Ask any small-business owner, farmer or, better yet, ask a parent – they all know “there is always more work that can be done.” Even after the best days, there’s always room for growth and improvement.

Our legislative session is no different. I’m pleased with all we’ve accomplished so far for Upstate New Yorkers. In the last few years, we’ve lowered middle-class income tax rates to their lowest point in over 60 years. We’ve successfully warded off the governor’s cuts to agricultural funding and, in fact, invested more in programs that directly benefit the North Country and the Mohawk Valley.

My Assembly Minority colleagues and I have persuaded our legislative colleagues to increase funding in the CHIPs local road funds to improve and repair our crumbling infrastructure. Not only that, we’ve secured more funding to repair the potholes left in the wake of this past devastating winter.

When it comes to our kids, we’ve increased funding to our schools and made meaningful steps toward restoring the massive cuts they received in 2011. Countless parents and educators reached out to me about Common Core, and I eagerly held a local forum to listen to your concerns and receive your input on how to improve our children’s education. From your insights, I helped craft the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan. The APPLE Plan outlined a set of legislative solutions to reform Common Core, improve our kids’ education and support teachers. I am glad to say we’ve seen parts of it pass the Legislature.

Like I said, even on your best days, there is always more work ahead. Although session is coming to a close, I am using these final days to advocate for more improvements to our state. I am fighting for relief from the crushing burden of unfunded mandates, and bureaucratic red tape and regulations. I am steadfast in advocating for the passage of all nine points of women’s equality legislation and getting partisan politics out of the way so we can pass these important bills.

I am continuing to urge fellow lawmakers to pass sensible legislation like the UTV bill that would help spur more tourism and job creation in our community. I am also fighting for further support for our bridges. With over 60 percent of them in fair or poor condition, we must step up and help repair these important structures.

There is always work to be done, and I eagerly look forward to each day serving you and fighting for the needs of our region. I welcome your ideas. Please share them with me by calling 315-493-3909 or emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.