October 30, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY WISHES ALL A SAFE & FUN HALLOWEEN
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) would like to remind the public to be safe as they celebrate Halloween this weekend. In addition to monitoring your children while trick or treating, wearing safe and appropriate costumes, and checking candy before allowing children to eat it, the assemblyman is reminding the public that the governor has instituted a drunk driving and underage drinking crackdown for the holiday weekend.
“With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, there is more time to celebrate; but at the same time, there is more opportunity for accidents and poor decisions. I encourage all parents and guardians to do their best to keep their children safe this Halloween,” said Hawley. “I also encourage everyone to be vigilant when they are out on the roads. Please do not drink and drive.”
The governor’s special traffic enforcement detail will begin Friday, October 30 and continue through Sunday, November 1. Gov. Cuomo encouraged both the New York State Police as well as local and county law enforcement to increase patrols during the weekend. His decision was in response to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that showed 43 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night from 2009 to 2013 in the United States were killed in accidents involving drunk drivers. Furthermore, 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night during the same time period involved drunk drivers.
A report released by the federal government in 2012 confirmed that Halloween is the deadliest day of the year for young pedestrians, with an average of 5.5 pedestrians under the age of 18 killed each Halloween (compared to an average of 2.6 on other days). Most accidents happen during dusk and early evening, when trick or treaters are out and drivers are adjusting to changing light as the sun sets.
In addition to staying safe on the street, Hawley encouraged homeowners to make their homes safe for trick or treaters arriving at their homes, making sure to clear sidewalks and front porches and have adequate lighting.
HAWLEY REMINDS PUBLIC TO VOTE ON TUESDAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reminding Western New Yorkers to get out and vote this Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at all regular polling locations.
“Voting is every citizen’s right and privilege, but also a great responsibility. Our local offices up for vote this year serve important roles in each of our lives, from deciding our tax rates to keeping our streets in good repair. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to get out to vote on Tuesday,” said Hawley.
All voters should bring with them a government-issued photo ID and report to their regular polling location. To learn more about voting, to register to vote, or to find your polling location please contact your county’s Board of Elections or visit the state Board of Election’s website at www.elections.ny.gov.
October 29, 2015 ___ __
VETS BUYBACK VETO DISGRACEFUL, DAYS BEFORE VETERANS DAY
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley
“As a veteran, I am appalled by Gov. Cuomo’s recent veto of the Veterans Buyback bill. This legislation would have allowed honorably discharged veterans to purchase up to three years of their service from New York State to count toward their public retirement system benefits. More importantly, veterans who have served in conflicts such as Bosnia, Afghanistan and Somalia, are not given the option for a service credit and this bill would have addressed such a concern.
“I am deeply troubled that Gov. Cuomo supports taxpayer-funded college tuition for illegal immigrants but refuses to sign this legislation as a token of gratitude for those that have honorably defended our freedom. The legislature overwhelmingly passed this measure for the second straight year and Gov. Cuomo blatantly ignored the pulse of the people. Furthermore, he again vetoed the bill days before Veterans Day, adding insult to injury and further alienating our needy veterans. This act illustrates the governor’s myopic view of the public’s needs and I plan to push this legislation when we head back into session in January.”
October 27, 2015 ___ __
HISTORIC DAY IN BATAVIA AS ZOMBIE
PROPERTY RELIEF BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“I am proud to announce that Gov. Cuomo today signed into law legislation that will provide a property-tax exemption for residents who purchase and renovate dilapidated homes and zombie properties. This ensures that renovation costs do not exceed property values for homeowners and provide an incentive for residents to purchase these abandoned properties and revitalize our communities. This is a revolutionary program that has the potential to work in other cities and is the first of its kind in Batavia.
“Zombie properties have plagued our city for several years dating back to the housing collapse of 2007. This law will increase the number of properties on the tax rolls, thereby reducing our tax burden and increasing property values. My colleagues and I in the Assembly and Senate worked diligently at the end of session to pass this bill through both houses and I applaud the governor’s efforts to make this bill a reality for Batavia.”
October 26, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES $1 MILLION IN GRANTS TO BOLSTER AGRICULTURE, AID YOUNG FARMERS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that $1 million is now available to aid aspiring farmers to enter the agriculture industry. The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will provide up to 50 percent of the cost for new farmers to start projects, purchase farm machinery and equipment and construct and improve farm buildings. The submission deadline for applications for the grant program is January 22, 2016 and further information on the program can be found here.
“As the owner of our family-owned farm for many years, I know firsthand how difficult life in the agriculture industry can be,” Hawley said. “Profits from produce and livestock sales fluctuate and the possibility of drought and flooding is always real. I can imagine the trepidation many young men and women feel as they begin their career in farming and agriculture, and this funding is a tremendous opportunity for aspiring farmers to get on their feet. Up to $50,000 in matching grant funds are available for everything from tractor and plow purchases to construction of barns and silos. I am proud of the work we have done to bolster the agriculture industry in New York State and I pledge my continued support going forward.”
October 20, 2015 ___ __
U.S. COURT OF APPEALS DECISION IGNORES 2ND AMENDMENT,
INFRINGES ON RIGHTS OF LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“I am deeply disappointed in the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals’ Second Circuit to uphold the core provisions of the NY SAFE Act. This legislation infringes on the constitutional rights of gun owners across New York State and is clearly unconstitutional. My district alone is filled with thousands of law-abiding citizens with firearm ownership as part of their family’s traditions. This law disrespects their way of life and hinders their ability to defend themselves in the unfortunate event of a burglary or break-in.
“Aside from the facts that this law is arbitrary to a fault and lacks the enforcement mechanisms to make it effective, the process by which it was passed through the Legislature is deeply troubling. The SAFE Act was passed under cover of darkness on one of the first days of the legislative session, and I can attest to the fact that few members of the Legislature had even read the bill before it was voted upon. As lawmakers, we are supposed to hold transparency and accountability in the highest magnitude. The SAFE Act was forced through the legislative process with complete and utter disregard for these objectives and should be repealed immediately. I will continue to sponsor legislation that repeals this unconstitutional measure and places integrity above political ambition.”
October 15, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES $1.4 MILLION GRANT TO PROMOTE CLIMATE RESILIENT FARMING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced the availability of $1.4 million in grant funding through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to support a pilot program aimed at helping farms implement projects that mitigate adverse environmental impact and protect against dramatic weather conditions. Funding will be available to farmers who best develop projects which reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions as well as aid farms in their constant struggles with drought and flooding.
“As the owner of a family farm for many years, I understand the daily struggles of Western New York farmers as they try to protect their crops from harmful New York weather conditions,” Hawley said. “As large agricultural producers, we must also be mindful of our environmental footprint, and this funding will help our state’s farms develop procedures which reduce detrimental environmental impact without damaging the farms’ ability to grow produce and livestock. This is a victory for our environment, as well as farmers who could use increased funding to protect their livelihoods from flooding and drought.”
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will apply for competitive grants on behalf of farmers and must be submitted for one of the following categories: soil health systems, on-farm riparian, floodplain and upland water management systems, or agricultural waste storage cover and flare systems. Applications must be received by December 14, 2015 and can be submitted at https://www.grantsgateway.ny.gov.
October 7, 2015 ___ __
MONUMENTAL DAY FOR WESTERN NEW YORK AS GENESEE COUNTY LANDS LARGEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN ITS HISTORY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) located in Alabama, Genesee County has landed the largest economic development project in the county’s history. 1366 Technologies, a manufacturer of technologies for the solar energy industry, will establish its first large production plant at the STAMP Business Park. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs and at least 600 new jobs during its phases of construction over the next five years.
“I would like to thank the governor’s office, 1366 Technologies, Empire State Development, Genesee County ESD and the multitude of other agencies that collaborated to bring this project to Western New York,” Hawley said. “This is a historic day in the development of Western New York’s economy and a major victory for all the counties in my district. 1366 Technologies is revolutionizing the solar industry and has committed to creating more than 1,000 new jobs for local college graduates looking to work in the technology and energy industries.
“The future of New York’s economy lies in growing our manufacturing and technology sectors, and I am proud to see my district and Western New York as a whole receive such a large investment. I look forward to working with 1366 Technologies in the future and finding other ways to attract similar companies to our region.”
OCTOBER
IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today applauded October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month nationwide. Hawley expressed concern about this issue and was pleased to see many New York State leaders, including Gov. Cuomo, raising awareness of breast cancer research.
“Cancer is something that touches tens of thousands of families a year in New York, and breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women across the U. S.,” Hawley said. “We have made significant strides toward finding a cure for cancer over the last decade but we are not there yet. I am proud that the pink ribbon has become a widely- recognized symbol in society because that means we are increasing awareness of this issue and more women are remembering to schedule regular mammograms. I will do my part to push for increased funding for breast cancer research at the state level and I encourage all of my constituents to spread the word so together we can beat this disease.”
