When the faucet is turned on, we take it for granted that clean, safe water will come out of the spigot. Unfortunately, as has been reported both nationally and in New York state, this is not always the case. In recent years, many problems have arisen...

Libraries serve as a valuable resource for millions of residents in both rural and urban areas. In New York state there are more than 750 libraries. They are usually centrally located in communities and function both as a free and public space for events...

The 2018-19 New York state budget has passed. As has become an Albany tradition, the budget was passed in the early morning hours having been for the most part negotiated by what is known as “four men in a room” – the Governor, the Speaker of the...

In recent years, the state has made significant investments in our state parks. Specifically, additional funding has assisted in improvements at parks statewide and includes everything from playground equipment, entryways, beach areas, trails, and restroom...

“The Clean Energy Standard is good public policy and the result of a lot of hard work, a local grassroots effort, and a multitude of people who understand the value of having nuclear energy both in our community and a part of our state’s energy portfolio....

As was widely reported, earlier this month Joe Percoco, a former top-aide to Governor Cuomo, was found guilty of three corruption-related charges. While corruption convictions of state officials, sadly, are nothing new, the Percoco conviction was front...

Our property taxes are among the highest in the nation. New York needs to make structural changes if there is any hope for reducing tax bills for property owners. Legislation has been introduced that would help alleviate some of this burden for Upstate...

The U.S. is facing a doctor shortage which is expected to intensify. By 2020, it is estimated there will be a shortfall of 45,000 primary care doctors and 46,000 specialists across the country due to doctor retirements and other contributing factors....

Improving and maintaining local roads and bridges is one investment the state can make that positively impacts our Upstate communities, economies, and motorists. Yet during budget season it is always a challenge to ensure enough state dollars are invested...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) announced today that the public will have a chance to weigh in on proposed changes affecting tipped workers. Late last year, the governor announced the possibility of ending a separate wage for tipped workers...

Last year, the Assembly Minority Conference hosted a series of forums across the state to better understand the often complex problems associated with domestic violence. During these forums, victims, advocates, service providers, law enforcement, and...

The Assembly Majority is once again advancing an early voting bill through committees with a vote expected on the floor in the near future. The Governor is also making his push for early voting in his budget this year. While there are slight differences...

Unfortunately, New York has a habit of creating policies that are punishing to businesses. In the past two years, business owners in New York state have had to ingest several onerous mandates such as new wage orders, higher minimum wages, and a new paid...

For many New Yorkers, high student loan debt and the cost of living can make it difficult to achieve the dream of owning a home. As a result, fewer people may be able to invest in homes in our local communities. Legislation I sponsor known as the New...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref--Pulaski) recently presented Fulton resident and Fulton Common Councilor Larry Macner with an Assembly Resolution honoring him for being selected as the 2017 Veteran of the Year by the Fulton Veterans Council. Barclay...

In his State of the State address given earlier this month, Governor Cuomo called the recently passed federal tax reform bill “economic civil war” that will raise New Yorker’s property taxes and income taxes. Unfortunately, no explanation for this...

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) recently wrote in opposition to the new employee scheduling regulation known as “call-in” pay during the Department of Labor’s public comment session. Barclay submitted the letter to the commissioner...

“The Governor continues to miss opportunities with his proposed budget. Instead of reducing the high tax burden for New Yorkers and creating a friendlier business environment, he announced new taxes for employers. “His speech painted a foreboding...

Since 1970, National Blood Donor Month has been observed in January. During this month, organizations like the American Red Cross use this as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of blood donation and to recognize the lifesaving acts of...

There seems to be a substantial amount of confusion as to what effect the newly enacted Federal Tax bill will have on residents of New York state. The confusion stems from the fact that (i) taxes are complicated, (ii) what people pay in taxes depends...