Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) spoke out against the misguided priorities being displayed by the Assembly in the closing hours of the 2011 legislative session. While vital issues like mandate relief and a property tax cap loom unfinished, a bill to regulate the sale of bear gall bladders and bile was debated for a prolonged stint this evening on the Assembly floor.

“With rampant unemployment plaguing Western New York, local governments drowning under the weight of unfunded state mandates, and families and businesses fleeing the state in droves, the Assembly decided the task at hand this evening was to legislate the sale of animal digestive systems,” said Hawley. “Frankly, if the taxpayers of this state were to see the lack of focus and priorities on display in the people’s house, they would be appalled by their own representation. With precious little time to accomplish the litany of outstanding issues that truly matter to taxpayers, tonight’s debate was a staggering exercise in futility and particularly galling.”