State Rep. Kenneth Blankenbush
Recent News About State Rep. Kenneth Blankenbush
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Federal aid approved for New York counties after Hurricane Beryl
Last month, severe storms caused significant damage in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties due to Hurricane Beryl.
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Blankenbush addresses flooding impact across District 117
Assemblywoman Blankenbush commented on the recent flooding across District 117, which includes towns and villages in Lewis, Jefferson, Oneida, and St. Lawrence Counties.
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New OSHA proposals may threaten local volunteer fire department operations
Over the past month, torrential storms and extreme weather have devastated Lewis County. Without the support of volunteer fire departments across the county, the devastation could have been exponentially worse. This situation underscores the importance of volunteer fire departments in our counties and highlights potential issues stemming from new OSHA proposals that could potentially close these departments.
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New York announces closure of two correctional facilities
Today, President Summers and Executive Vice President Keough announced the closure of the Great Meadow Correctional Facility and the Sullivan Correctional Facility. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision stated that these facilities must close within the next 90 days. The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association Inc. (NYSCOPBA) opposes these closures, describing them as a temporary fix that does not address the staffing issues affecting the state.
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Proposed OSHA rule threatens volunteer fire departments' viability
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for creating rules and regulations to ensure worker safety in private and public industries across the United States. While OSHA's efforts aim to protect workers, a newly proposed replacement to the "Fire Brigades Standard" could severely impact emergency services in District 117. This district relies entirely on volunteer fire departments, which may face closure under the new regulation.
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North Country counties host various summer fairs
Summer has arrived, bringing a variety of outdoor activities across the district. In the North Country and Mohawk Valley, counties dotted with small villages offer unique experiences compared to the rest of the state. From farmers markets to county fairs, this summer is filled with events for everyone in the district.
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Blankenbush advocates for EMS reimbursement legislation as session nears end
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) has co-sponsored legislation aimed at authorizing reimbursements to medical service agencies for providing emergency medical care to Medicaid enrollees. Despite five similar proposals passing through the Senate, only one has successfully made it through the Assembly. With only a few days remaining in the legislative session, Blankenbush emphasized the need to prioritize these proposals.
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Counties struggle with financial burden of criminal competency restoration
In New York, the process of competency restoration is employed when an individual convicted of a crime is found to be incompetent to stand trial due to active mental illness or disability. The defendant cannot be tried until they have been restored to competency, which is the responsibility of the county where they are being tried. Restoration returns the convicted to a state of competency where they can stand trial, and until this point is reached, they remain in the competency program funded by taxpayer dollars. Once found competent, efforts cease with no after-plan for...
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Memorial Day observed as both celebration and remembrance
On the last Monday of May, Americans gather with their families to celebrate and enjoy each other's company. While many treat this day as a celebration, it should also be regarded as a day of remembrance. The opportunity to engage in these celebrations is made possible by the soldiers who died defending U.S. freedoms.
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Celebrating Fort Drum Day: Honoring Leaders and Their Economic Impact
Fort Drum, a significant landmark in Jefferson County established in 1908, recently celebrated its dedicated community members in Albany on May 7. Three distinguished individuals from the Fort Drum community were recognized for their unwavering commitment to the fort's daily operations: Brigadier General Matt Braman, Command Sergeant Major Nema Mobar, and Colonel Matt Myer.
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Blankenbush attends annual Adirondack Day in Albany
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) recently attended the annual Adirondack Day event in Albany, alongside other members of the state Legislature. The event was marked by the presence of lawmakers, businesses, and organizations from across the Adirondack Park.
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Donate Life to Save Lives
Donate Life America, a non-profit organization established in 1992, has been dedicated to increasing the number of donated organs available to save lives. According to the organization, "Since 1992, over 170 million organs have been registered through Donate Life America."The program has been instrumental in providing hope and extended life to many Americans through organ transplants, allowing them more time with their families and loved ones. Without the support of Donate Life, many individuals who have received organ transplants may not be alive today.In an effort to...
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Foundation Aid Crucial for New York Schools, Saved in Latest Budget
In a recent development regarding education funding in New York, foundation aid has been highlighted as a crucial component for the state's school districts. Established in 2007, foundation aid stands out as the largest form of state funding, offering flexibility and vital support to schools.According to an unknown speaker, "Investing in the schools of New York is an investment in the future." This sentiment underscores the significance of foundation aid in ensuring the development and success of schools across the state.However, concerns arose when Governor Hochul's...
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Blankenbush Reacts to The State Budget
Assemblyman Blankenbush Reacts to State Budget NegotiationsIn Albany, budget negotiations are still ongoing, three weeks after the deadline. Assemblyman Blankenbush expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs, stating, "Five budget bills have been passed so far, and I found it impossible to vote YES to any of them." He further elaborated on his stance, saying, "While these bills contain some good policies, the negatives outweigh the positives. These bills are packed with what we call 'poison pills', and there are just too many to swallow."Blankenbush...
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West Point Day: A Day of Honor
On April 9, 2024, West Point Day was celebrated, marking the 71st year of honoring the prestigious West Point Academy in Albany. The day emphasized the crucial relationship between military and civilian leaders, highlighting the trust and respect they share.During the event, a commitment was made to support and protect the troops both at home and abroad. A statement was made by an individual, affirming, "That is why I vow to continue to fight to pass policies to protect our troops at home and abroad."Recognizing the challenges faced by veterans, especially upon their...
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Blankenbush Stands with Minority Members of The Assembly Demanding Public Safety in Budget
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C Black River) stood 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, Blankenbush emphasized the urgency of prioritizing public safety measures. "The people of New York deserve to be safe, especially the men and women who put themselves in danger every day. Spending money on keeping these people safe is the purpose of our budget, and the fact that public safety measures have not been included yet is...
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Bridging Gaps and Honoring Heroes: Alleviating Legal Disparities for Veterans
On Mar 7, 2024, a bipartisan effort was made to include a legal veterans tax credit law in the Assembly One-House Budget Proposal. In the wise words of Harry S. Truman, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaired. they have earned our undying gratitude.”Veterans continue to face barriers in accessing essential services such as VA healthcare benefits, mental health care services, and legal assistance. As stated by an unknown speaker, "Veterans still face barriers to accessing VA healthcare benefits, mental health care...
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Blankenbush: Fully Funding Our Local Roads is a Moral Obligation
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 Essential Advocacy Day. Advocates stressed the importance of restoring the $60 million cut from Gov. Hochul’s executive budget proposal and requested a $200 million increase to fully fund local road infrastructure in the one-house budget, specifically the CHIPS, PAVE-NY, POP, STR, BRIDGE-NY, and EWR programs."Public safety is a...
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Blankenbush Advocates for Increased Transportation Funding in Albany
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, along with local leaders and highway superintendents, is advocating for increased transportation funding in Albany to address the alarming reductions and inadequate funding proposed by Gov. Hochul. Blankenbush emphasized the importance of investing in roads for the future, especially in rural communities, stressing the crucial role of adequate funding in maintaining transportation infrastructure for the safety and efficiency of road networks."Investing in our roads is investing in our future. Roads play a vital role in my district,...
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Blankenbush Congratulates Boonville on $4.5 Million Downtown Revitalization Award
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) has extended his congratulations to the Village of Boonville for securing the $4.5 million award through the NY Forward program. Boonville successfully competed with several other applicants in the Mohawk Valley Region during Round 7 of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative.The village's winning proposal, known as the "We’re Just Up the Road'' plan, is designed to revamp the downtown area into a premier tourist and resident destination. The allocated funds will be allocated to various ongoing projects aimed at...