Press Releases

Assembly Minority Conference on Hearings Surrounding Spread of Covid-19 at Nursing Homes

In April and May, members of the Assembly Minority Conference called on the chairmen of the Committees on Aging, Health and Oversight, Analysis and Investigations to convene hearings to review and investigate New York’s policies, decisions and protocols...

Gov. Cuomo Has Bigger Problems to Solve Than How 'Substantive' Chicken Wings Are

Government overreach has been a hallmark of Gov. Cuomo’s time in office, but his recent dictates surrounding forced-food purchases at bars have crossed a new line. Surely the governor has more pressing things to address — the state budget was...

Assembly Minority: NY Majority Attempting To Reverse Public Referendum in Favor of Self-Preservation

The New York State Assembly Minority Conference today criticized their Majority colleagues for their decision to cast aside a public referendum and eliminate any shred of equal representation on the Independent Redistricting Commission. In 2014,...

This Summer, Explore the Great Outdoors & Local Recreational Opportunities

Summertime in upstate New York can be pretty hard to beat. If you’re looking to fill the summer months with some activities that only our home region can offer, consider getting outdoors, breathing some fresh air and exploring sights and sounds right...

Dramatic Spike in Shootings & Violence Across NYS Demands Immediate Action

The recent spike in shootings, violent crimes and homicides across New York state is cause for serious concern. Too many New Yorkers simply do not feel safe in their communities right now and without drastic, immediate action, the line between law and...

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On the DOH Report On Covid-19 Deaths In The State's Nursing Homes

“For months, the Cuomo administration and State Department of Health (DOH) have deflected accountability for the thousands of lives lost to COVID-19 in New York’s nursing homes. To the surprise of absolutely no one, they have now presented a...

Fourth of July Is A Time to Celebrate the Importance of Shared Strength, Freedoms

The Fourth of July is a day when each American can celebrate the most cherished aspects of our nation’s birth—freedom from tyranny, the value of democracy and independence, and the courage of those who stood up for what they believed to be right....

Barclay Encourages Summer Reading Once Again With 40-Day Challenge

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is once again challenging children in the community to read for at least 15 minutes a day for 40 days throughout July and August as part of the New York state Assembly Summer Reading Challenge. ...

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On the Death of Assemblyman David Gantt

“On behalf of the Assembly Minority Conference, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Assemblyman David Gantt on the news of his passing. David served the people of Rochester with unique determination and loyalty and...

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on the NYC Council Decision to Defund the NYPD by $1 Billion

“New York City residents are waking up in a city that is less safe than the one they had just 24 hours ago. The City Council’s decision last night to cut $1 billion from the New York Police Department (NYPD) is the worst possible decision...

Local Leadership, Community Partnerships Pivotal in Overcoming the Impact of Covid-19

Our communities have shown remarkable resilience in recent months. As the impact of COVID-19 has strained nearly every aspect of daily life, friends, neighbors and even strangers banded together and stepped up to ease the repercussions of the pandemic....

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on The Election of Rob Ortt As Senate Minority Leader

“I want to extend my congratulations to Sen. Rob Ortt on his election as Minority Leader of the New York State Senate. I wish him nothing but success as he begins his tenure in this critical role. Rob is a decorated veteran, a tenacious advocate...

New Group Home Visitations Will Help Ensure Our Vulnerable Population Continues to Thrive

Beginning today, after months of visitation restrictions, families of individuals with developmental disabilities living in group homes will finally be able to reunite with their loved ones. I am extremely proud of the efforts of the Assembly Minority...

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“I would like to extend best wishes to my friend Senate Minority Leader John Flanagan upon the announcement that he will leave office later this month. His dedication to his conference and constituents will be greatly missed by his friends and...

Graduation Ceremonies Recognize Hard Work & Achievement For New York's Students

New York state’s high school graduates endured one of the most trying academic years in recent history, and what they have accomplished during these past few months has been nothing short of extraordinary. It was never meant to be easy, but recent...

Assembly Minority Urges Governor to Get Local Road, Bridge and Highway Projects Back Up & Running

The Assembly Minority Conference recently wrote to Gov. Cuomo, urging him to allow repair and construction activities on local roads and bridges to resume. Getting local crews up and running would address mounting infrastructure issues, help stimulate...

June Is National Dairy Month

In recent weeks, New York state’s dairy farmers have faced some truly unprecedented obstacles, but as we begin National Dairy Month, there is much to look forward to for those producing and distributing one of our most important commodities. Created...

Assembly Minority Conference Calls on Gov. Cuomo to Allow High School Graduation Ceremonies

The Assembly Minority Conference today sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo calling for him to allow high schools across the state to host socially distanced graduation ceremonies to celebrate the accomplishments of New York’s students. A copy of the letter...

Phil Palmesano Named Assembly Minority Conference Appointee to Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research & Reapportionment

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today announced that Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) has been named as the Minority Conference’s representative on the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research & Reapportionment (LATFOR).Every...

The Legislature Returns Remotely, but the Need for Restored Authority Remains

This week the New York State Legislature formally reconvened in an unfamiliar format, with debates and voting conducted through video feeds. Like many things forced to change under COVID-19 precautions, our work took on a new look, but was an important...