Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) attended Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address today. Blankenbush said he is eager to work on issues such as closing the projected $1 billion budget deficit by lowering spending, but he noted that some key policies important to the North Country have been omitted, like aggressive unfunded mandate relief that would lower property taxes, regulatory reform to improve the economic climate and addressing New York’s growing debt problem.

“I’m proud to have helped steer New York on a path toward fiscal responsibility, and while many good things have occurred in the past few years, there is much more to do to help families and stimulate the economy,” said Blankenbush. “We must make a commitment to New York taxpayers and pass meaningful unfunded mandate relief, sweeping regulatory reform to unleash our economic potential and reduce the growth of state debt.”

New York remains one of the costliest states in which to live. Property taxes have been inflated by unfunded mandates. Blankenbush supported the two percent property tax cap, but believes scaling back unfunded mandates will lower property taxes for good. Struggling families are faced with a weakened economy that could be improved by removing the thousands of costly and time-consuming regulations placed on our small-business community.

Another issue facing New Yorkers is the ever-increasing state debt. New York has the second-highest debt level at $63.3 billion, or roughly $3,253 per resident. A great portion of our debt and borrowing is generated in the state agencies, which Blankenbush says should be audited and reformed.

Blankenbush, who is the Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Agriculture Committee, also said he is eager to work with Gov. Cuomo to continue to strengthen family farms throughout the North Country and New York State.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in my region and it deserves our support,” said Blankenbush. “I am committed to protecting New York’s family farmers during the 2013 Legislative Session and budget negotiations.”