Press Releases

Upgraded Transmission Lines Needed

A 2012 report created by the Energy Highway Task Force— a task force led by key representatives from the fields of energy, environmental conservation, and economic development—cited the critical need for improving transmission lines across the state....

Barclay Announces Deadline For Farming Grant

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) reminded farmers today of new grant monies available for innovative, emerging farms and the deadline for applications is January 28. Barclay supported putting $1 million in the 2014-2015 state budget to fund...

New Year Brings New Priorities

With a new year comes new commitments and renewed hope. Last week, the Assembly welcomed new representatives. The swearing-in ceremony reminds all who attend to renew our commitment to public service. As we await the Governor’s State of the State address,...

Agriculture Receipts Steadily Increasing; New State Laws, Policies Assisting Industry

For Christmas, one of the gifts I received was a local food basket. This was much appreciated. It contained locally made sauce and artisan pasta as well as locally grown onions and some locally made candy. My family and I enjoyed it over the holidays....

Most Police Deserve Support, Accolades--Not Animosity

I, like almost everyone, was saddened and troubled when I heard about the two NYC police officers who were assassinated last weekend. They were shot as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn by a deranged man named Ismaaiyl Brinsley. Prior to the shooting,...

Shining a Light on Good Deeds

There are many in our local communities who donate their time and talents to make sure that others do not go without around the holidays. I like reading the news this time of year and finding stories about charities that were helped or how one person...

Single-Payer Healthcare Would Eliminate Private Options, Cost Taxpayers, and Limit Care

Since the passage of Obamacare, polling consistently has shown that it is a very unpopular program with the American people. Indeed, as has recently been reported, Dr. Gruber--one of the so-called architects of Obamacare--was recorded as saying that...

Student Art Exhibit Deadline Approaching

The New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA), in partnership with the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), is holding its 25th Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibit March 2, 2015. The exhibit will be on display in Albany at the “Well”...

Federal Lunch Changes Cost Schools

School lunch purchases are on the decline. According to the New York School Nutrition Association, more than 19 million fewer meals across the state were sold during the 2012-13 school year than the year before. In the 2011-12 school year, 94 million...

Is Weather Detection System Necessary? Spend Budget Surplus on Upstate Infrastructure, Too

Snowfall totals that came with the historic arctic storm earlier this month made national headlines. Erie and Wyoming counties reported 80 inches of snow. Parts of Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties reported more than 30 inches and as many as 50 inches....

Suicide Prevention Work Aims To Create Open Dialogue, Save Lives

America was shocked and saddened when news of Robin Williams’ death hit last month. The iconic actor and comedian that made his fame making others laugh sadly took his own life. Many questions arose following his death, and many counselors reminded...

Domestic Violence Chronically Underreported

News of tragedy struck again this month when State Police investigated a case in which a woman was stabbed and later died in Cazenovia. Her alleged killer is a man with whom she was living. According to news reports, their two young boys were home during...

Website Aims to Raise Awareness About Drug Addiction with Personal Stories, Facts

There have been a number of reported overdoses due to heroin and other opioids in recent months. According to the Centers for Disease Control, among people 25 to 64 years old, drug overdose caused more deaths than motor vehicle traffic crashes...

Local Agencies Work to Improve Literacy

In 1961, Ruth Colvin, a resident of Central New York, read an article in the newspaper claiming that more than 11,000 people in her town were unable to read. Shocked by this information, Ms. Colvin decided to take it upon herself to do something about...

Put Politics Aside And Pass Legislation That Promotes Women's Rights

As Election Day draws closer, campaigns often ratchet up their rhetoric. The governor's campaign is doing just that. The governor and his allies formed a political party to help advertise his support of a package of bills known as the Women's Equality...

Buying Local Assists Economy, Friends, and Local Tax Base

During the first week of September, the nation pauses to celebrate Labor Day. The holiday was created in the 1880s, and by 1894, Congress passed an act naming the first Monday in September officially as Labor Day. The holiday grew in popularity as labor...

Linked Deposit Program Assists Job Growth

In 1994, the state began what’s called the Linked Deposit Program (LDP). LDP began as a way to assist and encourage manufacturers and small businesses to undertake investments, which would ultimately lead to a stronger economy. According to an annual...

Barclay Scores 100 On Unshackle Upstate's 2013-14 Legislative Scorecard

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski )released the following statement today following the release of Unshackle Upstate’s scorecards for legislators. Barclay scored 100%. Unshackle Upstate is a pro-taxpayer, pro-business advocacy organization that...

Laws on Unlawful Surveillance, Sex Offenders, Child Abuse Reporters, and Maternal Depression Change in NY

There have been a number of new laws signed and chaptered in New York in recent weeks. I want to update readers on a few involving mandated reporters, unlawful surveillance, screening of volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel, and maternal depression....

Barclay Urges Colleagues to Support Veterans

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is pleased to announce his support for two newly-introduced bills that will create opportunities for veterans. Barclay is urging his colleagues to prioritize passage of A.9774 during the upcoming legislative...