“My Assembly District is towns and villages in Lewis, Jefferson, Oneida and St. Lawrence Counties. Although all counties had detrimental impacts from the most recent storm, this time St. Lawrence was hit the hardest, followed by Jefferson, Lewis and...

Over the past month, torrential storms and extreme weather have devastated Lewis County. Without the support of our volunteer fire departments across the county, the devastation could have been exponentially worse. This is a prime example of the importance...

Today, President Summers and Executive Vice President Keough announced the closure of the Great Meadow Correctional Facility as well as the Sullivan Correctional Facility. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced these facilities...

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for creating rules and regulations to keep workers safe in private and public industries across all 50 states in the US. While good work is done to protect workers, the newly proposed...

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a slew of outdoor activities across our district. Up here in the North Country and the Mohawk Valley, our counties dotted with small villages are distinctly different from the rest of the state. From fantastic...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) co-sponsored legislation that would authorize reimbursements to medical service agencies for providing emergency medical care to Medicaid enrollees. While five proposals like this have passed through the Senate,...

Once again, June is here and the Assembly session has come to an end. I just returned to my home in Black River, and to my District office. As I return, I wanted to take the time to reflect on this legislative session.Over the past few months, I have...

In New York, the process of competency restoration is used when an individual who is convicted of a crime is found to be incompetent to stand trial due to active mental illness or disability. In that case, the defendant cannot be tried until they have...

On the last Monday of May, Americans across the nation get together to celebrate with their families; enjoying each other's company. While many Americans treat this day as a day of celebration, it should be treated equally as a day of remembrance. As...

Established in 1908, Fort Drum stands as a prominent landmark in Jefferson County. On May 7, three distinguished members of the Fort Drum community joined us in Albany to be recognized for their dedication to the daily operations of the fort. These members...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) joined members of the state Legislature to celebrate the annual Adirondack Day held in Albany. The event was attended by lawmakers, businesses and organizations from throughout the Adirondack Park. The forum...

Established in 1992, Donate Life America is a non-profit organization that works to increase the number of donated organs available to save as many human lives as possible. Through transplants, many Americans have been able to extend their lives by many...

Established in 2007, foundation aid is the largest form of state funding for school districts across New York. Unlike other state education aid, foundation aid is much more flexible. This kind of aid is based on general enrollment in the school district,...

“Budget negotiations are underway in Albany… three weeks after the deadline. Five budget bills have been passed so far, and I found it impossible to vote YES to any of them.While these bills contain some good policies, the negatives outweigh the positives....

For 70 years, members of the New York state government have invited members of the prestigious West Point Academy to Albany for a day of honor and respect. Tuesday marked the 71st West Point Day. It emphasized the relationship between our military and...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C- Black River) stands with legislators on both sides of the aisle urging Governor Hochul to end the unlawful practice of withholding donated tax check-off funds from veteran service agencies. Following an audit from the...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C Black River) stood today with Minority members of the Assembly to demand the inclusion of public safety in the final state budget. In the wake of recent events including the death of Officer Johnathan Diller, now more...

Recently, I joined a bipartisan letter requesting the Assembly One-House Budget Proposal to include a legal veterans tax credit law (A.4612). In the wise words of Harry S. Truman, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush’s (R,C-Black River) was joined today by constituent members of the New York State Association of Town Superintendents of Highways and the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association on their Local Roads are...

The annual “Local Roads Are Essential” advocacy campaign is set to return to Albany on March 5 and 6, aiming to push for an increase in the final budget for transportation aid. Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush’s (R,C-Black River) office joined Assemblyman...