As summer kicks into full gear, people are brought together by events such as block parties, concerts and county fairs to enjoy the nice weather and each other’s company. These events not only strengthen our communities, they also are a great benefit...

I am pleased to announce that almost $26 million will be put into repairing 194.1 lane miles of state roads across Northern New York, with construction beginning this summer or approaching fall. The money will come from the Department of Transportation’s...

Whether it’s to brush your teeth, prepare a meal or drink a cold beverage on a hot summer day, everyone deserves access to clean water. It may amaze many to learn that not everyone can just turn on a sink to a clear stream. It should be a government’s...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will hold mobile office hours on Wednesday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lowville Town Office; Tuesday, July 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Camden Village Office; and Thursday, July 27 from 2 to 4 p.m....

Last week, my colleagues and I completed the annual marathon that is the end of session. We worked late into the evenings, passed the “few” bills that remained, said our goodbyes, and headed home for the rest of the year, or so we thought. On Monday,...

Although this year’s legislative session is drawing to a close, I am still hard at work fighting for our community and local interests. I feel it is only appropriate that during National Dairy Month, I announce my co-sponsorship of a bill which will...

As the number of days left in this year’s legislative session grows smaller, the issue of procurement reform still looms large. If the Legislature is to earn back the trust of its constituents, there must be changes made in how the state handles the...

Today, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) expressed support for his Assembly Minority colleagues and their ethics package to address growing concerns over the misappropriation of taxpayer funds in the state’s economic development projects....

Each year winter storms plague New York State with devastating snow and ice. The frigid conditions make it difficult to go outdoors and at times the snow makes travel nearly impossible. Despite the awful weather conditions, towns are continually required...

As the waters of Lake Ontario continue to rise, the south shore and its residents face the consequences of Mother Nature. It is paramount that our state government does everything within its power to assist the residents of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence...

The staff of Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will hold mobile office hours on Tuesday, June 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Camden Village Office; Wednesday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lowville Town Office; Thursday, June 8 from 2 to...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is encouraging municipalities that have sustained damage from the rising water levels of Lake Ontario to apply for disaster relief funds. Yesterday, the governor announced $10 million in new targeted...

Last week, I wrote about legislation that I cosponsor which would require annual reports to be delivered to the state by businesses using START-UP NY benefits. With the news that has emerged this week regarding the comptroller and Empire State Development...

Last year, New York State and its economic dealings came under intense scrutiny. In September, nine individuals were arrested following investigations of SUNY Polytechnic and the state’s Buffalo Billion plan. These scandals came in the same year that...

When one thinks of our military, they usually think about the service and protection these individuals provide to our country both foreign and domestic. They think about wars in faraway lands and in the worst cases, conflicts that occur close to home....

Yesterday, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined his colleagues in welcoming the servicemen and women who are stationed at Fort Drum to Albany. Each year, Albany hosts a “Fort Drum Day,” when service members demonstrate the importance...

While in Albany, the health and well-being of our agriculture industry continues to be at the forefront of my mind. With the unpredictable and ever-changing economic landscape that is present in New York State, it is important that we put in place programs...

Earlier today, the New York State Senate motioned to take up Senate bill 3984, which is focused on increasing the oversight and transparency of state contracts and projects. In the wake of the Buffalo Billion indictments and the controversy surrounding...

In the wake of this year’s chaotic budget negotiations, Gov. Cuomo has declared his work complete and his job done. His recent comments about there “not being much to do in Albany” are unsettling. It seems he is continuing to forget the stagnant...

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I,Ref-Newport) tonight held a rally at the Gouverneur VFW in support of his bill (A.6140/S.879-C) that would work to significantly repeal the SAFE Act in upstate New York and Long Island. He was joined by fellow bill sponsor...