Press Releases

Barclay Opposes Legislation Prohibiting Firearm Raffles

This week, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I, Ref---Pulaski) voiced strong opposition to a proposed bill that would prohibit local rod and gun clubs and other organizations from raffling firearms as prizes.  The sponsor of this legislation, in what might...

Small Business Employment Act Would Provide Relief Business Owners Need

New York has a reputation for enacting policies that are punishing to businesses. Over the past three years, business owners have had to absorb onerous mandates such as new fast food wage orders, higher minimum wages, and a paid family leave policy. These...

Barclay: ‘Amazon Deal Is a Reflection On New York’s Business Climate’

“I am disappointed with today’s news that Amazon is not going to locate in New York State.  It is a reflection of the poor business climate in New York State.  Even $3 billion of economic development incentives isn’t enough. Time...

Barclay Meets with Members of Oswego County-City Youth Bureau in Albany

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Members of Oswego County-City Youth Bureau recently met with Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) in Albany.  The Oswego County-City Youth Bureau helps foster leadership skills and opportunities for youth to volunteer in the local community. ...

February is National Heart and ‘Go Red for Women’

February is National Heart Month and a time each year that people “Go Red For Women.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease was the number one killer in our state in 2015. Despite efforts to inform the public...

Barclay Attends Health Committee Hearing In Albany

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) speaks at Health/Medicaid Hearing on 2/5/19
“This week I attended a Health/Medicaid Budget Hearing in Albany where we discussed single-payer health care in New York state. This proposal would take away control from taxpayers and raise our income taxes by $1,600 per month. It’s critical...

Bill Provides Support for Victims of Child Abuse

After more than a decade, and much discussion, the State Legislature reached a general consensus and passed the Child Victims Act.  The legislation significantly extends the time a child abuse victim can pursue a criminal or civil claim.  These changes...

Barclay: Executive Budget Fails to Address Upstate Concerns

In an attempt to get ahead of the legislature, on January 15th the Governor gave his annual budget address.  In the address, the Governor laid out what most would consider a very liberal agenda.  Sadly, there was nothing in his address that offers...

Primary Dates in New York to be Consolidated

In school, at least when I was a student, one of the first things you learn about American democracy is the importance of voting.  The idea that citizens have the right to be self-governed was the cornerstone political belief of our founding fathers...

Barclay Aims To Make New York More Affordable In 2019

“The Governor’s 2019 State of the State Address laid our numerous proposals for the coming Legislative Session, but I’m troubled by the silence on critical issues that matter to hard-working taxpayers, particularly in Upstate.  Each...

Early Voting Bills Create Unfunded Mandates

“The Assembly Majority passed early voting measures today that, if signed into law, would largely result in unfunded mandates, confusion, and would change our current system when it does not need to be changed.  I voted against these measures. ...

2019 Legislative Priorities

On Wednesday, the State Legislature gaveled in for the first time this year marking the start to the 2019 Legislative Session.  I look forward to this day.  It brings a renewed sense of hope and change for the upcoming year and allows for the opportunity...

Barclay: ‘Bi-Partisanship Will Be Key To Passing Meaningful Legislation In 2019’

“At a time when politics is at the forefront and divisiveness has caused ongoing conflict across the nation, it’s imperative that members of the state Legislature work together to pass legislation to benefit all New Yorkers. Aside from differences...

Lake Neatahwanta Added to List of Inland Waterways

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that legislation to add Lake Neatahwanta to the state’s list of inland waterways was recently signed by the Governor.  The legislation also adds the Oswego River to the list. Barclay...

Newborn Screening Program Expanded

Since 1965, New York has had a Newborn Screening Program. When the program first became law, health care providers only screened for PKU (Phenylketonuria)—a rare genetic disorder.  People with PKU lack the ability to create the enzyme needed...

Small Businesses Make Big Impact on Local Economy

Before the holiday shopping season ramps up, the public is encouraged to shop locally during Small Business Saturday. The day is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving (following Black Friday) and serves as a reminder that gifts and services...

Barclay Appointed Ranking Minority Leader on Ways and Means Committee

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) was named the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means today by Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua). Assemblyman Barclay replaces Bob Oaks, a close colleague...

Impersonator Scams Target Seniors

Financial scams are common problems.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2017, more than 100,000 New Yorkers lost approximately $40 million in financial scams.  These numbers are probably much higher because people are reluctant to...

Local Smoking Rates Still Too High

Earlier this year, the State Health Department announced some good news: the statewide adult smoking rate has fallen to 14.2%.  This is the lowest level since 1985 when New York began using its current system to track smoking rates and it is below the...

Apprenticeship Programs Help Fill Skilled Labor Gaps

In 2017, the President set a goal to double the number of apprenticeships in the U.S. because there is a great need for skilled laborers due to retiring baby boomers.  AARP estimates that 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day--a trend that will continue...