Two members of the state Assembly who represent parts of St. Lawrence County have their new committee assignments, including both to the Agriculture Committee.

In other committees, they will consider issues related to corporations, authorities and commissions; insurance; tourism; Assembly rules; economic development; higher education; and on the operations of committees themselves.

Assemblyman Marc Butler (R,C-Newport) was re-appointed to his role as ranking Republican member of the Assembly Committee on Committees, which oversees the activities of all Assembly committees, ensuring they are operating efficiently and that local bills important to state municipalities make it to a vote on the floor, according to a press release from the Assemblyman’s office.

Butler represents 118th Assembly District, which includes the St. Lawrence County towns of Madrid, Norfolk, Stockholm, Parishville, Pierrepont, Clare, Colton, Clifton and Fine, plus Hamilton, Herkimer and Fulton counties plus part of Oneida County.

Describing his work on that committee, Butler said, “Much of what I do is make sure that the Assembly committees, where legislation is vetted, are functioning and running properly and smoothly. I’m honored to continue my work in this position,” said Butler. “I enjoy working closely with my colleagues to identify important legislation such as measures to lower the tax burden on families and small-business owners. We work together to get these bills to the floor for a vote.”

Butler has also been assigned to the Assembly Rules Committee, which reviews the rules of the house and the conduct of members. Butler will continue to serve as a member of the Agriculture, Economic Development, Higher Education and Insurance committees.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River), who represents the 117th District, including the town of DeKalb, Gouverneur, Hermon, Russell, Edwards, Fowler and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County plus Lewis County and parts of Jefferson and Oneida counties, has been re-appointed as the ranking Republican member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. Blankenbush has advocated for family farmers on that committee since taking office. The position allows him to work on issues impacting the agricultural industry statewide and within his district.

“It is an honor to serve as the Ranking Republican of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, where I am able to fight on the behalf of family farmers,” said Blankenbush. “In the North Country and the Mohawk Valley, family farms are an integral part of our region’s economy and agriculture plays an important role in making our state’s economy healthy and diverse. This is why it is so important to fight for better state policies and investment to support this important industry.”

In his role as “ranker,” Blankenbush advocates the interests of farmers and agri-business. He has successfully fought to protect funds for agricultural programs and has saved the Northern New York Agricultural Development program from losing funding, a press release from his office said.

In addition to the agriculture committee, Blankenbush will serve on the committees on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Insurance; and Tourism.