Earlier this month, the New York State Legislature hosted the state’s annual “Dairy Day” event. All of the people and organizations who came to the event reminded me of the terrific farmers’ markets in our district. Summer is the perfect time to travel to our various markets, buy some fresh produce, meet with local businesses and speak with the people of the 117th Assembly District. Dairy Day was also a reminder of how important it is to shop local and support our state’s agriculture industry. This past session, our farmers came under a lot of heat and had their livelihoods threatened on multiple occasions. From the minimum-wage increase, to outright attacks on the character of our farmers, the governor and Assembly Majority came after one of the hardest working and honest groups of individuals living in this state. It wasn’t always easy fighting the overwhelming numbers of the Assembly Majority, but just because there are more of them doesn’t mean they are right. Standing up for the farmers and agriculture workers in our North Country and Mohawk Valley, fighting for investment in our future generations of farming and ensuring we get our fair share of funding is something I look forward to week-in and week-out. For those interested in joining me and traveling to a few of the wonderful farmers’ markets across our district, they are listed below: Carthage
Friday: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Farmers’ Market Pavilion on Riverside Drive Clinton
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Village Green, West Park Row Gouverneur
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Village Park, Church Street Lowville
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Lewis County Fairgrounds Lyons Falls
Tuesday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. @ Riverside Park Watertown
Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Dulles State Office Building plaza I welcome your thoughts or questions on this and any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.