The 2017 Legislative Session is upon us and while government work is one of fluidity and is designed to address new and unforeseen issues in our lives, there must still be a concentration on issues in this state that continue to linger year after year. This upcoming session I will continue to focus on issues that resonate in our community such as ethics reform, tax relief, job creation and ensuring our region obtains our fair share of funding for both infrastructure and schooling.

Ethics reform will continue to be at the forefront of my agenda. It is critical to ensure that elected officials who are convicted of crimes relating to their service as state officials never receive taxpayer-funded retirement benefits. Last session, we took a step in the right direction by passing legislation to address this problem. Because pension forfeiture would require a constitutional amendment, we must pass this bill again this session in order for the measure to be put on the ballot the next election. I am confident we will continue the good work already started last year and get this done for the hardworking taxpayers of this state.

Unfunded mandate relief is also a major concern of mine because when the issue of tax relief arises, these mandates are a major hindrance in doing so. Unfunded mandates passed down from state departments to localities place financial burdens on both local governments and taxpayers in the district. While I am not opposed to all state enforced mandates, they must be funded by the state. The expenses for funding these projects can’t be shouldered by local taxpayers.

When it comes to tax relief, we must also help our local small businesses and provide an environment where they can thrive. New York has a bad history of over-taxing and hindering small-business owners. Small business is the backbone of many local economies, and decreasing regulations and costs to these businesses is crucial to helping them flourish.

Tax relief for individuals and small-business entities also plays a pivotal part in job creation. The more successful a small business owner is the more likely they are to create new positions and hire more employees. Many of the problems that currently exist within our state are interconnected and can’t be solved completely without addressing other, related issues. The problems within this state seem to be a complicated web. We must start with one issue and work our way out in a methodical and precise way or else we will continue to become more and more entangled.

Finally, each year, our region must fight to make our presence known to downstate, and ensure that we obtain our fair share of funding for both infrastructure and schooling. Last year, we were able to do so, but we can’t rest on our laurels. We must put forth the same effort again this year and make sure our success is continued.

While new issues will arise, the issues discussed continue to remain and will continue to be addressed until resolved. I welcome your thoughts on issues above or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.