While not directly related to NYS fiscal issues, some of the biggest policies included in this year’s state budget were changes to our state’s criminal justice system. The biggest of those changes was the elimination of cash bail for most crimes...

“In the past week, our Conference has made great progress and brought this bill to the forefront both statewide and nationally. Today, the governor announced he’ll use executive power to broaden the eligibility requirements for the MERIT scholarship....

“This week, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the legality of New York’s Zero Emission Credits under the Clean Energy Standard. The Zero Emission Credit is good public policy and appropriately values nuclear...

This week, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) supported a bill (A.2991) to expand free college tuition to Gold Star families in New York state. Families eligible for assistance would receive free tuition and room and board through a “MERIT”...

New York's property taxes are the highest in the nation. Tragically, this year’s state budget, instead of trying to provide some tax relief to our already overburden property owners, makes ill-conceived changes to the one state program that is actually...

Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) supported a bill (A.2991) to provide free college tuition to family members of New York state military personnel who lost their lives performing their military duties. Eligibility for assistance would...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) recently attended the Oswego County Sportsmen Federation’s annual banquet where he discussed legislation proposed by downstate lawmakers that would hurt fishing and game clubs. He encouraged the...

Sometimes being an elected official can be challenging because you are forced to make difficult decisions. At times, I have had to vote on legislation that if enacted would have both a positive and negative effect on my district and the constituents...

A statement from Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) following the passage of the 2019-20 state budget “Overall, this year's behemoth $175.5 billion budget lacks fiscal responsibility. The presumption that New York can keep taking on more...

Some of the best tools that can be used to protect children from abuse and neglect is raising awareness about its prevalence and helping families seek resources they need. Since 1983 presidents have issued proclamations declaring April as Child Abuse...

United States Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously wrote, “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” What Justice Brandeis wrote 100 years ago still rings true in government today. Transparency by its nature leads to more...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) recently met with local ambulance providers who are concerned about the quality of care they will be able to provide for residents if the proposed budget is enacted. Barclay and other Upstate lawmakers...

This week, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,I,Ref-Pulaski) joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference in signing a letter to the governor and legislative leaders requesting $150,000 be allocated to the American Legion Boys State program in the state...

Our local roads and bridges are in need of serious investments.  The New York State Comptroller estimates there will be $89 billion in unmet local infrastructure needs over the next 20 years with as much as $27.4 billion needed for bridges alone. ...

A statement from Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Ref-Pulaski) in response to proposed bill (A.722) to make contests, competitions, tournaments, and derbys to take wildlife unlawful. “In yet one more example of Albany attempting to dictate its social...

Our local ambulance companies and volunteer organizations provide a critical service to residents in need of medical transport.  Many of us take for granted that calling 911 will result in the safe and fast transport of patients in an emergency.  But...

Representatives from the Oswego County and Jefferson County Farm Bureaus met with Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref—Pulaski) this week to present him with the New York Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends award.  The award is given to lawmakers...

Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) joined with local highway superintendents across the state to call on the governor and the Legislature to include much-needed funding in the budget to help repair damaged roads and highways. “Each...

“Albany’s new political dynamic is stirring up some old problems. “For the first time, the Legislature and governor failed to reach a consensus on state revenues, instead deferring to the comptroller to determine the available funding...