Touring my Assembly District along State Route 26 has been such a pleasure. Our communities are full of amazing people with great ideas, knowledge and enthusiasm for Upstate New York.

The people of this district are resourceful and passionate; they are creative problem solvers, community leaders and business owners. Everyone I met shared what they’re doing to improve their communities. They also made it clear that New York has to start removing and reforming the burdensome policies that are holding our upstate communities back.

Mohawk Valley and North Country folks are independent people. But we’re being hindered by bureaucratic red tape, expensive unfunded mandates and high taxes. I’ve consistently fought to protect taxpayers, provide relief to our municipalities and unburden our job creators from overregulation. I currently sponsor several bills addressing these matters, and am always looking to produce legislation that truly helps our upstate families and businesses.

We’ve made some progress in the last few years, particularly by reducing the income tax rate for middle-class families, but our work isn’t done. We can no longer afford for New York to be the most expensive, least competitive, least free and least hopeful state in the union.

I am thankful to each person who shared their ideas and concerns with me on the Route 26 Tour. I know how ready and eager we are to unleash the potential of the abundant talent and resources in our region. To do that, Albany must step up and get rid of the policies holding us back.

Did you miss one of my breakfast or lunch meetings on the Route 26 Tour? Don’t worry, I am always available. Share your ideas and thoughts with me by calling my office at 493-3909 or by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.