Backdoor Borrowing Drives New York into Debt Overload
Nov 21, 2018
Each quarter the state’s Division of Budget releases updates to the state’s financial plan. The latest report which was published earlier this month included, once again, details on state debt. As one might guess—with our state’s reputation...
‘Tithe My Shoes’ Drive Kicks Off
Nov 19, 2018
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) has announced he will participate in the fifth annual “Tithe My Shoes” drive, an effort to collect shoes and boots for the Rescue Mission. Shoes will be collected until Dec. 4.
“Tithe My Shoes”...
Volunteer Efforts Brighten Holidays, Provide Health Benefits
Nov 15, 2018
Volunteers are the backbone of any community organization. The causes our local volunteers support help ensure that fewer people spend Thanksgiving alone, that children have gifts to open for the holidays, and that people have warm coats and boots for...
State Archive Site Provides Online Link to the Past
Nov 9, 2018
One thing we should be proud of in New York is our history and because of technology, it has never been easier to learn about our past. Â Â With the advent of online archives and searchable databases, what once required a trip to the local court house...
State Needs to Take Over Cost of Medicaid to Reduce Property Taxes
Oct 26, 2018
Everyone knows that New York’s property taxes are among the highest in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, New York’s state and local property taxes on a per capita basis were $2,789 making them the 4th highest in the nation. The main...
It is Time to Pass Violent Offender Registry Law
Oct 12, 2018
Domestic violence is a widespread problem across the nation and in New York. According to the State Office of Court Administration, in 2016 more than 28,000 domestic assaults were reported to police agencies outside of New York City. October is...
New York Remains Agricultural Leader
Sep 28, 2018
Too often it goes unrecognized, but New York State is a leader in agriculture. The farmers in our state grow and produce a diverse range of commodities and Upstate's nutrient-rich soils give way to some of the best products in the nation. ...
Federal Court Upholds Zero Emission Credit Program
Sep 28, 2018
“The Zero Emission Credit (“ZEC”) Program under the Clean Energy Standard is good public policy and values nuclear-producing, carbon-free electricity. Yesterday’s ruling by the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s ruling...
More Infrastructure Investment Needed Upstate
Sep 21, 2018
One of the biggest legislative challenges in Albany is making sure that there is parity in state spending between Upstate and Downstate New York. This is particularly challenging when it comes to transportation spending. New York City relies primarily...
Volunteers are Backbones of Local Fire Departments
Sep 14, 2018
New York is heavily dependent on volunteer fire departments for fire protection. According to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), 89% of the state’s fire departments outside of the New York City area are volunteer. Their...
Assembly Passes Bill to Separate Student Test Scores from Teacher Evaluations
Aug 30, 2018
As students and teachers begin a new school year, I thought it would be a good time to update constituents on the Common Core standards, now known as the Next Generation Learning Standards, and where things stands with standardized testing.
As many...
Barclay Announces Summer Reading Challenge Party
Aug 29, 2018
Today Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,ref-Pulaski) reminded children who participated in this year’s Assembly Summer Reading Challenge to send in their completed challenge forms soon. Students who read at least 15 minutes per day for 40 days during...
Corwin is Perfect Pick for the International Joint Commission
Aug 29, 2018
“Jane Corwin is an ideal selection to serve as section chair for the U.S. on the International Joint Commission (IJC). From working with her in the Assembly, I know she’ll ask the hard questions, be professional, and most of all not be beholden to...
Synthetic Drugs Continue to Pose Public Health Threat
Aug 24, 2018
Synthetic drugs continue to pose a significant public health threat in communities across the country. Earlier this month, more than 100 people were hospitalized within a short time period for synthetic drug overdose in New Haven, Connecticut. Health...
Barclay Announces State Aid for Library Construction
Aug 21, 2018
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that the Baldwinsville, Fulton and Williamstown public libraries have been awarded funding as part of a $24 million capital fund appropriation in the 2018-2019 State Budget to renovate public...
New York's Credit Card Debt Higher than National Average
Aug 17, 2018
Earlier this year, the state comptroller's office issued a report about consumers’ credit card debt in New York state. The information, which is largely based on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's data, shows how people are managing their households...
Interest in Outdoor Sports Growing, Hunter Education Offered through September
Aug 10, 2018
New York State has thousands of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and millions of acres of forest. The geographic diversity of our state, and its great natural resources, not only makes New York a beautiful state to live in but a wonderful place to enjoy...
Legislature Passes Bill to Better Protect, Promote Living Organ Donors
Aug 3, 2018
In my mind, one of the most selfless things a person can do is to be a living organ donor. In order to give the gift of life to another, a living organ donor not only sacrifices a part of his or her body for another, but also endures the necessary medical...
Unprecedented Pardons
Jul 27, 2018
Over the last week, my office has received several calls regarding Governor Cuomo’s recent “conditional” pardons of more than 24,000 convicted felons who are currently on parole. The calls were prompted because it became known that at least 77...
Property Taxes, Public Trust, Education Among People’s Top Concerns
Jul 23, 2018
People are concerned about the direction our state is headed. We have some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., a sluggish economy, and an onslaught of corruption cases and other scandals involving taxpayer dollars. The following are some questions...