Today, Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) voted in favor of A.2001-A, a bill which will not hold it against businesses for unemployment insurance claims made throughout the duration of the pandemic. “I am pleased to vote for this measure...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flatts) is calling, yet again, for the governor to abandon the oppressive zoned lockdown policy which has had Chemung County designated as Orange Zone for 12 weeks. The state, in particular the state Department...

State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblymen Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to give the go-ahead to high school sports seasons. In a joint statement, O’Mara, Friend...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) has been reappointed to his position as ranking Minority member on the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry. Additionally, the assemblyman has been appointed...

“Recovery from the pandemic has been frustratingly stalled in the Southern Tier. First, our local small businesses were shut down by the governor’s statewide lockdown when cases were almost nonexistent in this region, then certain types of businesses...

A group of state lawmakers representing the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Western New York are calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto legislation that, if enacted, would significantly expand New York’s regulatory process governing stream-related...

“We have seen a growing number of experts oppose shutdowns in dealing with COVID-19, including the World Health Organization, which points to the disproportionate negative impact on the poor. We know the devastating effects the shutdowns have had on...

“The governor just can’t help himself in releasing ‘Leadership Lessons,’ an all too early look-back and victory lap at his response to COVID-19, when we are seeing another wave. Our state has unnecessarily endured many deaths from his too-late...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is urging farmers to participate in the upcoming virtual Farm Laborers Wage Board hearings on Wednesday, August 26; Thursday, August 27; and Monday, August 31. Those wishing to testify live may register...

“The news that Cuomo’s Department of Health has given a waiver to the governor’s 14-day travel quarantine rule to the musicians and dancers who will be performing in the upcoming Video Music Awards is ridiculous. It shows just how little...

“I am encouraged by the sensible ruling by the 9th circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals that affirms Second Amendment rights. The court’s ruling found the strict limitations placed on gun owners over magazine size by the State of California...

On Monday, Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) participated in a public forum on the handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was held by Friend and his Assembly and Senate Minority colleagues. The legislators held the...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is pleased to hear that bowling alleys have been given the okay and guidance as to how to open safely and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The governor announced that bowling alleys will be able to operate...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is slamming NYS Attorney General Leticia James for her politically charged lawsuit against the National Rifle Association (NRA). Her aim is to dismantle one of the leading advocacy groups protecting...

On Monday, Aug. 10 the governor said he would block 107 school districts from opening this fall, some of which were in the Southern Tier. However, after the governor’s public shaming of these schools, Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big...

These are challenging times and every action taken by the government must be meaningful and well-thought-out to best serve the needs of all New Yorkers. A staggering amount of New York lives have been lost, especially in our nursing homes. New York workers...

“We’re already seeing the negative impact the pandemic has had on our state’s economy and revenue. However, proposals put forward by the governor and state Majority will not make the matter any better. “New York must allow businesses...

“I oppose this shameless attempt by the Majority to disrupt a fair and independent redistricting process. This unconscionable act has gained criticism from groups like Citizens Union and the League of Women Voters. The removal of the requirement...

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) rejected legislation to automatically register voters as they apply for various state services. The assemblyman expressed deep concerns that the legislation could open the state to increased voter fraud....

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues and criminal justice officials to call for the reversal of recent pro-criminal laws which have threatened public safety throughout the state. The officials have...