Press Releases

Wage Theft Protection Act Hurts Small Business; Repeal this Mandate

We learned some good and bad news about our state, according to the polls last week. New York received the unfortunate label last week of ranking second-to-last in the nation for business, according to The Tax Foundation's 2012 State Business Tax Climate...

Barclay Appointed Deputy Minority Leader

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) was recently appointed Deputy Minority Leader by Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua). Assemblyman Barclay had been serving the Minority Conference as Assistant Minority Leader. Along with his...

Governor’s Budget Cuts Spending, Holds Line on Taxes Again

“My first impression is this budget has the taxpayers in mind. I liked hearing the Governor’s plans on education reform, pension reform and Medicaid reform. I also liked hearing how spending would be kept in line with last year, and that there are...

Barclay: ‘Closure of Indian Point Not Justified’

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) today said New York State should renew Indian Point Energy Center’s license so it may continue operating its nuclear energy plant in Westchester County to supply affordable energy to New York City. Barclay...

Legislation Would Make Sale, Use of Synthetic Drugs Illegal

You may have heard the term “synthetic marijuana” or synthetic drugs. The drugs come in small packages and have names like “Spice” or “Happy Shaman,” they are often labeled as incense and are allegedly smoked. People can purchase them in...

Barclay Introduces Legislation to Ban Sale of ‘Synthetic Cannabinoids’

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale and distribution of chemical compounds that mimic the effects of marijuana. The legislation would add “synthetic cannabinoids” to the controlled substance...

Stage Set for New Legislative Year in Albany, But Will Albany Deliver?

It was good to be back in the State Capitol last week and embark on this legislative year. This week included the annual State of the State address by Gov. Cuomo. He talked about a variety of topics including creating the country's largest convention...

Barclay: State of State Celebrates Victories, Lays Plan for Year

"The Governor's speech today allows us to look back on 2011 accomplishments and look forward to 2012 in the State Legislature. He's right in that we have accomplished more in the past year than we have in recent past by passing a property tax cap, ethics...

Priorities in New Year: Cut Spending, Mandates and Help Job Creation

I recently listed the highlights of 2011 in this space. They included an on-time budget, a property tax cap, middle-class income tax relief, and finally, a Power for Jobs plan that won’t expire, which includes a cost-savings measure that manufacturers...

New York Encourages Job Creation with Excelsior Program, Entrepreneur Resources

Our economy has seen thousands of manufacturing jobs disappear in recent history and the jobs, sadly, continue to disappear. Most recently in Fulton, Birdseye, a food packaging company, stopped production this month and more than 200 workers will have...

Governor Joins Effort to Strengthen Mandatory Reporting Requirements

"I was pleased to learn the Governor has decided to join us in improving our mandatory reporting requirements. I am a co-sponsor of the College Coaches and Professionals Reporting Act. This act would add college coaches, athletic directors, professors,...

College Coaches, Professors Also Should Be Mandated Reporters

There has been a great deal of media coverage surrounding the events concerning Syracuse University Assistant Coach Bernie Fine and recent allegations of child molestation. While charges have yet to be filed and an investigation is still pending, this...

Item Drive for Troops Seeks Candy, Granola Bars, Hygiene Products and Cards

The Ladies Auxiliary and the Pulaski VFW Post 7289 are collecting items to send to active military troops again this year. Assemblyman Barclay’s office is again assisting in this effort. The following is a list of items needed for the troops: Handmade...

Medicaid Takeover Would Reduce County Tax Burden

I recently became a sponsor of a bill that, if passed, would require the state to gradually take over Medicaid and the costs associated with the program. This will reduce property taxes and remove many costly mandates that have been passed down by the...

Barclay Drafts Legislation to Require Felony Status Check on Benefit Applicants

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) has drafted legislation that would require the Department of Social Services work directly with the Division of Criminal Justice Services to check the wanted felon status of people applying for state benefits....

Local Volunteers Coordinate to Send Items to Troops, Donations Needed

This year, once again, my office will participate in the item drive for troops. The Pulaski VFW 7289 and the Ladies Auxiliary will send care packages and stockings to troops. Lois and LeRoy Bowen and the Ladies Auxiliary in Pulaski spearhead this special...

Barclay Urges Constituents to Attend Free Screening for Alzheimer’s

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is encouraging people to take advantage of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) free memory screenings offered on Nov. 15 as part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. AFA is a nonprofit organization...

Event Encourages Families to Consider Adoption

I wanted to take some time this week to draw attention to a great event. Onondaga County will host its annual National Adoption Day on Nov. 18. More than 500 guests are expected to attend. It’s a big day for many families. Many children are officially...

Barclay: Good Riddance to Cheese-Slicing Regulation

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) said today he was glad the State Department of Agriculture decided to back off of farmers at markets who cut their artisan cheeses fresh from the wheel. Earlier this year, the state had penalized farmers for...

State Launches Gold Alert System

There was good news last week that will better protect vulnerable adults. The State launched its Missing Adult Alert system. The Gold Alert is similar to the Amber Alert but would be used only for missing adults. If someone goes missing, bulletins...