When I work with my legislative colleagues on the budget, I remind them that we are working on behalf of real people facing real challenges. This is sometimes forgotten by those who think it is easy to dismiss the needs of people who live hours away. Our needs upstate aren’t insignificant, and they deserve serious consideration.

We live here. We see how hard our small-business owners and family farmers work; they know there’s a job to be done. We know many of our neighbors work hard for their families. We see how creatively our educators and school administrators work as they face the challenges of Common Core and under-funding from the state. We understand that our local municipalities try to ensure we have great services and safe roads, despite the pressure of unfunded mandates and a lack of support from the state.

I think we are hardy people in upstate New York, but at some point, something has to give, and the state must listen to our concerns. Downstate politicians need to hear that small businesses and farms are struggling due to the high cost of doing business here. They need to know that the jobs needed to support families are harder to come by upstate. They need to understand that the way New York has funded schools discriminates against upstate rural districts and is hurting our kids. They also need to understand that our municipalities are struggling, and our communities aren’t getting the help they need.

I have been discussing my concerns with my colleagues. I’ve had a conversation with the governor about his funding proposal for our agricultural programs and how vital they are to our economy. I told him that his cut of more than $8 million is too much to bear. I have told my legislative colleagues that there are over 30 local bridges closed in my district, and this puts lives at risk. I have been championing the need to fully restore funds to our schools and increase school aid. I have pushed for more tax relief for middle-class families and measures to spark job growth. I have been fighting for you.

The dollar figures and policies laid out in the budget have a major impact on the lives of New Yorkers. I want my colleagues to understand that our actions in Albany impact communities and lives throughout the state. Upstate New Yorkers must be recognized and respected by downstate politicians. We are real people who need tax relief, economic growth, and support to create a better future for our families, farms and small businesses.