The beginning of the state legislative session, like the beginning of a new calendar year, is a time for reflection and goal setting. It reminds us to improve ourselves and the world around us through hard work and determination. As the new session gets underway, I’d like to take this opportunity to share my reflections and goals with you.

Last year, there were many successes on behalf of families, schools and businesses in Central New York. For homeowners, we passed over $3 billion in tax relief and extended the tax cap for an additional four years to help keep taxes in check. For students and their families, the 2015-16 state budget increased education funding by more than $20 million in additional aid for local schools. Also included was $1.5 billion in funding for upstate revitalization, $500 million of which will directly fund projects that will strengthen the economy and generate job growth here in Central New York. Although we accomplished a great deal, there’s much more work to do in the months ahead.

As we begin a new legislative session, I have a renewed focus on addressing the needs of Central New York families and businesses. This includes continuing our efforts to attract and retain businesses that invest in our local economy and provide strong, quality jobs for our community. To accomplish this, we must tackle the growing cost of college and strive to make higher education more affordable for all, while also supporting job training initiatives that help to prepare future generations for available jobs.

Significant progress was made in the area of women’s equality last year. Now we must build on that progress by providing greater support for working families, including instituting paid family and medical leave and increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care. These measures are critical to ensure parents and caregivers can look after their families without sacrificing their jobs or financial security.

Finally, in order to accomplish these important goals and many more, we must pass real, meaningful ethics reform. More must be done to increase transparency and accountability, and ensure a government that truly works for the people, starting with measures to close the LLC loophole and revoke pensions from elected officials convicted of corruption.

Please remember that as your representative in the State Assembly, I’m always ready to answer your questions and listen to your concerns. And I look forward to hearing your input regarding the important issues that will come before the Legislature this year. I can be reached by email at StirpeA@assembly.ny.state.us, or by calling my office at 452-1115.