While in Albany, the health and well-being of our agriculture industry continues to be at the forefront of my mind. With the unpredictable and ever-changing economic landscape that is present in New York State, it is important that we put in place programs...

Earlier today, the New York State Senate motioned to take up Senate bill 3984, which is focused on increasing the oversight and transparency of state contracts and projects. In the wake of the Buffalo Billion indictments and the controversy surrounding...

In the wake of this year’s chaotic budget negotiations, Gov. Cuomo has declared his work complete and his job done. His recent comments about there “not being much to do in Albany” are unsettling. It seems he is continuing to forget the stagnant...

Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R,C,I,Ref-Newport) tonight held a rally at the Gouverneur VFW in support of his bill (A.6140/S.879-C) that would work to significantly repeal the SAFE Act in upstate New York and Long Island. He was joined by fellow bill sponsor...

“This year’s budget has shone a light on the gridlock and divide that is deeply rooted in this state. The governor’s ‘Message of Necessity’ usage best sums up the lack of transparency throughout this entire budget process. “While it is...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) has recently signed onto legislation that would incentivize private corporations to invest in rural businesses across the state. Assembly Bill 4772 would allow these corporations to receive tax credits for...

**EDITOR’S NOTE: CLICK HERE FOR A CLIP OF BLANKENBUSH COMMENTING ON IMPORTANCE OF UBER IN THE 117TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT** ** EDITOR’S NOTE: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF BLANKENBUSH ADDRESSING COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET**

The staff of Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will hold mobile office hours on Tuesday, April 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m at the Camden Village Office; and Thursday, April 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westmoreland Town Office. Residents and...

This past week, healthcare decisions at the federal level have created a standoff between our state representatives and the governor. The proposed passage of President Trump’s American Health Care Act (AHCA) sparked a reaction from Gov. Cuomo that was...

The Mohawk Valley Nine, a bipartisan coalition of state legislators representing Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties, held its initial caucus meeting today. Styled in the fashion of other regional caucuses, the Mohawk Valley Nine pledged to work together...

On Wednesday, the Assembly Majority passed its one-house budget, and to say that it was unfavorable to our district and the whole of the Mohawk Valley and North Country would be an understatement. While there were a few positives to take away from the...

As budget negotiations continue, I wanted to take the time to lay out some of the priorities I’d like to see addressed in this year’s state budget. After meeting with so many various organizations and advocates over the last two months, I’ve been...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) has once again been awarded the New York State Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends” award for the sixth consecutive year. Blankenbush received this award for his support for agricultural issues and representing...

Today, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) joined hundreds of workers from across the state to advocate for increased highway and bridge funding in this year’s state budget. The annual Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program...

On Wednesday, my Assembly colleagues and I tackled an issue that has negatively impacted thousands of New Yorkers across the state. Unfortunately, over the last year, many new homeowners have experienced disappointment and frustration with the state’s...

It is almost that time of the year again, a time when we as a community can come together and celebrate an industry that is the largest of its kind in all the U.S. The weekends of March 18 and 25 will grant us the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful...

Sir Francis Bacon coined the phrase “Knowledge is power” in his 1597 publishing of ‘Meditationes Sacrae and Human Philosophy.’ Knowledge is something that sees no color, creed, religion or gender. It is a power we all can obtain if given the proper...

In recent days, there has been a shift in the issues discussed in Albany. This week Assembly Majority passed a series of bills (Liberty Act) to give preferential treatment to illegal immigrants at taxpayer expense. While I support immigration, it needs...

Today, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) and his Assembly Minority colleagues launched the conference’s C.A.R.E.S. Plan initiative. C.A.R.E.S. stands for the “Championing Aid, Rights, Equality and Services,” and is the product of a...

Today, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) reiterated his displeasure with the Assembly Majority and their focus on protecting illegal aliens from federal law. His displeasure is in response to legislation passed by the Assembly Majority including...