A recent report from Comptroller DiNapoli indicates that the state’s economy has improved, but the prosperity isn’t evenly distributed. Much of the recent growth has been concentrated in New York City, while upstate continues to see slow growth. In our region, the Mohawk Valley and the North Country, the report showed a loss of jobs.

So many of us are working together to turn the tide and spur growth in our communities. We are, however, facing big challenges – including an investment disparity between upstate and downstate and policies like the 49,000 pages of state regulations that stop job growth before it can ever take foot.

The slow recovery shows in many of our traditional industries: manufacturing, which has seen a five percent decline; agriculture; and even our Main Street small businesses. Taxes and regulations have led to the shuttering of mom-and-pop shops, out-of-state relocation of factories, and farmland going unused because individuals can’t afford to go into farming. It’s just plain difficult for job creators; and until the state balances the needs of all its residents, it will stay that way.

Overwhelmingly, investment in capital infrastructure and other areas has been focused downstate, while upstate is struggling to keep its bridges and roadways open and make other improvements to attract economic development. Upstate New York residents, already struggling, have paid more than their fair share of taxes only to see them squandered elsewhere.

Adding insult to injury, the state continues to pit struggling regions against each other for needed economic development money. I find it troubling that the governor would rather implement a Hunger Games-style economic development competition, where seven regions will compete to be one of three recipients of a shared $1.5 billion pot of investment, than invest in each region of the state he is supposed to run. This needs to stop. The state has no business picking economic winners and losers.

A more sound and sustainable plan would be to fairly balance the amount of investment between state regions and to adopt business- and job-friendly policies. I have long supported measures that would cut government red tape and reduce taxes and fees. I have worked to build my relationship with my colleagues across the aisle, and I will continue discussing the matter of economic growth in our region.

I welcome your input on this or any other legislative issue. Please share your ideas with me by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 493-3909.