Press Releases

Assembly Minority Calls on Gov. Hochul to Reject Lowering Farm Workers Overtime Threshold

Members of the Assembly Minority Conference, along with advocates supporting New York’s farmers, gathered to call on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reject the recent recommendation by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to further lower the overtime threshold for farm...

The Pattern Continues In Albany: Masks, Mandates & More Government Overreach

New York’s mask mandate for businesses finally came to an end this week. On Wednesday, Gov. Hochul lifted an Executive Order requiring masks to be worn indoors for some places, but she has kept the requirement in place for children in schools. There...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on Today’s Mask Mandate Announcement

“Gov. Hochul’s decision to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate is long past due and welcome news. However, dropping it some places but not others make little sense. While other states have seen fit to lift the mask restrictions for school children,...

Heart Health Is Important For All New Yorkers

Each February we celebrate American Heart Month, a time when we can reflect on the importance of good cardiovascular habits like healthy eating and exercise, and take some time to consider ways we can improve our overall wellness. For many New Yorkers,...

New York’s Farmers Cannot Withstand Any More Economic Obstacles

As the Farm Laborers Wage Board continues to evaluate potential changes to the overtime threshold in New York, I want to again call upon them to consider the gravity of their decision. Recently, I submitted testimony to the board calling for them to consider...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Today’s decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board demonstrates how completely tone-deaf Albany bureaucrats are to the needs of the agriculture industry. Despite hours of testimony, multiple financial reports and real-world accounts of the devastating...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On State Appellate Court’s Mask Mandate Ruling

“The confusion and chaos surrounding Gov. Hochul’s overreaching mask mandate reached an unfortunate peak today. A state Supreme Court judge struck down the requirement yesterday. And in the aftermath, conflicting messages from state officials provided...

Gov. Hochul’s Budget Proposal Features Record-Breaking, Out-Of-Control Spending

The recently unveiled executive budget proposal should be no surprise to anyone who has lived in New York in the last decade. Spending is looking again to be record-setting, and the $216 billion proposal on the table would represent the largest in the...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On The Executive Budget Presentation

“Gov. Hochul offered an executive budget proposal that one might expect in an election year: something for everyone and plenty of cash to dole out, thanks in part to billions in bailouts from Washington, D.C. On its surface, there’s a lot to like...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the importance of bringing people together and creating a better world through unity. Today, we pay tribute to that legacy, and Dr. King remains one of the most inspirational and important leaders in our nation’s...

Barclay To Provide Free Covid-19 Rapid Tests At Fulton War Memorial

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) will host a COVID-19 test giveaway on Thursday, Jan. 13 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Fulton War Memorial, 609 W. Broadway in the City of Fulton. Up to two test kits are available per household and supply...

In Albany, Public Safety Must Be A Priority In 2022

The start of 2022 offers us many opportunities to change the way we do things. In New York, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed as we begin the New Year, and at the top of that list are the dangerous criminal justice policies that continue...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On Gov. Hochul’s State Of The State Address

“Gov. Hochul’s State of the State Address presented her vision for the coming year, but little for New Yorkers to get excited about. This was a safe speech that hit popular notes. Unfortunately, clear solutions to current problems were few and far...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Today, we begin a new year with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. I am confident that 2022 will be filled with opportunities for growth for our families, friends, neighbors and state. As we continue to manage the realities of COVID-19, it is important...

With The Start Of A New Year, Looking Ahead With Optimism To 2022

While we’re closing the final chapter on 2021, and my colleagues and I gear up for a new Legislative Session, I am optimistic for a brighter and better 2022. To say that the last year has been littered with obstacles and unfortunate distractions is...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“The Christmas season is one of great joy, love and charity. I hope this year is no different, and that you get to spend it surrounded by loved ones. In whatever way you celebrate the holiday, I urge everyone to take a moment to reflect on all the blessings...

Giving Back to Those in Our Community Is a Win-Win This Holiday Season

The holiday season, for many, is a time of celebration and gathering with family and loved ones. For too many, though, it is a time of economic uncertainty, stress and anxiety. As a community, there are plenty of ways we can help alleviate some of those...

Leader Barclay Delivers Donations to Local VA Medical Center

Photo as described in caption
The donations for the 2nd Annual Stockings for Veterans drive were made possible thanks to many generous individuals, school groups, churches, teams, organizations and elected officials.“It is overwhelming to see the outpouring of items people donated....

Celebrating The Holidays Right Here at Home

During the holiday season, we are fortunate to be able to spend time with family and friends as we celebrate old traditions and make new memories with those closest to our hearts. As most of us know, the holidays are filled with joy, happiness, nostalgia...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Barclay on Gov. Hochul’s Mask Mandate Announcement

“Despite 80 percent of adults in New York being fully vaccinated, we are once again being force-fed another statewide mandate announced without notice, with little information, from a podium at a press conference. Gov. Hochul is using the same heavy-handed...