Press Releases

North Country and Mohawk Valley Set to Reopen

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...

North Country Deserves More Seats at the Table

“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...

Blankenbush: Consider Upstate New York When Reopening New York

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...

Our Struggling Farms Need Assistance Too

“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...

What Happened to Serving the People Of New York?

“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...

Blankenbush: Continuing To Serve You

“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. ...

Lives Are At Risk, Stop Playing Games Governor

“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....

Blankenbush Rallies With Highway Workers

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) pictured with local town and county highway officials at a rally in Albany calling for increased funding for CHIPS program.
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...

Honoring The 10th Mountain Division

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) pictured with General Mennes and Assemblyman Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown) in celebration of Fort Drum Day in Albany on February 26, 2020.
“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...

Blankenbush: Stop Playing Games With Our Veterans

“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...

Blankenbush: Green Light Law Needs To Be Changed Now

“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...

Blankenbush Criticizes Inaction On Bail Reform

“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...

Blankenbush Condemns Green Light Law

“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. ...

Blankenbush Attends Rally Against Bail Reform

“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...

Blankenbush, Walczyk, Local Officials Call For Complete Repeal Of “Victims Abuse Act”

Assemblymembers Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown) were joined by county sheriffs, district attorneys and victim advocates calling for a full repeal of the “Victims Abuse Act of 2019” at a press conference...

Blankenbush Calls For Repeal Of Bail Reform Bill

“I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues and law enforcement officials to call for the repeal of the dangerous bail reform legislation that took effect Jan. 1, 2020. We have seen countless stories of victims impacted by the implementation of...

Blankenbush Responds To State of The State Address

Editor’s note: Click Here https://youtu.be/3LtlSMfRl9A to view Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush’s interview. “Once again, the governor has left our hardworking middle-class families behind. The majority needs to stop nickel-and-diming our everyday...

Blankenbush: Fighting To Repeal Bail Reform Laws

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is fighting back against radical bail reforms passed by the Assembly Majority. The bail reform laws eliminate cash bail and pretrial detention for nearly all misdemeanors and many felonies (A.2009-C). ...

Blankenbush Announces Mobile Office Hours in Lowville

Next Wednesday, the office of Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding mobile office hours in Lowville. He’s eager to hear from the people of the 117th District, and he wants to find out more about what they’re looking...

Blankenbush Promotes New York State Professional Land Surveyors Campaign to Encourage Kids to Explore Surveying

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today announced his support for the “Get Kids into Survey” initiative led by the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS). Land surveying is one of our country's oldest...