The Legislature Returns Remotely, but the Need for Restored Authority Remains
May 29, 2020
This week the New York State Legislature formally reconvened in an unfamiliar format, with debates and voting conducted through video feeds. Like many things forced to change under COVID-19 precautions, our work took on a new look, but was an important...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
May 28, 2020
“At a time when suffering upstate regions need clarity and confidence, they’ve gotten only more confusion. The governor’s acknowledgement that upstate regions may not begin tomorrow’s Phase II reopening compounds the problems for businesses,...
Assembly Minority Introduces Legislation to Limit Governor's Expanded Powers, Increase Local Authority During Future Emergencies
May 27, 2020
The New York State Assembly Minority today introduced legislation that would restore legislative checks and balances for emergency declarations exceeding 45 days and ensure judicial due process rights for any actions that affect fundamental constitutional...
Memorial Day May Look Different, but Our Gratitude Remains the Same
May 22, 2020
This year, our Memorial Day celebrations are going to look vastly different from those in years past. Gatherings of any kind during the COVID-19 outbreak are uniquely challenging, especially ones that normally involve close social interactions between...
Reopening Parts of New York Is Reason For Cautious Optimism
May 15, 2020
Today, certain areas of New York are finally taking important steps in a positive direction after weeks of lockdown orders and business closures. While there is cautious optimism in the regions reopening – the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk...
Assembly Minority Members Call for Legislative Hearings on Covid-19 Pandemic's Impact on State Nursing Homes
May 11, 2020
In a letter to the chairmen of the Committees on Aging, Health, and Oversight, Analysis and Investigations, members of the Assembly Minority Conference have called on the Legislature to convene a hearing to review and investigate New York’s policies,...
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Calls for Restoration of Legislature’s Authority
May 9, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today called for a return to established state government operations, processes and legislative powers. Leader Barclay stated it is time to restore the traditional authorities given to the Legislature and end Gov....
Teachers Are Doing Incredible Work in These Difficult Times, They Deserve Our Praise
May 8, 2020
These last few months have been challenging for most everyone. Our normal routines and activities that previously provided structure have been turned upside down. The state’s educational system has faced sweeping changes and has been forced to dramatically...
Minority Leader Will Barclay Calls for Performance Measurements from State Department of Labor
May 7, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today called for the state Department of Labor (DOL) to take immediate steps to improve responsiveness and performance in delivering unemployment benefits to New Yorkers seeking assistance. In a letter to Gov. Cuomo,...
Barclay Participates in Milk Giveaway with Dairy Farmers of America, Oswego County Farmers & Local Leaders
May 7, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) today helped give away more than 800 gallons of whole milk in Central Square. Barclay, Oswego County legislators and officials from the Town of Hastings worked in partnership to make the event...
Planning New York's Financial Future Will Take Transparency, Cooperation
May 1, 2020
We are beginning to be able to quantify the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus health crisis, and although the numbers may seem scary, there is much we can do to ensure New York endures and, eventually, thrives. New York State is facing a...
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on Gov. Cuomo's Mail-In Voting Executive Order
May 1, 2020
The COVID-19 epidemic has forced all of us to modify our normal practices and routines. The need to adjust our electoral procedures was inevitable. However, the governor has issued a series of executive orders that have presented conflicting and confusing...
Assembly Minority Conference Calls for Financial Aid to Firefighters and EMS Workers Reeling from Pandemic
Apr 30, 2020
The New York state Assembly Minority Conference is calling for immediate federal financial aid to local governments, with special consideration to volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) workers who have been stretched particularly...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on the 116-Member Reopening Advisory Board
Apr 28, 2020
“More than a week ago, Assembly Minority politicians called for a region-by-region assessment with specific protocols and a tangible plan – delivered by April 30 – on how to restart our economy. Since that time, New Yorkers have heard...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Apr 28, 2020
“It is with profound happiness that we have learned Assemblyman Brian Miller’s condition is improving and he has been moved out of intensive care. His COVID-19 diagnosis, which came more than a month ago, was a shock to his family, friends and...
Statement from Assemblyman Will Barclay on the Death of Former Assemblyman Joseph Errigo
Apr 27, 2020
“I am deeply saddened to learn that former Assemblyman Joseph Errigo has passed away. Having served with Joe for more than a decade, I considered him a friend and respected his loyalty and leadership to the people of his district. I know that...
Surviving the Times through Community Support
Apr 24, 2020
For nearly all of us managing these unprecedented times, it’s easy to get away from our normal routines and go-to comforts. Among our many daily challenges is staying connected to the things we have built our incredible communities upon. As such,...
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Calls For “New York State Regional Restart”
Apr 21, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref.-Pulaski) and members of the Assembly Minority Conference today called for the development of a plan to guide the state’s reopening for businesses on a phased-in, regional basis. The “New York...
Assembly Minority Conference Proposes “Jump-Start New York” To Aid Residents, Businesses, Economic Recovery
Apr 17, 2020
The New York State Assembly Minority Conference has introduced a comprehensive economic stimulus plan aimed at shielding the millions of New Yorkers impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The “Jump-Start New York” initiative calls for short-term...
Blood Donations Are A Call for Community Response
Apr 17, 2020
Challenging times have brought out the best in our community. If there is a silver lining to the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s the show of support and the way people and professionals have responded to the call. From businesses providing personal protective...
