Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski )released the following statement today following the release of Unshackle Upstate’s scorecards for legislators. Barclay scored 100%. Unshackle Upstate is a pro-taxpayer, pro-business advocacy organization that...

There have been a number of new laws signed and chaptered in New York in recent weeks. I want to update readers on a few involving mandated reporters, unlawful surveillance, screening of volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel, and maternal depression....

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is pleased to announce his support for two newly-introduced bills that will create opportunities for veterans. Barclay is urging his colleagues to prioritize passage of A.9774 during the upcoming legislative...

The New York State Department of Budget reported in its quarterly update that the state estimates it will receive $4.2 billion in 2015 from financial settlements reached by the Department of Financial Services, Department of Law, and the Manhattan District...

My office receives a lot of inquiries from constituents who wonder why their energy bills are so high. These inquiries are well founded, as New Yorkers pay some of the highest residential energy costs in the nation. In fact, New York's energy...

On Aug. 7, 1782, George Washington first presented a Badge of Military Merit to soldiers for “any singularly meritorious action.” The award he created from his headquarters in Newburgh, NY, was a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk and had the word...

Tourism is a big industry for New York. According to recent state statistics, the New York tourism industry generated $59.2 billion in direct spending, which produced an estimated $7.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2013. The industry also is reportedly...

The implementation of the Common Core Learning Standards was easily the most talked about issue in K-12 education this year. Common Core is an initiative adopted by most states, including New York, that, in theory, is supposed to set new educational...

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 Barclay’s office and be invited...

The Legislative Session has come to a close for the year. There were many good measures that passed and many more, however, that did not come to floor for a vote. Here are a few noteworthy items that passed that I was pleased about. This list is not...

The 2014 NYS legislative session has come to an end. During the final week, hundreds of bills were passed. However, the legislation that got the most attention was legislation that legalized medical marijuana. On a number of occasions in...

Unfortunately, our office often hears firsthand accounts from local residents who have been scammed. I wanted to let people know of common scams local residents have experienced recently and how to avoid scams and identity theft. One scam currently...

We’ve seen many cases in recent months concerning heroin use and overdoses. It has become a public health epidemic. The stories are sad and often tragic. Overdose rates have increased substantially. Deaths from heroin overdoses in New York more than...

The 2014 state legislative session is in its final month. The Governor, legislators and advocacy groups all are jockeying in attempt to get their favored legislation passed and signed into law before the legislative session concludes. The Assembly majority,...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is urging his legislative colleagues to stand with him in opposition to A03244, a bill that would force pistol manufacturers to equip their guns with costly, unproven microstamping technology. The controversial...

There has been some good news lately involving dairy and the local economy. New York was recently named the top yogurt producer in the nation. This is the second year our state has earned this distinction; in large part, due to the Greek yogurt producers...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is urging his colleagues to enact Brittany’s Law, a crucial piece of crime-prevention legislation that has failed to reach the Assembly Floor despite years of solid Senate support. Brittany’s Law-Domestic...

There are a number of measures I sponsor that would expand women’s rights and protections, as well as serve to better protect children. I wanted to highlight a few this week that would help the punishment fit the crime, and also make it easier for women...

Memorial Day is a time for family picnics and parades. More importantly, however, it's also a time we honor our veterans and pay homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country. As a state, we can always do more for...

I receive a lot of questions about how schools are funded and how that money is spent. There is good reason for these questions because a lot of money is involved. State aid to schools comprises $21.8 billion—roughly 24%—of our $92.3 billion state...