August 29, 2014
CELEBRATE THE MIDDLE CLASS ON LABOR DAY
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“As we spend time with our families this Labor Day weekend, let us remember that this is a holiday for the working man. It is a celebration of the contributions that every day, middle-class Americans have made toward the economic prosperity of our nation. It means that all Americans have a stake in our great democratic experiment, and that we rise and fall together as a nation. I hope everyone has a relaxing day with their friends and loved ones, and also remembers the reason for this holiday.”
SAFETY TIPS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“With a new school year right around the corner, our kids are about to start another year of learning that will prepare them for the rest of their lives. I ask everyone to be mindful of several safety tips as the new school year starts. First, watch out for kids at bus stops and drive carefully through residential areas during busing hours. Also remember to stop when a bus is picking up or dropping off kids. To the kids, remember the basics of road safety; look both ways before crossing the street. These are just a few safety tips to keep in mind, and hopefully they will help keep our kids safe during this next school year.”
August 27, 2014
NEW CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYMENT SITE FOR VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES A STEP FORWARD
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is working to bring awareness to a new program that will benefit veterans and persons with disabilities. The online State Recruitment Resources Center will function as a central hub for job seekers. The site is a part of the governor’s Program to Hire Persons and Veterans with Disabilities, of which Hawley, a veteran, has been a major supporter and ally.
“This website is a great step toward an all-inclusive workforce,” Hawley said. “By providing those with disabilities a resource that allows job seekers to upload their resume and transcript, geographic location and offers additional information regarding disability certification, we have created a one-stop-shop for everything these individuals will need to join the workforce. Our state works best when everyone plays a part, and this site will help us move New York closer to a 21st century economy.”
The programs are known as 55-b and 55-c, which would allow qualified persons to be appointed to entry-level, competitive civil service positions without taking a written exam. 1,200 positions have been designated for the 55-b program for those with disabilities, and 500 positions have been designated for the 55-c program specifically for disabled veterans. The State Recruitment Resources Center can be found here, on the Department of Civil Service’s website.
HAWLEY EARNS PERFECT SCORE FROM NFIB
Rating reinforces Hawley’s pro-free market and job creation platform
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently received a perfect score on his voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a group that advocates for policies that help businesses grow and create jobs. This is Hawley’s second perfect score from a business advocacy group, having received a perfect score from Unshackle Upstate last week. Hawley is thankful for the group’s support and promises to continue working with them to create more job opportunities for Western New Yorkers.
“I have dedicated my service in the Assembly to advocate for policies that help local small businesses and middle-class families thrive right here in Western New York,” said Hawley. “It’s good to have the partnership of groups like the NFIB that share my passion for this goal. We will continue working together to create a business climate that enables people to work in well-paying jobs.”
August 20, 2014
NEW LAW
IMPROVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a veteran of the National Guard and Army Reserves and ranking member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, is applauding Gov. Cuomo for signing a military assistance bill into law that the assemblyman wholeheartedly supported in the Assembly.
“Our state and our country are forever indebted to those who have served us at home and abroad,” Hawley said. “This law tackles the red tape that hampers professional certification for family members of active duty officers who are moved from station to station. We have also expanded New York’s supplemental burial allowance to include those who were injured on the battlefield, but died here at home − an oversight that was far too tragic to continue.”
Hawley added, “Another great aspect of this newly-signed law is how it assists children affected when their families move from station to station. Every state has its own difficult requirements for high school graduation, and that is often overlooked in legislation that attempts to honor our servicemen and women. Through this much-needed law, we have cut the red tape affecting children’s academic well-being and enrollment issues. This is one law we can all support, and I’m proud to have helped pass it.”
August 20, 2014
THIRD-CONSECUTIVE
PERFECT SCORE FROM UNSHACKLE UPSTATE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that he received a perfect score for the third-consecutive legislative session from Unshackle Upstate, a group that advocates for reducing New York’s oppressive tax rates and creating a better business climate in Upstate New York. Hawley received this rating for his votes in favor of policies that lower taxes and create good jobs for Upstate New York families. The group’s positive rating is an endorsement of his work in the Assembly to make New York a more affordable place to live and do business.
“Unshackle Upstate is a leading voice for those who are trying to make New York more affordable for middle-class families and small businesses,” said Hawley. “I am glad to have their partnership in advocating for policies to help families and businesses thrive right here in New York. I look forward to continuing the work we have started by pushing to lower taxes and repeal unnecessary burdensome regulations.”
More information about Hawley’s perfect score can be found here.
August 15, 2014
‘GREEN DOT MONEYPAK’ SCAM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is warning his constituents of an emerging scam being perpetrated on customers of New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E). The scam involves a person claiming to be a NYSEG or RG&E representative calling customers and threatening them with service cancellation unless they buy a ‘Green Dot MoneyPak Card.’ Once purchased, the scammer uses the card.
“Customers of NYSEG and RG&E need to be on guard for scammers soliciting the Green Dot MoneyPak Card. If you get one of these calls, do not buy the card and contact the Federal Trade Commission and your local police to let them know the issue,” said Hawley. “If you have fallen victim to the scheme, you may be able to get your money back by contacting Green Dot MoneyPak and deactivating the card before the scammer uses it.”
Scam victims who want to get their money back can do so by going to https://www.moneypak.com/Help.aspx and clicking “I would like a refund of my MoneyPak.” However, this will not work if the scammer has already spent your money.
August 1, 2014
HAWLEY TO GOVERNOR: USE BNP PARIBAS MONEY TO RESTORE LOST EDUCATION FUNDING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today sent a letter to Gov. Cuomo urging him to use the $3 billion windfall New York will receive as a result of the settlement with BNP Paribas to fully restore the education funding that was lost due to the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA). This would require using $1 billion to restore the GEA and then committing the remaining $2 billion to scheduled school aid increases. Hawley considers this issue a high priority due to the fiscal challenges faced by small, rural school districts that do not receive an equitable distribution of state school aid compared to New York City schools.
“Delivering a high quality education to our kids is the key to giving them to best possible future,” said Hawley. “The money we have gained through the Paribas settlement should go to ensuring that our local school districts have the resources they need to provide our kids the best possible education. As a father, this is a very important issue to me and I’ll be working to make sure that our schools get this money and our kids receive the education they deserve.”
