Assembly Minority Urges Governor to Get Local Road, Bridge and Highway Projects Back Up & Running
Jun 8, 2020
The Assembly Minority Conference recently wrote to Gov. Cuomo, urging him to allow repair and construction activities on local roads and bridges to resume. Getting local crews up and running would address mounting infrastructure issues, help stimulate...
June Is National Dairy Month
Jun 6, 2020
In recent weeks, New York states dairy farmers have faced some truly unprecedented obstacles, but as we begin National Dairy Month, there is much to look forward to for those producing and distributing one of our most important commodities. Created...
Assembly Minority Conference Calls on Gov. Cuomo to Allow High School Graduation Ceremonies
Jun 4, 2020
The Assembly Minority Conference today sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo calling for him to allow high schools across the state to host socially distanced graduation ceremonies to celebrate the accomplishments of New Yorks students. A copy of the letter...
Phil Palmesano Named Assembly Minority Conference Appointee to Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research & Reapportionment
Jun 1, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today announced that Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) has been named as the Minority Conferences representative on the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research & Reapportionment (LATFOR).Every...
The Legislature Returns Remotely, but the Need for Restored Authority Remains
May 29, 2020
This week the New York State Legislature formally reconvened in an unfamiliar format, with debates and voting conducted through video feeds. Like many things forced to change under COVID-19 precautions, our work took on a new look, but was an important...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
May 28, 2020
At a time when suffering upstate regions need clarity and confidence, theyve gotten only more confusion. The governors acknowledgement that upstate regions may not begin tomorrows Phase II reopening compounds the problems for businesses,...
Assembly Minority Introduces Legislation to Limit Governor's Expanded Powers, Increase Local Authority During Future Emergencies
May 27, 2020
The New York State Assembly Minority today introduced legislation that would restore legislative checks and balances for emergency declarations exceeding 45 days and ensure judicial due process rights for any actions that affect fundamental constitutional...
Memorial Day May Look Different, but Our Gratitude Remains the Same
May 22, 2020
This year, our Memorial Day celebrations are going to look vastly different from those in years past. Gatherings of any kind during the COVID-19 outbreak are uniquely challenging, especially ones that normally involve close social interactions between...
Reopening Parts of New York Is Reason For Cautious Optimism
May 15, 2020
Today, certain areas of New York are finally taking important steps in a positive direction after weeks of lockdown orders and business closures. While there is cautious optimism in the regions reopening the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk...
Assembly Minority Members Call for Legislative Hearings on Covid-19 Pandemic's Impact on State Nursing Homes
May 11, 2020
In a letter to the chairmen of the Committees on Aging, Health, and Oversight, Analysis and Investigations, members of the Assembly Minority Conference have called on the Legislature to convene a hearing to review and investigate New Yorks policies,...
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Calls for Restoration of Legislatures Authority
May 9, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today called for a return to established state government operations, processes and legislative powers. Leader Barclay stated it is time to restore the traditional authorities given to the Legislature and end Gov....
Teachers Are Doing Incredible Work in These Difficult Times, They Deserve Our Praise
May 8, 2020
These last few months have been challenging for most everyone. Our normal routines and activities that previously provided structure have been turned upside down. The states educational system has faced sweeping changes and has been forced to dramatically...
Minority Leader Will Barclay Calls for Performance Measurements from State Department of Labor
May 7, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today called for the state Department of Labor (DOL) to take immediate steps to improve responsiveness and performance in delivering unemployment benefits to New Yorkers seeking assistance. In a letter to Gov. Cuomo,...
Barclay Participates in Milk Giveaway with Dairy Farmers of America, Oswego County Farmers & Local Leaders
May 7, 2020
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) today helped give away more than 800 gallons of whole milk in Central Square. Barclay, Oswego County legislators and officials from the Town of Hastings worked in partnership to make the event...
Planning New York's Financial Future Will Take Transparency, Cooperation
May 1, 2020
We are beginning to be able to quantify the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus health crisis, and although the numbers may seem scary, there is much we can do to ensure New York endures and, eventually, thrives. New York State is facing a...
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on Gov. Cuomo's Mail-In Voting Executive Order
May 1, 2020
The COVID-19 epidemic has forced all of us to modify our normal practices and routines. The need to adjust our electoral procedures was inevitable. However, the governor has issued a series of executive orders that have presented conflicting and confusing...
Assembly Minority Conference Calls for Financial Aid to Firefighters and EMS Workers Reeling from Pandemic
Apr 30, 2020
The New York state Assembly Minority Conference is calling for immediate federal financial aid to local governments, with special consideration to volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) workers who have been stretched particularly...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on the 116-Member Reopening Advisory Board
Apr 28, 2020
More than a week ago, Assembly Minority politicians called for a region-by-region assessment with specific protocols and a tangible plan delivered by April 30 on how to restart our economy. Since that time, New Yorkers have heard...
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay
Apr 28, 2020
It is with profound happiness that we have learned Assemblyman Brian Millers condition is improving and he has been moved out of intensive care. His COVID-19 diagnosis, which came more than a month ago, was a shock to his family, friends and...
Statement from Assemblyman Will Barclay on the Death of Former Assemblyman Joseph Errigo
Apr 27, 2020
I am deeply saddened to learn that former Assemblyman Joseph Errigo has passed away. Having served with Joe for more than a decade, I considered him a friend and respected his loyalty and leadership to the people of his district. I know that...