Upstate New York is an exceptional place to live. But there is no question that we face unique challenges when it comes to things like economic development. We also have interests and experience not easily found in other parts of the state. Because of that we bring a different and critically important perspective to state government.

That is why I was pleased this session to join with four other Upstate Senators to form the first ever Senate Democratic Upstate Caucus. Joining me in founding the caucus are State Senators William T. Stachowski (D-Buffalo), Neil D. Breslin (D-Albany), Antoine M. Thompson (D-Erie/Niagara Counties), and Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent). These members from the North Country, the Capital Region, Western and Central New York plan to work together in the months and years ahead on ways to help families live, work and thrive in Upstate New York State.

The five of us have worked together for some time, discussing issues like the need for property tax relief and economic development. But we recently decided that a more concerted effort could be greatly beneficial to our constituents and to all of Upstate New York.

As a Caucus, we have already begun regular meetings to discuss the attributes and obstacles our districts share in common, and to develop a policy agenda that will address issues important to the cities, suburban areas and rural communities across the Upstate. To begin with, we identified a few of the issue areas on which we plan to focus, in addition to property taxes and economic development. And caucus members are already at work publicly advocating for proposals that can finally return prosperity to the Upstate region.

This caucus will also work to represent the interests of groups and constituents specific to Upstate New York, including sportsmen and the agriculture industry. This is where the Upstate Caucus can play a critical role in the leadership of our state, sharing the Upstate perspective with lawmakers and leaders from other parts of the state.

From revitalizing Upstate urban cores to representing rural interests, like farmers and hunters, this new caucus will use our growing numbers to make certain the Upstate voice is heard in the Capitol. In doing so, I believe this coalition will be a great benefit to our constituents and to our state.