In addition, Republicans enacted the toughest property tax cap in the nation, saving Long Island school property taxpayers $584 million over three years; eliminated the MTA payroll tax for most of the people who paid it; cut 49 taxes; reduced middle-class income tax rates to their lowest levels in 61 years; and cut taxes on businesses to help them create jobs. We passed four consecutive, fiscally responsible, on-time budgets that kept state spending under control and eliminated a massive budget deficit without raising taxes.

None of these things would have happened if not for the leadership of Senate Republicans.

Looking ahead, Republicans have proposed using $3 billion the state will receive from the BNP Paribas bank settlement to accelerate scheduled tax cuts, provide more property tax relief, increase school funding and invest in our infrastructure.

If Senate Democrats were to take back control, with de Blasio and their left-wing, New York City partners, they would reverse the progress we have made. Their record on tax and spending hikes and inflicting economic damage on Long Island would be even worse this time around.

This fall, we have excellent Republican candidates running in two open Senate districts — Nassau County Legislator Michael Venditto, in the district formerly represented by Charles Fuschillo, and Islip Town Supervisor Tom Croci, running in the Suffolk County district currently represented by Lee Zeldin.

These bright, young candidates will join outstanding leaders such as Sen. Jack Martins, and others, to ensure that Senate Republicans continue to lead the State Senate and that the interests of hardworking Long Island taxpayers are protected.

John Flanagan, a Republican from East Northport, has represented the 2nd Senate District since 2003.