“It is time for our government to support and unleash upstate New York’s potential. There are many wonderful attributes in the North Country and Mohawk Valley that need to be harnessed to spur our economic recovery. We have great potential for agri-business, tourism and manufacturing in our area of the state. These industries, in addition to vibrant Main Street small businesses, can not only help our economy recover, but also create a stronger and more resilient one.

“Upstate New Yorkers have borne the brunt of excessive and crippling taxes. Enacting meaningful tax relief for middle-class families and job creators is critical to keeping our state strong. I support many of the reforms proposed by the Tax Reform Commission and the governor, but I feel we must do more to give our middle-class families and seniors the help they need.

“For upstate New York to attract and keep job creators, our small communities will need the state to help them repair crumbled roads, bridges and sewers, and build broadband infrastructure. These costly items have become too difficult to keep up with. New York State can and must help.

“Finally, we need to pass unfunded state mandate relief so that our municipalities can lower property taxes, invest in their economy and communities. When we invest in what works for upstate and couple it with tax and unfunded mandate relief, we can truly unleash upstate’s potential. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to achieve great things for our region.”