined my colleagues in passing an on-time state budget, the first in five years; closed a $10 billion budget deficit; cut spending by $3 billion; and restored $230 million to our community schools.

I fought for additional measures that would lower energy costs on Long Island. Power NY will allow for the siting of new power plants to ensure the creation of cleaner and more affordable power for families and job creators. With the order for a thorough audit of Long Island Power Authority by the state Inspector General, New York is at last serious about bringing lower energy costs to our already over-taxed residents.

I strongly support a property tax cap and have been leading the fight for one since I took office. The property tax cap will rein in the out-of-control, unsustainable spending that has driven people and jobs out of our state. The cap forces Albany, school districts, and localities to get serious about years of wasteful spending that jeopardizes our future.

While the cap is a good start, however, Albany fell short on unfunded mandate relief. More needs to be done to address the egregious cost-drivers that threaten the number of services our schools and localities will be able to provide. Our schools do not need Albany dictating how they should educate; Albany should be ensuring that our teachers have the necessary resources to give our children a first-class education.

The Legislature also missed its mark when it came to pro-growth job policies. Our employers are prevented from opening their doors in the most unfriendly business state in the country. The cost of doing business has driven employers across state lines and raised prices for our consumers. Under no circumstances should Albany sit back and allow businesses to flee the state because of red tape. There are 800,000 unemployed New Yorkers and that number is only growing. Lawmakers must foster the economic conditions for employers to thrive, and then get out of the way. Let our small businesses demonstrate to Albany once again that they are the backbone of our economic community.

I have redoubled efforts this year to repeal the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) payroll tax. I am a strident opponent of the MTA’s reckless use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize poor service and deep deficits. Unless it is repealed, this tax will ultimately stymie economic recovery, further burden our struggling Long Island families, and keep thousands on the unemployment line. Our community should not be the unfair target of this onerous tax.

I am eager to travel the district over the coming months to hear your feedback about this year’s legislative session. Together, we can make next year’s legislative session as much of a success as 2011.