Press Releases

Time to Change the Laws to Better Protect Victims of Domestic Violence

Last year, the Assembly Minority Conference hosted a series of forums across the state to better understand the often complex problems associated with domestic violence. During these forums, victims, advocates, service providers, law enforcement, and...

Election Day Changes Unnecessary and Costly

The Assembly Majority is once again advancing an early voting bill through committees with a vote expected on the floor in the near future. The Governor is also making his push for early voting in his budget this year. While there are slight differences...

More Business Killing Regulation

Unfortunately, New York has a habit of creating policies that are punishing to businesses. In the past two years, business owners in New York state have had to ingest several onerous mandates such as new wage orders, higher minimum wages, and a new paid...

Diplomas to Homeownership Program Would Assist Land Banks

For many New Yorkers, high student loan debt and the cost of living can make it difficult to achieve the dream of owning a home. As a result, fewer people may be able to invest in homes in our local communities. Legislation I sponsor known as the New...

Barclay Honors 2017 Veteran of the Year Larry Macner

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref--Pulaski) recently presented Fulton resident and Fulton Common Councilor Larry Macner with an Assembly Resolution honoring him for being selected as the 2017 Veteran of the Year by the Fulton Veterans Council. Barclay...

Governor Claims Federal Tax Law is ‘Economic Civil War’ but Fails to Show Facts Beyond Rhetoric

In his State of the State address given earlier this month, Governor Cuomo called the recently passed federal tax reform bill “economic civil war” that will raise New Yorker’s property taxes and income taxes. Unfortunately, no explanation for this...

Barclay Speaks Out Against Draft Call-In Pay Regulations

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) recently wrote in opposition to the new employee scheduling regulation known as “call-in” pay during the Department of Labor’s public comment session. Barclay submitted the letter to the commissioner...

Barclay to Governor: New Yorkers Need Less Taxes, Not More

“The Governor continues to miss opportunities with his proposed budget. Instead of reducing the high tax burden for New Yorkers and creating a friendlier business environment, he announced new taxes for employers. “His speech painted a foreboding...

National Blood Donor Month Observed in January

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January. During this month, organizations like the American Red Cross use this as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation and to recognize the lifesaving acts of...

Old Tax Law Progressive, New Tax Law Progressive

There seems to be a substantial amount of confusion as to what effect the newly enacted Federal Tax bill will have on residents of New York state. The confusion stems from the fact that (i) taxes are complicated, (ii) what people pay in taxes depends...

Barclay: Governor’s State of the State Proposals Do Little to Help Upstate

“The Governor’s 2018 State of the State address was a scattered attempt to cater to various interest groups rather than fixing what is on everyone’s mind: the economy. He should spend less time attacking the recent federal tax cuts and more time...

Newborn Screenings Can Save Lives

After a baby is born, hospitals perform a variety of screenings for the baby. Some tests are completed by a physical exam or through the use of a medical device at the hospital but many genetic disorders can only be detected with a blood sample. In an...

Newborn Screenings Can Save Lives

After a baby is born, hospitals perform a variety of screenings for the baby. Some tests are completed by a physical exam or through the use of a medical device at the hospital but many genetic disorders can only be detected with a blood sample. In an...

Making College Affordable

During this time of year, some families with graduating seniors are planning to enter college in the next academic year. Finances are obviously a big consideration when it comes to higher education and with good reason. Costs have risen dramatically....

Barclay Reminds Pistol Permit Holders to Recertify Firearm Permits

Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) reminded those with pistol permits to recertify their firearms. The SAFE Act requires all pistol owners to recertify their pistol permits 5 years after the date their license was issued. If your pistol...

State’s Crime Rate Drops in 2016; DNA Databank Helps Solve More than 20,000 Crimes

New Yorkers consistently rank public safety high on the list of importance so it is good news that in 2016, the number of crimes in the state reached an all-time low. In addition, the crime rate in New York has steadily declined since 1990 with few exceptions. According...

Public Donates Hundreds of Shoes for Annual Drive

Assemblyman Will Barclay’s office recently collected about 100 pairs of shoes for the annual Tithe My Shoes drive – an effort led by Mudd Murphy to supply shoes to those in need. Murphy recently collected the shoes from the Assemblyman’s office...

Use Available Drug Take Back Programs to Safely Dispose of Unwanted Medicine

Most people’s medicine cabinets contain either expired or unwanted over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs. With the rise in prescription drug abuse, in particular opioids, keeping these medications in the home isn’t safe. Fortunately, thanks...

Legislation Seeks to Protect Patients from High Air Ambulance Costs

In an emergency where minutes are critical, medical professionals sometimes determine that patients need to be airlifted to a hospital rather than transported by traditional ambulance. This is particularly true in rural areas, where emergency rooms can...

Volunteers Enhance Services And Make Community Efforts Possible

Americans have a long history of volunteering and hold community service as a hallmark of civic life. Militias that formed during the Revolutionary War and our country’s first fire departments, for example, were made possible by volunteers who saw...