Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) is a sponsor of legislation that, if passed, will designate free fishing events for armed forces veterans and active duty members. Those who qualify for the events would not need to purchase a New York State...

You may have heard about the State Health Department’s intentions to start regulating sports like wiffle ball, freeze tag and capture the flag a couple weeks back. Some at the State Health Department considered these sports dangerous. The idea of...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) met with leaders from New York State, Oswego County and Fulton, as well as Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Oswegatchie) today to discuss the future of the Birdseye Plant. “I’m pleased we’re continuing an open...

With the spring weather finally upon us, anglers are out. It looks like this fishing season will be as promising as ever, particularly later this season. Recently published reports by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) indicate...

Last month was National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, as it is more commonly referred to, is a debilitating disease that attacks a person’s central nervous system. About 400,000 Americans suffer from...

Despite one of the soggiest springs on record, many farmers have been able to plant their crops by now. That’s good news for everyone. Agriculture is a driving force in our economy. In 2009, agricultural production returned almost $4.7 billion to...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) and Senator Patty Ritchie (R,C—Oswegatchie) today said they are disappointed that the owner of the Fulton Birds Eye plant has announced the company will close the plant in six months. “I am saddened and...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,-Pulaski) helped pass a new pro-business program, Recharge NY, in the economic development portion of the budget. The program extends the Power for Jobs and Energy Cost Savings Benefit programs until July 1, 2012, and...

I am pleased to report that the state budget passed on time this year. It finally put the brakes on spending, and did not include any new taxes or revenue streams. In the last two years, taxes and fees increased by $10 billion. This tax-and-spend mentality...

This month is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Local agencies, as well as social workers, school district employees, law enforcement officials, daycare and health care workers, help protect and identify abused children. By law, workers in these fields are...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) issued the following statement today after the budget passed when session continued late into the night: “I’m pleased the budget was enacted—on time and without new taxes. By no means was this an ideal...

The Census 2010 data was released Thursday and the news is surprising. Many places in Upstate and Central New York have gained population. According to the data, immigration is up in our region. Certain pockets within suburban areas have gained residents...

This past week in Albany proved to be eventful, once again. There was a good deal of progress made on budget negotiations. For the first time in two years, joint conference committee meetings were held. These committees enable lawmakers from both sides...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) has been appointed to serve on the Higher Education Joint Conference Committee as the Legislature undergoes meetings to negotiate the budget. This is the first time in two years Joint Conference Committee meetings...

I recently signed onto legislation that, if passed, would require those applying for public assistance to undergo a drug test. This is a small request to make of any applicant seeking public assistance. If the applicant tests positive for drug use,...

Anyone who receives a paycheck noticed a positive difference in their take-home pay beginning last month. That’s because the federal government instituted a 2% Social Security tax cut, which is based on income. Though 2% doesn’t sound like a lot,...

We all know that saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Whether we’re considering our personal health or the overall community’s health, this is sage advice. Economically, preventative medicine makes sense, and can save us billions...

New York Agriculture in the Classroom will sponsor Ag Literacy Week March 21-25. Second-grade classrooms are encouraged to participate. Ag Literacy Week provides an opportunity for someone from the local ag community to visit an elementary school...

Things are in full swing in Albany. Last week, the Governor submitted his budget to the State Legislature. Not surprisingly, this budget proposes substantial cuts to government programs. It proposes to decrease spending by $3.7 billion, for a $132.9...

“I agree: Real change is tough but this current level of spending is unsustainable. We spend more than we make, which is why taxes and fees in the last two years increased by $10 billion. If we continue with our current budget policies and law, the...