Press Releases

Smullen Responds to Resignation of Gov. Cuomo

“The governor’s resignation is necessary and warranted, but we must ensure that this is not the end of the story. Andrew Cuomo still has much to answer for, and he cannot escape blame or responsibility, just because he’s finally seen the right thing...

Smullen Responds to AG James’ Findings

“Attorney General James conducted a thorough investigation of the governor, and the findings are what we expected. It is paramount that the state Legislature hold him accountable and remove the governor immediately through the impeachment process, as...

The 2021 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Many of those who follow my legislative activity know that I am not a fan of how the State Assembly conducts itself under one party rule.  From bad spending habits to burdensome taxation polices, the state Legislature time and again squanders the resources...

Smullen: It Is Time To End New York’s Emergency Status

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) joined Assembly and Senate Minority members at a press conference calling for an end to the executive order that placed New York in a state of emergency following the COVID-19 outbreak. Smullen fully believes...

Smullen: The Governor’s Book Deal is Unconscionable in The Wake of Covid-19

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) blasted the governor for profitingfrom a book detailing the importance of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the now-public knowledge that his administration oversaw the disastrous health policy...

Supporting Our Healthcare Heroes

For over a year, our state, and indeed the world, has been fighting against a pandemic in a way that has not been seen in over a century. This time, we have the benefit of countless experienced and professional medical personnel to guide us through it....

The 2021-2022 Budget: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

After a delay lasting a week longer than the due date demanded of us by state law, the state budget was passed mostly along party lines in Albany. With a $212 billion total, an all-time high due to pandemic spending paid for by federal deficits, it was...

Smullen Votes To Lift Arbitrary Restaurant Regulations, Calls For Further Relief

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) voted to overturn the Governor’s Executive Order requiring restaurateurs to serve food with alcohol, and easing capacity and operating restrictions set on them during the course of the pandemic.He is continuing...

Smullen Calls For End To Economically-Damaging Eviction Moratorium

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) was part of a press conference to call for an end to the eviction moratorium imposed by Gov. Cuomo at the start of the pandemic last year. Although the idea began with good intentions, Smullen believes...

Smullen Votes ‘No’ On 2021 Budget Blowout

“I could not in good faith vote in favor of any part of this budget. It increases unnecessary spending and raises taxes, on top of $12 billion dollars of national debt financed aid coming from Washington, D.C. This budget exemplifies the progressive...

Smullen, Assembly and Senate Minority Hold Press Conference Calling for Release Of $1.3 Billion In Federal Housing Assistance

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Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) was joined by Assembly and Senate Minority colleagues today in calling on Gov. Cuomo to release the $1.3 billion allocated by Congress for use in housing assistance. As of now, the governor has not authorized...

Smullen Joins Press Conference Calling for Restaurant and Bar Hours to Resume as Normal

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Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) joined his Assembly and Senate colleagues today calling on the Majority Conferences in both houses to repeal the governor’s COVID-preventative restaurant and bar hour restrictions, citing the ridiculous...

The Governor Has Lost Our Confidence to Govern

Minority and Majority politicians will always have disagreements about policy issues. If we did not, we would not need different parties in our political system. The same can be said when it comes to the Governor and the Legislature. We are co-equal branches...

Smullen Introduces Bill That Will Allow Recall of Governor

Editor’s note: Link to Senate version of bill is attached Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco), in partnership with Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, is introducing a bill that would expand and strengthen the checks and balances of our state government....

Smullen: Majority Deal to Remove Emergency Powers Was a Lie

“As an eternal optimist, I was glad to hear Assembly Majority members were looking to finally remove the governor’s emergency powers. However, the bill they introduced today was anything but a revocation of the governor's emergency powers. It allows...

Smullen Votes ‘Yes’ On Numerous Nursing Home Protection Bills

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) spent session day on March 4 voting in favor of numerous bills thatsupport nursing home patients and their families in the wake of the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed thousands of lives in nursing...

Smullen Celebrates Community Foundation Funding Broadband Development

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) is joining with the community to applaud the Community Foundation for directing extra funding toward the development of further broadband access and infrastructure in the area. As an avid and leading advocate...

Smullen Calls for More Funding of Local Roads

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) joined colleagues from the Assembly and Senate today calling on Gov. Cuomo and the Legislature to redirect funds and increase the budget for spending on local roads, bridges and culverts. Smullen knows that lett
“We need to support our local Highway superintendents so they can do their jobs as our people elected them to,” Smullen said. “It is of paramount importance that we invest in increased funding for our local roads. Roads are the backbone of civilization...

Smullen Insists Broadband Study Should Be Included in Yearly Budget

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,I,SAM-Meco) is calling on the governor to make good on earlier promises and ensure broadband across the state is funded in this year’s budget. A staunch advocate for equitable broadband access, Smullen is determined to...

Smullen: Assembly Majority Blocks Vote on Removal of Emergency Powers

“The egregious misuse of power on display in our State Assembly is shocking. To continually block the process of legislative work simply to protect the hold of emergency powers, and to prevent accountability from being held against the executive, is...