There is some good news coming our way. Due to legal settlements with certain banks and insurance companies, New York will have a $4.2 billion surplus this year. The important question is “how should the government use it?”

New York, while on much stronger financial footing than when I first took office, still has some challenges ahead. We’ve done a lot to ensure passage of on-time and balanced budgets. However, there are still many areas of our state that need help.

I look at our region, at the small towns and villages that dot the countryside of the North Country and the Mohawk Valley, and see that our communities need and deserve investment. We’re of an independent ilk, but that doesn’t mean New York state shouldn’t consider our needs.

In the 2011-12 Enacted Budget, school funding was cut to close a looming gap with a scheme called the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), but the funds have yet to be fully restored. Now some schools, mainly the wealthier districts, can weather some of Albany’s worst education cuts. Here in our small and rural communities, however, they pose a significant problem for our schools and our kids. If New York is coming into a $4.2 billion windfall, a portion of that must be returned to our schools.

When I tour my assembly district, I meet with many of our local officials, and among their chief concerns is the condition of local roads and bridges. These governments do their best to maintain our roadways, but with increased costs and a harsh upstate winter, it is difficult and presents a burden to taxpayers. I strongly urge the governor and legislature to use some of that $4.2 billion to help invest in our upstate communities.

New York must plan ahead and make this $4.2 billion work hard for the greater needs of New Yorkers. We must plan carefully so it isn’t squandered on frivolous, needless spending. I will work to ensure that your interests are well represented as we discuss how this money should be spent.

How do you think this money should be spent? Share your ideas with me by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling me at 493-3909.