Press Releases

Assembly Minority Propose Child Care Investment to Increase Access & Improve Affordability

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and his Assembly Minority colleagues today addressed serious concerns with the lack of high-quality and affordable child care throughout the state. Nearly half of all parents say their child care situation...

New York Farm Bureau Presents Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Circle of Friends Award

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Representatives from the New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) presented Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) with their annual Circle of Friends award. The organization seeks to recognize legislators who demonstrate support for policies and issues...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Words cannot express our sadness to learn that Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s son, AJ, has passed away. On behalf of the entire Assembly Minority Conference, I want to offer my most sincere condolences to Robert, Megan and their loved ones. For the...

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Conference Members Honor New York State Trooper Rick Albert

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Earlier this week, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), and other members of the Assembly gathered with New York State Trooper Rick Albert who was shot on duty while conducting traffic. On June 16, 2023, Rick Albert pulled over a vehicle...

Preserving New York’s Farmland is the Right Thing to do for Our Economy and Our Legacy

New York’s agriculture industry is in the midst of a total upheaval, and a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture highlighted some major concerns coming out of this new normal. According to the report, New York lost 2,788 farms...

We Must Take Care of Our Veterans The Same Way They Take Care of Us

     New York’s veterans are an asset and a blessing to our state and the communities they have returned to after service. The sacrifices they have made, along with those of their dedicated families, are why we can enjoy the enormous freedoms we...

Leader Barclay Joins Local Participants from Association of New York State Youth Bureaus' 21st Annual Youth Leadership Forum

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Earlier this week, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) met with Oswego County students participating in the 21st Annual Youth Leadership Forum held by the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus. The forum is an interactive leadership...

Recognizing Mental Wellness Month: Patients, Providers & Programs Need Our Support

As budget negotiations begin to take a more concrete shape, it becomes even more important to keep pushing to support policy initiatives that can do the most for New Yorkers. As I have said before and want to reiterate as we close out Mental Wellness...

Reacting to the State of the State & Work Ahead in 2024

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her third State of the State Address this week, offering some broad policy proposals for 2024. Like years past, the governor’s presentation to the joint session of the Legislature was light on specifics. However, within the...

Now is the Time to Come Together and Restore New York

Earlier this week, I spoke on the Assembly Floor to outline the Assembly Minority Conference’s priorities as we take up legislation in 2024. Improving the quality of life for New York residents is always at the top of our agenda, and I am optimistic...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“With the start of a new year, we reflect on past achievements and look forward to all that 2024 has in store. Turning the page on the calendar comes with new goals, new hopes and a renewed sense of optimism. I hope 2024 brings success and good fortune...

Resolve and Resilience: Motivation for A New Year

As we turn the page on another year, we reflect on the journey over the past twelve months and welcome the opportunity to embrace new challenges and ideas. We find strength in our resolve and resilience while allowing optimism to light our path forward...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“As we come together with our families and loved ones to celebrate Christmas, I want to send best wishes to everyone on this special holiday. I hope today is filled with festivities and friendship and all are able to enjoy this season of giving. The...

The Holidays Are a Great Time to Reflect on Our Successes and Our Challenges

Christmas Day and the new year are just a few days away, and it’s an opportunity for all to reflect on the successes, challenges and lessons we’ve learned throughout the year. As always, I am also appreciative of the capacity for giving I have seen...

Leader Barclay, Senator Walczyk Announce Law to Assist Town of Lorraine & Tug Hill Region

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and Sen. Mark Walczyk announced the signing of their bill to authorize the Town of Lorraine in Jefferson County to establish minimum maintenance roads. The designation will provide town highway officials...

Barclay, Local Leaders Gather for Annual Blessing of The Shoes

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Last night, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) gathered with local leaders in Oswego City Hall, to bless shoes collected throughout the area to give to those in need. Millard “Mudd” Murphy, former mayor of Central Square, led the...

There Is No Shortage Of Ways To Give During The Winter And Holiday Season

As the holidays and cold winter weather descend upon New York, the needs of those facing difficult economic conditions become particularly accentuated and salient. Often, the generosity, kindness and goodwill of the community are the difference between...

Shop Local And Support Your Community This Holiday Season

Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s communities and one of the most important elements of our state’s economy. Data from Empire State Development shows a whopping 98% of all businesses in New York are classified as small businesses and...

Barclay Announces Fourth Annual Stocking Drive For Veterans

Today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) announced he and many local partners are launching the fourth annual “Stockings for Veterans” drive—a holiday season effort to collect personal-care items for veterans at the VA Medical...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Thanksgiving Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the special moments we share with family and friends. Traditions and celebrations are unique to every home and provide us a chance to remember what is important during this time...