April 30, 2013
Support OPWDD, Not Hollywood!
I am supporting legislation that would restore $90 million in cuts to the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This year's state budget included a $90 million cut to OPWDD as well as $420 million for the Empire State Film Tax Credit. I voted against both provisions, in addition to supporting the amendment restoring OPWDD funding.
Taking from people with developmental disabilities and their families while giving to Hollywood stars is unfair, irresponsible, and appalling. In a time of fiscal crisis and economic peril, budgeting is all about prioritizing, and this year's state budget failed to protect programs and services that matter most.
I joined my Assembly Minority colleagues in advancing an amendment to restore these cuts, and this legislation is the next step in our fight to right this wrong and support our most vulnerable citizens rather than try to lure Hollywood stars to New York City.
April 25, 2013
The SAFE Act Forum
On Thursday, April 25th at Genesee Community College I hosted a public forum to discuss and address the concerns of citizens regarding the NY SAFE Act. I am pleased to say your response was astounding. Over 500 people attended - a standing room crowd only.
I was joined by a panel of speakers including; Tom King, NRA Board Member and President of the NYSRPA; Steve Aldstadt, President of S.C.O.P.E.; Chief Deputy, Supervisor of Criminal Investigation Jerome Brewster from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office; and Genesee County Clerk, Don Read.
The event included a review of the new law and a timeline of what's to come with input from the panel of speakers. The NY SAFE Act includes new restrictions on firearms, new restrictions on ammunition sales, a ban on high capacity magazines and assault weapons, more diligent background checks to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and potentially dangerous mental health patients and tougher penalties for those who use and posses guns illegally. After the overview of the law, those attending were invited to ask questions and address concerns with answers from myself and the panel.
New York's new gun control laws were jammed through the legislature with no input form the public. As a result, many law-abiding gun owners are unaware of the new rules, regulations and requirements that now encroach on our Second Amendment rights. This forum gave residents a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns over the New York SAFE Act, helping ensure that we all can protect our privacy and civil liberties to the fullest extent possible.
If you would like to receive the information discussed at the forum please contact my district office.
April 24, 2013
West Point Day
Today we celebrated West Point Day at the Capitol. I had the honor of speaking with United States Military Academy Dean of the Academic Board Brigadier General Timothy Trainor, who was also joined by a group of currently-enrolled cadets.
Military service is as honorable a path as an American can embark on, and General Trainor is doing tremendous work Preparing our Next generation of heroes. Western New York has an illustrious history of service, and carrying on that tradition is something many families take great pride in. We will never waiver in our support of our veterans and servicemen and women.
As the Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I want to thank all of the cadets and personnel for attending West Point Day and bringing true heroism and courage to the hall of the Capitol.
April 16, 2013
Informational Forum on the NY SAFE Act
I am hosting a public informational forum on New York’s new gun laws. The event will be taking place on Thursday, April 25th from 6:30pm to 8pm at Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus. This forum will give New York residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn how the NY SAFE Act will affect their rights as law-abiding gun owners.
These new gun control laws were hurried through the legislature with no public review or input. Many law-abiding gun owners are unaware of the new rules, regulations and requirements that are now encroaching on their Second Amendment rights. This forum will give them the opportunity to voice question and concerns to help ensure that we can protect our privacy and civil liberties.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley Presents: An Educational Forum on the NY SAFE Act.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Genesee Community College
Stuart Steiner Theater
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road)
Batavia
Special Guests Include:
Tom King-NRA Board Member and President of the NYSRPA
Steve Aldstadt - President of S.C.O.P.E
Chief Deputy - Supervisor of Criminal Investigation Jerome Brewster - Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Representative from Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
Don Read - Genesee County Clerk
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