Press Releases

Overlooked Priorities Mark a Disappointing Session

As legislators, we are charged with developing legislation to improve public safety, the economy and the quality of life here in New York. Unfortunately, over the last six months, not much of the legislation that passed moved the needle on any of these...

Summer Reading Challenge can Help Curb the ‘Summer Slide’

Now that the school year is coming to a close, it is again time to challenge our young New Yorkers to continue their academic growth by reading about their favorite topics this summer. As such, I am proud to again host the New York State Assembly Summer...

Oswego County Offers No Shortage of Fun This Summer as Fair and Farmer’s Market Set to Delight

The warm weather always brings with it some of the best family fun in upstate New York, and this year is sure to be no different. This month, I am excited to enjoy two of my favorite recreational activities in the Oswego County area: the Oswego-Fulton...

Assembly Minority Press State Agencies for Answers on Migrant Crisis Spending and Oversight of $1 Billion

In an effort to protect taxpayer funds, members of the Assembly Minority Conference called on state officials to provide information and clarification about the $1 billion allocated to New York City for costs associated with the migrant influx. Reports...

Coming Together to Protect Vulnerable New Yorkers is What We Are Elected to do

One of the most important jobs we have as lawmakers is protecting the interests of those in danger. This is something nearly every legislator can agree on regardless of their political background or what region they represent. We must protect those who...

Barclay Kicks Off ‘Blessings in A Backpack’ Donation Drive

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To help kickoff this year’s “Blessings in a Backpack” summer food drive, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) was joined by Lee Audlin of Blessings in a Backpack from Oswego and Craig Traub from Blessings in a Backpack in Fulton....

Statement By Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to honor the courageous men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. Today is a stark reminder of the tremendous price paid by generations of American armed service members who have...

Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day Promotes A More Inclusive NY

As legislators, Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day gives us a chance to pause and take stock of the ways we can better support New Yorkers with different levels of ability. Every New Yorker deserves an opportunity to grow and thrive, and for this...

Barclay Announces Start of ‘Blessings in a Backpack’ Donation Drive

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C -Pulaski) today announced his office will once again collect food items needed for school children this summer. The items will be distributed in partnership with Blessings in a Backpack’s Fulton and Oswego...

You Are Not Alone: A Call for Mental Health Awareness

Regardless of individual diagnosis, personal struggles, or abilities, everyone deserves to know they are “More Than Enough.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness is observing National Mental Health Awareness Month with its “More Than Enough”...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on The Passing of Former Assemblyman Gary Finch

“Gary Finch was a true gentleman and dear friend, and I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He retired from the Assembly three years ago, but his death evokes a deep sense of loss for our Conference and the entire state Legislature.For 10 terms...

In Process & Product, Final State Budget Misses the Mark

After a month-long delay that featured six emergency extenders, secretive meetings and several backdoor deals, the recently passed state budget amounted to another missed opportunity. At a time when inflation remains problematic and the state’s sky-high...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on the 2023-2024 State Budget

"After weeks of negotiations and six budget extenders, the final state budget ended up right where it started: too much spending, too much regulation, too many taxes and too many reasons for people to leave New York. Delays and dysfunction produced another...

Leader Barclay Recognizes Local High School Students with Community Service Youth Award

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) awarded 26 area high school students from 11 school districts with the Community Service Youth Recognition Award. This award recognizes outstanding high school students who volunteer and work tirelessly...

Giving Blood Supports Our Neighbors & Our Communities

One of the most rewarding things about public service is the opportunity to participate in events directly impacting my community. One such event is the American Red Cross blood drive I am sponsoring alongside City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. This event...

Barclay Sponsors Resolution to Commemorate Corporal Barrett Day in City of Fulton

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) on Monday introduced Oswego resident and Fulton City School District teacher Bill Cahill and his wife, Jennifer, on the Assembly floor. Mr. Cahill visited the Assembly Chamber in honor of Cpl. Carlton...

Barclay, Barlow to Host Blood Drive in Oswego May 19th

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) today announced that he will host a blood drive with City of Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow to benefit the American Red Cross. The drive will be held on Friday May 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roy C....

Criminal Justice Reform Must Fix New York’s ‘Career Criminal’ Issue

New York continues to lag the nation in job recovery but creating the new profession of “career criminal” is not the answer. Crime across the state, and particularly in New York City, has become completely entrenched in our daily lives. While the...

Assembly Majority Rejects “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan”

Assembly Majority today blocked a Minority proposal to suspend state sales tax on gasoline and a variety of everyday purchases, a measure which would have helped New Yorkers manage persistent inflation. The “Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan”...

Assembly Minority Protections for Crime Victims Rejected by Majority

Assembly Majority lawmakers have once again signaled they are not serious about addressing the public safety concerns shared by the majority of New Yorkers. This week, legislation from Assembly Minority that sought to address the inadequate protection...