“Families across upstate New York are struggling in this tough economy, and we need to make sure that our state budget addresses their needs. I am pleased to see that Gov. Cuomo’s 2013-14 budget proposal would close the $1.3 billion deficit without...

“Undoubtedly, all of us are searching for understanding in the aftermath of the heartbreaking tragedies in Newtown, Connecticut and Webster, New York, and we are looking for ways to offer security for our families and loved ones in a seemingly disconnected...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) attended Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Address today. Blankenbush said he is eager to work on issues such as closing the projected $1 billion budget deficit by lowering spending, but he noted...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) spoke out against the proposed 45 percent toll increase on trucks with three or more axles at a recent public hearing before the Thruway Authority Board in Syracuse. Blankenbush emphasized that the increase...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) is pleased to announce that the second round of ReCharge NY contract agreements has been awarded. The assemblyman, who helped enact the program during his first year in office, said it will offer low-cost...

“When I first arrived in Albany, it was an entirely different place – rife with dysfunction, gridlock and wastefulness. Now, New York’s government is heading down a much better path and more able to serve its many hardworking families. “We...

“Bullying doesn’t just stay in the schoolyard, it’s ever pervasive now with social media and available technology, and our children get little reprieve from constant harassment. That’s why New York’s laws need to be current and officially recognize...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) today outlined his priorities for the remainder of the legislative session now that the budget has been passed and signed into law. The assemblyman noted that many important steps were taken in the budget,...

“Today, we’ve passed the first early budget in nearly 30 years, while keeping spending low and enacting some important reforms. I am pleased by how open and transparent the process has been for legislators and the public. Most importantly, during...

In response to talk of newfound revenues and a potential surplus in state tax collections, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) is calling for any extra state revenues to be dedicated to restoring school aid to upstate rural, low-wealth school...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) stood up for St. Lawrence County residents in opposition of the redistricting lines that were drawn for state Assembly and Senate seats. The assemblyman said that residents and local officials raised serious...

“Albany politicians are clearly favoring New York City special interests over our hardworking Upstate families. Their budget lacks basic reforms such as a spending cap, government consolidation and pension reform. “Their ‘plan’ spends our tax...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) has announced that Brian Peck will join his Assembly office as Chief of Staff. Peck has been employed as Operations Director for State Senator Patty Ritchie. “Brian’s knowledge of agriculture, business...

“Today begins the countdown to April 1, the day the state budget is due; but, as they did last year, state leaders and the Legislature have the tools to work together to pass a responsible, on-time budget. I’ll inspect Governor Cuomo’s proposed...

When I first joined the Assembly, I had many assumptions about Albany politics – that it is beholden to special interests, mired in political gridlock and, well, just plain ineffective on resolving the serious problems faced by our state. Albany’s...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush met with Dr. John B. King, Commissioner of Education, yesterday at a meeting in Utica organized by Senator Joe Griffo to express his concerns with the current school aid formula. The Assemblyman was joined by superintendents...

“There has been a historical divide between upstate and downstate, and I believe that if we all work together we can bridge this gap for the benefit of Northern New York. It’s time for Albany to step up and truly meet the needs of all New Yorkers,...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today praised the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) for its transformational vision of economic rebirth throughout the seven-county region. The NCREDC’s “Transformational”...

“While the middle-income tax cuts are a nice boost for many North Country families, I am concerned that New York still has not learned how to control its spending. Now we need to go a step further, and make a serious effort to reform and reduce spending...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River), a member of the Assembly Small Business Committee, recently attended an economic development hearing in Albany where much of the discussion centered on the available economic development and support programs...