Press Releases

End of Session Bill Focuses on Downstate Issues, Ignores Upstate's Needs

"I'm pleased session has ended, and we were able to extend the property tax cap. Still, more needs to be done on scaling back taxes in general, but I'm glad this cap is in place and will continue for at least four more years. We passed an important...

Freedom Of Information Bill Passes Legislature, More Open Government Needed

The Legislature recently passed a bill that, if signed by the Governor, would reform the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and expedite the process for those in search of public records. The measure passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both...

Barclay Circulates Petition to Strengthen Laws against Synthetic Drugs

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) today announced that he is circulating a petition to garner public support for legislation (A5454a) that would help ban synthetic drug sales in retail stores and toughen penalties against sales and use—putting...

Barclay Presents Resolution To Safe Haven

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Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) recently presented the board members of the Safe Haven Museum and Education Center with a resolution memorializing Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Safe Haven Museum and Education Center in Oswego commemorates the...

Governor Moves from Three Men in a Room to One-Man Parlor

It is not a secret that New York is a challenging state in which to do business because of our high taxes and oppressive regulatory scheme. Some, not all, of these policies originate out of New York City which faces different demographics and economic...

Bill Proposes to Determine Sex Offender Residency Restrictions on 'Case-by-Case' Basis

The following is a statement from Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) following the committee vote on Assembly Bill 7878 by the Assembly Committee on Corrections today. The committee advanced a bill that would remove the current residency requirements...

Less than Important Legislation of 2015

Here are some bills introduced by lawmakers that make some of us scratch our heads. Even by Albany’s standards, these are a bit unbelievable. I want to share a few with you this week. A6145—If some New York lawmakers have their way, Happy Meal...

New York Needs More Doctors and Better Policies to Encourage More Med Students to Stay

Access to quality healthcare is a necessary component for a thriving community, and we are fortunate to have great healthcare facilities and providers in Central New York. That being said, our healthcare system is under stress because we continue to...

Memorial Day Provides Opportunity For Pause To Thank Those Who Serve

Memorial Day is an American tradition. For generations, our country has set aside this day to honor brave men and women who have fought and died to protect our American freedoms and God-given rights. Civil War veteran and Supreme Court Justice Oliver...

Sport Fishing Industry Contributes Millions to Local Economy

The Oswego County Tourism Department recently held a free luncheon seminar at the Tailwater Lodge in Altmar titled the Tourism Ambassador Program. The event highlighted some of the great assets that our area has to offer. At the end of the day, the...

Child Advocacy Center Receives Recognition for Work

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Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) presented the Oswego County Child Advocacy Center’s Executive Director Karrie Damm with a resolution acknowledging the work they do to help children who have been sexually abused. April is Child Sexual Abuse...

Child Advocacy Center Invites Community To Be The End

The Oswego County Child Advocacy Center recently held its annual meeting. One of the best takeaways from the event was learning from the executive director, Karrie Damm, that the annual meeting has grown over the last three years from an intimate gathering...

Blood Donations Help Cancer Patients And Many Others

I am teaming up with the American Red Cross and the Rural Health Network of Oswego County to host a blood drive on May 1 at the Elks Lodge in Oswego. The blood drive will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oswego Elks Lodge, 132 W. 5th St., Oswego. If...

Barclay: Assembly Majority Stops SAFE Act Repeal

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) announced today that legislation to protect our Second Amendment rights was rejected by the Assembly Majority during a Codes Committee meeting. “This is another example of the Majority’s continued support...

Barclay, Ritchie Call for Stronger Penalties on Synthetic Drug Use and Sales

Amid a resurgence in synthetic drug use and reports from area hospitals on the increased number of patients being treated for adverse reactions stemming from synthetic drug use, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) said today that New York State...

CNY in Good Position for State Economic Award, but Cutting Taxes Would Benefit All

There are a lot of things to be positive about in Central New York. Unfortunately, the economy is not one of them. Over the last decade, job growth in the Syracuse area has been anemic. The lack of jobs, among other things, has caused an outward migration...

So-Called 'Landmark' Ethics Reforms Continue to Fall Short

One of the claims that Governor Cuomo has made about this year’s state budget is that it includes ethics reforms that will “create the strongest and most comprehensive ethics laws for public officials of any state in the nation.” Because I am not...

State Budget Increases Aid For Schools But Treats Teachers Unfairly

At approximately 3 a.m. on April 1st, the New York State Assembly passed the last of 12 bills that make up New York’s 2015-16 budget. The state Senate had passed the legislation about four hours earlier. While technically not on time (pursuant to...

Barclay Renews Fight Against Synthetic Drugs

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) announced today that he has renewed his fight against synthetic drugs. Barclay has reintroduced his legislation that would give law enforcement better tools to help discourage synthetic drug use and sales. Barclay...

New Laws Created to Protect Victims of Domestic and Sexual Abuse

Domestic violence, harassment, and sexual assault continue to be issues I am concerned about. Studies reveal that this occurs more than many realize. A few new laws were recently chaptered and aim to improve victims’ rights and protections. I supported...