As this year’s Legislative Session comes to an end, I want to take this special opportunity to reach out to my constituents. Each week, I have traveled to Albany with the goal of making our communities a safer and more vibrant place for future generations. This job would not be possible without the support of the residents of the 117th Assembly District. I am honored you have chosen me to represent you and have placed your trust in me. For that, I say thank you.

This year, we were able to address some serious issues including education aid, veterans’ affairs and the heroin epidemic. In this year’s budget, we were able to secure the largest amount of education funding in our state’s history. At the beginning of session, one of my priorities was the complete restoration of the GEA education cuts. We were able to do that and more, securing $19.5 million more in funding for our schools than last year.

We also took a leap forward toward repaying the men and women who sacrificed to protect this county. With the enacting of the Veterans Buyback Bill, three years of service credit will be provided to members of the New York State Public Retirement System for military service during times of peace. Until recently, only veterans of certain active combat periods were eligible, preventing thousands of honorably-discharged veterans from receiving these benefits.

Lastly, the governor and legislative leaders from the Assembly and Senate were able to come together and put forth a plan to help individuals and families fighting the heroin epidemic. While it took far too long to address the situation, it is better late than never. The time to rid our communities of this disease is now.

We have been able to address several important issues everyday New Yorkers face, and I am proud to be the representative elected by you – the people of the 117th Assembly District. Once again, thank you.

I welcome your thoughts or questions you may have on these and any other legislative matters. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.