Press Releases

Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

"The state budget process is notoriously secretive and dysfunctional even under normal circumstances. In today’s current environment, trying to rush through a policy-heavy spending plan could be catastrophic.I am troubled by reports that indicate...

Localities Must Have A Say In New Energy Projects

Local governments are already under enormous stress in New York, between the crushing weight of unfunded mandates driving up property taxes, counties being forced to pay for a portion of Aid and Incentives for Municipalities funding and the Governor’s...

Assemblymen Ashby, Byrne Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Assemblymen Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton) and Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) co-hosted a “Voices for Veterans” event, alongside their colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, today at the Mental Health Association in Putnam County,...

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Statement on the Coronavirus Appropriations Bill

The Assembly Minority Conference stands ready to assist in the prevention and containment of the coronavirus. We have seen the reports. We recognize the threat and the need for action. And as shown by tonight’s vote, we are more than willing to provide...

Cutting Millions In Library Funding Sends A Terrible Message To Our Communities

New York state’s local libraries are institutions that provide educational materials, meeting spaces, internet and computer access and a sense of community to their patrons. They are invaluable. Yet, Gov. Cuomo’s executive budget reduces their...

Assembly Ashby, Assembly Minority Leader Barclay, Senator Jordan, Assembly Minority Conference Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Today at the State Capitol, Assemblyman Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton), Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski), Sen. Daphne Jordan (R,C,I,Ref-Halfmoon) and the Assembly Minority Conference hosted a “Voices for Veterans”...

Assembly, Senate Minority Conferences Join Congressman Tom Reed To Discuss Dangerous “Green Light Law”

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski), Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Senate Minority Leader John J. Flanagan (R-Suffolk County) spoke at a press conference today in Albany, alongside members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences,...

Veterans Sound Off On Service Cuts, Fight Back

This week, members of the Assembly Minority Conference, led by Assemblyman Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton)—a U.S. veteran—have met with veterans around the state to discuss budget cuts to counseling, job training and legal services being proposed...

Assemblymen Ashby, Miller & Smullen Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Assemblymen Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton), Brian Miller (R,I,C-New Hartford) and Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) hosted a “Voices for Veterans” event, alongside their colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, today at the New Hartford...

Assemblymen Ashby, Walczyk Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Assemblymen Ashby, Walczyk Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services
Assemblymen Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton) and Mark Walczyk (R,C,I,Ref-Watertown), both of whom served in the United States Army Reserves, held a “Voices for Veterans” event at the American Legion Post 61 in Watertown where they, alongside...

Assemblymen Ashby, Hawley Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Assemblymen Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton) and Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), both veterans themselves, alongside their colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, today co-hosted a “Voices for Veterans” event at the American Legion Cottreall-Warner...

Assemblymen Ashby, Morinello Call For Funding Restoration For Critical Veterans’ Services

Assemblymen Jake Ashby (R,C,I,Ref-Castleton) and Angelo Morinello (R,C,I,Ref-Niagara Falls), both veterans themselves, held the first of several “Voices for Veterans” events at the Niagara Falls VFW Post 917 where they called for the immediate...

"Green Light" Creates Major Public Safety Hazard

New York’s “Green Light” law, which allows illegal immigrants to obtain a state driver’s license, is problematic on many levels. That it exists at all encourages individuals to illegally come to the U.S., ignore federal immigration...

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Greets Local Law Enforcement in Albany

From left are Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I,Ref–Lyons), Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton, Oswego County Undersheriff John Toomey, Leader Barclay and Madison County Undersheriff R.J. Lenhart.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) recently met with local law-enforcement officials during the New York State Sheriffs’ Association Winter Training Conference in Albany. The training conference includes an opportunity to meet...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb’s Decision To Retire

“It is disappointing to hear the news that Assemblyman Brian Kolb will not seek re-election, but I will always appreciate his service to the people of the Finger Lakes and his unwavering commitment to the Assembly Minority Conference. It is a true...

Assembly Minority Conference Calls For Criminal Justice ‘Reforms’ To Be Immediately Addressed

Assemblyman Peter Lawrence (R,C,I-Greece) (pictured at podium) today joined law-enforcement professionals, local prosecutors and members of the Assembly Minority Conference to call for an immediate repeal of recently-enacted criminal justice reforms that...

Assembly Minority Conference Calls For Criminal Justice ‘Reforms’ To Be Immediately Addressed

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) and members of the Assembly Minority Conference called for an immediate repeal of recently-enacted criminal justice reforms that put New Yorkers at risk. At a press conference held today in Buffalo, lawmakers...

Assembly, Senate Minority Conferences Join Law-Enforcement Professionals To Rally In Capitol For Repeal Of Criminal Justice Reforms

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski), Senate Minority Leader John J. Flanagan (R-Suffolk County), along with members of both Conferences and law-enforcement officials rallied in the New York State Capitol to call for a repeal of the...

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) Announces Appointments To Redistricting Commission

New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced the Minority Conference’s appointees to the Independent Redistricting Commission. Charles Nesbitt, former Assembly Minority Leader, and Keith Wofford, an attorney...

Action On New York’s Outmigration Issue Is Long Overdue

If a store, restaurant or any organization started losing customers, people in charge would make adjustments or they’d be out of business. So as New Yorkers continue to leave the state in alarming numbers, it’s time for some serious conversations...