Jan 3

Jan 3 Reflections on 2024 By Assemblymember Brian Miller

As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the work we’ve accomplished and share my vision for the year ahead. Serving the people of the 122nd Assembly District is a responsibility I cherish deeply, and I remain committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our community’s needs are front and center in Albany.

This year, I’m proud to say that my colleagues and I achieved several milestones that will help our state and district thrive. One of the most significant victories was preserving the Hold Harmless provision in foundation aid. Initially eliminated in the governor’s executive budget proposal, Hold Harmless was restored thanks to overwhelming support from legislators, educators, and advocates who understand its critical importance. This ensures that schools across New York State receive no less funding than the prior year, giving districts the stability they need to plan for the future.

Additionally, in 2025, we will also be reviewing the recently released report on foundation aid by the Rockefeller Institute of Government. I also look forward to engaging in productive conversations about equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education.

Protecting our children was also a legislative priority this year. We passed bills to safeguard minors from addictive social media algorithms and prevent their data from being collected online. These measures address the real dangers of the digital world and demonstrate the importance of government action in protecting our most vulnerable residents.

In the 122nd Assembly District, I worked to secure tangible benefits for our communities. For example, I sponsored legislation in conjunction with Senator Griffo that allowed the Village of Canastota to hire an additional full-time police officer, strengthening public safety. This year, libraries in our district benefited from record-breaking state library aid. I secured additional aid for our libraries ensuring that these vital resources continue to serve as hubs for learning and community engagement. I was also able to secure funding for critical infrastructure and community projects in the towns of Lenox, Lincoln, and Oneonta, helping to address long-standing needs and improve quality of life. This year, I fought to restore $60 million in state funding for local road repairs, reducing the financial burden on our municipalities. Public safety remained a top priority. Safe communities are the foundation of trust and stability. Issues such as retail theft, have created significant challenges for our law enforcement and threatened the safety of workers and shoppers in our neighborhoods.

Affordability remains the most pressing issue for New Yorkers. With the state facing a projected 2025 budget deficit, it is imperative that we focus on practical, cost-effective solutions that ensure making up the deficit will not be on the back of the taxpayers. I also supported legislation to provide a state tax exemption for pension plans, helping seniors on fixed incomes keep more of their hard-earned money. Additionally, I co-sponsored legislation to reduce property taxes for child care facilities, enabling them to expand their programs and better serve our working families.

Over regulation by the State is another issue that our communities face. As President Ronald Reagan aptly put it: “The Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” This quote highlights the unintended consequences of government overreach, which risks increasing costs for families while stifling innovation and growth in New York.

Energy affordability is another area where our constituents have raised legitimate concerns. While I support environmental stewardship, the aggressive timelines outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) pose significant challenges. Policies that eliminate natural gas appliances threaten to increase costs for middle- and low-income families. Residents deserve flexibility in choosing how they heat their homes and cook their meals. Proposed energy rate increases need to be at the top of the list for discussion in the 2025 Legislative Session, so that we can best help families across New York. I remain committed to advocating for solutions that balance environmental goals with logistic and economic realities.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am eager to continue welcoming new businesses to our district and building on the progress we’ve made in revitalizing our local economy. Thriving businesses are the backbone of our communities, creating jobs and fostering innovation. I am committed to supporting entrepreneurs and providing the resources they need to succeed.

This year also brought moments of celebration and reflection. I was honored to declare March as Pure New York State Maple Month, highlighting the rich tradition of maple production in our state and across the 122nd Assembly District. Maple syrup production is a testament to the diversity and resilience of our agriculture sector. I encourage everyone to support their local maple producers and enjoy the products they create.

As we prepare for the new year, I remain steadfast in my commitment to making New York State a safe place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and communities can prosper. There is still much work to do, but I am optimistic about the future and energized by the opportunities ahead. Here’s to a productive 2025 for all of us in the 122nd Assembly District.

Brian Miller is a New York Assemblymember from the 122nd District

Special thanks to The Genesis Group for facilitating this article. The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites Business and Community Leaders working to advance regional Economic, Social and Cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York. For more information on this type of analytical and analysis and data collection technologies, please visit the Genesis Center for Analytical Analysis website at TheGenesisGroup.org