Press Releases

Combating Crime Needs to be New York’s Top Priority

We are now a month into 2023, and while it is encouraging to hear Gov. Kathy Hochul claim she is open to changes to the state’s failed criminal justice policy, too little has been done to curb the ongoing spike in violent crime plaguing our communities....

Judicial Nomination Turned into Another Albany Fiasco

As in so many instances in Albany, basic, fundamental democratic processes are frustrated by political agendas and needless dysfunction. This unfortunate reality is again playing out as Judge Hector LaSalle, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s choice to lead the Court...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay on Judge Hector Lasalle

“The nomination of a new chief judge of the state Court of Appeals is a historic and significant event. It’s unfortunate that Senate Majority turned it into an embarrassing example of woke dysfunction. Judge Hector LaSalle deserved a fair and objective...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On Committee Meeting Broadcasts

“Assembly committee meetings will finally be televised, representing a welcome and overdue measure of transparency to our legislative work. The Assembly Minority introduced this measure prior to 2016, when the law requiring televised meetings was passed.Today’s...

State Leaders Must Listen to the Public When Setting the Agenda for 2023

With the beginning of each new legislative session, it’s tradition to hear members of the Legislature and the governor lay out their goals and outline the policies they deem most valuable for the residents of New York. Sometimes these ideas are rooted...

Leader Barclay Announces Leadership and Committee Positions For 2023 Legislative Session

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) announced the Assembly Minority Conference list of Minority leadership positions and committee assignments for the 2023 Legislative Session. “I am eager to work alongside these dedicated and talented...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay On Gov. Hochul's State of the State Address

“Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2023 State of the State address offered plenty of lofty ideas, but there are serious concerns with the proposed plan to achieve them. When Gov. Hochul says things like, ‘We will make New York safer. We will make New York more...

Leader Barclay Delivers Opening Remarks and Welcomes New Minority Members

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Today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) delivered opening remarks on the Assembly Floor, where he emphasized the importance of making positive changes for all New Yorkers during the 2023 Legislative Session.Leader Barclay expressed...

Restoring Contract Oversight is a Great First Step, But More Should Be Done

Earlier this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul approved a long-overdue measure to restore the comptroller’s office with oversight of state contracts. This is great news and is an important first step in restoring New York’s proper checks and balances. As such,...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“I am pleased that Lester Chang has taken his rightful place as the Assemblyman representing the 49th District. Any attempt to expel Mr. Chang from the Assembly and unilaterally deny the will of the voters in Brooklyn would set a terrible precedent....

NYS Assembly Minority Conference to Swear in 13 New Members

The Assembly Minority Conference will host a swearing-in ceremony for its 13 newly elected members on TUESDAY, Jan. 3, 2023, at 1 p.m. in Hearing Room B in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The new members will be joined by family, friends and...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“As we usher in a new year, we should all take a moment to reflect on the past and look ahead to all that awaits in 2023. I hope this new year will bring new opportunities for growth, learning and prosperity for the people of New York. We turn the page...

Barclay Delivers Funding for Ellisburg Free Library

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay today announced he has secured $4,500 in state funding for the Ellisburg Free Library as part of the fiscal year 2022-2023 State Budget. Leader Barclay recently visited with the library’s director and board of trustees...

Looking Ahead to A Productive 2023

As we look forward to the start of a new year, we do so with a sense of optimism and possibility. The beginning of 2023 presents the opportunity to look toward new goals, new ideas and new opportunities. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or start...

Statement From Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

“As we celebrate Christmas today, I want to extend my sincerest wishes of happiness, health and prosperity.This is a day to count our blessings, gather with loved ones and enjoy the spirit of giving. I am continually amazed by the generosity shown by...

Leader Barclay's Office Collects Stockings For VA Medical Center

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Today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) announced that more than 100 stockings filled with personal-care items, snacks and cards were delivered to the Syracuse VA Medical Center. The stockings were the result of the third annual “Stockings...

Wishing You and Yours A Merry Christmas and Joyous Holiday Season

On Christmas weekend and throughout the holiday season, countless celebrations will take place and long-standing traditions will be enjoyed. As we gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays, I wish you all a season of peace, giving and hope....

Statement From Minority Leader Will Barclay on Today’s Assembly Judiciary Committee Hearing

“I’ve said it from the beginning and feel even more strongly after today’s hearing – Lester Chang deserves to be seated. From a legal, political and electoral perspective there is no doubt he should take his place as the next Assemblyman representing...

Barclay: Approved Environmental Roadmap Puts New York State on a Problematic Path

Today, as required by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the Climate Action Council (CAC) approved a framework for reducing carbon emissions in New York state. As expected, the Final Scoping Plan raised a number of red...

New Yorkers’ Spirit of Generosity is Unmatched

The holiday season is often filled with great company, food and fun wintertime activities in our many amazing communities. But sometimes economic uncertainty, health-related challenges or other unforeseen circumstances can make the winter months difficult...