Press Releases

After Another Scandal, Legislature Required To Fill Attorney General Vacancy

Just when you think things can’t get worse, they do. This month, Albany was hit with yet another scandal when Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned only hours after it was reported that several women had made accusations that he had been physically...

Depriving Youth Access to Target Sports is Nonsensical

A bill was recently put forward by a Manhattan lawmaker that, if passed and signed by the Governor, would do away with marksmanship, archery, and shooting programs in New York state schools. The bill would also ban gun safety classes on school grounds...

Barclay Appointed to Panel to Select Next Attorney General

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) released the following statement today after he was appointed to a panel that will assist in selecting the next Attorney General. Pursuant to the State Constitution, the vacancy must be filled by the State...

Laree’s Law Would Enhance Penalties for Drug Dealers

The heroin and opioid crisis has touched countless lives and ravaged families throughout the country. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60,000 people died of a drug overdose in the U.S. in 2016–five times higher...

Route 3 Repaving Scheduled

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) released the following statement today after the Governor announced the area's state routes that will be improved this construction season following the harsh winter. "I am happy to learn the DOT heard our...

Bill Banning High School Clay Target Leagues, Archery and Air Rifle Sport Nonsensical

Last week, legislation was introduced by a New York City Assembly member that would ban public schools from offering marksmanship, archery or shooting programs in school or as extracurricular activities. The bill, Assembly Bill 10428, also impacts instruction...

Survey of Area Voters Indicates Economy, High Taxes Top Concerns; People, Nature Our Best Attributes

My office recently invited people in the 120th Assembly district to participate in a legislative survey and more than 800 people took the time to respond. The survey asked people their thoughts on the local economy, laws pertaining to drugs, child welfare,...

Oswego County Sportsmen Thank Barclay for His Advocacy

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Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) recently attended the annual Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen's Club dinner. Organizers thanked Mr. Barclay for being a friend to all sportsmen. Pictured from left are Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen...

Barclay, Barlow to Host Oswego Blood Drive

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Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I, Ref-Pulaski) and Oswego Mayor, Billy Barlow will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, May 11 at the Oswego Elks Lodge, at 132 West 5th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment for the blood...

Changes to State’s Water Infrastructure Assistance Would Better Assist Localities

When the faucet is turned on, we take it for granted that clean, safe water will come out of the spigot. Unfortunately, as has been reported both nationally and in New York state, this is not always the case. In recent years, many problems have arisen...

Libraries Enrich Our Communities, Empower Individuals

Libraries serve as a valuable resource for millions of residents in both rural and urban areas. In New York state there are more than 750 libraries. They are usually centrally located in communities and function both as a free and public space for events...

State Budget Continues to Burden Taxpayers

The 2018-19 New York state budget has passed. As has become an Albany tradition, the budget was passed in the early morning hours having been for the most part negotiated by what is known as “four men in a room” – the Governor, the Speaker of the...

State Park Investments Continue; Local Clean Up Days on the Horizon

In recent years, the state has made significant investments in our state parks. Specifically, additional funding has assisted in improvements at parks statewide and includes everything from playground equipment, entryways, beach areas, trails, and restroom...

Clean Energy Standard Good Public Policy

“The Clean Energy Standard is good public policy and the result of a lot of hard work, a local grassroots effort, and a multitude of people who understand the value of having nuclear energy both in our community and a part of our state’s energy portfolio....

More Transparency Needed to Improve Economic Development Programs

As was widely reported, earlier this month Joe Percoco, a former top-aide to Governor Cuomo, was found guilty of three corruption-related charges. While corruption convictions of state officials, sadly, are nothing new, the Percoco conviction was front...

Priority for 2018 Budget Should be Simple: Cut Property Taxes

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...

‘New York Doctors of Tomorrow’ Would Bring More Doctors to Rural Areas

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....

More Funding for Roads, Bridges Needed to Help Upstate Economy

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...

Businesses, Workers Have Opportunity to Weigh in on Proposed Changes to Tipped Wages

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...

Time to Change the Laws to Better Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

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...