Feb. 6 Tuition Aid Deadline for Students, Members of Volunteer Fire Departments Fast Approaching
Jan 27, 2015
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) announced today that there is still time for volunteer firefighters to receive tuition reimbursement through the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).
FASNY has developed the Higher Education...
Governor's Budget Provides Starting Point for Negotiations; Overshadowed by Albany Controversy
Jan 26, 2015
Last week, the Governor presented his State of the State address. This annual tradition, much like the President's State of the Union address, is an opportunity for the Governor to set forth his priorities for the upcoming state legislative session....
Barclay Calls for Silver to Resign as Speaker
Jan 22, 2015
Assemblyman Will Barclay released the following statement today following news that Speaker Silver was arrested on bribery and public corruption:
“Speaker Silver’s recent federal corruption charges are a distraction to our work in the chamber....
Barclay: Upstate Investments Good, Property Tax Proposal Needs More Review
Jan 21, 2015
The Governor's proposals were hardly revolutionary, but give us a starting point in the budget process. I was pleased to see overall spending kept in line--less than a 2% increase over last year.
I'm pleased he wants to invest more in Upstate New...
Upgraded Transmission Lines Needed
Jan 20, 2015
A 2012 report created by the Energy Highway Task Force— a task force led by key representatives from the fields of energy, environmental conservation, and economic development—cited the critical need for improving transmission lines across the state....
Barclay Announces Deadline For Farming Grant
Jan 14, 2015
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) reminded farmers today of new grant monies available for innovative, emerging farms and the deadline for applications is January 28.
Barclay supported putting $1 million in the 2014-2015 state budget to fund...
New Year Brings New Priorities
Jan 12, 2015
With a new year comes new commitments and renewed hope. Last week, the Assembly welcomed new representatives. The swearing-in ceremony reminds all who attend to renew our commitment to public service. As we await the Governor’s State of the State address,...
Agriculture Receipts Steadily Increasing; New State Laws, Policies Assisting Industry
Jan 5, 2015
For Christmas, one of the gifts I received was a local food basket. This was much appreciated. It contained locally made sauce and artisan pasta as well as locally grown onions and some locally made candy. My family and I enjoyed it over the holidays....
Most Police Deserve Support, Accolades--Not Animosity
Dec 23, 2014
I, like almost everyone, was saddened and troubled when I heard about the two NYC police officers who were assassinated last weekend. They were shot as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn by a deranged man named Ismaaiyl Brinsley. Prior to the shooting,...
Shining a Light on Good Deeds
Dec 19, 2014
There are many in our local communities who donate their time and talents to make sure that others do not go without around the holidays. I like reading the news this time of year and finding stories about charities that were helped or how one person...
Single-Payer Healthcare Would Eliminate Private Options, Cost Taxpayers, and Limit Care
Dec 12, 2014
Since the passage of Obamacare, polling consistently has shown that it is a very unpopular program with the American people. Indeed, as has recently been reported, Dr. Gruber--one of the so-called architects of Obamacare--was recorded as saying that...
Student Art Exhibit Deadline Approaching
Dec 9, 2014
The New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA), in partnership with the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), is holding its 25th Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibit March 2, 2015. The exhibit will be on display in Albany at the “Well”...
Federal Lunch Changes Cost Schools
Dec 8, 2014
School lunch purchases are on the decline. According to the New York School Nutrition Association, more than 19 million fewer meals across the state were sold during the 2012-13 school year than the year before. In the 2011-12 school year, 94 million...
Is Weather Detection System Necessary? Spend Budget Surplus on Upstate Infrastructure, Too
Dec 1, 2014
Snowfall totals that came with the historic arctic storm earlier this month made national headlines. Erie and Wyoming counties reported 80 inches of snow. Parts of Jefferson, Lewis and Oswego counties reported more than 30 inches and as many as 50 inches....
Suicide Prevention Work Aims To Create Open Dialogue, Save Lives
Nov 12, 2014
America was shocked and saddened when news of Robin Williams’ death hit last month. The iconic actor and comedian that made his fame making others laugh sadly took his own life. Many questions arose following his death, and many counselors reminded...
Domestic Violence Chronically Underreported
Nov 8, 2014
News of tragedy struck again this month when State Police investigated a case in which a woman was stabbed and later died in Cazenovia. Her alleged killer is a man with whom she was living. According to news reports, their two young boys were home during...
Website Aims to Raise Awareness About Drug Addiction with Personal Stories, Facts
Oct 27, 2014
There have been a number of reported overdoses due to heroin and other opioids in recent months. According to the Centers for Disease Control, among people 25 to 64 years old, drug overdose caused more deaths than motor vehicle traffic crashes...
Local Agencies Work to Improve Literacy
Oct 20, 2014
In 1961, Ruth Colvin, a resident of Central New York, read an article in the newspaper claiming that more than 11,000 people in her town were unable to read. Shocked by this information, Ms. Colvin decided to take it upon herself to do something about...
Put Politics Aside And Pass Legislation That Promotes Women's Rights
Oct 13, 2014
As Election Day draws closer, campaigns often ratchet up their rhetoric. The governor's campaign is doing just that. The governor and his allies formed a political party to help advertise his support of a package of bills known as the Women's Equality...
Buying Local Assists Economy, Friends, and Local Tax Base
Aug 28, 2014
During the first week of September, the nation pauses to celebrate Labor Day. The holiday was created in the 1880s, and by 1894, Congress passed an act naming the first Monday in September officially as Labor Day. The holiday grew in popularity as labor...