At the end of every legislative cycle, many advocacy groups assess elected officials based on their votes in the Assembly and Senate. Recently, Unshackle Upstate, a pro-taxpayer and job-growth organization, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released their legislative report cards.

I am happy to report that I passed with flying colors. I received a 95 percent from Unshackle Upstate and a 91 percent from NFIB.

I thought I was at the age where I wouldn’t have to face another report card, but I am glad we have these tools to help legislators gauge whether or not they are doing the right thing for taxpayers and small-business owners. It’s also important for voters to know where their legislators stand.

When I was elected to office, I had a goal in mind – to make Albany more responsive to upstate needs and the changing nature of our economy. State government’s interference in our lives just wasn’t cutting it.

I have voted for measures that support our upstate communities and create more flexibility. For example, I voted to reduce middle-class income taxes to their lowest rate in over 60 years. I have supported investment in our economy, especially in our agricultural industry, and I also have been fighting against the regulatory burdens that negatively affect individuals, job creators and municipalities.

It is clear that there is still more work to be done. I am committed to cutting bureaucratic red tape and removing unfunded mandates so our communities can thrive and grow.

While I am encouraged by the feedback from Unshackle Upstate and the NFIB, the most important feedback comes from you. I always welcome your ideas and comments; please share them with me by calling 493-3909 or emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.