Labor Day has always been a meaningful and enduring day of commemoration in this region, a region built on and where we have long had a deep-rooted respect for many of the pillars of this nation: agriculture and trades, manufacturing and small business, tourism and hospitality, nature and recreation, education and health care, and the anchors of the modern high-tech economy in research and development and technology.

It is a remarkable local story of working men and women and a great source of pride for us all.

Each year, we do well to remember and honor all the workers in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes who, day after day, year after year, generation after generation, in so many different ways and in so many different walks of life, build, nurture, educate, grow, produce, protect, serve, and strengthen our communities.

We are grateful for your commitment, perseverance and outstanding performance.

In 1887, New York was one of the first four states to establish Labor Day as a holiday.

In its overview, the U.S. Department of Labor formulates the historical significance of Labor Day as follows: “The vitality of labor has contributed greatly to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us nearer the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. Therefore, it is fitting that on Labor Day the nation should pay tribute to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom and leadership – the American worker.”

That toll is especially true this year, at a time that has placed, and continues to place, tremendous burdens on workers in so many sectors, but during which American workers have kept us going here and across our country.

For me as a legislator, this means that government faces a special challenge and responsibility to help our workers and our local economy rebuild and recover. I know I share this sense of responsibility with so many men and women I work with in government at every level to pursue shared goals for the future of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.

This work of recovery and reconstruction is currently underway in many places and in many ways. I look forward to seeing it through. The road back will be challenging, to say the least. But I firmly believe that together we will get through it and find solid ground again.

Without question, this path back requires that New York State government refocus and commit to economic growth, job creation, and responsible fiscal management – ​​in short, opening the doors to a better future for workers.

That commitment and focus has been lost in New York over the past few years—and remains at risk. Yet this Labor Day, the vow continues to be made to continue working to ensure that those goals find their place again in this administration in the months and years to come.

I wish you all the best.