Upon first review of the governor’s executive budget proposal, I believe it doesn’t do enough to meet basic obligations and promises made to the public. On the surface, the document doesn’t seem particularly controversial; it even stays within the...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and his Assembly Minority colleagues today unveiled the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan, which is aimed at reforming the implementation of Common Core in New York State....

“As a legislator, I’m more concerned about the details of the governor’s budget, rather than buying into the image he paints during his budget address. As we have seen in the past, there are times he’s on point and others where he misses the mark...

The state budget proposal must be a tool for change here in upstate New York. We have many job creators and community leaders making every effort to spur economic growth and change our communities for the better. It’s through the budget that we can...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is marking the anniversary of the NY SAFE Act by calling for a full repeal of the gun control law. Recently, a court ruling struck down part of the SAFE Act, but Blankenbush wants a full repeal, citing the...

Some of New York’s biggest problems – crippling taxes, a slow upstate economic recovery, and devastated communities – are interconnected and cannot be resolved with the band-aid-type solution that Albany continually resorts to. Upstate New Yorkers...

“It is time for our government to support and unleash upstate New York’s potential. There are many wonderful attributes in the North Country and Mohawk Valley that need to be harnessed to spur our economic recovery. We have great potential for agri-business,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be closing his district office today, January 8 due to a snow emergency in the Village of West Carthage. Constituents may call Blankenbush’s Albany office at (518) 455-5797. Blankenbush encourages...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today announced that he was reappointed as ranking minority member on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. Blankenbush has held the position since taking office, which allows him to advocate for the small...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined Gov. Cuomo at the Ridgeview Inn in Lowville today in announcing a $4.5 million marketing plan to boost winter tourism. With the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) emphasizing...

I am pleased to announce a deal that will help save St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center’s inpatient services, while expanding and establishing critical day service for those with mental health issues and their families. This deal will save the facility...

Recently, the North Country and the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Councils were awarded $164 million. Both councils earned Top Performer designations for their efforts to effectively invest in our region’s economy. I am pleased to...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is pleased to announce that today the North Country and Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Councils were named Top Performers at the Regional Economic Development Awards in Albany. Blankenbush announced...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on his legislative colleagues to pass the Public Assistance Integrity Act (A. 2386). The bill, which Blankenbush sponsors, would prohibit cash from public assistance programs being spent or obtained...

The holiday countdown has begun. There always seems to be so much to do in a small amount of time. During this busy season, I’d like to remind homeowners to re-register for Basic STAR property tax savings. The deadline to register with the State Department...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding a holiday food drive in his district from now until December 20. Non-perishable food items will be collected at his district office and will be donated to local food pantries. “Hunger...

I realize that I sometimes come down hard on our New York City legislators, especially when they push policy that will hurt upstate. That’s my job. It’s also my job to build relationships with those who work across the aisle so I can deliver for my...

Winter is on its way, bringing costly heating and home energy bills to upstate New Yorkers. Don’t get left out in the cold if you are struggling to pay for home heat – you may be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Based on your...

Fall is upon us, and with it brings one of the most anticipated times of the year for many of my constituents here upstate – hunting season. I think it is appropriate to recognize the many contributions that hunters make to New York’s environment....

“Earlier this year, the Assembly Majority tried to cut funding for programs that serve those with developmental disabilities. My colleagues and I fought to restore the $90 million they were trying to cut. I am pleased to hear that the governor has signed...