Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) today reiterated the need for mandate relief for schools and local governments. The issue has recently taken a backseat to property taxes, despite the direct connection between high property taxes and unfunded...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) is appalled at former New York City Mayor Ed Koch’s shameless political attacks against lawmakers who refuse to support Sheldon Silver’s politically-biased redistricting plan. Friend is a co-sponsor of...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) today welcomed cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point. The cadets were in attendance as part of the Assembly’s West Point Day that honors the young men and women who dedicate themselves...

The budget merges agencies, catalyzes economic development, and provides for efforts to right-size and curb the cost of government. These bills do not contain the sweeping reforms expected, but they do address many of the harsh realities facing New York....

Instead of dealing with New York’s harsh fiscal realities, the Assembly Majority passed a budget that raises taxes by $4.9 billion, approves $1 billion in new spending, and does little to address long-term spending. The budget also fails to provide...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) met with a group representing the Southern Tier Library System. The group came to Albany as part of the New York Library Association’s Library Day to protest the governor’s budget cuts to libraries. Friend...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) opposes the proposed plan to allow New York City, the New York Power Authority and Hudson River Transmission Partners to build a seven-mile-long power line from New Jersey to New York City. The plan, estimated...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) supports the Governor in the quest for independent redistricting. Governor Cuomo’s introduction of redistricting legislation (S03419 / A05388) has brought the issue of redistricting to the forefront of the...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) welcomed members of the Chemung County Youth Board, Horseheads Youth Bureau, Elmira Youth Court, Horseheads Youth Council, and Horseheads Youth Court to his Albany office. Friend spoke with the youth leaders...

Governor Cuomo’s budget plan reflects the severe and critical situation New York finds itself in. Years of irresponsible spending, taxing and borrowing have led to this unfortunate moment, where the cold edge of austerity is a dark reality. Cuomo’s...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) today joined sportsmen, businesses, and elected officials from across the state for the 2011 Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day. The event, sponsored by the Assembly Minority Conference,...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) will be the ranking Minority Member on the Committee on Children and Families. Friend also will be a member of the Energy; Health; Tourism, Arts and Sports Development; and Housing committees. As a ranking...

Governor Cuomo’s address enumerated his plans to make New York state fiscally responsible with goals to reduce spending and make government more efficient. I firmly support these plans and I implore the governor to follow through on his ideas. In...

Assemblyman Christopher Friend (R- Big Flats) today was officially sworn in as the representative of the 137th Assembly District. Friend, along with 16 other incoming members, took the oath of office administered by Acting New York Supreme Court Justice...