Press Releases

Allowing Youth Firsthand Experience in Government Empowers Future Leaders

I am often invited to speak to school-aged kids and during these visits a common question kids have for me is what does it means to be a good citizen. The question itself is inspiring because it means they are searching for ways to be good citizens....

Youth Big Game Weekend Provides Guided, Hands-on Learning Opportunity

Upstate New York has some of the best hunting, trapping and fishing in the country with thousands of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and millions of acres of forest and open space that are rich in wildlife. Those who venture out to hunt and fish tend to...

Report Shows Shrinking Labor Force in Upstate; More Business Friendly Policies Needed

Unemployment rates are often viewed as an indicator of how the economy is doing. While these rates provide valuable insight on economic activity, because of how the unemployment rates are calculated, they should not be the sole assessment in determining...

New Bill Aims to Reduce Liability for Agri-tourism

Agricultural tourism is a growing component within New York's $6.36 billion agriculture industry. More and more farms are inviting the public to have a firsthand experience on the farm and hosting farm tours where visitors can learn about farm operations....

More Outdoor Recreation in Schools Would Improve Children’s Health and Access to Hunting and Fishing

A few years ago I had the opportunity to chair the Assembly Minority Hunting and Fishing Task Force. During that time, the task force held forums and listened to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state. A primary objective of the task force was to examine...

Barclay Encourages Participants to Send in Completed Summer Reading Challenges

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) today reminded children who are participating in this year’s Assembly Summer Reading Challenge to send in their completed challenge forms. Students who read at least 15 minutes per day for 40 days between...

State Fair Promotes Agricultural Traditions and Family Fun

The Great New York State Fair will once again kick off on Aug. 23 and run until Monday, Sept. 4. Last year, more than 1 million people attended the fair which features animal exhibits, concerts, horse shows, the famous butter sculpture, history, youth...

529 ABLE Savings Accounts Available Now to Individuals, Families with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities and their family members now have a new way to save and plan for future expenses. New Yorkers can now open a tax-deferred 529 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account. The accounts are a savings option for families...

Barclay: Grant and Zero-Interest Loan to Assist Phoenix with Water Projects

“I am glad the Village of Phoenix was awarded this grant and the zero-interest financing to help facilitate improvements to public water projects. This state funding will help reduce the costs of this project and keep the Village of Phoenix moving...

Ritchie, Barclay to Host Additional Informational Meeting on Lake Ontario Flood Recovery Program in Mexico

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Sen. Patty Ritchie (R—Oswegatchie) and Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulasi) will host an informational meeting together with Neighbors of Watertown on the Lake Ontario Flood Recovery Program Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Mexico...

Craft Beverages Given More Support in State Law

The craft beverage industry is among the fastest-growing industries in New York with nearly 900 licensed manufacturers in the state. Part of this growth has to do with the state’s focus in recent years on trying to make it easier for craft beverage...

Resources Available for Homeowners to Protect from Scams

A home is one of the biggest investments a family can make and with homeownership, repair projects are inevitable. In some cases, homeowners can perform the work that needs to be done but in other cases, hiring a contractor is necessary. Unfortunately,...

Barclay Announces State Aid for Library Construction

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that the Baldwinsville, Fulton and Mexico public libraries have been awarded funding as part of the $19 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2017 State Budget....

Infrastructure Dollars Help Upstate with Road, Bridge Repairs

With the warm weather here, local highway crews are out working on road repairs and construction projects. There are approximately 114,000 centerline miles of highway in the state and local governments are responsible for the maintenance of nearly 85%...

State Grant to Help Oswego Health Improve Behavioral Health Services

“This is great news for Oswego Health and for the entire county. I was happy to work with Oswego Health and to advocate on their behalf to receive this funding from the New York State Department of Health. Improving access to behavioral health services...

Voters to Decide on Constitutional Convention in November

Pursuant to our State’s Constitution, every twenty years a referendum is required to be placed on the ballot asking New York State voters whether New York should convene a constitutional convention for the purposes of amending our State Constitution....

Barclay: Statement on Closing of Michaud Residential Health Services

“Like most residents in the area, I am concerned about the closure of Michaud Nursing Home. While I was aware that Michaud was experiencing financial challenges, prior to Wednesday’s announcement I had not been informed of the planned closure. Accordingly,...

Farmer’s Market Nutrition Connects Seniors to Local Produce

We are fortunate in this area to have access to so much homegrown produce—from maple syrup to onions, to fresh peaches and sweet corn. This time of year there are many opportunities to take advantage of the local harvests at farmer’s markets. Fresh...

Barclay: Far from “Extraordinary” But Good For District

Just one week following the last day of the 2017 Legislative Session, the governor called state lawmakers back to Albany for Extraordinary Session to take up legislation that would extend mayoral control of New York City schools and other measures. When...

Barclay Announces Summer Reading Program

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is pleased to once again sponsor the Assembly Summer Reading Challenge. Students who read at least 15 minutes per day for 40 days this summer will receive a certificate from Assemblyman Barclay and be invited...