Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is characterizing a gun-control tip line as an attempt by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to get New Yorkers to “squeal” on one another.

“Not only has the governor totally disregarded the Second Amendment rights of law abiding New Yorkers with his gun control law to the tune of $36 million, he’s now counting on neighbors turning into tattle-tellers with a ‘tip’ line and $500 bribe,” Blankenbush said.

Blankenbush and many other state legislators, particularly from upstate areas, have been condemning various provisions of the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act of 2013 (NY SAFE ACT), approved by the Assembly and Senate and signed by the governor in January.

In a statement entitled “Blankenbush: Now Cuomo wants upstaters to squeal on each other,” the 117th District assemblyman said, “This program was intended to keep gang-bangers and illegal guns off the streets in our urban centers. Now he is using it to target our neighbors who are going to fall prey to his ill-conceived law. He should focus on righting his wrong instead of asking neighbor to turn against neighbor.”

Blankenbush’s district includes seven southwestern St. Lawrence County townships, plus Lewis County and parts of Jefferson and Oneida counties.