The Division of Budget has yet to disperse $2.9 billion of CARES Act funding received from the federal government to help New York address the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York state received approximately $5.1 billion in Coronavirus Relief Funds...

Today, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) cosigned on to a letter to Gov. Cuomo requesting that the Farm Laborers Wage Board wait in recommending any changes for New York farmers until growing season data can be accurately compiled. The letter...

“The Assembly Minority Conference has tried to rein in the governor’s emergency powers but, unfortunately, the Majority has blocked all our efforts to do so. As our governor likes to tout every press conference he holds, our state has successfully...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined the Assembly Minority Conference in writing a letter to the governor requesting authorization for schools to hold graduation ceremonies for high-school seniors. “Our seniors have faced an unconventional...

“Throughout this pandemic, we have seen the governor take more control over our state than ever before. Without legislative approval, he has issued more than 30 executive orders and has changed over 260 laws. “The Legislature had an opportunity...

“As many of you know, the Mohawk Valley and North Country regions were set to begin Phase 2 today. County executives and business leaders were in contact with state officials with the plan to move to the second phase, but at the 11th hour, the governor...

On May 13, the governor announced that the North Country, the Mohawk Valley and two other regions are ready to reopen on May 15. These regions will be allowed to begin Phase 1 of the reopening process. “The people of New York have displayed true...

“I’m honored that we have Dr. Ty Stone representing the North Country on the New York Forward Re-opening Advisory Board, where she will advise the governor on how to restart our state and regional economy. With her on the board, I know our region...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River), Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski), Sen. Patty Ritchie (R,C,I), Assemblyman Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown) and Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence county Board of Legislators Chairs...

“As our economy continues to feel the dire impacts of the coronavirus, in good conscience, I cannot stand idly by as we watch our agricultural industry plummet. Businesses, restaurants and school districts are some of the biggest buyers of dairy...

“The budget process continues to lack transparency and the ability to serve the struggling families of New York. One-party rule in our state government has led to a budget that favors advancing political agendas over the hardworking, middle-class...

“As we face these turbulent times, I want you all to know I’m still actively serving you. Although my office hours have been modified, I am continuing to actively work with all levels of government as we continue to navigate this process. ...

“As our state is in the middle of a public health crisis, there’s talk that our governor is trying to shove his ridiculous policy ideas, such as legalizing marijuana and banning hydro-fracking, into the state budget,” said Blankenbush....

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined over 700 highway officials and lawmakers to call for $150 million in funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). “The governor needs to look past the...

“Today, we recognize the 10th Mountain Division for their selfless service to our great nation. These brave men and women often give up the comforts of daily life to protect our freedoms overseas,” said Blankenbush. “Fort Drum is the most...

“It’s outrageous that funding for our veterans was even cut in the first place. Our brave men and women have sacrificed so much to serve and protect our freedoms. They have spent months away from their loved ones and put themselves in harm’s...

“The disastrous Green Light Law restricts federal law enforcement agencies, such as ICE and Homeland Security, from having access to the DMV database. By restricting their access to the database, the governor and New York State Majority is creating...

“The Senate Majority and the Assembly Majority has continued to ignore the lives lost by the implementation of bail reform. The lack of action displayed by members across the aisle at the public protection hearing was just appalling. The ten-plus...

“The “Green Light Law” that provides driver licenses for illegal immigrants took effect December 19, 2020. This law also institutes privacy protections designed to protect illegal immigrants from federal law enforcement agencies. ...

“Over 250 members of law enforcement and elected officials attended a rally in Albany today calling for the full repeal of bail reform. How many more innocent lives are we going to put on the line? We cannot continue to be “patient,” as...