"I'm pleased session has ended, and we were able to extend the property tax cap. Still, more needs to be done on scaling back taxes in general, but I'm glad this cap is in place and will continue for at least four more years. We passed an important property tax cap exemption for BOCES capital improvements. I carried this proposal for several years in the Legislature, and I was glad to help push this through for our localities this session.

"I was, however, disappointed that the business during the last weeks focused largely on Downstate, such as rent control, 421-a (a New York City property tax exemption program) and control of New York City schools. These issues dominated the last weeks of session, and, despite various minority voices, Upstate's needs went ignored.

"There was no reform considered by the Assembly on the SAFE Act. This act continues to penalize law-abiding citizens. Regardless of bipartisan support for mixed martial arts, this, too, was again blocked by the Assembly Majority. There also was nothing passed to strengthen our laws against dangerous synthetic drugs.

"I will continue to advocate for Upstate and push for measures that improve our quality of life and push back on overreaching laws."