December 6, 2018
HAWLEY CALLS ON CURRENT ATTORNEY GENERAL UNDERWOOD AND ATTORNEY GENERAL-ELECT JAMES TO ADDRESS INCONSISTENT PRICING OF GASOLINE
Pens letter to Attorney General Barbara Underwood and incoming AG Letitia James
In his continued effort to alleviate the stark difference in gasoline prices from county to county, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has called for action from current New York State Attorney General Barbara Underwood and incoming Attorney General Letitia James in a letter sent last week.
Hawley is supporting several pieces of bi-partisan legislation aimed at reforming the General Business Law regulating zone pricing to protect consumers against unfair gasoline pricing practices. He plans to make such initiatives a priority come the start of the 2019 Session.
“I am fully aware that zone pricing is prohibited by General Business Law 399-ee but I also know that there are several flaws in the statute that precludes effective enforcement,” Hawley says in the letter. “In most instances Genesee and Orleans County gas prices range much higher than the surrounding counties. I have seen first-hand the pricing at gas stations in these counties priced $.15-$.25 more per gallon than the various stations located in the surrounding contiguous counties: Erie and Monroe.”
Gasoline retailers locally remain $0.10 - $0.20 per gallon higher than their counterparts in the Rochester area with many stations in Genesee and Orleans counties, which Hawley represents, averaging around $3 per gallon compared to the statewide average of $2.76 as pointed out by the Batavia Daily News.
Hawley finished the letter by requesting an investigation by the Attorney General, “I would appreciate your timely review and full investigation of this matter as well as any action that may be taken to bring this issue to a resolution.”
November 19, 2018
HAWLEY TOURS BRONX WITH ASSEMBLYMAN BENEDETTO
Building cooperation between parties and bridging the gap between big city and rural needs
Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto speak to students at the Greek-American Institute of New York in the Bronx
In his ongoing quest for bipartisanship and cooperation between lawmakers’ interests in varying regions of the state, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) visited the Bronx this week for a community-wide tour with Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.
Hawley has been hosting reciprocal visits with downstate lawmakers for several years, previously visiting Queens with Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, Smithtown, Long Island with Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick and Staten Island with Assemblyman Michael Cusick.
Assemblyman Hawley and Assemblyman Benedetto tour SUNY Maritime, one of only seven degree-granting maritime institutions in the country
“Unfortunately, politics in our country is deeply divided and although it is difficult to change the national tide, we can do our part to reach across the aisle, be more inclusive and understanding of other lawmakers’ needs and concerns,” Hawley said. “Opening perspectives is always important in any profession and although we disagree on many policies, we are all colleagues and all New Yorkers at the end of the day. I thoroughly enjoyed touring the Bronx with Assemblyman Benedetto and hope to continue bridging the upstate-downstate divide moving forward.”
The two Assemblymen also toured Bartow-Pell Mansion a historic landmark that dates back to the 17th Century.
The two lawmakers read stories to children at the Greek-American School, toured SUNY Maritime, visited Co-Op City, the world’s largest cooperative housing development and visited with business leaders in the Westchester Square Business District.
November 14, 2018
OVER $5.65 MILLION IN LOCAL BRIDGE & CULVERT REPAIRS
Projects demonstrate ongoing success of BRIDGE-NY program championed by Hawley
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced nearly $6 million in funding will be injected into six, much-needed bridge and culvert repairs in Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties as part of the BRIDGE-NY program that was a component of last year’s state budget. A recent study by CNBC ranked New York’s infrastructure as some of the worst in the nation, with 10.5 percent of bridges ranked as deficient and 60 percent of roads classified as in poor or mediocre condition.
“I am very pleased to see our hard-fought victory for more upstate infrastructure funding is finally yielding tangible results,” Hawley said. “At a time when too many lawmakers set their sights on funneling more and more of our resources to fix downstate calamities like the MTA and LaGuardia Airport, it is more important than ever to focus on addressing upstate’s needs and that starts with our deficient roads, bridges and highways. Rest assured, maintaining the longevity of programs like BRIDGE-NY, PAVE-NY and increasing CHIPs funding will be among my top priorities come next year’s session.”
A list of BRIDGE-NY projects in the 139th Assembly District are as follows:
- $1.081 million to Genesee County for Sharrick Road over Murder Creek
- $907,000 to Genesee County for Tower Hill Road over Spring Creek
- $787,000 to the Town of Alabama (Genesee County) for Meadville Road over Canal Creek
- $686,000 to Monroe County for Lake Road W Fork over Sandy Creek
- $1.111 million to Orleans County for Transit Road over W Branch Sandy Creek
- $1.082 million to the Town of Batavia (Genesee County) for Upton Road over Bowen Creek
October 5, 2018
HAWLEY ENCOURAGES ALL TO GET SCREENED FOR BREAST CANCER
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“Every October with Breast Cancer Awareness Month we are reminded of the fact that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her life. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to schedule their preventative screening. In fact, thanks to legislation I supported (A.5677 of 2017) women in New York have more options than ever before to get screened, including a 3-D mammography process known as tomosynthesis that is now covered by insurance companies. No matter which screening process you and your doctor decide is best for you, there is nothing more important than early detection. Please make an appointment to get screened today or for more resources, visit www.ny.gov/programs/get-screened-no-excuses.”
October 4, 2018
HAWLEY TOPS LIST OF PRO-TAXPAYER LEGISLATORS, ACCORDING TO LEADING UPSTATE ADVOCACY GROUP
According to a leading taxpayer protection and small business group, Unshackle Upstate, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was one of only two members of the entire Assembly to receive a 100 percent score based on a number of key legislative votes and sponsorship of bills during this year’s session. The legislation considered covers a wide array of topics, including universal health care, business regulations, budgetary spending and environmental issues.
“I am honored to be named the state’s top assembly member when it comes to protecting taxpayer money, supporting small businesses and championing initiatives to grow the economy and create jobs,” Hawley said. “This is an issue dear to my heart and one I take seriously due to years spent operating our family farm and now my own small business.
“One thing has become abundantly clear over the past several years – Gov. Cuomo’s policies have yet to open New York for business and continue to drive too many residents to more tax-friendly states. Upstate businesses and tax dollars are the lifeblood of our state, and I will continue to fight against reckless spending, overregulation and oppressive taxes.”
September 26, 2018
HAWLEY CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL HIGHWAY SIGNS
Failure to remove ‘I Love NY’ signs could result in a loss of $14 million in federal funding
As the September 30 deadline for the removal of New York state’s illegal ‘I Love New York’ signs approaches, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has called on Gov. Cuomo to obey federal requirements and follow through with eliminating the dangerous distraction before it is too late. A failure to do so could result in New York’s loss of $14 million in federal highway funding at a steep cost to the state’s already overburdened taxpayers.
Federal highway officials have been pushing for the removal of the ‘I Love New York’ signs for over a year, citing the location and amount of text on the signs as a distracting hazard to drivers. Despite objections from Washington, the over 500 oversized signs were installed in 2017 at an $8.1 million cost to New York’s taxpayers. Now the campaign, meant to drive tourism across the Empire State, could result in an even greater cost to New York’s residents.
Hawley has been actively pushing for the signs’ timely removal in the interest of not only New York’s finances, but the safety of the state’s drivers.
“It is no secret that our governor is at odds with the federal government, and it is shameful for him to endanger our state’s drivers and allow this invaluable funding to hang in the balance due to this personal feud,” said Hawley. “I call on Gov. Cuomo to do what’s right for the people of New York and remove these ill-advised and distracting road signs before our taxpayers are left to quite literally pay the consequences.”
September 20, 2018
LOCAL VETERANS EMBARK ON 11th ANNUAL PATRIOT TRIP
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) prepares to depart for Washington DC along with over 100 local veterans for the lawmaker’s 11th annual Patriot Trip on Thursday, Sept. 20.
Today, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) celebrated the start of his 11th annual Patriot Trip, joining over 100 local veterans and family members as they departed for a four-day trip to Washington D.C. Hawley, who has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006, established this yearly tradition in an effort to give back to our region’s heroes, offering attendees the chance to visit many of our nation’s most popular monuments, memorials and attractions.
“Each of us owes our local veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice to defend the values and freedoms we hold dear,” said Hawley. “I am so grateful to be able to share the unforgettable experience of visiting our nation’s capital with these brave men and women each year on our Patriot Trip, and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
September 17, 2018
HAWLEY ISSUES STATEMENT ON DECISION OF CHRIS COLLINS TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
“I look forward to continuing my dedicated service representing Genesee, Orleans and Monroe Counties in the State Assembly. It was a privilege to be considered a top candidate for congress and I am humbled at the outpouring of grassroots and party support I received across Western New York. I will continue to travel my Assembly District this fall, listening to the needs and concerns of residents as I make my case for re-election. Tax relief, economic vitality and job growth, providing assistance for our veterans and halting Gov. Cuomo’s radical and dangerous agenda will remain my top priorities.”
September 11, 2018
SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ANNUAL PATRIOT TRIP
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)[center] poses with veterans of the U.S. Air Force at a memorial honoring Air Force veterans during last year’s Patriot Trip to Washington D.C.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced there are still six more spots available to sign up for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. from September 20 – September 23, 2018.
Veterans who have attended a previous year’s trip or live outside the 139th Assembly District are now welcome to sign up.
Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.
“Every year I look forward to the Patriot Trip,” said Hawley. “I find it to be a great way to thank our veterans for their service and for them to connect with each other. It is wonderful to bring together such an amazing group of people to experience Washington D.C. From my own personal experience in the military, that of my father, and the veterans I have met in the past, it has given me an incredible understanding of all that veterans sacrifice for our country. I will continue to host this trip for many years to come in hopes of connecting and sharing this amazing experience with veterans across Long Island.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit the following locations on this year’s trip:
U.S. Capitol
WWII Memorial
U.S. Naval Academy
Gettysburg
Korean War Memorial
Vietnam War Memorial
Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Air Force Memorial
911 Memorial at the Pentagon
Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns
If you or a veteran you know wants more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XI, please call 585-589-5780 or email [email protected]. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
Sex Offenders Allowed on School and Community Center Property
to Vote Puts Our Communities in Danger
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is warning parents and guardians to keep their kids away from schools, recreational facilities and community centers this Thursday after 6 p.m. due to the fact that sex offenders could be present to vote in the primary election. Gov. Cuomo recently pardoned thousands of convicted criminals, including sex offenders, to allow them to vote in the upcoming primary. It is not required to notify the person in charge of the facilities, which could host after school programs, daycares or other activities or programs involving minors, of a sex offender’s presence. The only requirement is that offenders vote between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and they must let their parole officer know of their intentions to vote.
“Putting our children and communities at risk by allowing convicted criminals to vote is completely inexcusable,” said Hawley. “It seems rather convenient that the governor is doing this for a race that he is a candidate in. Sex offenders are banned from these locations for a reason. They should not, under any circumstances, be allowed back into these locations, many of which typically have children present, especially without any supervision or restrictions. It completely baffles me how completely unsafe this whole process is.
“The governor didn’t think of our communities’ safety, he is just thinking of how to get extra votes,” Hawley continued. “This not only puts our children at risk, it puts all of us at risk, and it is unfair to ask us to change our schedules to avoid a dangerous situation. I am completely against this pardon the governor has given and encourage residents, especially those with children, to stay away from community centers, schools and recreational facilities where voting is taking place this Thursday.”
