Press Releases

Blankenbush Joins Gov. Cuomo In Announcing $4.5 Million Winter Tourism Marketing Plan

Photo as described in caption
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...

Welcomed Opportunity For Mental Health Care Expansion In Rural Upstate New York

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...

Regional Economic Development Councils Should Consider The Big Impact That Smaller Improvement Projects Could Make

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...

Blankenbush Announces Regional Economic Development Awards For Upstate New York

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...

Blankenbush Calling For Passage Of Welfare Reform To Save State From Losing Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars

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! Re-Register For Your STAR Property Tax Savings

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...

Blankenbush To Hold Holiday Food Drive

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...

Opening Doors To Understanding

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...

Don’t Get Left Out In The Cold: Sign Up For HEAP

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...

Hunting Season Safety Tips For All Of Us

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....

Statement from Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) on the restoration of $90 million to support Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) programs

“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...

Let’s Help Our Stressed Upstate Communities

Communities throughout upstate New York are facing a precarious fiscal balancing act. Municipalities no longer have to worry about simply providing for the needs of their residents, but must contend with hundreds of costly unfunded state mandates that...

Jobs, Skills And Education Must Match Today’s Economy

Recently, I announced that I am joining one of my colleagues across the aisle to promote the ‘21st Century Education Initiative,’ which would create a class of high school diplomas called Career and Technical Education (CTE) Diplomas. Let’s...

Blankenbush, Brindisi Partnering On ‘21st Century Education Initiative’

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is joining Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi in support of the 21st Century Education Initiative, which would create a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma that would bear the same status as a traditional...

Consider Volunteering As A First Responder

In September, our nation observes National Preparedness Month. This is a time for us to think about how we, as a community, can better equip ourselves with home and business emergency plans, municipal and school disaster plans, and assess what resources...

Something Worth Celebrating

Today, I have some exciting news to report. Six of our area schools will be sharing a $2.9 million grant to improve studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). I want to applaud the efforts of our upstate schools to keep our kids current...

You Don’t Leave Until The Job’s Done

Growing up, I was taught to never leave a job until it’s finished. As fellow upstate New Yorkers, I’m sure you were taught the same. The value of working hard until a job is finished is a value I’d like to instill in Albany. Some good things...

In Times Of Struggle, All Of Us Are Here To Help

To my dear friends in Oneida County, keep the faith. You are enduring a very trying and difficult time after the recent flash floods that devastated your communities. While touring parts of the Village of Clinton and other towns within Oneida County,...

Blankenbush Applauds Bipartisan Effort To Help With Flood Recovery In The Mohawk Valley

“I stand with Gov. Cuomo and my Senate and Assembly colleagues in pledging $3 million in individual flood aid to Oneida County residents, small businesses and farmers. While we are grateful for the assistance from FEMA to our municipalities, we know...

Cautious Optimism About Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is obviously the “in” thing these days, offering not only a protein-packed food to New Yorkers and Americans, but also providing an incredible boost in demand for New York’s milk. Within the last five years, yogurt production in New...