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 MOMENT
A 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.”
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