Upstate New York is facing serious struggles. Report after report during the summer showed that there were jobs lost upstate and taxpayers have been abandoning the state in droves.

For so many years, the state has poured so much investment and attention into New York City that the majority of rural upstate is being ignored. It is not enough for state government to exclusively support New York City. We must meet the needs of people here in the North Country and the Mohawk Valley.

Data from the IRS indicated that New York lost 114,929 residents to other states in 2013. There is a mass exodus of taxpayers, job creators and innovators seeking more affordable states with better opportunities for new businesses and jobs. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reported that job growth over the last few years was mostly generated in New York City. Billions are being spent on infrastructure like the Tappan Zee Bridge and the rebuilding of LaGuardia Airport, while the infrastructure issues in upstate New York are often an afterthought.

This state has overtaxed and overburdened its residents. It has put few controls on rampant spending or unfunded mandates that have driven costs up and residents and jobs out.

There are more than eight million upstate residents to worry about. It is clear that we as upstaters must make our needs heard, and we must call on state leaders to serve us first. I always welcome your input. Please email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or call me at 493-3909.