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 will serve on the Assembly Committee on Energy and on the influential Ways and Means Committee. All legislation with financial implications, including the component bills of the New York State Enacted Budget, flow through Ways and Means.

Blankenbush will retain his post as the ranking Minority member on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

 “Around this time of year, I’m always looking forward to getting back to work in Albany to fight for my constituents. This year, I’m particularly excited to get to work in a new leadership capacity and to vet legislation on some critically important committees. I want to thank Leader Kolb for his faith in me and for his continued stewardship of our entire Conference,” said Blankenbush.

 “Ken Blankenbush is a hard-working, proven leader for the people of the 117th Assembly District and the Assembly Minority Conference. As we prepare for the start of the 2019 legislative session, I know he will be a valuable member of my leadership team and continue to be a strong voice as the ranking member on the Agriculture Committee,” said Kolb.

As Minority chairman of the Steering Committee, Blankenbush will assume a key role in promoting the conference’s legislative priorities and will lead discussion about new public policy proposals. 

Blankenbush says his committee assignments will provide him with multiple platforms to promote his top priority- affordability.

 “Our small business owners and farmers need access to affordable, reliable energy. All Upstate New Yorkers want a budget that reins in spending and provides tax relief. The work I’m going to do on all of these committees is interconnected, and it’s all about making Northern New York and the Mohawk Valley more affordable for the middle class,” said Blankenbush.