Last month, I discussed the growing opportunities our region can realize in the craft brewing and winery industries and their positive impact on our economy and agricultural communities. Craft beer brewing has created more than 11,000 jobs and is worth...

A recent report from Comptroller DiNapoli indicates that the state’s economy has improved, but the prosperity isn’t evenly distributed. Much of the recent growth has been concentrated in New York City, while upstate continues to see slow growth. In...

“I have said this over and over: I fully support increasing the quality and rigorousness of our children’s education, but the roll out of Common Core, which was meant to increase standards, was far too rushed. The state did not provide enough support...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is pleased to announce that three local libraries in his area have been awarded aid for construction projects. More than $207,000 in state aid will be invested in four libraries within Blankenbush’s district....

Although school and the Legislature broke for the summer, debate and discussion over our children’s education has not ceased. During the legislative session, we voted that a comprehensive review of the New York State education system must be conducted...

The disparity between what is invested downstate compared to upstate is glaringly obvious and rife with hypocrisy and bad governing practices. Recently, the governor made a major announcement about his plans of rebuilding LaGuardia Airport, an estimated...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) said today that Joyce Mitchell, the Clinton Correctional Facility employee who helped violent murderers Richard Matt and David Sweat escape prison, being able to keep her public pension is a prime example...

This is really a wonderful area. We’re surrounded by a beautiful countryside, close to many outdoor sports opportunities, and are a hub of New York’s agricultural industry. People are beginning to take notice of our part of the state, and locals are...

“I am encouraged that the Army is sparing Ft. Drum from major cuts. It highlights how our community banded together with leadership, including Maj. Gen. Bannister, Congresswoman Stefanik, and my state legislative colleagues, to make the case that Ft....

Fighting for better schools in our community isn’t just something we must do for our kids; it’s something we must do for all of us to help keep our communities and economy vibrant. A recent article in the Watertown Daily Times reported that the military...

This legislative session had many ups and downs, creating a situation where important bills were pushed through at the very end. Throughout the last few weeks, many local and school officials were left sitting on the edges of their seats wondering if...

“This year has been difficult, with many transitions and changes, but I have always kept my focus on the people’s priorities – which are keeping our upstate communities affordable for families and providing better employment and business opportunities...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) helped pass the New York Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (A.7767-B). The legislation authorizes New York State to establish savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families...

I’ve been saying this for years, but it bears repeating – property tax relief and mandate relief go hand-in-hand. Lasting property tax relief can only be sustainable if it is combined with unfunded mandate relief. The numbers are in; the property...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) voted for a version of pension forfeiture legislation that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from elected officials convicted of felonies related to their official duties. Blankenbush said that, although...

“There is so much left for the Assembly to accomplish. One of the biggest priorities for the entire state is making the property tax cap, which has saved New York homeowners nearly $8 billion, permanent and delivering significant unfunded mandate relief....

New York State is facing an alarming epidemic of heroin and opiate drug use. Heroin has stealthily invaded our communities and is wreaking havoc in the lives of many. The rise of prescription painkiller use was a gateway to the use of heroin, which is...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on the Assembly Majority to take up the stronger pension forfeiture bill that was previously agreed upon, A.6722. The Assembly Majority’s one-house bill is significantly different from a bill...

June is National Dairy Month, and there is much to celebrate, especially here in upstate New York. My district is one of the most prolific dairy farming regions in the state, and dairy farming has played a large part in shaping our community into what...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) applauds the recent announcement that the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will be hiring an additional 103 officers. The new officers will be placed in prisons to help...