State Rep. William A. Barclay
Recent News About State Rep. William A. Barclay
-
Suggested headline: Mental Health Awareness Month Urges Focus on Well-Being
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Readily available and reliable mental health services are a critical part of building strong communities. Often overlooked, good mental hygiene provides a major boost to our quality of life, our neighborhoods, and even our economy. For that reason, during Mental Health Awareness Month, I am advocating everyone take a little extra time to consider ways they can improve their overall well-being.
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Supports United Way’s Annual Stone Soup Event
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) recently attended United Way’s 14th Annual “Stone Soup, Too!” luncheon at Holy Trinity in Fulton, New York. The event, which took place on April 30, 2024, saw the participation of various local businesses and restaurants, with all proceeds collected going towards supporting local food pantries.During the luncheon, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay emphasized the importance of such events, stating, "These events help to support a real need in our communities." He also highlighted the upcoming Stone Soup benefit in...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Attends Opening Day of Sterling Nature Center
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay recently attended the opening of the Sterling Nature Center Resiliency Education Building on April 24, 2024. The event marked a significant milestone for the region, with Barclay emphasizing the benefits of the transformative initiative, stating, "This transformative initiative will benefit countless residents and businesses along the Lake Ontario shoreline."The project, funded with $3.1 million through the state’s Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative, focused on the revitalization of the International Pier. This pier has...
-
Oswego County Farm Bureau Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness on Slow-Moving Vehicles
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, in collaboration with the Oswego County Farm Bureau and Sheriff Don Hilton, unveiled a new yard sign campaign aimed at increasing awareness of slow-moving vehicles on the roads. The campaign, which features signs with images of a tractor, horse-drawn vehicle, and a bicycle along with the message "Be Aware. Share the Road," seeks to remind motorists to be cautious and considerate of all vehicles sharing the road.Leader Barclay expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of educating drivers about encountering...
-
New York Assembly Minority Leader and Committee Member Criticize State's Budget Process
In a statement released today, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Ways & Means Committee Ranking Minority Member Ed Ra expressed their concerns about New York's budget process. Barclay highlighted, "The troubling trend with New York’s budgeting seems to be the higher the spending number gets, the more backward the process becomes."Barclay emphasized the importance of transparency in the budgeting process, stating, "Before any budget bill comes to the floor, the 2024-25 financial plan should be made available for the public to see and for lawmakers to review." He...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Expresses Concern Over Budget Extender Delays
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay expressed deep concern over the delay in finalizing the state budget, as reported on April 12, 2024."When it comes to Albany budgets, it’s hard to imagine the level of dysfunction can be eclipsed," stated Barclay as the Assembly passed its second budget extender for the year. He highlighted the ongoing challenges, saying, "the state budget is once again well behind schedule with no end in sight."Barclay expressed frustration with the current situation, noting that "Three Majority-in-a-room appear to be logjammed in a process that...
-
Organ and Tissue Donations Save Lives
New York, Apr 10, 2024 - The need for organ and tissue donations remains a critical issue, evident in the list of nearly 10,000 patients in need of transplants in New York, as reported by the State’s Donate Life Registry. Tragically, close to 500 New Yorkers lose their lives annually while awaiting a life-saving organ transplant.April being National Donate Life Month serves as a poignant reminder of this pressing challenge. Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) exemplified extraordinary compassion by donating one of his kidneys to a Purple Heart recipient in need of a...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Criticizes Delay in New York State Budget Approval
Assembly Minority Leader Criticizes Delay in New York State Budget ApprovalApr 4 2024Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay expressed frustration over the delay in approving the New York State budget. Barclay remarked, "When it comes to Albany budgets, it’s hard to imagine the level of dysfunction can be eclipsed. In passing our second extender of 2024, we face a situation all too familiar in Albany: the state budget is once again well behind schedule with no end in sight. Three Majority-in-a-room appear to be logjammed in a process that lacks any form of timeliness and...
-
Leader Barclay and Assembly Members Honor Vietnam Veterans
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and members of the Assembly Minority Conference paid tribute to Vietnam veterans at a special event held at the Capitol. Among the attendees were veterans Herb Hawker and Shawn Mills, both of whom have served their country with distinction.Herb Hawker, a veteran who served in Vietnam and had a combined military service of 41 years in the Navy and Army, was one of the honored guests. Meanwhile, Shawn Mills, an Army veteran with experience at Fort Drum and in Uzbekistan, also received recognition for his service as the current Oswego...
-
The State’s Cannabis Operation Needs A Complete Overhaul
Amidst significant challenges facing New York's cannabis operations, calls for a complete overhaul resonate among key stakeholders. The Assembly Minority Conference has been vocal about the need for transparency and auditing within the program, expressing concerns about the prioritization of applicants with criminal histories over qualified individuals.The Assembly's proposed Cannabis Rescue and Relief Fund aims to address financial hardships faced by cultivators and processors, highlighting the ongoing struggles within the industry. Governor Kathy Hochul recently...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Criticizes Proposed Spending Increases in State Budget Talks
New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, representing Pulaski, shared his thoughts at the General Budget Conference Committee meeting in Albany today. Leader Barclay expressed concerns about the budget plans put forth by the governor and the Majority Conference, particularly criticizing the proposed spending increases. He highlighted the potential consequences, stating, "If enacted, spending proposals offered by Majority lawmakers would result in state spending levels jumping roughly 40% in the past five years."Additionally, Leader Barclay showed his support...
-
Helping Families Afford Child Care Solves A Major Concern in New York State
In a recent announcement, a new plan called the "A Blueprint for Childcare (ABC) Plan" was introduced to address the financial burden faced by families in New York State concerning childcare. The plan aims to save families an average of approximately $2,300 a year, as highlighted during a press conference where a working single mother shared her personal struggles with childcare expenses.The plan focuses on making childcare more affordable through tax incentives, expanded access to education, and enhanced provider options. It includes initiatives such as boosting child...
-
Assembly Minority Propose Child Care Investment to Increase Access & Improve Affordability
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) and his Assembly Minority colleagues have unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the lack of high-quality and affordable child care in New York. The "A Blueprint for Childcare (ABC) Plan" includes proposals to provide tax incentives for families and day cares, expand access to early childhood education, and increase provider options.Barclay emphasized the importance of affordable child care, stating, “Every family should have the option to choose a safe, affordable, care-centered program that will provide the...
-
New York Farm Bureau Presents Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Circle of Friends Award
Representatives from the New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) presented Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) with their annual Circle of Friends award. The organization seeks to recognize legislators who demonstrate support for policies and issues for the state’s agriculture and farming community."I am honored to be recognized by my friends at the Farm Bureau year after year for my steadfast commitment to the hardworking men and women in the agriculture sector. It is important that legislators recognize the value of these individuals and their contributions to the...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay Offers Condolences on the Passing of Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s Son
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Assemblyman Robert Smullen's son, AJ. In a statement, Barclay said, "Words cannot express our sadness to learn that Assemblyman Robert Smullen’s son, AJ, has passed away. On behalf of the entire Assembly Minority Conference, I want to offer my most sincere condolences to Robert, Megan and their loved ones. For the past two weeks, AJ and the Smullen family have epitomized strength and perseverance during his fight toward recovery."Barclay acknowledged the immense pain of losing a child,...
-
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Conference Members Honor New York State Trooper Rick Albert
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and members of the Assembly gathered earlier this week to honor New York State Trooper Rick Albert, who was shot on duty while conducting traffic. The incident took place on June 16, 2023, when Albert pulled over a speeding vehicle on I 88 in Duanesburg and was shot in the arm by the driver.Barclay emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of officers like Rick Albert, stating, "Incidents like this should not be tolerated under any circumstances, and Rick Albert is a prime example of a...