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...

"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...

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...

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...

"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,...

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...

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...

I recently became a sponsor of a bill that, if passed, would require the state to gradually take over Medicaid and the costs associated with the program. This will reduce property taxes and remove many costly mandates that have been passed down by the...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) has drafted legislation that would require the Department of Social Services work directly with the Division of Criminal Justice Services to check the wanted felon status of people applying for state benefits....

This year, once again, my office will participate in the item drive for troops. The Pulaski VFW 7289 and the Ladies Auxiliary will send care packages and stockings to troops. Lois and LeRoy Bowen and the Ladies Auxiliary in Pulaski spearhead this special...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is encouraging people to take advantage of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) free memory screenings offered on Nov. 15 as part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. AFA is a nonprofit organization...

I wanted to take some time this week to draw attention to a great event. Onondaga County will host its annual National Adoption Day on Nov. 18. More than 500 guests are expected to attend. It’s a big day for many families. Many children are officially...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) said today he was glad the State Department of Agriculture decided to back off of farmers at markets who cut their artisan cheeses fresh from the wheel. Earlier this year, the state had penalized farmers for...

There was good news last week that will better protect vulnerable adults. The State launched its Missing Adult Alert system. The Gold Alert is similar to the Amber Alert but would be used only for missing adults. If someone goes missing, bulletins...

A man wanted for attempted murder, kidnapping and possession of a weapon in South Carolina was receiving New York State benefits. This fact was discovered about two weeks ago when police investigated Edward Lamar Moses in Oswego County. They did a background...

There is a new web site that I wanted to share with you this week called www.data.gov. The idea is simple: to connect people to government resources and with each other. The amount of information on the site is impressive and agencies and resources...

“How did a man, wanted for attempted murder, kidnapping and possession of a weapon, qualify for and receive New York State benefits? The state does ask the applicant if they are ‘or someone in their household is fleeing prosecution, confinement or...

In anticipation of the winter weather setting in, some of you may have received letters from energy suppliers offering alternatives for where to buy electricity and gas. I wanted to take some time this week to share with you what the New York State Public...

“Congratulations to all of the winners of the local races. I’m looking forward to working with those who were re-elected and also looking forward to meeting and working with new local representatives who will take office for the first time in January....

Military funerals cannot be disrupted by demonstrators in New York, thanks to a new law which I strongly supported. The legislation came about after a small group of protesters began picketing military funerals. According to media reports, members of...