The New Year is often a time when we reflect on the past year, offering ourselves a fresh perspective and the opportunity to set goals and make important changes in our lives. I look at the beginning of the new legislative year in a similar way. Now is the time for the legislature and the governor to do the same.

Reflecting upon the last several years, New York has had some positive highlights countered by several missed opportunities. I am pleased that we’ve invested important economic development funds into many regions of the state. I am honored to have fought to secure more dollars for agricultural programs that help family farmers. I also had the privilege of voting for the largest personal income tax reduction for middle-class families. These are some wonderful accomplishments, but more is left on the agenda to make our lives here in New York as affordable and prosperous as possible.

For example, my Minority Assembly Colleagues and I started the conversation in Albany about how to reform Common Core. By listening to you, we were able to develop a set of solutions, which we call the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan.

We must renew our commitment to reforming our state’s educational system so our children have the best opportunities and education possible. Furthermore, I am committed to fighting for a better school aid formula and holding the state accountable for paying back the funds it took from our students in the state budget gap elimination scheme in 2011. Our children deserve their fair share of school aid.

Further opportunity has presented itself in the form of a $3.8 billion windfall created by legal settlements owed to the state. As I have traveled throughout my district, it is easy to see that our roads and bridges are in need of important investments. Much of the state’s transportation infrastructure is in poor condition and has been neglected over the years. Injecting this nearly $4 billion into our roadways, especially in rural New York, would make a huge difference and would serve the people of this state well. Up-to-date infrastructure is critically important to the economy and the people of this state.

Lastly, the legislature needs to take the next big step toward growing more jobs in our state. It doesn’t involve throwing more money at the problem or creating special tax-free zones; all it requires is getting back to basic economics. New York’s overregulated and overtaxed economic climate is choking out any business creation, innovation and opportunities for people to thrive. Righting the wrong created by such an environment would have a positive effect, improving the lives of families and communities.

Albany must not be afraid of change. During this year’s Legislative Session, I will encourage my colleagues to approach these ideas with a boldness that results in action and progress.

I would like to hear from you. What do you think should be the priorities of the state legislature this year? Share your ideas with me by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us, or by calling 493-3909.