Press Releases

Manufacturing Still Plays Vital Role in New York State Economy

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced this month that general business conditions for manufacturers in New York improved--the highest point since June 2010. According to the monthly summary, manufacturers were asked about their 2012 capital...

Barclay Pleased By Action On Synthetic Marijuana

The urgency of addressing the synthetic drug problem has once again been highlighted today with the press conference held by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski), who has introduced, in the New York State Assembly, legislation...

State Launches New Senior Consumer Info Hotline; Protect Yourself, Loved Ones Against Fraud

My office receives calls on a regular basis from people who are questioning a call they received from a vendor, or a product or service they purchased that isn't what they expected. Unfortunately, there are many individuals and businesses that prey on...

Barclay: NRC Decision to Approve Nuclear Plant in Georgia Paves Way for Oswego County Future, Improved Economy

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) said today he was encouraged to hear news that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the license for two new nuclear reactors in Georgia. The federal government has not approved a new nuclear reactor...

Barclay Launches Petition to Fight Against Synthetic Drugs

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) launched an online petition today in support of legislation that would ban the sale and use of synthetic marijuana. Marketed and sold as incense, synthetic marijuana can be purchased in convenience stores...

‘Thank A Service Member’ Makes Us Mindful Of Sacrifices Made

The organization called Thank a Service Member gave a ceremonial send-off to soldiers from the 444th Engineer Company of Oswego as they prepared to deploy to Afghanistan last week. Thank a Service Member formed, as the name suggests, to simply thank...

Barclay: Further Limits on Farm Labor Unnecessary

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R, C, I – Pulaski) today hailed a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Labor, but stressed that changes to existing labor regulations could negatively impact Central New York farming communities. On Feb. 1, the federal...

Wage Theft Protection Act Hurts Small Business; Repeal this Mandate

We learned some good and bad news about our state, according to the polls last week. New York received the unfortunate label last week of ranking second-to-last in the nation for business, according to The Tax Foundation's 2012 State Business Tax Climate...

Barclay Appointed Deputy Minority Leader

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) was recently appointed Deputy Minority Leader by Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua). Assemblyman Barclay had been serving the Minority Conference as Assistant Minority Leader. Along with his...

Governor’s Budget Cuts Spending, Holds Line on Taxes Again

“My first impression is this budget has the taxpayers in mind. I liked hearing the Governor’s plans on education reform, pension reform and Medicaid reform. I also liked hearing how spending would be kept in line with last year, and that there are...

Barclay: ‘Closure of Indian Point Not Justified’

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) today said New York State should renew Indian Point Energy Center’s license so it may continue operating its nuclear energy plant in Westchester County to supply affordable energy to New York City. Barclay...

Legislation Would Make Sale, Use of Synthetic Drugs Illegal

You may have heard the term “synthetic marijuana” or synthetic drugs. The drugs come in small packages and have names like “Spice” or “Happy Shaman,” they are often labeled as incense and are allegedly smoked. People can purchase them in...

Barclay Introduces Legislation to Ban Sale of ‘Synthetic Cannabinoids’

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) introduced legislation that would prohibit the sale and distribution of chemical compounds that mimic the effects of marijuana. The legislation would add “synthetic cannabinoids” to the controlled substance...

Stage Set for New Legislative Year in Albany, But Will Albany Deliver?

It was good to be back in the State Capitol last week and embark on this legislative year. This week included the annual State of the State address by Gov. Cuomo. He talked about a variety of topics including creating the country's largest convention...

Barclay: State of State Celebrates Victories, Lays Plan for Year

"The Governor's speech today allows us to look back on 2011 accomplishments and look forward to 2012 in the State Legislature. He's right in that we have accomplished more in the past year than we have in recent past by passing a property tax cap, ethics...

Priorities in New Year: Cut Spending, Mandates and Help Job Creation

I recently listed the highlights of 2011 in this space. They included an on-time budget, a property tax cap, middle-class income tax relief, and finally, a Power for Jobs plan that won’t expire, which includes a cost-savings measure that manufacturers...

New York Encourages Job Creation with Excelsior Program, Entrepreneur Resources

Our economy has seen thousands of manufacturing jobs disappear in recent history and the jobs, sadly, continue to disappear. Most recently in Fulton, Birdseye, a food packaging company, stopped production this month and more than 200 workers will have...

Governor Joins Effort to Strengthen Mandatory Reporting Requirements

"I was pleased to learn the Governor has decided to join us in improving our mandatory reporting requirements. I am a co-sponsor of the College Coaches and Professionals Reporting Act. This act would add college coaches, athletic directors, professors,...

College Coaches, Professors Also Should Be Mandated Reporters

There has been a great deal of media coverage surrounding the events concerning Syracuse University Assistant Coach Bernie Fine and recent allegations of child molestation. While charges have yet to be filed and an investigation is still pending, this...

Item Drive for Troops Seeks Candy, Granola Bars, Hygiene Products and Cards

The Ladies Auxiliary and the Pulaski VFW Post 7289 are collecting items to send to active military troops again this year. Assemblyman Barclay’s office is again assisting in this effort. The following is a list of items needed for the troops: Handmade...