Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats), Sen. Fred Akshar (R,C,I,Rfm) and Assembly members Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flatts), Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) and Joseph Angelino (R,C,I-Norwich) issued a letter to Gov....

“It is a sad day that it even got to this point, but the announced FBI probe into the Cuomo administration is welcome news to many concerned and grieving New Yorkers. The loss of 15,000 lives in our nursing homes is an utter tragedy, made worse by the...

“I would like to say that I am surprised the Cuomo administration had been actively covering up nursing home deaths but, quite frankly, the public and diligent reporters knew all along. Attorney General James found that the numbers were not adding up...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) applauds the efforts of his Assembly Minority colleagues on the committees on Aging, Health and Oversight, Analysis and Investigation who recently issued letters and a petition to fellow committee members...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is calling on the Cuomo administration to provide guidance so established arts venues may safely reopen to hold live performances. The Assemblyman supports the push to reengage the arts; however, he...

“I applaud Judge Timothy Walker’s ruling to temporarily lift the 10 p.m. curfew on restaurants. However, the ruling only applies to restaurants in Erie and Monroe counties. It is time this rule and others be lifted statewide. We have seen the governor...

The pandemic response made profound changes to our economy and the earnings of families. Along with our colleagues at the federal and state level, we have been looking at a number of ways to provide relief or remove stumbling blocks to our recovery. Together,...

“Attorney General James’ investigation confirms a fear many of us held - that COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes were far greater in number than what was being reported by the governor and the DOH. This makes an altogether heartbreaking tragedy all...

Today, Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) voted in favor of A.2001-A, a bill which will not hold it against businesses for unemployment insurance claims made throughout the duration of the pandemic. “I am pleased to vote for this measure...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flatts) is calling, yet again, for the governor to abandon the oppressive zoned lockdown policy which has had Chemung County designated as Orange Zone for 12 weeks. The state, in particular the state Department...

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblymen Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to give the go-ahead to high school sports seasons. In a joint statement, O’Mara, Friend...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) has been reappointed to his position as ranking Minority member on the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry. Additionally, the assemblyman has been appointed...

“Recovery from the pandemic has been frustratingly stalled in the Southern Tier. First, our local small businesses were shut down by the governor’s statewide lockdown when cases were almost nonexistent in this region, then certain types of businesses...

A group of state lawmakers representing the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Western New York are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto legislation that, if enacted, would significantly expand New York’s regulatory process governing stream-related...

“We have seen a growing number of experts oppose shutdowns in dealing with COVID-19, including the World Health Organization, which points to the disproportionate negative impact on the poor. We know the devastating effects the shutdowns have had on...

“The governor just can’t help himself in releasing ‘Leadership Lessons,’ an all too early look-back and victory lap at his response to COVID-19, when we are seeing another wave. Our state has unnecessarily endured many deaths from his too-late...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is urging farmers to participate in the upcoming virtual Farm Laborers Wage Board hearings on Wednesday, August 26; Thursday, August 27; and Monday, August 31. Those wishing to testify live may register...

“The news that Cuomo’s Department of Health has given a waiver to the governor’s 14-day travel quarantine rule to the musicians and dancers who will be performing in the upcoming Video Music Awards is ridiculous. It shows just how little...