Scott Comegys for New York State Senate District 54

Home ownership has become out of reach for many New Yorkers. Rising utility costs are crippling residents in our rural communities. And those on fixed incomes, like senior citizens and disabled veterans, are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. State government needs to protect its citizens' quality of life

Health care facilities are not easily accessible for many rural New Yorkers. At the same time, hospitals in these areas are increasingly in danger of shutting down. People in rural New York have the same right to health care as those in urban areas. Every New Yorker deserves access to good-quality, affordable healthcare, regardless of where they live or their income level.

We've lost thousands of jobs as higher taxes have forced manufacturers to leave the state. There are limited opportunities for training in apprenticeship programs in fields like construction. We've been sitting by watching our main streets become ghost towns. New York must work with local communities to become more attractive to business and to revive our commercial districts.

Rural New York continues getting shortchanged on resources from Albany. It's time we had a representative in the room when important decisions are being made who will make our voices heard within the majority party of state government so we are not left behind.