Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) is disappointed by the Assembly Majority for blocking part of the Achieving Pupil Preparedness and Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan. The APPLE Plan focuses on reforming education. A key component of the plan...

During the month of April, our children are faced with Common Core testing, which should remind each of us of how important it is to reform the education system in New York. Certainly, there are flaws with the implementation of Common Core, and I have...

New York is known for many things, but, unfortunately, we’re not known for being a business-friendly state. In fact, New York was ranked dead last in economic outlook in this year’s “Rich States, Poor States” report from the American Legislative...

The 2015-16 Enacted Budget clearly highlights the lack of collaboration and cooperation that is holding our state back in many areas. The governor presented a budget that showed he had little interest in working with the Legislature or listening to local...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) finished voting on the 2015-16 State Budget noting that the final bills lacked any real substance. Blankenbush supported landmark increases for Agriculture and Market programs, but rejected the budget’s...

“It’s a real shame that the budget presented to the Legislature has failed to help New York families with the cost of living in this state. Residents are taxed on their income and nearly everything else, even on items of necessity. Where is the relief,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is encouraged by ongoing discussions about forming a panel to address New York’s teacher evaluation process. Blankenbush has been an outspoken critic of the governor for using bully tactics that tied his...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on Cornell University President David Skorton to take action regarding statements made by Assistant Dean Joseph Scaffido about terrorist groups like Hamas. Scaffido said he would welcome the terrorist...

“We’re hearing there may be an additional $600 million in expected windfall funds, and I believe that money should be invested in upstate New York. We’ve paid more than our fair share and haven’t seen much in return from the state. We should evenly...

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most significant industries in our state’s economy. There is no doubt that it has a major impact on our economy today. In the last year alone, farming and agribusiness generated nearly $6 billion in sales in New...

“It is great to finally see passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act, which increases penalties for human traffickers. We have an obligation to do all we can to protect people from falling prey to these criminals. Never in history...

When I work with my legislative colleagues on the budget, I remind them that we are working on behalf of real people facing real challenges. This is sometimes forgotten by those who think it is easy to dismiss the needs of people who live hours away....

“After reviewing the Assembly Majority’s budget proposal, there was no way I could support their list of financial priorities, and I cannot imagine why any upstate member would vote for it. Their budget plan continues to shortchange upstate by failing...

“We can’t waiver from what is immediately important in this budget. We need more funding to repair local roads and bridges, a full restoration of and an increase in school aid, and enhanced investment into programs that will work for the upstate economy,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today introduced a proposal that would make the Assembly more open, accountable and transparent to New Yorkers. Blankenbush and the minority conference introduced 17 proposals to end the decades of abuse...

I think it is safe to say we all are sick of winter. Yes, I said it. Truthfully, the spring thaw couldn’t come soon enough. It is nearly maple season – March is maple month. I always look forward to the start of maple season and the fun community...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today joined several dozen highway superintendents at a press conference demanding increased funds for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS). Over the last several months,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today called for a set of 17 Assembly rules changes to help create more transparency and openness in the House. Blankenbush has been calling for many of the reforms since he was first elected to the Assembly. “The...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined his legislative colleagues at a press conference urging the governor to release school aid runs so districts across the state can properly prepare their budgets for the coming fiscal year. Typically,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on the governor to rethink his efforts to strong-arm the legislature into passing an item of controversial policy know as the DREAM Act. The governor is taking an all-or-nothing approach and linking...