The Erie Canal was an engineering marvel. Built in 1817, it was the longest artificial waterway and one of the greatest public works projects in its day. The expansive project took about 8 years to complete and stretched 339 miles from Waterford, near...

In a recent legislative district survey, respondents noted that one of our area’s strengths is its cultural events and historical sites. I happen to agree with them. We are fortunate to have organizations throughout our communities that work to preserve...

Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day was held last week by the State Assembly. The day highlights both the issues and the accomplishments of advocates, families, and individuals with special needs across our state. As part of the awareness day, more...

During World War I, American women wore a black arm band that featured a blue star around their left arm to show they had family serving their country. As the war progressed and, sadly, more and more soldiers died in combat, families sought to show their...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

“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....

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...

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...