New Efforts Underway to Save Biomass Facility at Fort Drum
Feb 16, 2023
In past columns, I spoke about the importance of including ‘biomass’ under the renewable energy umbrella. Albany Majority lawmakers who continue to push their radical climate agenda have failed to recognize the need for bioenergy and biomass, especially...
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Gov. Hochul’s Budget Proposal
Feb 2, 2023
Earlier this week, Gov. Hochul delivered her annual budget address laying out her priorities for the upcoming year and how she plans to fund them. While not shocking, but still disappointing, the total price tag of her plan set another record high, coming...
Blankenbush Calls Out Gov. Hochul’s Massive Budget Proposal
Feb 1, 2023
“Gov. Hochul’s budget proposal is another bloated, unmitigated disaster for New York taxpayers that yet again totals well over $200 billion. This budget does not accurately reflect the financial struggles New Yorkers are facing as they continue under...
Renewing The Call for Increased Public Safety Measures
Jan 27, 2023
Earlier this week, our Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences hosted a press conference at the Capitol renewing our call for increased public safety measures and a repeal of previously-passed bail laws. We were joined by family members of crime victims,...
Gov. Hochul Once Again Wants to Take Over Local Zoning
Jan 12, 2023
The governor delivered her annual State of the State address earlier this week and spoke about the issues of crime, affordability and the continued exodus of residents, but she gave little to no detail on how we will make substantive changes. While we...
The State of Our State is in Peril
Jan 10, 2023
“Today, Gov. Hochul delivered a State of the State address that wasn’t rooted in reality. Unfortunately, single-party rule is failing New York residents. Look no further than a recent Times Union report detailing another 180,000 people leaving our...
A 2023 Christmas Wish List
Dec 16, 2022
Christmas is right around the corner, and I hope that you and your families are taking advantage of all the great holiday events happening in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. With Christmas comes a new year, and with a new year comes a new legislative...
Hochul Signs Legislation to Name State Route 283 The ‘Colonel Michael Plummer Memorial Highway’
Nov 4, 2022
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation (S.8726A/A10024-A) that will rename State Route 283 in Jefferson County after Col. (Ret.) Michael Plummer. The legislation was sponsored by state Sen. Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush. Before...
Kerosene Shortage Direct Result of Mishandled Policy
Oct 20, 2022
Recently in the news, we have seen there is a kerosene shortage effecting both retailers and customers. This news comes on the heels of National Grid telling its customers to brace for substantial rate hikes on their energy bills this winter, up to 39%...
Biomass Must Be Part of Our Future Energy Portfolio
Oct 13, 2022
In past columns, I have warned of the dangers of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and its ambitious goals at making New York a zero-emissions state. Many deadlines within the plan are not too far in the future, so not only is...
In Support of Jefferson County Resolution Protesting State’s New Gun Law
Oct 5, 2022
I want to thank and show my support for members of the Jefferson County Legislature who passed a resolution protesting New York’s latest round of restrictive gun laws. Back in June, Gov. Hochul rushed lawmakers back to Albany to push her latest round...
Revisiting The Farm Labor Overtime Threshold
Aug 11, 2022
The Farm Laborer Wage Board is set to make a final recommendation on the overtime threshold for farm workers on Sept. 6. I want to begin by thanking all the North Country and Mohawk Valley residents who have called into the wage board, the governor and...
Gov. Hochul: Where Is The State’s Covid-19 Response Report?
Jul 13, 2022
When Gov. Hochul took office following the resignation of former Gov. Cuomo, she pledged to clean up the culture in Albany and commit her administration to transparency. As we approach a year under the Hochul administration, we see that these words have...
Summer 2022: Supporting Our Local Fairs
Jul 6, 2022
As we enter the ‘dog days’ of summer, I encourage everyone in the North Country and Mohawk Valley to support their local fairs. Every summer, these fairs pop up in our communities and provide countless services and activities for residents. For two...
Blankenbush Reacts To Gov. Hochul’s Prison Redevelopment Commission
May 24, 2022
“Yesterday, Gov. Hochul announced the launch of the ‘Prison Redevelopment Commission’ which is tasked with finding innovative ways to redevelop and repurpose closed facilities. The commission is consisted of a 15-member panel, with one big problem....
Remembering The ‘Halt Solitary Confinement Act’ As Debate Around The Death Penalty Rages On
May 19, 2022
To begin, I want to send the Buffalo community my heartfelt condolences as they continue to recover from the insidious shooting that left 10 of their community members dead this past weekend. The individual responsible was fueled by hate and intolerance,...
Support Our Farmers; Bring Back Whole And 2% Milk In Schools
May 4, 2022
I am happy to join my colleague, Assemblyman Chris Tague, in supporting his bill (A.9990) that would allow schools to once again purchase whole and 2% milk produced within the state. Unfortunately, since the Obama administration, students have not had...
Participate in Recruit NY Weekend
Apr 20, 2022
Every year, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) hosts their Recruit NY weekend at firehouses across the state to add volunteers to their ranks. This weekend, April 23 and 24, is your chance to visit your local firehouse and see...
Blankenbush Reacts to Arrest of Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin
Apr 12, 2022
“This morning we learned that the lieutenant governor of New York, Brian Benjamin, was arrested by federal authorities in a campaign fraud case. This is Gov. Kathy Hochul’s handpicked second in command who is now in federal custody. “On the heels...
Law-Abiding Gun Owners Don’t Need Another Tax
Apr 6, 2022
Recently, a bill (A.9563) was referred to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee aimed at adding an excise tax on all sales of ammunition. It is possible that the bill never makes it through the committee process, but I want to make my opposition to the...