ARREST OF LT. GOV. BRIAN BENJAMIN
“Mere months after heralding a new era of open, honest and trustworthy government, our governor finds her right-hand man in federal custody, making it evident her declaration was nothing more than hollow rhetoric,” said Hawley. “We’ve now had four consecutive executive administrations in which either the governor or lieutenant governor have come under severe criminal scrutiny, and if that doesn’t tell New Yorkers it’s time for a change in our state government, I don’t know what would.”
September - December 2021
December 10, 2021
HAWLEY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST GOV. HOCHUL’S DECISION TO REIMPLEMENT STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE
“Haphazardly implementing a statewide mask mandate in the middle of the holiday season, a period many businesses rely on to make ends meet for the year, is entirely unnecessary and will only handicap our small businesses during a make-or-break time for their operations. Protecting public health is important, but decisions such as this should be left to the local health authorities that know better than anyone what’s really going on in their communities. I had hoped our new governor would take a more measured approach to keeping the pandemic at bay, but it is clear now more than ever that she will continue to rule our state from the top down, to the detriment of New York families and businesses alike.”
HAWLEY RAISES CONCERNS FOLLOWING DECISION BY NY CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE
“The democratic process by which we elect our leaders is a core foundation of our republic, and the decision of the New York City Council to allow non-citizen illegal immigrants to vote undermines the integrity of our elections entirely. Rest assured that if similar legislation is proposed at the statewide level I will oppose it vehemently, as I fear this Council vote is reflective of the true intentions of radical ideologues within the Majority who care more about bolstering their own political power than ensuring our elections are fair and secure.”
DECREASING THE FARM LABORER THRESHOLD: A THREAT TO NEW YORK’S FARMS AND FAMILIES
A Column by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
As the former owner and operator of our family farm, I know firsthand that running a farm or an agribusiness is a uniquely challenging undertaking, and if we fail to recognize how these businesses operate in the real world, it will be the death knell for family farms in New York state. I say this because recently many have called for farm worker overtime to be reduced from the 60-hour threshold established by the Farm Laborers “Fair” Labor Practices Act in 2019 to 40 hours.
As well-intentioned as this idea may sound, this demand comes from a lack of understanding regarding how farms and agribusinesses actually operate. If it were implemented, I fear the only farms that could afford to comply would be large, corporate-operated ones, as the family farms we know and love in our communities would be driven out of business.
To give insight as to why this could happen, simply put, agricultural work isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of Mother Nature. During the planting and harvest season, it’s often necessary to work from sunrise to sunset, while other seasonal periods could warrant fewer hours of work. This proposal fails to acknowledge this reality, as well as the broader consequences that could arise from decreasing this threshold. We don’t have the luxury of having 12 months of growing and harvesting seasons, we are not Florida or California!
If we begin to lose our farms, which already face many competitive disadvantages compared to out-of-state competitors, farm workers, in turn, will lose their jobs. When that happens, they may very well seek opportunities working for competitors in other states, creating a vicious cycle in which job openings and our farm workforce disappear in tandem, harming the very people the policy sought to help.
We should also bear in mind that our dairy farmers are beholden to price controls that limit their ability to increase their prices to recoup overhead costs. At the end of the day, all farmers are price-takers, meaning that they sell their goods at prices set by processors, distributors and facilities. Farmers, here in New York, are often unable to meet the low costs sought by these purchasers. Even as things stand now, prices on our produce are so high that many New York City schools order apples from Washington state.
If the overtime threshold were to be lowered at all, or to 40 hours, it’s likely it would no longer be profitable to produce many beloved crops here in New York. Our produce would then be less fresh, less plentiful and more expensive. During a year in which we’ve seen unprecedented increases in food prices in stores, where profits don’t directly benefit farmers, the last thing we need is to deliver another gut-punch from Albany to families finding it increasingly difficult to nourish their loved ones. Additionally, farmers have seen the cost of feed, fuel, equipment and other goods they need skyrocket due to inflation.
My hope is that the Farm Laborers Wage Board, along with Gov. Hochul, as a native of upstate New York, listens to the concerns of our upstate farmers on the many implications of this issue, instead of ignoring those concerns for the sake of appeasing partisan activists who lack insight into the day-to-day operations of a farm.
In rural upstate New York, agriculture is more than an economic sector, it’s a way of life. This proposal jeopardizes the existence of farms that have been pillars of our community for generations. To imagine our region without family farms is like imagining New York City without skyscrapers. My hope is that on this issue, if no other, our concerns will not fall on deaf ears.
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
HAWLEY JOINS SEN. RATH TO UNVEIL SIGN DEDICATING “SP4 C. JAY HALL MEMORIAL HIGHWAY”
From left to right: Chair of the Genesee County Legislature Shelly Stein, Sen. Ed Rath and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) unveil sign dedicating SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined Sen. Ed Rath and local officials today to unveil a sign designating the section of State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the town of Pembroke, county of Genesee, as the "SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway". Hawley and Rath worked throughout the year to get legislation they sponsored passed to make the designation official, and the legislation was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in October.
Specialist Four Clarence "C. Jay" Hall served as a rifleman in the U.S. Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. On October 7, 1969, Specialist Hall exposed himself to hostile fire with a complete disregard for his personal safety while his comrades were able to obtain cover. During this action, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Hall earned the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third-highest award for valor.
“The story of ‘C. Jay’ Hall’s sacrifice and bravery in the face of danger encapsulates the selfless spirit of our service members and is one that should be remembered for generations,” said Hawley. “Seeing the sign honoring his sacrifice unveiled today was a proud moment after working for so long to make it a reality, so I want to thank all of the local and state legislative partners I’ve worked with in the last year who helped make it happen for their dedication to getting this bill passed, as well as our local veteran organizations, who were of tremendous assistance in advocating for its creation. Thanks also goes out to our military service members for their dedicated service to our nation, because we can never take for granted the fact that their service enables us to peacefully gather as we did today.”
“The story of Specialist Four Hall’s bravery and courage is truly awe inspiring and his sacrifice should never be forgotten. I am honored to have had a role in bringing this proposal to reality and am excited to be here to celebrate the official unveiling of "Specialist Four (SP4) Clarence 'C. Jay' Hall Memorial Highway’. I hope this highway will inspire motorists to learn more about this local hero for years to come. This designation is a lasting and appropriate tribute to C. Jay Hall and a reminder of the selfless service that he and so many other veterans have made for our country. The legislation to make this possible will always have a special place in my heart as it was the first piece of legislation of mine to be passed in the Senate. Thank you to everyone involved for sharing Specialist Four Hall's story with me, especially the Pembroke students who initiated this project several years ago,” said Rath.
HAWLEY HIGHLIGHTS US CIVIL AIR PATROL AS ORG. APPROACHES ITS 80TH BIRTHDAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is honoring the United States Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as the organization approaches its 80th anniversary this year on Dec. 1, highlighting the important role its members have played in preserving peace and safety in the nation since its founding in 1941.
The CAP consists of volunteer members aged 12 to 21 who serve as cadets, as well as a large body of adult volunteers known as senior members. Earlier this year, Hawley joined other members of the Assembly and Senate in passing a resolution honoring the service’s 80th birthday. Hawley is himself an Honorary Major within the New York Wing’s Legislative Squadron in the CAP.
“For nearly a century now, the CAP has stood ready to protect Americans when facing threats to our safety, both from nature and hostile actors. Whether gathering intelligence on our adversaries or delivering vital supplies to a disaster zone, our CAP volunteers have played a key role in maintaining our national security,” said Hawley.
Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, less than one week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Civilian Air Patrol played a critical role in the Second World War as members conducted air patrols, anti-U-Boat operations, and performed other vital duties.
On May 26, 1948, Congress designated the CAP as the official Air Force Auxiliary with three primary missions: emergency missions, cadet programs and aerospace education. Since receiving this designation, the CAP has been instrumental in maintaining the security of America’s shorelines. CAP volunteers are among the first on the scene in times of disaster, providing aerial photography and assisting in damage assessment while also distributing critical supplies and equipment to people in need on the ground.
“Our Civil Air Patrol is an all-volunteer force for good that anyone can become involved with,” said Hawley. “So I encourage anybody interested in becoming a part of something bigger than themselves to reach out to their local CAP squadron to learn how to join!”
FORMER GOV. CUOMO’S ACTIONS ILLEGAL, UNETHICAL
A statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the
Assembly Judiciary Committee Report“The actions described in the Assembly Judiciary’s report are unbefitting of any elected official, let alone the governor of New York state,” said Hawley. “I am thankful appropriate law enforcement agencies have been forwarded relevant materials from the investigation and thank the Judiciary Committee for their dedicated, meticulous work putting together this report. Additionally, the witnesses and victims who came forward to share their stories are to be commended for their bravery in speaking up when facing threats of retaliation.”
HAWLEY VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL VISITS FOR NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has released a video highlighting a series of visits he made to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month in October. He spent time visiting Roots Hair Salon and Milk & Honey Boutique in Albion, Gilliana's Diner in Batavia, Revival Beauty Parlor in Medina, and The Dog Wash "Do-It-Yourself" Bath House in Brockport to speak with their owners regarding their struggles and successes as entrepreneurs.
Hawley said it was a privilege to have the opportunity to speak with these women about how they’ve worked in creative ways to build their businesses and support the broader community at large.
“For nearly two years we’ve all endured challenges in our lives, both personally and professionally,” said Hawley. “Few have had to adapt to these rapidly-changing circumstances as quickly and cleverly as our small business owners, so I want to again thank those who hosted me for welcoming me into their facilities and providing insight into their experiences!”
The video can be accessed using this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xNWNNrSKdPv-akYJ7TGdqm8cI85SgFub/view?usp=sharing
HAWLEY HAILS NEW LAW GRANTING FREE COLLEGE TUITION TO MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is celebrating a new law (A.7685) signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul today that will give free college tuition to members of gold star families.
The signing came over two years after Hawley himself proposed a bill to provide gold star families with free tuition, though that bill (A.2991 of 2019) was blocked in the Higher Education Committee by the Assembly Majority and never brought to the floor for a vote.
“This legislation provides the opportunity to pursue higher education for the families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation in the military. For 13 years I sought to get this legislation passed, so I am truly elated to finally see it become a reality,” said Hawley. “I thank the chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee Didi Barrett for her work ensuring the bill made it across the finish line.
“While I had hoped this law would come to fruition earlier to begin helping families more quickly, I am relieved that New York’s gold star families will soon be receiving much-deserved educational assistance,” Hawley concluded.
FORMER GOV. CUOMO’S ACTIONS ILLEGAL, UNETHICAL
A statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the
Assembly Judiciary Committee Report“The actions described in the Assembly Judiciary’s report are unbefitting of any elected official, let alone any decent human being,” said Hawley. “I am thankful appropriate law enforcement agencies have been forwarded relevant materials from the investigation and thank the Judiciary Committee for their dedicated, meticulous work putting together this report. Additionally, the witnesses and victims who came forward to share their stories are to be commended for their bravery in speaking up when facing threats of retaliation.”
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
HAWLEY CONDEMNS PRISON CLOSURES, CHEERS END OF DOUBLE-BUNKING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing deep concern after yesterday’s sudden announcement six prisons throughout the state would be ordered to close.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced six of their facilities will close on March 10, 2022. The closures announced were Ogdensburg Correctional Facility, Moriah Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility, Southport Correctional Facility, Downstate Correctional Facility, Rochester Correctional Facility and Willard Drug Treatment Campus.
“The sudden announcement of prison closures throughout the state was disrespectful both to employees, who will now have mere months to either relocate or find new jobs, as well as the local governments and communities who will have to quickly plan for the consequences of these closures,” said Hawley. “With all that our corrections professionals have endured in recent times, including an increase in violent incidents against them in the midst of a pandemic, they deserve better than to have their lives, careers and communities upended so abruptly.”
While dismayed by the news of prison closures, Hawley was glad to see a bill he sponsored signed into law which prohibits the practice of ‘double-bunking’ in prisons. Hawley supported the legislation in order to protect the welfare of corrections officers, prison staff and those incarcerated.
“Double-bunking has jeopardized the well-being of corrections professionals and inmates alike, along with the ability of prison staff to effectively supervise the activities of prisoners. My hope is that banning this practice will aid in reversing the ongoing trend of rising prison violence throughout the state and ensure safer conditions for all,” said Hawley.
OCTOBER 26, 2021
HAWLEY URGES NEW YORKERS TO REJECT BALLOT PROPOSALS 1, 3, and 4
A Column by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
In 2014, voters made their opposition to gerrymandering clear when they voted to authorize the Independent Redistricting Commission to work in a bipartisan fashion to draw maps for our state’s elections, so they were fair and a better reflection of real communities. This year, however, ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4 jeopardize the hard-fought wins New Yorkers have achieved in regard to redistricting and election integrity, and could help the Majority retain one-party rule for years to come using partisan maps.
Ballot proposal 1 is complex, perhaps by design, and removes a requirement that maps approved by the Independent Redistricting Commission receive an approval vote from a member appointed by each leader of the Legislature, both in the Majority and the Minority. This requirement was implemented intentionally to ensure each party would have meaningful input in the drafting of electoral maps in New York. If proposal 1 passes, there will be nothing stopping the Majority from passing maps through the commission that are designed to protect their own power, and unfairly disenfranchises their political adversaries.
Proposal 1 also removes a requirement that in the event the commission does not vote in favor of a map, that any map then approved by the Legislature be accepted by a two-third majority vote, as that threshold would be lowered to just 60%. This will make it even easier for the Majority to push through self-serving maps in the event they feel the commission’s maps, drafted and voted upon by their appointees, do not do enough to help them electorally. This is another step this proposal takes to weaken the commission and eradicate meaningful bipartisanship from the redistricting process, all to the benefit of the ruling legislative party.
While proponents of ballot proposals 3 and 4 argue they will bolster our democracy, I believe these measures open the door for the abuse of our electoral process and could reduce the faith people have in the integrity of our elections. We’ve seen how mail-in voting can throw elections into disarray last year, when thousands of votes were left uncounted during New York City’s primary elections and when the congressional election held in the 22nd District was left to be resolved in the courts months after voting day. When combined with same-day voter registration, our local boards of election will be overwhelmed with documents to process and verify, and could have a lesser ability to properly scrutinize them for fraud and inaccuracy. Newly-registered voters will also be allowed to vote on machines rather than through affidavit, which would make it near impossible to disqualify the votes of those found to be ineligible to.
While some of these proposals may sound well-intentioned, I am greatly concerned about the effect they would have on our electoral process and our ability to maintain its integrity. Following a year in which many people have come to question their trust in our basic institutions, we should not be seeking to advance measures that open the door to gerrymandering and foul play. Do your part to defend our elections by flipping over your ballots this November and voting no on ballot proposals 1, 3, and 4”
HAWLEY CONCLUDES VISIT SERIES TO HONOR NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH AT ROOTS HAIR SALON AND MILK AND HONEY BOUTIQUE IN ALBION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be concluding his series of visits to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month by visiting Roots Hair Salon and Milk & Honey Boutique in Albion this Wednesday, whose owners have gone above and beyond to promote everything Albion has to offer.
Roots Hair Salon, owned by local resident Amber Mogle, has been operating in Albion since 2017, and offers hair, nail, and other beauty services to local residents. The business employs numerous local stylists and retains a loyal following of customers who appreciate the friendliness of the staff. Amber has been active in promoting the greater business community of Albion, aside from her own business. She worked in 2019 with the owner of Milk and Honey Boutique, Courtney Henderson, to have the town featured on HGTV’s “Hometown Takeover” program by putting together a video showcasing the town’s charm and discussing the impact the program’s support could have on the lives of all who live there.
Milk and Honey Boutique, also owned by a local resident, Courtney Henderson, has operated in Albion since April of 2018. The boutique sells unique fashions for women and children that can’t be found anywhere else, and offers an opportunity for women to shop with their young daughters to find something truly special. As a mother herself of three young children, Courtney sought to create a business that welcomes mothers and their children with affordably-priced, uniquely-designed selections.
“After a great month of visits to local women-owned businesses representing numerous sectors of the economy, I look forward to ending October on a high note by visiting two more businesses that have gotten their start in the last five years and have managed to keep their doors open through the pandemic,” said Hawley.
Assemblyman Hawley will be visiting the Roots Hair Salon, located at 29 E Bank St., Albion on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m. Hawley will then travel directly to visit Milk and Honey Boutique at 3:15 p.m., which is located at 49 North Main St., Albion. During these visits, the assemblyman will discuss with each business owner their experiences opening and operating their businesses, as well as the difficulties they’ve faced in recent years as they contended with shutdowns, changing restrictions and guidelines, and other obstacles that threaten the continued success of their operations. While visiting, he will also be honoring them for their work promoting Albion as they attempted to have the town featured on HGTV’s “Hometown Takeover”.
“Surviving through everything the pandemic entailed economically, while getting through a months-long shutdown and then having to comply with ever-changing state mandates and guidelines is laudable, so I look forward to hearing about how these local women were able to help their businesses succeed during these unprecedented times,” said Hawley. “What they did to promote Albion to HGTV is impressive and appreciated, so I’m grateful to have an opportunity to thank them for their efforts.”
The assemblyman previously visited Gilliana's Diner in Batavia, Revival Beauty Parlor in Medina, and The Dog Wash "Do-It-Yourself" Bath House in Brockport earlier in the month of October.
HAWLEY CONTINUES VISITS IN HONOR OF NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH AT THE DOG WASH IN BROCKPORT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is continuing his series of visits to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month by visiting The Dog Wash "Do-It-Yourself" Bath House in Brockport this Wednesday. Having already gone to Gilliana’s Diner in Batavia and Revival Beauty Parlor in Medina, he will continue to visit local women-owned small businesses in the 139th Assembly District throughout the month of October.
The Dog Wash, owned by local resident Patti Francisco, has been operating in the Brockport area for years, providing local pet owners with a place to either wash and groom pets themselves in a no-mess environment, or have a trained groomer help them look their best. While the business had to close for about three months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, it has since reopened and has been an important resource within the community for the many people who became new pet owners while working from home. During the period in which it was shut down, the business was active in assisting with efforts to distribute masks, and continues to promote efforts to find lost pets in the local community.
Assemblyman Hawley will be visiting the business, located at 4612 Lake Road S. Brockport, NY 14420 on Wednesday, October 20 at 4 p.m. While visiting, Hawley will discuss with the owner their experience operating a business throughout the pandemic and honor them for their perseverance in serving the community during unprecedented times.
“Patti’s business has become incredibly important in recent months, as she helps new dog and cat owners become accustomed to caring for their pets. And after months of shutdowns, lockdowns, and mandates, we have more new pet parents than ever,” said Hawley. “I look forward to hearing about how the pandemic has affected the Dog Wash’s operations, and what the future has in store for Patti and her four legged clientele.”
OCTOBER 15, 2021
HAWLEY KICKS OFF HALLOWEEN PET COSTUME CONTEST
ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has announced that he will be holding a pet costume contest on his Facebook page in order to help his constituents get into the Halloween spirit. On the Facebook post linked here (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=292696192675631&set=a.286147229997194), the comment with a photo of a costumed pet that receives the most likes or reactions will receive an Assembly Citation, have their photo submitted to the local newspaper, and a photo of their pet will be displayed at his Legislative Office in Albany during the 2022 Legislative Session.
The contest rules can be found below:
1. Dress your pet up in their best Halloween costume
2. Post a photo of your pet in the comment section. Only one submission per owner can be posted.
3. Vote by liking pet photos. Voting ends on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The pet with the most likes/reactions wins!
4. Winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 29.
*Contest is open to all pet owners living in the 139th Assembly District. This includes all of Genesee County, all of Orleans County except Shelby, and the towns of Hamlin, Clarkson, Sweden, and Riga in Monroe County.
“After what has been something of a frightful year for many, I wanted to do something fun for the season and give residents an opportunity to show off their costumed companions,” said Hawley. “As a lifelong animal lover with a fond appreciation for all things Halloween, I look forward to seeing what people and their pets can pull off!”
HAWLEY CONTINUES SERIES OF VISITS IN HONOR OF NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH WITH REVIVAL BEAUTY PARLOR
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is continuing his series of visits to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month by visiting Revival Beauty Parlor in Medina. Having already visited Gilliana’s Diner in Batavia, he will continue to visit local women-owned small businesses in the 139th Assembly District throughout the month of October.
Gretchen Carr is someone who lived and worked in Medina all her life. Coming from a family of hair stylists, she always dreamed of owning her own salon one day. After working her way through the BOCES cosmetology program, she began working for a salon the following summer, earning her license. After serving in the industry for 25 years and carefully saving up to do so, Gretchen and her husband purchased the building that formerly housed a salon known as Vision 2000. They turned it into “Revival Beauty Parlor,” a fitting name after she worked to breathe new life into the business.
“Gretchen’s story of finding success in doing what she loves is a living testament to the idea of the American Dream, and the dedication her and her staff have in serving their customers, even while contending with rapidly-changing restrictions, is truly admirable,” said Hawley.
Since opening in 2018, Gretchen and her staff have faced an uphill battle against restrictions and mandates placed upon them throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions limited their ability to serve as many customers as they had grown accustomed to, and even forced them to close their doors entirely for a nearly three-month period. In recent months however, Gretchen has since been able to once again open the doors to her salon, and welcome new and existing customers as the business’ operations have come closer to pre-pandemic normalcy.
Assemblyman Hawley will be visiting the business, located at 521 Main St., Medina at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16. During the visit, they will discuss the challenges the business has faced in recent months. Assemblyman Hawley will honor Gretchen for her efforts to bring a new business to Medina and persevering in the face of obstacles to the business’ success.
“I look forward to visiting the salon to discuss with her how she’s been able to succeed in the industry, overcome challenges she faced when opening her salon, operating it through a pandemic, and what hopes she holds for the future of Revival Beauty Parlor,” said Hawley.
HAWLEY KICKS OFF NATIONAL WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS MONTH SERIES WITH
GILLIANA’S DINER VISIT THIS SATURDAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is kicking off a series of visits to local small businesses to commemorate National Women's Small Business Month, starting with a visit to Gilliana's Diner in Batavia. In the weeks to come, Hawley will be visiting other women-owned small businesses in the district throughout October.
Gilliana's Diner is a business opened by local resident Jill Antinore during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawley will be visiting the restaurant on Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m. to honor Jill Antinore for her community-minded actions and perseverance in opening her business during a challenging period, all while looking out for her neighbors. They will also discuss her experience opening and operating her business, along with the challenges she and her staff have faced along the way.
“The dedication and generosity displayed by Jill Antinore in opening her business amid a pandemic is truly commendable, and her restaurant is the perfect place to start our celebration of National Women's Small Business Month,” said Hawley. “What she has done for the community, even while working to get her restaurant up and running, is truly astounding. I look forward to hearing from her firsthand about how she managed to do so much for so many people.”
Even as they opened their doors during tumultuous times, Jill and her husband worked through nights and early mornings to prepare meals to donate to the United Memorial Medical Center. Not stopping there, the business has continued their generous acts by donating 30 percent of all take-out dinner sales to benefit the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club, as well as providing scholarships to local youth, and monetary awards to non-profit organizations engaged in bettering the community.
As Hawley continues with his series of visits to other businesses throughout National Women's Small Business Month, he will continue to highlight women-owned businesses that have overcome adversity, gone above-and-beyond to benefit their community, or have otherwise become famed fixtures within local areas. He will be announcing more of these visits to businesses in the near future.
“In a year that has been challenging for small businesses throughout the state, I am excited to use this opportunity to highlight the hard work and managerial prowess of women who own small businesses in our district,” said Hawley. “They have worked through a pandemic to continue serving their communities, all while adapting to rapidly-changing laws and regulations, and that is something truly admirable.”
SEPTEMBER 28, 2021
HAWLEY SLAMS VACCINE MANDATE AS “SLAP IN THE FACE” TO UNVACCINATED HEALTHCARE WORKERS WHO’VE SERVED IN COVID-19 FIGHT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) expressed outrage today as the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers takes effect, forcing countless healthcare employees throughout the state to resign from their positions. Many of these healthcare workers have for months now been on the front lines of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and have been left without recourse in the face of a mandate that does not permit regular testing of unvaccinated healthcare workers.
“Taking jobs from healthcare workers who have been working harder than anybody to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is a slap in their face, and I am incensed by the governor’s willingness to cast aside a group of highly-skilled people who have saved the lives of so many New Yorkers,” said Hawley. “The valuable experience these professionals have in fighting COVID-19 will be squandered, and the ones who will pay the price for this decision are those who need the highest quality of care possible to save their lives. I am vaccinated and would encourage anyone who wishes to be vaccinated to do so, but I also believe in personal choice, and with no option for unvaccinated healthcare workers to elect for frequent testing, this mandate will only harm our ability to help patients who need care most.”
HAWLEY GLAD TO SEE ZUCKER OUT, HOPES SUCCESSOR WILL AVOID IMPLEMENTING UNNECESSARY MANDATES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today expressed his relief as news broke that Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has resigned from his position, though his resignation will only take effect when Gov. Hochul puts forward his replacement.
Hawley has been a frequent critic of Zucker and demanded his resignation on many occasions, deeply questioning the role Zucker may have played in the potential cover-up of the true number of fatalities that occurred in nursing homes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also spoke out against the mandates placed on small businesses and public institutions that restricted their operations.
“While I am of the opinion that firing Howard Zucker should have been one of the first things Gov. Hochul did after being sworn in, it is better to see him leave late than never,” said Hawley. “Zucker has mismanaged this pandemic since day one, and his highly questionable actions likely contributed to the personal and economic pain of countless people throughout our state. In managing our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be smart about recognizing the realities people in the different, distinct regions of our state face in their personal lives and careers. A continuation of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to the pandemic, characterized by burdensome, widely-applied mandates, will only stifle our state’s recovery from the pandemic. It’s my hope Zucker’s successor takes a more balanced and reasonable approach with local control, so that it won’t have the same negative impact on our communities and small businesses as Zucker’s mandates.”
HAWLEY CANCELS PATRIOT TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C., CITING CONCERNS OF RISING COVID-19 INFECTIONS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is saddened to announce that his annual Patriot Trip in which he brings veterans to landmarks and historical sites throughout the Washington, D.C. area will be canceled this year due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, especially as new variant cases in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals continue to increase. All participants who have signed up for the trip will be fully refunded for anything paid toward it.
“Having to cancel a trip that means so much to veterans, their families, and me was an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately the well-being of veterans and their families has to be our top priority,” said Hawley. “Amidst the spread of COVID-19, it is also very difficult to know for certain that planned destinations will be reasonably accessible. Ultimately, however, the thought of even a single veteran or one of their loved ones falling seriously ill is what caused me to have to make this difficult decision, because their well-being is more important than any event.”
HAWLEY OPPOSES EXTENSION OF EVICTION MORATORIUM AS STATE SITS ON BILLIONS IN FEDERAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is standing firmly opposed to legislation being taken up today in a special session of the New York State Assembly that would extend the moratorium on evictions in the state into 2022. Hawley has expressed frustration that this moratorium has been extended multiple times, even as the state government sits on the vast majority of $2.6 billion in federal funding meant to address the issue, having distributed only 10 percent of those funds to tenants and landlords in need.
“If we do not do something to help our small landlords in this crucial moment, they may well go extinct within the housing market if forced to sell their property to large conglomerates to escape crushing debts which they cannot collect rent to pay,” said Hawley.
“More often than not small landlords are retired people with families to feed, tax and mortgage bills to pay, and properties that take time, money, and hard work to maintain. To think we would ask them to continue to absorb the brunt of this housing crisis after holding on for roughly a year and a half now is absurd, especially when incompetency in our executive branch has kept money out of the pockets of the tenants and landlords that truly need it. Had we acted with any reasonable speed or efficacy in distributing the federal assistance that’s been sat on since January, we would not need to be debating this matter now.”
CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM DURING A
CRITICAL MOMENTA statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the inauguration of Gov. Kathy Hochul
“By swearing in a new governor, I remain hopeful we can use this moment as an opportunity to correct the course set by our former executive. Given her experience in local and county government, I hope that her tenure will be free of the burdensome mandates on small businesses, schools, places of worship, and other institutions which characterized her predecessor’s style of leadership and were so harmful to the people of our state.”
A STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN HAWLEY ON SPEAKER HEASTIE’S TERMINATION OF THE IMPEACHMENT INVESTIGATION INTO GOV. CUOMO
”Impartial justice is a founding principle of our constitutional republic, and nobody should be above the law. Our public officials should be held to the highest standards possible, and by ending this impeachment investigation the speaker has denied justice to the people of this state and allowed potentially illegal acts to be swept under the rug.”
May - August 2021
AUGUST 12, 2021
A NEW DAY FOR NEW YORK
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the resignation of Andrew Cuomo
“Now that the governor has done the right thing and resigned, we can focus on bettering the lives of the working people of this state once again. This is the third high ranking official that has stepped down due to improper conduct during my tenure, and I hope we can come together and work to assure it’s the last and that conduct like that of Andrew Cuomo’s is never left unchecked. I do want to congratulate Kathy Hochul, who will be our next Governor in two weeks, and hope we can work together in bipartisan fashion to do more for the people of this state than ever before.”
HAWLEY CALLS FOR GOV. CUOMO’S REMOVAL FOLLOWING AG REPORT ANNOUNCING CUOMO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, THREATENED RETALIATION AGAINST MULTIPLE WOMEN
“What we heard today should sicken everyone at a human level, and we cannot allow the governor to continue as our executive knowing our worst fears about his actions are true,” said Hawley. “He must resign now, and if not, we must reject his leadership resoundingly to send a message that conduct of this nature will never be acceptable, by anyone. He has abused his power in the most horrific of ways, and the time has now come for the legislative branch to assert itself and do what is right in this critical moment.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES COST FOR ANNUAL PATRIOT TRIP
LOWER THAN EVER IN 2021
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that this year’s annual Patriot Trip, taking place from September 16-19, will be the most affordable ever. Hawley will join veterans and their guests on his annual trip to Washington D.C., visiting various landmarks and historical sites.
Thanks to the generous contributions of many organizations and individuals, the cost to veterans and their selected guest for this year’s trip will be lower than ever in the trip’s fourteen-year history. The cost to veterans and their guest will be far below the original $475 per person, and includes all food, accommodation and travel expenses required for the trip. Although costs are not yet finalized, Hawley is hoping a cost of $350 or less per person will be attainable.
“Following an outpouring of financial support from the community at large, individuals, businesses and veteran-advocacy groups, I am elated to announce the cost to veterans and their guests for this year’s Patriot Trip will be lower than ever, and I’m hopeful the final cost will be between $300 and $350. With confirmed stops this year at Gettysburg, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Veterans Memorials around the National Mall, the National Marine Museum, the Arlington National Cemetery with Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other landmarks and museums, it’s going to be a trip to remember for all who attend.”
Any interested veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 or [email protected] to learn more about the trip and to make reservations.
HAWLEY DEMANDS SPECIAL SESSION TO END EVICTION MORATORIUM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining his Assembly Minority colleagues in a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie demanding he call a special session to rescind New York state’s eviction moratorium. The state’s eviction moratorium would persist until August 31st, a month longer than federal protections, which are set to expire on July 31st.
The eviction moratorium has prevented small landlords from collecting revenue for over a year, even while facing financial obligations of their own.
“In terms of both public health and economic well-being, we are making a comeback from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hawley. “With vaccinations available to all who want them and an abundance of job openings throughout the state, I see no benefit in allowing the eviction moratorium to remain in effect any longer. While these protections were sensible during the worst days of the pandemic, the time has come to allow landlords to collect their revenue, both for their sake and also the sake of other tenants who otherwise might have their rents raised to compensate for rent not paid by others.”
JULY 12, 2021
Thursday, July 15, 2021
ASSEMBLYMAN STEVE HAWLEY TO PARTICIPATE IN “IMAGINE AN INDEPENDENT GREATER WESTERN NEW YORK”
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be joining Sen. George Borello (SD-57) and attorney James Ostrowski in discussing different ideas for granting the Greater Western New York region more autonomy in its political affairs. Hawley will defend the merits of making the region its own state, Borello will discuss the benefits of making the area an autonomous zone within the state, and Ostrowski will detail the benefits of following a path of nullification of disagreeable laws by local sheriffs and elected officials.
Those who wish to attend must register using this link: https://stateof.greaterwesternnewyork.com/2021-midsummers-night-town-hall-meeting/
WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
Sen. George Borello (SD-57)
James Ostrowski
WHAT: Virtual Town Hall discussing proposals to secure greater independence for Greater Western New York
WHEN: Thursday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Zoom
Pre-registration required to get zoom link, attendees may register using this link:
https://stateof.greaterwesternnewyork.com/2021-midsummers-night-town- hall-meeting/JULY 7, 2021
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES BEGINNING OF NOMINATIONS FOR INAUGURAL “WOMEN OF DISTINCTION” RECOGNITION EVENT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing the start of a new annual award to recognize women of distinction within the local community in a ceremony to be held in the fall.
Constituents can nominate women of great achievement or those who have made an impact in the lives of others within their community using the form linked here (https://forms.gle/FCo6n3LhH79w2oy4A). Those selected to be honored this fall will be notified regarding their nomination and the award ceremony to follow.
“There is no shortage of talented and accomplished women here in the 139th Assembly District, and after our communities were forced to come together like never before in this last year, I felt it appropriate to celebrate the life and achievements of women in our community who have made a real impact in the world, whether in business or here in our community,” said Hawley. “I look forward to honoring individuals truly deserving of thanks and recognition, so I eagerly await nominations!”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES PATRIOT TRIP XIV TO DC FOR LOCAL VETERANS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 16 to 19, where veterans and their family members are hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit several historical sites and landmarks. This year’s tour will feature stops at war memorials throughout the DC area including Arlington National Cemetery. The first day includes a stop at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. Previous tours have included stops at the White House, the Capitol Building, Mt. Vernon, the Annapolis Naval Academy and various museums.
Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost $475 per person (includes all food, accommodation, travel, and other expenses). Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780.
“The Patriot Trip has been an important way of giving back to our veterans for years now, so after having to cancel last year’s trip, I’m elated to be able to resume the trips this year,” said Hawley. “This year will be our 14th trip, so I encourage all interested veterans to reach out to my office and join us on a trip to remember!”
HAWLEY SLAMS GOV’S UNILATERAL DECLARATION OF STATEWIDE GUN VIOLENCE DISASTER EMERGENCY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today slammed the governor’s declaration of a “statewide disaster emergency” regarding gun violence in the state. Within the governor’s executive order, he unilaterally suspends numerous laws while allocating $138.7 million toward programs he believes will reduce gun violence.
“This emergency declaration is yet another instance of the governor going above our heads in the Legislature to haphazardly expend funds aimed to try and solve the wrong root problem,” said Hawley. “The reason for the rise in crime as of late is no mystery, and until the governor admits bail reform was a failed experiment with deadly consequences, I fear the terrible violence in our communities will persist. Our constitutional freedom to own guns isn’t the problem that’s causing this violence, it’s the dangerous revolving-door the governor has created in our penal system that’s giving dangerous individuals more opportunities than ever to harm the innocent, or victims of their previous crimes.”
Hawley for months has called for the rollback of bail reform laws, which limits a judge’s ability to use their discretion to issue bail to those they know to be dangerous. He argues that this law has created a revolving door for dangerous criminals, who have often been released back into the public after being arrested following the implementation of bail reform. These criminals often reoffend and cause further violence in the communities they’re released into.
HAWLEY DEMANDS PASSAGE OF PAULA’S LAW FOLLOWING RELEASE OF MAN WHO RAPED, MURDERED 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is demanding the immediate passage of a bill known as Paula’s Law, which aims to ensure that persons who sexually assault and then murder a child under the age of 18 will never be released from prison. This push to pass the bill comes in response to the granting of parole to Robert McCain, one of two men who brutally raped and murdered Paula Bohovesky in 1980, a 16-year-old who lived in Pearl River, New York.
Paula is survived by her nearly 90-year old-mother. She expressed her fear that McCain and his accomplice, Richard LaBarbera, who was also granted parole a year ago, will harm other women in the community while living in the free world once again.
Hawley is also calling for the resignation of every member of the New York State Parole Board led by Tina M. Stanford under Gov. Cuomo’s administration, following their decision to grant McCain his release. His release is just one of many instances of releasing offenders known to be highly violent into the public by the parole board.
“The strong-armed rape and murder of an innocent 16-year-old girl is something that can never be forgiven, and we’d be naive to think somebody that did something so inhuman in their past is incapable of doing it again,” said Hawley. “With everybody looking to reduce violence in our state and bolster public safety, passing Paula’s Law and ensuring those who molest and murder children are kept behind bars for life should be something we can all agree on. We must also seek the immediate replacement of our state’s parole board, who have time and time again put concerns for the well-being of criminals above those of public safety.”
JUNE 23, 2021
STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN HAWLEY ON THE END OF COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY
“While this should’ve happened months ago when my colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority called on those in the Majority to restore checks and balances to state government, I am happy that a return to constitutional state government is imminent. The needless restrictions the governor mandated within our businesses, schools, places of worship and communities caused a great deal of struggle and suffering, so it is heartening to know the days of living at the mercy of the governor’s whims are coming to an end.”
2021 LEGISLATIVE RECAP: SENSELESS SPENDING AND AN ABSENCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
This last year, industry and society at large have shifted drastically as the challenges we’ve faced have forced us to be more innovative and resilient than ever before. However, even as private businesses and families alike found new ways to thrive while braving a pandemic, it was another year of business as usual for the Governor and his allies in the legislative Majority. They worked to raise taxes, chip away further at our constitutional rights and construct the most expensive budget in our state’s history, a monstrous proposal that spends more than Texas and Florida do within a year COMBINED, while doing little for those who need help most.
Giving recovering small businesses less than half of what’s being given to undocumented immigrants in direct assistance is unconscionable, and there’s nothing progressive about letting small, family-owned businesses die for the sake of helping people who broke our laws to be here. These small businesses are built up over decades through generations, and are places where people find their first jobs or even their lifelong careers. They are what make the towns, villages and cities where we live the unique and special places we know them to be, and it has been incredibly saddening to see so many of them continue to struggle when there’s so much more we could have done to support them, their employees and the communities they serve.
What has been even worse than the Majority’s failure to provide adequate assistance to our small business owners, has been their unwillingness to stand up to the governor’s active attempts to encumber their success. Even as he remained embroiled in scandal and under investigation at multiple levels of government, they refused to meaningfully curtail his emergency authority or rescind any of the restrictions he placed on small businesses, even as available scientific data demonstrated that they were unnecessary. Despite all of the questions surrounding his conduct, and especially his handling of nursing homes during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor held a grip on power as firm as ever as we left Albany after session. Even as the Assembly itself has conducted an investigation throughout the last several months into his multiple potential wrongdoings, we still have nothing to show for it.
While this year was largely disappointing, legislatively speaking, there was at least one bright spot within it that I feel we should all be proud of. After fighting to make it happen for years and having my proposals to do so shot down in committee, I was proud to see a bill passed (A.7865) that will provide free tuition to members of Gold Star families. While I wish we were able to pass this bill even earlier to begin helping Gold Star families as soon as possible, President Reagan said it best, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” So I am simply relieved to see this idea become law one way or another. It is indeed heartening that on at least one issue we were able to come together and do the right thing, so I am hopeful that next year we can build upon that success bearing in mind who we really need to be helping here in New York state.
SESSION 2021: IN NEED OF MORE PRAGMATISM, LESS PROGRESSIVISM
"This legislative session we passed the most bloated budget in our history, eviscerated Second Amendment rights, raised taxes and failed to gain any new information about the highly questionable actions of our governor. The Majority gave over double what they did to small businesses to illegal immigrants, and stood silent as those small businesses were forced to close their doors because of the governor’s nonsensical restrictions, which they did not work to rescind. A focus on passing progressive, activist legislation has left the kitchen-table concerns of working families unaddressed, while pleasing only a small vocal minority of radicals that drown out the voices of everyday people. I only hope soon the Majority will realize the consequences of ignoring those voices."
HAWLEY LAUDS PASSAGE OF BILL GRANTING FREE COLLEGE TUITION TO MEMBERS OF GOLD STAR FAMILIES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is hailing the passage of a bill (A7685) through both houses of the Legislature that would give members of gold star families free college tuition. The passage of this bill comes two years after Hawley himself proposed a bill to provide gold star families with free tuition, though that bill was blocked in the Higher Education Committee by the Assembly Majority and never brought to the floor for a vote.
“Today is a great day for our military families throughout the state to be shown some appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” said Hawley. “If somebody gives their life for our nation and our constitution, the least we can do is help get their loved ones through school. While I wish we were able to get this bill voted on and passed two years ago to help even more gold star families, I am glad to see this bill become law to help those who lost people they loved while defending the country we love.”
HAWLEY DECRIES PASSAGE OF SEVERAL ANTI-GUN BILLS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is outraged following the passage of a series of bills that would restrict the Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers, all of which he voted against. They would drive gun sellers and manufacturers out of the state through burdensome regulation. One of the bills passed would make firearms manufacturers and dealers liable for harm caused by their weapon even if that harm is not reasonably foreseeable, if deemed a“public nuisance” (A.6762B).
“These bills won’t make anyone safer, and are nothing but shallow attempts to regulate sellers of firearms out of the state and make it impossible to sell handguns here in New York,” said Hawley. “These measures are unconscionable violations of the constitutional rights of New Yorkers, and are just another step toward making it impractical, if not illegal, to buy and sell firearms in New York state.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES PASSAGE OF BILL DEDICATING SP4 C. JAY HALL MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing the passage of Assembly Bill A.6021, which designates State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the town of Pembroke as the “SP4 C. Jay Hall Memorial Highway.”
Specialist Four Clarence "C. Jay" Hall served as a rifleman in the United States Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. On Oct. 7, 1969, Specialist Hall exposed himself to hostile fire so his comrades were able to obtain cover with a complete disregard for his personal safety. During this action, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Hall earned the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third highest award for valor.
“The actions of Specialist Four Clarence ‘C. Jay’ Hall should be remembered and honored for all of time, so I am proud to have passed this law forever enshrining his legacy within our Western New York community,” said Hawley. “The selfless service of our nation’s heroes must never be forgotten.”
HAWLEY AND MINORITY REPUBLICANS DEMAND TERMINATION OF STATE EMERGENCY DISASTER DECLARATION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is being joined by his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences in demanding the termination of the state disaster emergency declared by Executive Order 202 before the end of the 2020-2021 legislative session, which is scheduled to finish this Thursday.
As of June 2, New York state’s seven-day average positivity rate was the lowest in the nation at 0.64 percent, and hospitalizations dropped to under 1,000 for the first time since October 2020. Within Hawley’s district numbers are similarly low, with a seven-day positivity rate of 1 percent in the Finger Lakes region.
“In the wake of the decision by our state Department of Health and the CDC to largely let life get back to normal, we should follow the data and restore state government back to normal with all of the checks guaranteed by our constitution,” said Hawley. “Declarations of emergency should be decisions based on public health, not political expediency, and if the governor and the Majority also believe this, they should immediately terminate this state of emergency. If this legislative session ends with this declaration still in place, it will only be to secure the governor’s power, not for anybody’s well-being.”
HAWLEY AND MINORITY REPUBLICANS PUSH “RESTORE ORDER” CRIME BILL PACKAGE TO ADDRESS STATEWIDE SURGE IN VIOLENCE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining his colleagues in the Assembly Minority in calling for the passage of a legislative package known as the “Restore Order” initiative, which would restore elements of judicial discretion eliminated by the “bail reform” law passed in 2019 by the Assembly Majority (A.5265). The package would also increase the penalties for particularly hateful and violent crimes, such as shooting into a crowd (A.4259), among other measures.
These bills were drafted in response to a widespread spike in violent crime that has persisted for months throughout the state, which Hawley and others attribute to limitations placed on the ability of local judges to exercise their judicial discretion by previously passed “bail reform” laws.
“We elect our judges for a reason, and it’s because they know us and they know the communities we live in,” said Hawley. “Bail reform has restricted judges from making decisions they know are most sensible for both the defendants before them and the collective well-being of the people and families that live in the surrounding area. The consequences of this law have been fatal for far too many New Yorkers who have senselessly lost their lives to increased acts of violence in our towns and cities. The bloodshed in our streets has gone on far too long, and it’s time we recognize bail reform as the dangerous failed experiment it really is.”
HAWLEY SLAMS STATE DIRECTIVE SPLITTING MEMORIAL DAY FLAG HONORS BETWEEN VETS AND ESSENTIAL WORKERS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, is sounding off about a directive from Governor Cuomo through the Office of Government Services that would split half-staff flag dedications on Memorial Day weekend between essential workers who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic and fallen veterans, as flags would be lowered to half-staff Sunday for essential workers, and Monday for veterans.
A veteran himself, Hawley feels that while those who passed during the COVID-19 should be honored and remembered, it is incredibly disrespectful to service members who have passed and their families to diminish their remembrance in this way.
“Honoring one group of people should never come at the cost of diminishing the honor of another, especially when we’re talking about people that fought and died so that we can live free and peaceful lives,” said Hawley. “This directive, by the governor, was issued in incredibly poor taste, and is an insult to all of the New Yorkers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty of our countrymen and people throughout the globe. To say this slighting of our nation’s fallen heroes is a disgrace would be an understatement, and I implore the governor to see that this directive is reversed immediately.”
HAWLEY CALLS FOR ROLLBACK OF GUIDANCE MANDATING MASK-WEARING FOR CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 2 IN DAYCARES, SUMMER CAMPS IN LETTER TO GOV. CUOMO AND COMMISSIONER ZUCKER
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has written a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker slamming new guidelines published by the administration’s Department of Health that mandates the wearing of masks, for periods of up to several hours, for children as young as two years old in childcare and summer camp facilities. Some local health officials have stated that childcare centers or summer camps that are found to be in violation of this guidance could pay up to $1,500 per day per child in fines.
“To think that these guidelines are needed this year following our historic vaccination effort, when they weren’t needed last year before anybody had immunity, is just absurd. Almost as absurd as the idea a 2-year old will calmly keep a mask on their face for hours at a time,” said Hawley. “This mandate is not needed to protect public health, and only serves to jeopardize the operations of summer camps and childcare centers alike. I hope to see it swiftly rescinded.”
MAY 20, 2021
HAWLEY JOINS ASSEMBLY MINORITY IN CALLING FOR BAN ON BOOK INCOME FOR LAWMAKERS FOLLOWING CUOMO’S $5.1M BOOK DEAL
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining his colleagues in the Assembly Minority calling for the passage of a bill (A.7107) that would prohibit statewide elected officials from profiting on published works while serving in their position. This legislative push follows news that Gov. Cuomo will be earning over $5 million on a book deal for a memoir he wrote during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when over 15,000 seniors passed away in nursing homes under his administration’s watch.
“To think that the governor and his staff would be concerned with writing a self-promotional memoir while working at the same time to hide information about the tragedy happening in our nursing homes is incredibly disconcerting,” said Hawley. “It’s also an example of why we need laws like this to ensure our public officials are putting their service to the public before their own personal gain.”
HAWLEY CALLS ON CUOMO TO FOLLOW CDC GUIDELINES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is putting pressure on Gov. Cuomo to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) example and lift all mask mandates for those who have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations. A proponent against the one-size-fits-all solution to New York’s fight against the pandemic, Hawley sees no reason why the entire state should continue to follow the draconian enforcement of capacity restrictions and mask wearing if the federal government is ready to move on.
“Western New York is ready to move on from the pandemic, and we’re grateful for the recognition of personal responsibility the CDC is returning to the people,” Hawley said. “It’s been a long time coming, as the governor’s continued restrictions are seemingly less and less about science and safety and more about continued state control over every aspect of our lives. The people of New York are reliable, smart and trustworthy, and the governor must absolutely follow the example of the CDC.”
Hawley said he staunchly believes in leaving the responsibility and decision making to the localities. “I’ve said from the start that part of the mismanagement of the fight against COVID is the fact that the state oversaw it all without partnering with local governments. These local institutions know the needs and capabilities of their areas better than the state, and they’ll be able to legislate accordingly moving forward.”
MAY 4, 2021
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES ACTIVATION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT ROUTE 77 AND LEDGE ROAD INTERSECTION IN THE TOWN OF ALABAMA
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that traffic lights have been installed and activated at the Route 77 and Ledge Road intersection in the town of Alabama.
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) had previously planned on construction of a roundabout at this intersection, but canceled those plans after the town passed a resolution opposing the project for reasons related to cost and safety. The DOT had previously planned to build a roundabout for $1.8 million, but the installation of the traffic lights proved to be a more prudent and sensible solution, costing only approximately $100,000. Hawley joined locals in opposing this project in favor of installing traffic lights to address safety concerns, which were just turned on this last Thursday.
“I am glad to see this project come to fruition and hope it will ensure safe travel for the agricultural, emergency and commercial traffic that make use of the intersection every day,” said Hawley. “With that said, I still caution all residents to take the dangers surrounding this intersection seriously and heed all traffic signals and devices.”
HAWLEY STANDS WITH ASSEMBLY MINORITY IN OPPOSING EXTENSION OF EVICTION MORATORIUM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is joining his colleagues in the Assembly Minority in standing against the extension of a legislative moratorium on evictions. The Assembly Majority has introduced a bill (A.7175) to extend the moratorium through Aug. 31. 2021. Hawley has opposed extending the moratorium in the past, as it has greatly burdened small landlords throughout the pandemic that have been unable to collect rent to pay the mortgages on their properties.
“The landlords impacted the most by this moratorium are people who have worked their entire lives to buy property to generate an income to take care of their families, and we’ve left them helpless for over a year now,” said Hawley. “Addressing the burden placed on our housing system by COVID-19 means helping both tenants and landlords, and this moratorium deprives them of their rightful legal and financial recourse.”
2022-23 STATE BUDGET
“As the Majority passes another record-breaking budget, costing taxpayers $220,000,000,000, more than what Florida and Texas spend on their budgets combined, I'm left wishing their ambition to protect public safety was as strong as it is to test our state’s fiscal limits,” said Hawley. “New Yorkers needed decisive action to be taken to lift our economy and restore public order, but instead, they were given a band-aid budget full of half-measures that will make little impact on the well-being of everyday people. We should be working to slash wasteful spending and aim for austerity in our budget, not worsen the spending spree our state has been on for far too long.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SCHEDULING OF COP-KILLER ANTHONY BOTTOM FOR PAID SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AT SUNY BROCKPORT
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“While colleges and universities are indeed places where uncomfortable conversations about controversial subjects should take place, I am deeply disappointed that members of the SUNY Brockport Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion have decided to invite Anthony Bottom, a convicted cop-killer, onto campus while framing his experiences as those of a ‘political prisoner,’ all while using taxpayer grant funding to do so. It is nothing less than a slap in the face for the family of the two officers he murdered, as well as those serving currently in law enforcement who face very real threats from individuals like him daily in their work.
“In speaking with administrators of SUNY Brockport, I have been reassured this decision was one that was spearheaded by a subcommittee consisting of several faculty members in conjunction with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Unless Mr. Bottom plans on speaking about how remorseful he is for his actions, he has no place on a SUNY campus, especially not as a paid speaker. I very much so hope a closer review of grant applications will be forthcoming.”
HAWLEY REACTS TO ASSEMBLY MAJORITY’S ONE-HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSAL
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“The Assembly Majority’s one-house budget is a historically-poor representation of where state funds should be allocated, and this year’s is no different. Not only does it deny health care heroes a bonus for their incredible work over the last two years and ignore the need for teacher support in our state, but it directs funds towards illegal immigrants for public defenders in deportation cases and so prison inmates get longer phone call times. It’s a bloated budget proposal spurred by a downstate mindset and totals at a whopping $226 billion, which is even larger than the governor’s own proposal, and it would leave behind a burden of debt repayment for our children’s entire young adult lives. The Majority is clearly out of touch with the needs of the greater New York state, and it’s why I voted against this proposal.”
HAWLEY WELCOMES END OF MASK MANDATE FOR SCHOOLS, REITERATES IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL CONTROLS ON HEALTH POLICY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing relief following an announcement by Gov. Hochul that her statewide mask mandate for schoolchildren will be coming to an end on Wednesday, March 2, though he believes the mandate should have ended much earlier.
Throughout the pandemic, Hawley has called for control of public health policy decisions, such as mask mandates, to be left to local governments and local health officials. He has called for the mandate to end in various letters, public events, and media publications.
“The governor’s announcement is a welcome one, though one that’s taken far too long to be made as most states already announced the end of their mask mandates,” said Hawley. “Saying that, I feel the power to implement impactful mandates should not rest with our governor, but with local officials who know their communities better than Gov. Hochul or any state-level bureaucrat. Local decisions are informed decisions, so I will always stand for the right of localities to address the needs of their people as they see fit.”
HAWLEY CHEERS DOH ANNOUNCEMENT BOOSTER MANDATE FOR HEALTH WORKERS WILL NOT BE ENFORCED
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing relief following an announcement by the state Department of Health that it will not be enforcing a booster mandate for health care workers as they had planned to do starting Feb. 21.
Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett said in a statement regarding the announcement that “the reality is that not enough health care workers will be boosted by next week's requirement in order to avoid substantial staffing issues in our already overstressed health care system,” echoing a sentiment expressed by Hawley and other members of the Assembly Minority in a letter they wrote last week to her and the governor asking them not to implement the booster mandate.
“The decision to hold back on implementing a booster mandate for health care workers is one that will save lives and finally offers some respect to the heroes in our hospitals and other health centers who’ve worked tirelessly on the front lines of this pandemic for years,” said Hawley. “Mandates of this nature have only served to stifle the ability of our health professionals to care for patients when we need them most. I am hopeful this may be a sign the administration is beginning to learn from the poor decisions they made earlier in the pandemic, which cost us many lives.”
HAWLEY REACTS TO HOCHUL REVERSAL OF ADU MANDATE FOR LOCALITIES
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“From the time she presented her budget proposals, Gov. Hochul has faced stern criticism regarding her initiative to mandate one accessory-dwelling unit (ADU) per residential lot. It was a policy that superseded local authority and unfairly put additional burdens on the residents who integrated into a community. Thankfully the governor rescinded her initiative, and our suburban and rural communities are now protected. I’m grateful that Gov. Hochul listened to the constituents of suburban and rural communities, and glad for those citizens who will no longer have to worry about the character of their neighborhood radically changing.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS AT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH FARMERS AND LAWMAKERS URGING THE GOVERNOR AND LABOR COMMISSIONER TO REJECT REDUCTION OF FARM OT THRESHOLD TO 40 HOURS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) speaks at a press conference with farmers, agricultural advocates and other Assembly Minority members in Albany on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) spoke today at a press conference in Albany where lawmakers, farmers and agricultural advocates urged Gov. Hochul and Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon to reject the implementation of a reduction in the farm laborer overtime threshold. Hawley has spoken out against this proposal alongside agricultural professionals for months, warning that the increases it will have on the cost of doing business for farms will leave many of them with no choice but to cease operations.
Following a 2-1 vote by the Farm Laborers Wage Board on January 28 to lower the farm laborer overtime threshold from 60 hours to 40, the decision whether or not to implement this policy now rests in the hands of Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Reardon.
“The end of farming as we know it in New York would be one of the greatest tragedies our state has ever seen, but it is one that would be entirely preventable,” said Hawley. “Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Reardon have been made very aware of the consequences the decision to lower the overtime threshold would have, and the power now rests in their hands to decide whether they stand with our farmers and rural communities or the special interests who’ve worked to advance this proposal.”
ASSEMBLY MAJORITY VOTES DOWN PROPOSAL UNMASKING HEALTHY NEW YORK SCHOOLCHILDREN
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues yesterday in urging lawmakers to vote on legislation (A.8101) to prohibit state agencies from mandating the masking of healthy, asymptomatic children in schools and other similar public settings. This amendment was voted down overwhelmingly by members of the Assembly Majority.
Hawley has for months called for the state mask mandate to be terminated in all public settings, including schools. He believes that the authority to implement mask mandates and similar public health policies should rest with local governments and health departments, who have a better understanding of the needs and circumstances of their communities than state-level bureaucrats.
“Last night’s vote made it clearer than ever which members of the Assembly truly stand behind parents,” said Hawley. “I am deeply disappointed that members of the Majority last night were more concerned with preserving the power of the governor than listening to our parents and the most recent data on COVID-19, which shows new infections are steeply declining. Even though this proposal did not pass, it will at least make it obvious to voters which of us in this chamber are willing to stand up to the endless mandates of Gov. Hochul.”
HAWLEY DELIVERS VALENTINES FROM JACKSON PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO VETERANS OF THE NEW YORK STATE VETERANS HOME IN BATAVIA
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) delivers valentines made by Jackson Primary School students to the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia on Thursday, Feb. 10.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today delivered nearly 100 valentines handcrafted by students from Jackson Primary School to residents of the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Hawley, having served as a member of the military himself, as well as on the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, has for many years facilitated the delivery of these valentines. The occasion provides local students an opportunity to express their gratitude to veterans of the area for what they’ve done to protect America and its freedoms.
“This event is always one of my favorite ones to coordinate throughout the year because of how heartwarming it is to read the appreciation our students have for those who’ve served in our military,” said Hawley. “The patriotic messages written by the children have brought a smile to my face and the faces of hundreds of veterans every time we’ve delivered them. I’m always heartened to see the respect and gratitude young people have held toward our veterans each and every year.”
https://youtu.be/YHDAIzkgKOw
HAWLEY SLAMS FARM LABORERS WAGE BOARD DECISION TO LOWER OVERTIME THRESHOLD TO 40 HOURS 1-29-22
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a former farmer and member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, is expressing grave concern following a 2-1 decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to implement a 40 hour overtime threshold for farm laborers in New York state. Hawley has joined farmers and advocates from across the state throughout the last several months to speak out against this proposal, arguing that since farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of the weather and other unpredictable factors, that lowering the threshold would prove fatal for farms who barely turn a profit when paying their laborers under the existing 60-hour threshold.
“Farm operators and farm laborers alike have been more united than ever in opposing this mandate, but sadly it seems their voices were ignored, and I now fear the decision will come at the cost of countless multi-generational family businesses who will now have no choice but to cease operations,” said Hawley. “Being someone with origins in upstate New York, I sincerely hope that Governor Hochul will be able to put aside her partisanship and stop this policy’s implementation for the sake of our farmers, families, and rural economies throughout the state. For the millions of people who love everything about agriculture as we know it here in upstate New York, it would be truly tragic if our local farms became nothing more than memories of a better time.”
HAWLEY JOINS CONGRESSMAN JACOBS, SENATOR RATH, AND FARMERS FOR MEETING TO DISCUSS EFFECT OF VACCINE MANDATES ON AGRICULTURE
(Left to right): Fruit farm operator Jim Bitner, vegetable and dairy farm operator Maureen Torrey Marshall, Sen. Ed Rath (R,C,I-Amherst), Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) discuss the impact of vaccine mandates on farms and
agriculture on Thursday, Jan. 28.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture joined Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) and Sen. Ed Rath (R,C,I-Amherst) for a meeting he organized with local farmers Thursday to discuss the federal vaccine mandate and its impact on the well-being of their businesses.
During the meeting, farmers expressed concerns that the vaccine mandate is negatively affecting the supply chains farmers depend on, as well as their ability to hire and retain laborers. This concern has arisen after a new mandate was hastily issued by the Department of Homeland Security requiring essential workers who are not U.S. citizens, including farm laborers, to be vaccinated before entering the country.
“Farming is the backbone of all economic activity in our nation, providing the food and materials necessary for other industries to operate effectively,” said Hawley. “Vaccine mandates have only served to worsen conditions experienced by Americans during the pandemic, and this new mandate pertaining to essential farm laborers is no different. By slowing our supply chain and keeping much-needed farmhands out of our fields, this mandate will strain both our rural economies in upstate New York and slow the restocking of vital goods in grocery stores across the state. I stand opposed to this mandate, and any others like it that may be implemented at the state or federal level.”
“Representing our farmers on the House Agriculture Committee is a job I take very seriously, and right now their livelihoods are at stake as a direct result of President Biden’s vaccine mandates,” said Jacobs. “Farming is a year-round industry that has no room for delays or logistical blockades, yet that is exactly what the president has created. His mandate that just recently went into effect is causing trucking delays, which seriously impacts our farmers and hurts our ag-focused economy in New York’s 27th District. I have fought against these mandates, and I will continue to do so to ensure our supply chains remain intact and our farmers are supported.”
“Our New York farmers have been taking hit after hit,” said Rath. “Many are already struggling with staffing shortages and supply chain issues, at no fault of their own. Jeopardizing their available workforce is irresponsible and inconsiderate of the overwhelming pressures that farmers are facing. I have advocated for simplifying the countless mandates to help our farms and businesses. I will continue to fight for our agriculture community."
HAWLEY JOINS ASSEMBLY MINORITY IN PRESSER CALLING FOR PASSAGE OF THE INFLATION RELIEF & CONSUMER ASSISTANCE PLAN
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues from the Assembly Minority at a press conference today calling for the passage of the Inflation Relief & Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481) in response to rapid and ongoing inflation faced by New Yorkers throughout the last year. The proposal would suspend state sales tax on several everyday goods such as gasoline, cleaning products. and prepared foods for two years. Gas prices have risen over a dollar within the last year alone, while household and everyday items have risen steadily in price over the last several months.
“Inflation is an economic force that impacts the working class more than anyone else, erasing the impact of wage increases as people find their paychecks buying less and less every week,” said Hawley. “For those who rely on fuel to heat their homes, these price increases mean less money put aside for college and emergency funds, fewer family nights out, and for some, choosing between heating their homes or filling up their vehicles. Passing this legislation would have a direct and immediate impact on the economic well-being of New Yorkers and restore the power of their hard-earned paychecks.”
HAWLEY TESTIFIES DURING VIRTUAL FARM LABORERS WAGE BOARD HEARING ON PROPOSED OVERTIME THRESHOLD REDUCTION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) spoke Wednesday during the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s hearing on a proposed reduction of the farm laborer overtime threshold, speaking passionately against the proposed reduction. During his testimony, Hawley described in detail why such a reduction would be perilous to the existence of farms throughout New York state and why the proposal would be harmful to the farm workers its proponents intended for it to help.
“Farms cannot operate on a less than 60-hour work week, and the failure to recognize that fact will lead to the loss of our beloved family farms and all the jobs they provide,” said Hawley.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12U34qvMhz9dqXI7s7EovYewGmjpaV3MK/view
STATE OF THE STATE 2022: A CHANCE TO FORGE A NEW PATH TO PROSPERITY IN NEW YORK
“In a time of crisis, as we face issues related to our economy, public health and public safety, we cannot keep rehashing the same tired ideas that have proven to be ineffective solutions to serious problems. While I appreciate the governor’s rhetoric in support of small businesses during a time when they and our residents are leaving the state in droves, we should be talking about meaningfully cutting taxes and easing regulations to enable their success in the long-term. Of equal importance is our need to focus on restoring order to our increasingly dangerous streets, following the passage of bail reform.
“Having served as assemblyman while Gov. Hochul served as our district’s congresswoman, it would be a pleasure to work together in earnest to make New York work for everyday New Yorkers once again. We must all come together to restore the authority of our local governments and judges.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS OUT AGAINST GOV. HOCHUL’S DECISION TO REIMPLEMENT STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE
“Haphazardly implementing a statewide mask mandate in the middle of the holiday season, a period many businesses rely on to make ends meet for the year, is entirely unnecessary and will only handicap our small businesses during a make-or-break time for their operations. Protecting public health is important, but decisions such as this should be left to the local health authorities that know better than anyone what’s really going on in their communities. I had hoped our new governor would take a more measured approach to keeping the pandemic at bay, but it is clear now more than ever that she will continue to rule our state from the top down, to the detriment of New York families and businesses alike.”
HAWLEY RAISES CONCERNS FOLLOWING DECISION BY NY CITY COUNCIL TO ALLOW NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE
“The democratic process by which we elect our leaders is a core foundation of our republic, and the decision of the New York City Council to allow non-citizen illegal immigrants to vote undermines the integrity of our elections entirely. Rest assured that if similar legislation is proposed at the statewide level I will oppose it vehemently, as I fear this Council vote is reflective of the true intentions of radical ideologues within the Majority who care more about bolstering their own political power than ensuring our elections are fair and secure.”
DECREASING THE FARM LABORER THRESHOLD: A THREAT TO NEW YORK’S FARMS AND FAMILIES
A Column by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
As the former owner and operator of our family farm, I know firsthand that running a farm or an agribusiness is a uniquely challenging undertaking, and if we fail to recognize how these businesses operate in the real world, it will be the death knell for family farms in New York state. I say this because recently many have called for farm worker overtime to be reduced from the 60-hour threshold established by the Farm Laborers “Fair” Labor Practices Act in 2019 to 40 hours.
As well-intentioned as this idea may sound, this demand comes from a lack of understanding regarding how farms and agribusinesses actually operate. If it were implemented, I fear the only farms that could afford to comply would be large, corporate-operated ones, as the family farms we know and love in our communities would be driven out of business.
To give insight as to why this could happen, simply put, agricultural work isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Farms operate on schedules that are at the mercy of Mother Nature. During the planting and harvest season, it’s often necessary to work from sunrise to sunset, while other seasonal periods could warrant fewer hours of work. This proposal fails to acknowledge this reality, as well as the broader consequences that could arise from decreasing this threshold. We don’t have the luxury of having 12 months of growing and harvesting seasons, we are not Florida or California!
If we begin to lose our farms, which already face many competitive disadvantages compared to out-of-state competitors, farm workers, in turn, will lose their jobs. When that happens, they may very well seek opportunities working for competitors in other states, creating a vicious cycle in which job openings and our farm workforce disappear in tandem, harming the very people the policy sought to help.
We should also bear in mind that our dairy farmers are beholden to price controls that limit their ability to increase their prices to recoup overhead costs. At the end of the day, all farmers are price-takers, meaning that they sell their goods at prices set by processors, distributors and facilities. Farmers, here in New York, are often unable to meet the low costs sought by these purchasers. Even as things stand now, prices on our produce are so high that many New York City schools order apples from Washington state.
If the overtime threshold were to be lowered at all, or to 40 hours, it’s likely it would no longer be profitable to produce many beloved crops here in New York. Our produce would then be less fresh, less plentiful and more expensive. During a year in which we’ve seen unprecedented increases in food prices in stores, where profits don’t directly benefit farmers, the last thing we need is to deliver another gut-punch from Albany to families finding it increasingly difficult to nourish their loved ones. Additionally, farmers have seen the cost of feed, fuel, equipment and other goods they need skyrocket due to inflation.
My hope is that the Farm Laborers Wage Board, along with Gov. Hochul, as a native of upstate New York, listens to the concerns of our upstate farmers on the many implications of this issue, instead of ignoring those concerns for the sake of appeasing partisan activists who lack insight into the day-to-day operations of a farm.
In rural upstate New York, agriculture is more than an economic sector, it’s a way of life. This proposal jeopardizes the existence of farms that have been pillars of our community for generations. To imagine our region without family farms is like imagining New York City without skyscrapers. My hope is that on this issue, if no other, our concerns will not fall on deaf ears.
