Recently, the North Country and the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Councils were awarded $164 million. Both councils earned Top Performer designations for their efforts to effectively invest in our region’s economy. I am pleased to...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is pleased to announce that today the North Country and Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Councils were named Top Performers at the Regional Economic Development Awards in Albany. Blankenbush announced...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is calling on his legislative colleagues to pass the Public Assistance Integrity Act (A. 2386). The bill, which Blankenbush sponsors, would prohibit cash from public assistance programs being spent or obtained...

The holiday countdown has begun. There always seems to be so much to do in a small amount of time. During this busy season, I’d like to remind homeowners to re-register for Basic STAR property tax savings. The deadline to register with the State Department...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) will be holding a holiday food drive in his district from now until December 20. Non-perishable food items will be collected at his district office and will be donated to local food pantries. “Hunger...

I realize that I sometimes come down hard on our New York City legislators, especially when they push policy that will hurt upstate. That’s my job. It’s also my job to build relationships with those who work across the aisle so I can deliver for my...

Winter is on its way, bringing costly heating and home energy bills to upstate New Yorkers. Don’t get left out in the cold if you are struggling to pay for home heat – you may be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Based on your...

Fall is upon us, and with it brings one of the most anticipated times of the year for many of my constituents here upstate – hunting season. I think it is appropriate to recognize the many contributions that hunters make to New York’s environment....

“Earlier this year, the Assembly Majority tried to cut funding for programs that serve those with developmental disabilities. My colleagues and I fought to restore the $90 million they were trying to cut. I am pleased to hear that the governor has signed...

Communities throughout upstate New York are facing a precarious fiscal balancing act. Municipalities no longer have to worry about simply providing for the needs of their residents, but must contend with hundreds of costly unfunded state mandates that...

Recently, I announced that I am joining one of my colleagues across the aisle to promote the ‘21st Century Education Initiative,’ which would create a class of high school diplomas called Career and Technical Education (CTE) Diplomas. Let’s...

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is joining Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi in support of the 21st Century Education Initiative, which would create a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma that would bear the same status as a traditional...

In September, our nation observes National Preparedness Month. This is a time for us to think about how we, as a community, can better equip ourselves with home and business emergency plans, municipal and school disaster plans, and assess what resources...

Today, I have some exciting news to report. Six of our area schools will be sharing a $2.9 million grant to improve studies in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). I want to applaud the efforts of our upstate schools to keep our kids current...

Growing up, I was taught to never leave a job until it’s finished. As fellow upstate New Yorkers, I’m sure you were taught the same. The value of working hard until a job is finished is a value I’d like to instill in Albany. Some good things...

To my dear friends in Oneida County, keep the faith. You are enduring a very trying and difficult time after the recent flash floods that devastated your communities. While touring parts of the Village of Clinton and other towns within Oneida County,...

“I stand with Gov. Cuomo and my Senate and Assembly colleagues in pledging $3 million in individual flood aid to Oneida County residents, small businesses and farmers. While we are grateful for the assistance from FEMA to our municipalities, we know...

Greek Yogurt is obviously the “in” thing these days, offering not only a protein-packed food to New Yorkers and Americans, but also providing an incredible boost in demand for New York’s milk. Within the last five years, yogurt production in New...

I left Albany on the last day of session utterly disappointed with this year’s legislative session. I pride myself on being a fairly optimistic guy, but wow, I feel like the progress we made over the last few years was lost. We were just beginning to...

“I am very concerned for my constituents affected by the flash flooding in Oneida County. I already have reached out to Supervisor Robert Meelan of the Town of Kirkland and Mayor John Lane of the Village of Clinton to offer my support and assistance....