ON-AIR SEGMENT: Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush joins North Country News and discusses Governor Hochul's $1.5 billion announcement to fund New York City operating costs

ALBANY, NY- On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C–Black River NY - 117) joined North Country news and reacted to Governor Hochul's announcement to fund New York City with an additional $1.5 billion in state money to fund operating expenses.

Released statement from the office of New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush: “I understand New York City is facing fiscal challenges, but the answer cannot be another $1.5 billion bailout paid for by taxpayers in the North Country and Mohawk Valley. Albany has a spending problem, and working families upstate should not be forced to foot the bill for mismanagement downstate. While the governor rushes to write a billion-dollar check to prop up a socialist mayor, our rural communities are being ignored. Energy bills are skyrocketing. Small businesses are barely hanging on. Hospitals are teetering on the brink. Property taxes remain crushing. Yet somehow, there is always unlimited money for New York City. Before Albany sends one more dollar downstate, it should prove it can take care of the people who keep the rest of this state running. Upstate taxpayers are not a blank check.”

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Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush image.