“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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...