Our property taxes are among the highest in the nation. New York needs to make structural changes if there is any hope for reducing tax bills for property owners. Legislation has been introduced that would help alleviate some of this burden for Upstate...

The U.S. is facing a doctor shortage which is expected to intensify. By 2020, it is estimated there will be a shortfall of 45,000 primary care doctors and 46,000 specialists across the country due to doctor retirements and other contributing factors....

Improving and maintaining local roads and bridges is one investment the state can make that positively impacts our Upstate communities, economies, and motorists. Yet during budget season it is always a challenge to ensure enough state dollars are invested...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that the public will have a chance to weigh in on proposed changes affecting tipped workers. Late last year, the governor announced the possibility of ending a separate wage for tipped workers...

Last year, the Assembly Minority Conference hosted a series of forums across the state to better understand the often complex problems associated with domestic violence. During these forums, victims, advocates, service providers, law enforcement, and...

The Assembly Majority is once again advancing an early voting bill through committees with a vote expected on the floor in the near future. The Governor is also making his push for early voting in his budget this year. While there are slight differences...

Unfortunately, New York has a habit of creating policies that are punishing to businesses. In the past two years, business owners in New York state have had to ingest several onerous mandates such as new wage orders, higher minimum wages, and a new paid...

For many New Yorkers, high student loan debt and the cost of living can make it difficult to achieve the dream of owning a home. As a result, fewer people may be able to invest in homes in our local communities. Legislation I sponsor known as the New...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref--Pulaski) recently presented Fulton resident and Fulton Common Councilor Larry Macner with an Assembly Resolution honoring him for being selected as the 2017 Veteran of the Year by the Fulton Veterans Council. Barclay...

In his State of the State address given earlier this month, Governor Cuomo called the recently passed federal tax reform bill “economic civil war” that will raise New Yorker’s property taxes and income taxes. Unfortunately, no explanation for this...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) recently wrote in opposition to the new employee scheduling regulation known as “call-in” pay during the Department of Labor’s public comment session. Barclay submitted the letter to the commissioner...

“The Governor continues to miss opportunities with his proposed budget. Instead of reducing the high tax burden for New Yorkers and creating a friendlier business environment, he announced new taxes for employers. “His speech painted a foreboding...

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January. During this month, organizations like the American Red Cross use this as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation and to recognize the lifesaving acts of...

There seems to be a substantial amount of confusion as to what effect the newly enacted Federal Tax bill will have on residents of New York state. The confusion stems from the fact that (i) taxes are complicated, (ii) what people pay in taxes depends...

“The Governor’s 2018 State of the State address was a scattered attempt to cater to various interest groups rather than fixing what is on everyone’s mind: the economy. He should spend less time attacking the recent federal tax cuts and more time...

After a baby is born, hospitals perform a variety of screenings for the baby. Some tests are completed by a physical exam or through the use of a medical device at the hospital but many genetic disorders can only be detected with a blood sample. In an...

After a baby is born, hospitals perform a variety of screenings for the baby. Some tests are completed by a physical exam or through the use of a medical device at the hospital but many genetic disorders can only be detected with a blood sample. In an...

During this time of year, some families with graduating seniors are planning to enter college in the next academic year. Finances are obviously a big consideration when it comes to higher education and with good reason. Costs have risen dramatically....

Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) reminded those with pistol permits to recertify their firearms. The SAFE Act requires all pistol owners to recertify their pistol permits 5 years after the date their license was issued. If your pistol...

New Yorkers consistently rank public safety high on the list of importance so it is good news that in 2016, the number of crimes in the state reached an all-time low. In addition, the crime rate in New York has steadily declined since 1990 with few exceptions. According...