Press Releases

Blankenbush: Women Before Politics

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on the Assembly Majority leadership to put aside partisan politics and allow important women’s equality bills to come to the floor for an up-or-down vote. Over the past two weeks, the Senate...

Collaboration Needed For End Of Session

There is little time left in the legislative session and much work left undone. I have been advocating for legislation that would help families by addressing issues that matter most to them. These bills would reform our education system, reduce taxes,...

Celebrating Dairy Month

For 77 years, our nation has celebrated the dairy industry during the month of June. As an upstate resident, you can drive in any direction and are sure to pass by a dairy farm. We understand and know the importance of the dairy farmers and manufacturers...

There’s Always More Work To Be Done

Ask any small-business owner, farmer or, better yet, ask a parent – they all know “there is always more work that can be done.” Even after the best days, there’s always room for growth and improvement. Our legislative session is no different....

Route 26 Tour: Upstate New York Is Ready

Touring my Assembly District along State Route 26 has been such a pleasure. Our communities are full of amazing people with great ideas, knowledge and enthusiasm for Upstate New York. The people of this district are resourceful and passionate; they...

“Get Your Kicks On Route 26”

Local Roads Should Be A Local Matter

My assembly district is a beautiful part of New York State comprised of several small communities, rural areas and thousands of acres of working forests in the Tug Hill region. The network of roads is a real challenge for our highway superintendents,...

Consider How You Can Help Save A Life

My meetings with constituents throughout the month of April had a prevailing theme: they were all about the volunteers, professionals and donors involved in saving lives. We are so fortunate to be here in America, and more specifically, in upstate New...

A Question Of Freedom: How Unfunded Mandates Are Hurting Upstate New York

Our upstate communities and citizens are struggling due to Albany’s unfunded state mandates. Unfunded mandates are the numerous policies and programs that Albany forces our communities to implement and pay for, regardless of need or want. The New...

What Can Be Done About High Energy Bills?

Many families were hit by high home energy bills this winter, and whatever the reason behind it, it hurts our wallets. Many of you have called my office concerned about this recent price spike, and I share your concerns. I am joining Sen. Griffo to call...

Blankenbush Blasts Majority For Blocking SAFE Act Repealer Bills

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), today blasted the Assembly Majority who recently blocked three of the assemblyman’s bills to repeal Gov. Cuomo’s so-called...

Ag Wins Big In State Budget

It is exciting to see that agriculture is getting the respect, attention and funding it deserves. As your representative and ranking minority member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, I have been working diligently to raise the issues and concerns...

Blankenbush Votes To Support Education, Boost Agricultural Funding

“When voting on the budget, I kept the needs of my constituents in mind. I voted to save and support many programs that improve education and the economy, and opposed measures that abuse public dollars. “Education, which impacts nearly every New...

Blankenbush Approves $532 Million In Tax Relief In State Budget

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) voted today to pass $532 million in tax relief for New Yorkers in the 2014-15 Budget. The bill outlined multiple tax relief measures impacting manufacturing; tax relief to help family-owned businesses and...

Celebrating Maple Production And Supporting A Growing Industry

This weekend, I will be joining Shawn Massey at Massey Ranch in Watertown and Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School’s Future Farmers of America in Oneida County to help tap the first trees of the season. For me, the annual ritual of maple tree tapping ushers...

Blankenbush To Albany: Put Children Before Politics

No caption provided
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is launching Children Before Politics, a website that would enable state residents to speak up about education in New York. Blankenbush and his colleagues hope the petition on the website will allow the...

Updating ATV Rules Would Boost Upstate Economy

I was pleased to see that the Senate included a provision in its one-house budget to legalize registration of larger-sized ATVs. It is my hope that the Assembly will soon follow suit. The outdated size and weight limits and the inability for New Yorkers...

Blankenbush Speaks At ReCharge NY Event

Photo as described in caption
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) recently spoke at an event held at Harden Furniture, a company that has reaped the benefits of the ReCharge NY program. ReCharge NY, a program which Blankenbush helped to enact, provides low-cost energy...

Blankenbush Meets With Gen. Howard On Ft. Drum Day In Albany

Photo as described in caption
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today met with officials from Ft. Drum and state legislators to discuss how the state can better assist the Army base. Ft. Drum is one of the largest employers of both military and civilian staff in upstate...

Statement from Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) on Library Funding

“Our libraries play an important role in supporting the education of our youth, and enriching our adults and communities. I want to be sure they are properly funded. The Assembly Majority, who are proposing cuts to our libraries, need to compromise...