April 30, 2014
HAWLEY HONORS CADETS ON WEST POINT DAY IN ALBANY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley introduces the West Point cadets, who can be seen sitting behind him, to his fellow Assemblymembers.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today honored the cadets of the West Point Academy in the Assembly chamber. Hawley introduced the cadets and gave a short speech on the floor lauding them for their service to the country. As the ranking member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, one of Hawley’s top priorities is to ensure veterans and members of the armed forces have the resources they need during and after their service.
“The West Point cadets who came to Albany represent the very best our country has to offer. They chose service to their country over other great opportunities available to them. These young cadets are a shining example for their peers and give me hope for the future of our country. They are always welcome to share their concerns with me, and I humbly thank them for their service,” said Hawley.
Video of Hawley’s remarks can be found at
April 15, 2014
HAWLEY DECLARES APRIL 15 BIG GOVERNMENT DAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) declared today, April 15, as ‘Big Government Day’ in New York State. While April 15 is well-known as the deadline to file your taxes, it carries even more significance this year as it is also the deadline for gun owners to register their so-called ‘assault weapons’ with the state or become felons. Hawley is using the day as a reminder to his constituents of the need to stand strong in the face of ever-growing state and federal governments.
“The government was not content simply taking your money, so they’ve decided to take your guns, too,” said Hawley. “It is appropriate that we commemorate this day as Big Government Day and take a moment to understand the massive scope of the government’s size. New York State is both the highest-taxed and least-free state in the entire country thanks to the forces of New York City liberals. On this day where the government is coming after both our money and our 2nd Amendment rights, let’s make sure that those of us who love our families and communities make a stand for smaller government.”
While New Yorkers are unfortunately accustomed to paying oppressive taxes on Big Government Day, this is the first year that the registration requirement of the SAFE Act is also in effect. Numerous reports in the media have indicated that the rate of compliance with the SAFE Act is expected to be less than 10 percent, with local officials refusing to enforce the law. Hawley sees the flawed gun control legislation as not only unconstitutional, but also as a case study of the ineffectiveness of big government.
Big Government Day is a sober reminder that New Yorkers live in the least free state in the country. According to a 2013 report by the Mercatus Center, New York “is by far the least free state in the Union.” The reality that upstate New Yorkers know too well is that their neighbors are leaving the state. Big government forces families to flee New York for areas where they are not overburdened by highest-in-the-nation taxes and unconstitutional infringements on personal freedoms.
April 9, 2014
HAWLEY PUSHES SAFE ACT REPEAL IN ALBANY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) continued his fight to restore the Second Amendment rights of his constituents in Albany by pushing for a repeal of the SAFE Act. Hawley helped force a vote on legislation he co-sponsors (A.6238) in the Assembly Codes Committee, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. While vowing to continue fighting to repeal the SAFE Act, Hawley noted that his bill was defeated by downstate, New York City interests.
“I am working hard with my colleagues who cherish the Second Amendment to see the rights enshrined by it restored. We got a vote on legislation that would repeal the SAFE Act, but it was unfortunately voted down by downstate Assembly liberals,” said Hawley. “They voted to put honest, law-abiding people in jail for exercising their constitutional right to bear arms and protect their families. Their actions have only strengthened my resolve to stand up for the good people of Western New York who should be enjoying their full Second Amendment rights.”
As long as the Assembly is controlled by downstate liberals, Hawley recognizes that repeal through legislative means is likely dead on arrival. However, he is hopeful that a lawsuit working its way through the court system will find the SAFE Act unconstitutional when it arrives at the Supreme Court. In the meantime, Hawley vows to continue doing his part to restore the Second Amendment through outspoken advocacy and organizing fellow Second-Amendment enthusiasts.
