“In my district, we need real change. What we’re hearing from the governor is more of the same- new spending, new handouts and new progressive programs that might work for New York City but don’t work for middle-class people here. “In...

“While things might be going well in New York City, too many families Upstate are living paycheck to paycheck. Too many dairy farms have closed, too many small businesses have shut their doors and too many people have moved to states with better...

Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb recently named Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) as the chairman of the Minority conference’s Steering Committee. Kolb also appointed the veteran lawmaker to two new committee posts. Blankenbush...

“Following a check-up this spring, I recently underwent a routine, preventative vascular procedure. I’m feeling healthy and enjoying a speedy recovery. I’ll be back to work full-time very soon. I want to thank Assemblyman Cliff Crouch for encouraging...

In the coming weeks, the office of Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding mobile office hours in Lowville, Westmoreland, Gouverneur and Camden. He knows how important it is to hear from the people of the 117th District, and he...

“Since Schneiderman resigned, it’s been my position that the people of New York State should choose the next attorney general on Election Day in November. I have every confidence that Barbara Underwood will continue to lead the office effectively...

“Today, I was pleased to vote in favor of legislation to decouple student standardized test performance from teacher evaluations. Sound education policy empowers teachers to treat each student as an individual. Over-emphasizing these exams turns teachers...

The Mohawk Valley Nine, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators representing Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties, held its initial caucus meeting of the year earlier this week. The meeting touched on a wide range of topics, including education,...

“People in the North Country have had enough. So many of our young people are unable to buy first homes or afford a car payment because they’re being crushed by student loans. Our middle-class families and small businesses are dealing with some of...

“Yesterday, Empire State Development CEO Howard Zemsky delivered testimony during a joint budget hearing. He claimed that he ‘couldn’t be more comfortable’ with the oversight of the state’s economic development programs. ...

During the month of February, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding office hours in Lowville and Gouverneur. He knows how important it is to hear from the people of the 117th District, and he wants to hear about their priorities...

“The governor’s continued fixation on Washington was on full display during his budget address today. It isn’t productive. The governor should be focused on balancing our budget. We’re facing a $4 billion deficit. The new spending, new fees and...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding office hours in Westmoreland and Camden this month. He knows how important it is to be accessible and responsive to his constituents, and he wants to hear about their priorities as state...

“The proposals that the governor outlined today are more of the same: more spending, more bureaucracy and no plan to cut taxes for middle-class families and small businesses. We’re facing a ballooning budget deficit estimated to run at least $4 billion....

To hear the administration tell it, the last eight years have seen the state finally find firm financial standing after years of reckless spending and mismanagement. In the governor’s view, these failings have been familial and bipartisan. (Smart money...

“I am pleased to be included in the New York Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends for the eighth consecutive year. Family farmers in the North Country know I share their values and listen intently to their concerns. They know I go to Albany to solve their...

“The governor’s presidential campaign continues. Yesterday, he appeared on NPR to express his opposition to a controversial federal tax provision. His argument shows how out of touch he is with people around here. “Usually, the governor at...

Serving as a firefighter is one of the most dangerous jobs one can imagine. To run into a burning building takes someone with extreme bravery. These individuals are some of the most respected and cherished public servants in any city, town or village,...

This year, I experienced one of the longest and most drawn out ends of session ever. While I understand there needs to be a meeting of the minds and sometimes it is hard to see eye-to-eye, far too much time was spent sitting and waiting in a state of...

Recently, one of the bridges in our area made breaking news. It was revealed that this bridge was no longer safe to use for school buses carrying children to and from school. News like this is both unsettling for our local residents and a logistical nightmare...