Recently, I was invited to join seniors at the Villas of Sherman Brook, an independent living retirement community in Clinton, for a bipartisan government question-and-answer session. I had a wonderful time meeting with residents and answering their questions. I must admit I came in prepared to answer questions about “senior” topics, but we spent most of our time talking about how to make New York a better place for their kids and grandkids.

Certainly, we covered what would be considered “senior” issues like health care, long-term care and EPIC, but the broader issues that impact younger New Yorkers are what they were most interested in. They asked me all sorts of questions pertaining to job growth, community renewal and education reform.

We discussed the importance of sound and safe infrastructure and how it impacts jobs and economic development in the region. Other local officials also were present, and we discussed the collaborative flood recovery efforts we’ve been working on together. Over and over, I heard about how they wanted to keep New York affordable for their kids and grandkids, and I shared what I’ve done to combat rising property taxes in upstate New York.

Everyone that I spoke with at the Villas, for the most part, is accustomed to answering to grandma, pop-pop or any other affectionate name for a grandparent. By and large, their biggest concern was the education of their grandchildren. They have real concerns about Common Core and how it was implemented in our state. They feel, like many of you, that New York’s rollout of Common Core missed the mark, and they are worried about it hurting our kids.

This also was a perfect opportunity for me to speak about the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan, a set of legislative solutions I sponsor that reforms our education system to make it more responsive to students’ needs and prepares teachers to help students through these educational changes.

I wanted to share my experience at the Villas with my readers to let the younger generation know that retirees and seniors truly care about what you are going through. They know it’s tough; and together, we’re advocating on your behalf. I always welcome your ideas and thoughts. Please share them with me by calling 493-3909 or by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.