Last week, I shared with you the conversations I had with residents of the Villas of Sherman Brook, an independent living retirement community in Clinton. They spoke with me about their hopes for their children and grandchildren to live prosperous lives in our beautiful state, but they also shared deep concerns about whether or not these dreams can be met in New York.

New York, I am sad to say, despite all its wonderful residents and entrepreneurs, is struggling. People and jobs are fleeing the state en masse. Since 2010, over 400,000 New Yorkers have left this state.

In poll after poll, study after study, New York continues to be ranked as the most expensive state in which to live and start a business. New York’s policies do more to shut businesses’ doors than to open them. Whether it is CNBC or the American Legislative Exchange Council, the story is the same – New York is no longer the beacon of hope it once was.

Now, the governor and his slick ad campaigns would like to paint a different picture. He’d like you to believe the regional tax-free shelters for new or re-locating businesses are going to boost the overall state economy. But what about all the other mom-and-pop shops, family farms and small manufacturers that have stayed here during the toughest times and kept New Yorkers employed – what do they get?

I think many of us want to provide a better future for the next generation – one that is full of opportunity and prosperity. And while this dream is met with great challenges, New Yorkers have never been the kind to shy away from adversity. With hard work and the right mindset, we can turn this state around.

As your representative in the New York State Assembly, I have been diligent in advocating for the changes that will make our state more affordable and more business-friendly. I sponsor legislation that lifts job-killing regulations, removes the unfunded mandates that cause property taxes to rise, and relieves the burden of New York’s high taxes.

I know that these challenges may seem daunting, but I remain hopeful and will work in a bi-partisan manner to see these reforms come to fruition. I welcome your thoughts on how we can make New York a stronger and more prosperous state. Please share them by calling me at 493-3909 or by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.