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News
August 21, 2019Contact: Steve Hawley5853562394AUGUST 7, 2023
HAWLEY DENOUNCES FREE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM FOR SEX WORKERS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) bashed Gov. Hochul’s recent plan to provide tax-payer funded health care to sex workers across the state. This new initiative, known as the “Sex Worker Health Pilot Program,” will allow the state Department of Health to set aside approximately $1 million in public funds toward primary, behavioral, and gynecological care, as well as dental care for prostitutes. In a heavy-handed move, the governor’s office authorized this program without the approval of the Legislature. Hawley is frustrated that this administration is encouraging and promoting an industry that has done so much harm to the State of New York.
“The majority in Albany is once again pushing the boundaries of what should be normal and acceptable in our society,” said Hawley. “Prostitution in our state has increased crime and violence in our communities and decreased the quality of life for residents across Western New York. The way in which this program is being forced onto New Yorkers is nothing short of undemocratic. This new initiative by the governor is wildly irresponsible and will only encourage more prostitution within our state.”
Editor’s Note: Read the full story about free healthcare for prostitutes here - https://nypost.com/2023/07/23/kathy-hochul-launches-ny-health-care-program-for-sex-workers/?fbclid=IwAR0HKGKATFzRuwvOcw569WCPYTk4Gq5E8NFQEdcofsqgFpPVGbaXF8pTQ9k_aem_AePYbMdbVWGzzVMPDWacaBQrkZ_Ev9HMD2M2v5u3yUkIPldkXVa6DciB3fVHhpIq8BU
HAWLEY REMARKS ON END OF SESSION
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) on the Extended End of Session
“Albany Democrats have once again shown their inability to address New York state’s most pressing issues. Not only did they needlessly extend this year's legislative session, forcing us to spend more time away from our home districts, but they also did nothing to address the current migrant crisis in our state, the growing unaffordability we see all around us and the increased public safety risks in our communities. The Majority instead focused on passing extreme bills such as the pro-criminal Clean Slate Act and making it easier for hardened criminals to overturn their convictions. The Majority's agenda has done little to help our state and shows just how out of touch they are with the needs of New Yorkers.”
HAWLEY DENOUNCES NEW ANTI-HUNTING LEGISLATION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) today slammed the Majority’s recently passed legislation that would make it illegal to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote or participate in any contest, competition or derby where the objective is to take wildlife (A.2917). This would include bans on hunting competitions for coyotes, rabbits and other animals.
The legislation, which passed the state Assembly this afternoon, had a Senate sponsor from Buffalo and an Assembly sponsor from Manhattan, which provided a further example of legislators from city regions exercising power over New Yorkers in rural areas such as Western New York. Hawley is frustrated that rural communities are once again having their voices silenced.
“This anti-hunting bill is yet another example of out-of-touch, big city legislators imposing their will on our constituents,” said Hawley. “This is the same tactic that was used by big city lawmakers on the mandate of overtime pay on our farm workers. This proposal would not only be damaging to our rights as New Yorkers, but its effects on our local agriculture and animal population control will have negative consequences. The Majority needs to start considering the needs of ALL New Yorkers, not just those in the cities.”
HAWLEY OPPOSES CONSTRUCTION OF CASINO IN DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) denounced the recent reports of a deal between Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration and the Seneca Nation to build a casino in downtown Rochester. The construction of a new casino in the area would be damaging to the local economy and would jeopardize the more than 400 jobs at Batavia Downs. Local officials and New York lawmakers were also not included in any discussions between the governor and the Seneca Nation. Hawley is frustrated that local businesses and communities are once again not being given priority by the state government
“The recent news of the deal between the state and the Seneca Nation is disappointing and yet another example of the livelihood of local businesses, like Batavia Downs, being trampled on by this governor’s administration,” Hawley said. “A move like this that doesn’t take into account the needs or desires of the community while purposely shunning local leaders from the conversation will undoubtedly do nothing more than hinder the local economy and create further consequences down the road.”
JUNE 13, 2023
HAWLEY CALLS FINAL DAYS OF SESSION ‘WASTEFUL’
“The New York State Assembly finished their session for the year without meaningfully addressing the problems millions across this state are trying to deal with. The Majority ignored the affordability crisis plaguing our state, they ignored the public safety concerns our citizens have raised and they failed to counteract the immigration crisis spurred by New York City legislators. Instead of focusing on any of these issues, the Majority prioritized removing checks and balances and giving criminals more leeway after they leave prison. It was a wasteful use of the Assembly’s time and energy.”
HAWLEY DENOUNCES ‘CLEAN SLATE’ PROPOSAL
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined fellow Minority assemblymembers today for a press conference calling for the holding of a bill that would seek to automatically seal criminal records after a predetermined period. Called “Clean Slate,” the bill has been pushed by the Assembly Majority in what is read as an effort to prioritize the welfare of criminals above law-abiding citizens.
“This measure will single-handedly make the review of convicted felons’ history much more difficult, inherently increasing threats to public safety,” Hawley said. “I don’t understand why this is the issue that has dominated the Majority’s focus at the end of our legislative session for 2023 when we’re in the midst of an affordability, public safety and immigration crisis.”
“For a victim of crime, the slate is never wiped clean, so the favoritism shown to former convicts astounds me. I call on my colleagues in the Majority to reject this proposal wholeheartedly,” Hawley concluded.
HAWLEY’S STOLEN VALOR BILL BLOCKED BY ASSEMBLY MAJORITY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is blasting his colleagues in the Assembly Majority Conference for blocking an important piece of legislation this week that would have created the state crime of stolen valor in New York. Numbered A.5701, this bill would have sought to increase the prosecution rate of the crime of impersonating a current or retired armed forces member, as currently, the federal punishment is few and far between. Hawley is livid that the Assembly Majority Conference would block such legislation.
“American Legion Commander James E. Koutz put it best when he stated: ‘Those who deliberately lie about military service, wear medals they did not earn or make claims of combat heroism they did not achieve are more than just liars. They are perpetrators of the worst kind of fraud.’” Hawley said. “Our men and women in the armed forces are valiant heroes, and the respect they earn and deserve in return for their service must not be co-opted by bad actors. To prevent the criminalization of this fraud on the state level is so inane I can’t even begin to understand why they would want to prevent it from passing into law.”
HAWLEY SIGNS LETTER CALLING FOR MIGRANTS TO STAY OFF SUNY CAMPUSES STATEWIDE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) signed a letter today alongside several Assembly legislators calling on Gov. Hochul to prevent SUNY college campus dormitories and other facilities from being used as undocumented migrant housing during the unprecedented migrant crisis from downstate New York. The letter highlights the need to keep these public schools serving their primary purpose, that being the housing and support of students attending the institutions full-time. Hawley would like to see alternative housing solutions for migrants considered.
“SUNY is considered underfunded and undermaintained as it is,” Hawley said. “The migrant crisis our state is facing is only going to continue if local leaders are not brought in to help coordinate a plan that is the least impactful on residents currently living in these upstate communities. I sincerely hope the governor reconsiders this haphazard proposal before it becomes another unmanageable crisis.”
may 16, 2023
HAWLEY CHIDES MAJORITY FOR BLOCKING VOTERS FROM WEIGHING IN ON TWO-STATE REFERENDUM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is disappointed that the Assembly Majority Conference blocked a referendum of his this week in the Local Government Committee without any debate or discussion. Numbered A.1978, the referendum would have simply put a question to voters on the next statewide election ballot: “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?” The measure was shot down, and Hawley knows exactly why.
“Our job as legislators should be to first and foremost ask our constituents questions about what they want to see us do. That is all this referendum would have done,” Hawley said. “I speculate the Majority prevented us from asking this question of all New Yorkers because they already know the answer: yes. The majority of New Yorkers are tired of the way things are, and any change, no matter how big, would be preferable to how things are right now.”
“Immigration crises, favoritism to downstate constituencies, the continued erosion of our farmlands and small businesses: these are the problems we face; infringements on 2nd Amendment rights, rampant pro-criminal policies and skyrocketing taxes and inflation. And these problems are consistently tied to the actions of a Majority spearheaded by a downstate coalition that has little regard for the rest of us. If they’re afraid of being told their actions are having a negative impact on some New Yorkers, they need a serious reality check,” Hawley concluded.
may 4, 2023
HAWLEY DENOUNCES BUDGET MEASURE THAT REDUCES RURAL COUNTIES VOICES ON WESTERN NEW YORK OFF-TRACK BETTING MEASURES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) slammed the Majority’s budget proposal that included a limit on the voting power of rural and suburban communities in Western New York. Since its inception, the 15 Counties, and the Cities of Buffalo and Rochester, have had equal votes on the Board of Directors of the Western Regional Off-the-Track Corporation. The budget bill, which passed the Assembly yesterday, diminishes the equal footing of all board members in the region by placing greater voting power on the counties home to cities compared to rural counties. Hawley is frustrated that rural and suburban New York has once again had their power diminished.
“It’s interesting how we, in Western New York, lament the influence of New York City on the rest of the state yet are called ‘conspiratorial’ for comparing the situation to ‘Big Brother,’” Hawley said. “Yet yesterday, that Big Brother philosophy made its way into our state budget, and the impact will be immediately felt as more populated areas may significantly overpower our rural suburban communities. It upends what was once a fair and equal process.”
HAWLEY: ‘ANOTHER BAD BUDGET FOR NEW YORK’
“Our state budget has finally passed, only a month later than it should have. Not only were there numerous empty seats on the side of the Majority as we trudged through the debate and voting process, but this budget is prepared to spend $229 billion worth of taxpayer dollars. That’s double the budget of Florida and Texas, despite New York having fewer residents than either of those states. Spending indiscriminately and passing the costs over to taxpayers almost unilaterally is not the way to attract or retain people or business to this state, and I fear it will continue the downward trend of New York’s economic strength.”
HAWLEY CONDEMNS ‘CONCEPTUAL BUDGET’ FOR NEW YORK
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is disappointed with the proposed “conceptual budget” following a review of the proposals released by the governor’s office. The proposal, which has yet to be finalized for debate on the Assembly Floor, suggests a spending count of $229 billion, much of which goes to downstate-exclusive endeavors like spending on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and free buses for New York City. Hawley is unsurprised upstate New York is once again forgotten come budget time.
“It’s, of course, disappointing, but it’s not surprising; the downstate majority always puts its needs before those of the entire state,” Hawley said. “The spending proposal is not just a lot, it’s egregious. It’s more than what either Texas or Florida spends despite both states having larger populations than New York. Whoever recommended this unsustainable spending calendar clearly does not know what New York needs to succeed.”
“The answers to stop our overspending problem and manage our state’s debts are straightforward, yet this majority party continues to ignore them. And as they do, they continue to drive people away from New York,” Hawley concluded.
HAWLEY CELEBRATES WEST POINT DAY AT THE STATE ASSEMBLY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) was just one of the many Assembly members welcoming West Point cadets in the Assembly Chamber as Albany celebrated its annual West Point Day. Hawley, a staunch advocate for past, present and future members of the armed forces, was honored and glad to celebrate these cadets.
“New York’s history of service to the nation is unmatched, thanks in no small part to our excellent military academy in West Point,” Hawley said. “Like many of their predecessors, these cadets are some of the best and brightest our state and nation have to offer, and I was honored to welcome them to Albany and recognize their outstanding achievements. I want to wish these cadets well in their future endeavors and commit to working for their best interests as I work to do for all our men and women in uniform.”
HAWLEY CRITICIZES NEW YORK MAJORITY FOR LATE BUDGET DELIVERY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) was joined by his Assembly and Senate colleagues today at a press conference lambasting the Assembly and Senate Majority Conferences for their failure to deliver a cost-effective, serviceable state budget in a timely manner. After five emergency spending extenders, New York is without a functional budget 25 days after the budget deadline. Hawley considers the ordeal an ”embarrassment.”
“It’s an embarrassment that power should be held unilaterally by one side yet wielded so inefficiently and carelessly,” Hawley said. “New Yorkers have made their needs painfully clear: this state needs to work on its affordability and public safety crises. Yet the majority has reportedly made no plans to address either in meaningful ways.”
“This trudged-out budget process is just another in a long line of examples of how this majority is unfit for the monopoly on power that it holds. If it can’t serve the people effectively, it doesn’t deserve to serve at all,” Hawley concluded.
HAWLEY CHASTISES ASSEMBLY MAJORITY FOR BLOCKING GOLD STAR LICENSE PLATES BILL
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is disappointed that the Assembly Majority has moved to block his legislation, A.2062, from passing in the Assembly chamber. The bill would have eliminated the registration fee for Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Family Members for their distinctive license plates. Gold Star Family Members are families of veterans that served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice, and Hawley has always been an ardent supporter of showing those families the respect they deserve.
“It’s really disappointing and frustrating that the Assembly Majority cannot vote on something that would go such a long way for families who deserve our support,” Hawley said. “The blocking of this bill tells me that despite whatever the Majority may say in regard to supporting our families of veterans, they don’t really care when it comes to meaningful action.”
The blocking of this bill recalls an issue several years ago that Hawley also championed, which was the granting of free college tuition to Gold Star Family members that also faced questionable pushback from the Assembly Majority. Hawley believes New York can do better for its Gold Star families.
“There’s not much to say other than it’s another example of New York failing to show up for those who showed up for New York. It suggests our state government needs a real re-evaluation of values and character,” Hawley concluded.
APRIL 4, 2023
HAWLEY SUPPORTS FURTHER SCHOOL SAFETY PROPOSALS
Editor’s Note: The Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security’s Report can be read here.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined fellow legislators today in the presentation of new school safety proposals they hope to implement statewide. Following a statewide tour with input from several education professionals, mental health professionals, parents, law enforcement officials and the public, the Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security is offering changes to increase law enforcement’s presence in schools, better address mental health in schools and harden infrastructure at schools.
“We’ve seen too often, both in this state and nationwide, that our children are the primary victims of school attacks, yet we haven’t had a comprehensive response plan until now,” Hawley said. “My colleagues in the task force have done extensive research and collaborated with dozens of professionals across multiple disciplines to help find ways to fill in the cracks and look after our children better, and their proposals are all entrancing. I am fully committed to investigating and implementing these proposals to ensure our kids are safe as they do their work.”
Hawley himself is also pushing his legislation (A.2023), which will help recruit more retired experienced law enforcement officers to serve as school resource officers by increasing the outside income cap from $30,000 to $50,000. To combat the cost of employing these officers, a high percentage of it will be eligible for reimbursement by the state.
“New York’s children are amazing, achieving trailblazers. They deserve all the opportunities to succeed in a safe and protected environment. We can provide that to them here and now,” Hawley concluded. The Assemblyman’s further comments can be viewed here.
HAWLEY RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S
HIGH-RISE PLANAssemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) comments on the governor’s housing compact proposal
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) joined fellow Assembly Republican colleagues today to stand against the governor’s proposed high-rise plan, which would force urban building in otherwise non-urban environments like suburban communities and rural farmlands. Local governments would be unable to stop any zoning law oversteps in this proposal. Hawley finds the proposal outrageous.
“This state government’s solution to everything is to treat a problem with a broad brushstroke, which has led to many other problems being born,” Hawley said. “This high-rise plan is another instance of a state government enforcing its will on localities whether they like it or not. It will undoubtedly lead to further problems like overcrowded schools, accelerated strains on local roads and bridges and the overtaking of land that could be dedicated to farming or small enterprise.”
HAWLEY PARTNERS WITH RED CROSS TO OFFER CPR TRAINING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is partnering with the American Red Cross to offer free Hands-Only CPR training to anyone in the district looking to learn. These 30-minute courses are designed to be quick, simple, and easy to learn, and can make the difference between life and death for others. Hawley is glad to help educate the public on the skill.
“CPR training is an invaluable skill that could very well save lives, and we should all be pushing ourselves to learn it,” Hawley said. “I am grateful to the American Red Cross for their partnership in this initiative, and I hope to see many of you out at this free event.”
The time and place of the training will be:
- Saturday, March 18, 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. at the Stafford Fire Department, 6153 Main Rd, Stafford, NY 14143
- Tuesday, March 21, 1:00 p.m. and 1:45p.m. at the Albion Elks Lodge 1006, 428 W State St, Albion, NY 14411
Anyone interested in signing up should visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094aacac22a1f4c25-hands1?useFullSite=true#/ to sign up for the Stafford event. Those interested in participating at Albion should visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094aacac22a1f4c25-hands2?useFullSite=true#/. Space is limited, so interested parties are encouraged to apply early. For more information, call Assemblyman Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780.
HAWLEY RALLIES FOR FURTHER LOCAL ROAD INVESTMENT
Pictured: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batatvia), second from right, with Town Highway Superintendents from the 139th Assembly District
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) rallied today with the Assembly and Senate Minority in the call for an increased allocation of funds for local roads and bridges as part of this year’s budget. Local roads and bridges are often in disrepair and require support from the state to help with maintenance and management, and Hawley believes the budget should allocate for it.
“I am imploring the legislature and the governor to include an additional $200 million for local road and bridge maintenance and an additional $70 million for Extreme Winter Recovery” Hawley said. “With the governor's proposed budget of $228 BILLION it would behoove the legislature and governor to assure the $270 million is made available for our local roads and bridges that our taxpayers travel every day.”
March 6, 2023
HAWLEY TO HOST SERIES OF BLOOD DRIVES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will host a series of blood drives across the district this month in partnership with the American Red Cross. New York state historically has very little blood banked for patients statewide, and this initiative is being held to encourage those who can donate and make all the difference to a patient in need. Hawley has done numerous drives throughout his time in the Assembly and is happy to continue this tradition.
“I’m happy to once again partner with the American Red Cross and encourage everyone who can to donate some blood,” Hawley said. “New York often has a shortage of blood in its banks, which is a big problem, because the various blood types are used in critical surgeries and life-saving operations daily. One small donation could mean the difference between life and death for another, so I encourage all willing participants to donate.”
The time and place of the various donation sites will be:
- Fri. 3/10 - Batavia Social Services, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Mon. 3/13 - Batavia Robert Morris School, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Mon. 3/13 - Pavilion Fire Department, 1:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Tues. 3/14 - Darien Fire Co. with PCD Kiwanis 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Thurs. 3/16 - St. Max Hall, East Pembroke. 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Fri. 3/17 - Lyndonville Presbyterian Church. 1:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Sat. 3/18 - Stafford Fire Department, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- Tues. 3/21 - Albion Elks Lodge, 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
- Tues. 3/21 - Batavia First UMC, 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Thurs. 3/30 - Oakfield-Alabama High School, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
HAWLEY OPPOSES STATE MEDICAID COLLECTION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is joining the New York State Association of Counties in the call for New York State government to reconsider its proposed plan to intercept $625 million in enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage Money. Counties, statewide, oversee Medicaid programs and operate on different fiscal calendars compared to the state government. Hawley, as always, prefers more local control as to state oversight, and sees this proposal as more of the latter.
“The management of Medicaid is a difficult job, and the last thing counties statewide need is another layer of red tape from the state government as they try to ensure their beneficiaries are covered properly,” Hawley said. “Not only are costs likely to rise with these new levels of government intersections, but the costs to counties’ Medicaid expenditures could be dire. I wholly oppose this proposal and will be doing what I can in Albany to see this move reconsidered.”
HAWLEY READS ACROSS THE DISTRICT WITH STUDENTS
Pictured: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) reads I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! By Dr. Seuss to the Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School’s first grade class.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) spent the day traveling the district and reading to students in recognition of ‘Read Across America’ Day, which celebrates the importance of reading and literacy across New York and the nation. Hawley visited Pembroke Primary School and read to the entire first grade class, Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School’s first grade class and Oak Orchard Primary School’s kindergarten class.
“Reading is such a joy, especially when you’re younger, and I’m grateful I had a day to share in that joy with students across the district,” Hawley said. “Taking a moment to help foster a healthy relationship with reading and literacy early on is incredibly important. I’m thankful for the schools that partnered with me today and allowed me to come read with their students, and I’m thankful to the students for their enthusiasm.”
HAWLEY CALLS FOR END TO BAIL REFORM ONCE AGAIN
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is once again calling for New York to bring about an end to its long-running and harmful bail reform policy, following a story that confirms two thieves stole a car within 30 minutes of being released from jail. Hawley, like many New Yorkers concerned for public safety, is tired of this failed bail system.
“The revolving door of crime that has been established by bail reform continues to hinder and harm law-abiding citizens while giving career criminals a free pass,” Hawley said. “It’s high time for the Majority in the Assembly to help bring an end to this era of crime New York is continually besieged by. To continue to ignore it makes them part of the problem.”
HAWLEY CALLS FOR RECONSIDERATION OF
NATURAL GAS STOVE BAN IN NEW YORK
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is joining many New Yorkers calling on the governor to reconsider her position on banning gas stoves from future new housing and construction developments in New York. What has been touted as a means to combat climate change and entice people to come to the state is now being seen as a measure to control businesses on a more granular level in New York, and Hawley doesn’t like the concept.
“Albany progressives claim the measure is a simple implementation of new policy, but I don’t see it that way,” Hawley said. “For one, the measure neglects the fact that people upstate rely on natural gas to a greater degree than downstate homeowners, who may, in fact, benefit more from electric devices. But of course, when implementing statewide policy, we’re used to the fact that downstate progressives in charge of our government favor the one-size-fits-all approach.”
“But more than that, it’s another example of Albany focusing on an issue that seems like a big deal but will do very little in the long run. The average person cutting out natural gas in their daily life will not change the climate dramatically, so why punish the average person or business with more restrictions on how they can live their lives or operate? Why not focus the unilateral power the Assembly majority holds on bigger issues like inflation? They shouldn’t be allowed to pat themselves on the back, because they are once again infringing on the choices of New Yorkers,” Hawley concluded.
HAWLEY SLAMS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S ADOPTION OF
NEW FARM WORKER OVERTIME RULES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is deeply disappointed by Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s decision to move forward with the previously-proposed reduction in the farm worker overtime threshold. The measure, which has been hotly debated for a number of years, was finally approved by the DOL this Wednesday. Hawley is concerned about what this will mean for the future of New York farmers.
“For the past three years, my colleagues and I have advocated for the family farmers of New York who have told us time and again that any changes to the overtime threshold would severely impact their economic security. I’m deeply disappointed that the DOL and Commissioner Reardon have ignored those pleas,” Hawley said.
“Agriculture is the largest industry in New York, and its workers are the best in the nation. But for these smaller farms trying to get by, the costs just skyrocketed, and the burden of this mandate will unfortunately cause many farmers to fall by the wayside. With this reality in mind, I can’t help but wonder who the DOL thinks it is helping,” Hawley concluded.
Hawley Celebrates National Pizza Day with Local Police Departments
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) with officers from the Albion Police Department, February 9, 2023.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) visited local police departments yesterday to celebrate National Pizza Day. Hawley sent pizzas to 11 police stations and was able to personally deliver five. The departments Hawley visited were very appreciative and took him on tours of their facilities and discussed recent events. Hawley was able to get the perspective of the officers on multiple political and social issues, including bail reform and public safety laws.
“Continuing a positive relationship with police departments around my district is extremely important to me. I want to be able to understand what we can do better in New York to keep them and the residents they protect safe,” said Hawley “Far too often we take their duties for granted, but our local police risk their lives for our safety. I want to show my appreciation for their hard work.”
February 7, 2023
HAWLEY BLASTS ASSEMBLY MAJORITY RESOLUTION THAT WILL STIFLE DEMOCRACY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is calling out the Assembly Majority for passing a Resolution that will enact COVID-era empty-seat voting and discourage members from debating bills. The Resolution will allow the Majority a strict party-line vote on legislation, whether they are in the chamber or not. This comes after the Albany Majority recently voted themselves a 29% pay raise, making themselves the highest-paid state legislators in the country.
“First, the Albany Majority vote themselves a massive pay raise and now they have voted to make showing up for work optional. It is shameful and a slap in the face to New Yorkers throughout our state who are struggling financially and are trying to make an honest living. By allowing legislators to be absent from the chamber and skip floor debates, the Majority has effectively silenced the voices of the over six million people we represent in the Minority Conference,” said Hawley.
February 3, 2023
Hawley Reacts to Gov. Hochul’s Budget Plan
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia).
“For too long, New York taxpayers have been on the hook for bloated and wasteful state budgets. Gov. Hochul has proposed a whopping $7 billion increase from $220 billion to $227 billion. The Operating Budget increases the Medicaid portion by 9.3%, continuing the most bloated program of any state in the nation. This will increase the burden on local taxpayers diminishing the Medicaid freeze. It is heartening to see education & mental health programs will see increased state assistance. Educating the minds of our future generations is extremely important. With more bipartisan collaboration we could focus on the needs of the taxpayers while cutting down on spending.”
JANUARY 10, 2023
Hawley Responds to State of the State Address
“Speaking about issues is certainly different from acting on them. If Gov. Hochul wants change in New York, she will have to offer proposals that don’t just benefit her political base. It is my sincere hope she will work with us to fix their disastrous bail “reform”, resume the elimination of state sales tax on gasoline, and to pass our inflation relief bill that would slash taxes on home heating fuel and groceries.”
“Public safety and affordability of basic items are issues that affect New Yorkers daily. This year, I look forward to seeing whether Gov. Hochul takes strides to work with us in a bipartisan manner for the betterment of all New Yorkers.”
Hawley Invites Veteran Organizations to Apply for Capital Program Funding
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) invites non-profits to apply for a share of $5 million in grants that are available to organizations that serve veterans and their family members in order to make capital improvements. This program is meant to improve and expand the services available to the state’s veterans and their families by upgrading facilities or building new ones. Funding for projects will range between $25,000 and $75,000. Funding will go toward design, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or expansion of eligible veterans’ facilities.
The Division of Veterans' Services will host a webinar for program applicants on Thursday, January 12, 2023, to outline the program and application process. Click here to view the webinar.
“Taking care of our veterans, who have protected our country with such courage, should always be a top priority to our state and our nation,” Hawley said. “I want all former military members to understand the services that are available to them. The Capital Program will allow non-profits to better address veterans’ issues throughout the state by having state-of-the-art facilities and resources. We must take care of these veterans because they have always been there to protect us.”
Click here for more information on the Capital Program or to apply.
JANUARY 6, 2023
Hawley Re-appointed Deputy Minority Leader
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) has been re-appointed as deputy minority leader of the New York State Assembly. Hawley has served in a leadership role with the Assembly Republican Conference for many years following his first election in 2006. He will continue the fight for lower taxes on the middle class as well as a new moratorium of no state tax on gasoline and home fuel.
Hawley will also serve as a member of the following committees:
Agriculture Committee
Insurance Committee
Rules Committee
Veteran Affairs Committee
Ways and Means Committee
“I am proud and grateful to once again hold a leadership position within the Assembly Republican Conference,” Hawley said. “I would like to thank Minority Leader Will Barclay for entrusting me with this responsibility. There are many issues I hope to solve during this upcoming legislative session, and affordability is at the top of my list.”
Steve Hawley Thanks Emergency Responders After Devastating Winter Storm
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is thanking emergency responders for their actions after Western New York’s brutal holiday snow storm. Emergency employees are continuing to assist citizens who have been snowed into their homes and vehicles during this historic blizzard. The duties of our first responders are extremely important this time of year, especially the work of our highway crews, snow removal personnel and state and municipal snow plow operators.
“I would like to thank all of our incredible emergency employees and utility workers for their efforts to protect those in our area,” said Hawley. “I hope all of those in my district were safe at home during the holiday weekend blizzards. We know how difficult this weather can be in our area, but this is an important reminder that we have individuals who will be outside in these conditions ready to assist us. Thank you to our first responders for delivering blankets, pillows, water and other necessities to those in need. They are true heroes to our region, especially during Western New York’s brutal winter months.”
Hawley Announces Distribution of Free Weatherization Kits
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced that his office will be distributing free fuel weatherization kits courtesy of National Fuel Gas at select libraries in Orleans, Genesee, Monroe and Erie counties. These kits will help New Yorkers to better afford the costs of heating their homes this winter.
“I am pleased to assist the constituents of my district to be better prepared for the winter this season,” said Hawley. “Living in this region for many years, I understand how difficult it can be to escape the temperatures of Western New York. I hope that these kits will help to protect families from the long winter to come.”
Community Free Library
86 Public Square
Holley, NY
Lee-Whedon Memorial Library
620 West Ave.
Medina, NY
Hoag Library
134 South Main St.
Albion, NY
Yates Community Library
15 North Main St.
Lyndonville, NY
Byron Bergen Public Library
13 South Lake Ave.
Bergen, NY
Corfu Free Library
7 Maple Ave.
Corfu, NY
Haxton Memorial Library
3 North Pearl St.
Oakfield, NY
Richmond Memorial Library
19 Ross St.
Batavia, NY
Woodward Memorial Library
7 Wolcott St.
Le Roy, NY
Hollwedel Memorial Library
5 Woodrow Dr.
Pavilion, NY
Hamlin Public Library
422 Clarkson Hamlin Twin Rd.
Hamlin, NY
Seymour Library
161 East Ave.
Brockport, NY
Newstead Public Library
33 Main St.
Akron, NY
Hawley Furious Over Legislative Pay Raise Hours Before Christmas Holiday
Assemblyman votes NO on latest New York City proposal for a $32,000 raise
“I did not support raising the salary of state lawmakers today. It was embarrassing to see all those that did and frightening to hear why they believed this was justified. It was the very definition of tone-deaf.”
“With the holiday season upon us, the Majority is forcing New Yorkers to dump more of their hard-earned money to fund a pay raise. During the winter months, New Yorkers should be putting their earnings toward heating their homes and sheltering their families from the frigid temperatures. Instead, The Majority believes it is appropriate to increase their salaries while leaving their hard-working constituents out in the cold. We have to do better in focusing on the real issues facing New Yorkers during the upcoming session.”
Hawley Appalled by Special Session to Raise Salaries of Legislature
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently spoke about the announcement to hold a special session prior to the end of the year to raise lawmakers’ salaries. The session would be held to give lawmakers a salary increase of $32,000 per year. This would make New York’s legislators the highest paid of any state in the country.
“This was not the Christmas present taxpayers had in mind. Any legislator who votes for this should receive coal in their stocking,” said Hawley. “Lawmakers’ pay shouldn’t even be on the list of issues for the upcoming session, let alone a special session of the Legislature. The cost of this raise would force almost $14 million in additional costs on taxpayers in the state over the two-year term. With the already-high cost of living in New York, downstate politicians still insist on making life even less affordable for residents of our state. We should be attacking issues such as the high cost of living, high crime and investing in infrastructure to fix our crumbling roads and bridges rather than focusing on issues that only benefit legislators.”
Hawley Blasts Hochul’s Support for Special Session to Raise Lawmakers’ Pay
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s support for calling a special session prior to the next legislative season to raise lawmaker’s salaries. If a pay increase were passed, New York would have the highest-paid lawmakers in the country. A raise would increase lawmakers’ salaries by 61 percent since 2019. New York is already facing relentless criticism for its record-high state spending since the end of the pandemic.
“This rhetoric is completely senseless. With the New York state legislature already being the second highest paid state governing body in the country, we should be organizing a special session to tackle real issues that matter to all New Yorkers,” Hawley said.
“We are experiencing our highest inflation rate in decades and should be addressing issues that affect the people we represent. New York’s top priorities must be public safety, eliminating the sales tax on gasoline and lowering taxes for all New Yorkers to help make our state more affordable. We must not allocate any additional funding for more government spending as it would inevitably come back to haunt taxpayers.”
Hawley Spreads the Word about Extra Grant Money for Firefighters
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today informed local fire departments about grant money being offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA has $90 million to award prior to the end of the year. The application period for these awards will begin between January 6 and 9 and will continue for 6 weeks, subject to change. For more information, contact the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program at 866-274-0960 or [email protected].
“This is an opportunity for those who tirelessly protect our communities to receive a significant amount of grant money,” Hawley said. “Our emergency employees are vital to our communities. I am proud of their hard work to keep us all safe and secure. Their valiant efforts to maintain safety in my district and throughout New York state should not go unnoticed.”
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
A Letter to the Editor from the Desk of Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
Pearl Harbor was a tragedy that shook our nation to its core. Eighty-one years ago, the events at Hawaii’s naval station caused the deaths of 2,403 servicemen and women, along with individual citizens. For many it was a reminder of the tyranny that was occurring around the world. For our ‘Greatest Generation,’ it was also a call to action.
These brave men and women heard the call from the fire and destruction at Pearl Harbor and ran toward the pain and violence that World War II brought. These warriors kept in their hearts all the lives that were forever changed by the attacks on our home soil. The soldiers who volunteered to sacrifice their lives in exchange for peace embody the American spirit and the dream of worldwide democracy. They thought not only of their friends and family stateside, but of those in the countries that saw bomb-filled skies, empty ammunition shells and friends on the streets every day since World War II began.
Today, we remember more than just one of the largest disasters to ever strike the United States. We remember all the troops who sacrificed to make sure that events like this may never happen again. We remain the home of the free, because of the brave.
December 1, 2022
HAWLEY RESPONDS TO ACCUSATIONS OF NURSING HOME NEGLECT IN VILLAGE OF ORLEANS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I- Batavia) today spoke about a recently-filed lawsuit against The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home in Albion, by Attorney General Letitia James. "The Villages'' has been accused of financial fraud that has caused significant harm and neglect to its residents. This lawsuit has brought to attention companies that take advantage of New York state's Medicaid program.
"This alleged behavior by people who are responsible for the protection of our elderly must not be tolerated in our state," Hawley said. "Our older generations have had to deal with tremendous pressure for the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This issue places unnecessary stress on our citizens who deserve our utmost respect and continued protection. I have always been an advocate for hospice care and will continue to support their mission. As a former Genesee County Legislator, I was proud to sponsor legislation to initiate hospice care in the county in memory of my mother.”
“My office will certainly keep a watchful eye on nursing homes in our district to ensure the safety of New York's elderly population. Our office will continue our steadfast support of residents, families & employees of nursing home concerns, as we did during the Pandemic."
Hawley Re-Elected to State Assembly
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently re-elected as state Assemblyman for the 139 district.. Hawley will represent communities in Orleans, Monroe and Genesee counties and the town of Newstead in Erie. Hawley spoke of his appreciation for the support and assistance from those in his district.
“I am incredibly thankful to those in my community who went out to vote in this election. I have represented these communities for a number of years and it means so much that you continue to show your support,” said Hawley. “Those in my district understand that I have always worked toward the betterment of our collective communities. I will fight to destroy the unjust cashless bail laws to create safer communities across our state and I will protect the rights of gun owners who have been continuously insulted by the bills being created in Albany. New York is an incredible state that has all the potential to return to the Empire State. I will stand with the people of New York to make it finally return its policies so people will want to move here, rather than away from here.”
Interview on WXXI Connections with Evan Dawson
October 28, 2022
Connections with Evan Dawson
I would like to thank WXXI for having me on the air for “Connections with Evan Dawson”. Evan and I had an amazing conversation about the future of New York. Click on the link below if you happened to miss it.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wz1uWuxjxrvBSkb0VFvJdHvm9ESxOY6-/view
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
Hawley Endorsed by Public Employees Federation
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has been endorsed by the Public Employees Federation (PEF) in his reelection campaign. The PEF is a union that stands for the rights of New York state workers and protects them against unfair wages and work conditions. The union has worked hand in hand with Hawley toward a better New York for the working class.
“I am extremely grateful for the continued support of one of New York’s most important labor unions,” Hawley said. “The protection of our employees has always been a top priority of mine and I would like to thank Wayne Spence, President of the Public Employees Federation, for his leadership and endorsement of my campaign as we work together to strengthen the lives of working folks.”
HAWLEY LAMENTS DECISION OF FARM LABORERS WAGE BOARD TO LOWER OVERTIME THRESHOLD
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing disappointment following a decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to advance a recommendation to Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon to lower the farm laborer overtime threshold from 60 hours to 40. For months, Hawley has stood alongside farmers, farm workers, agricultural advocates, owners of agri-businesses and other lawmakers to call on the board to reject a proposed reduction to the overtime threshold, warning of the devastating effects such a decision would have on rural communities and all who work in the agricultural sector.
As the board considered whether or not to implement a lower threshold, they collected testimony regarding the proposal during a series of virtual hearings. During those hearings, the vast majority of testimony provided by farmers and farm workers opposed its implementation, warning that it threatened the livelihoods of both farm owners and laborers.
The concerns expressed by those opposed to lowering the threshold have been corroborated by a number of studies, as a report by Farm Credit East has stated that the total cost of lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours, coupled with minimum wage increases, would result in an increase in labor costs by over 40 percent for New York’s farms. Another study by Cornell University found that 70 percent of New York farm labor guest workers would not return to New York were the threshold to be lowered and would instead seek work in other states where they have the opportunity to work longer hours.
Following the advancement of the Wage Board’s final report and recommendation, the fate of the farm overtime threshold rests in the hands of Reardon, who has 45 days to decide whether to accept or reject it.
“Now that the fate of farming as we know it here in New York state has been put in jeopardy by the Wage Board, even after hearing how their decision will jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and farm laborers, I sincerely hope that Commissioner Reardon will step in to prevent what would prove to be a catastrophic event for rural communities and the entire agricultural sector,” said Hawley. “Lowering this threshold helps nobody while threatening the existence of multi-generational family farms and an entire way of life, so I sincerely hope that ultimately both the threshold and the continued viability of our farms will be preserved.”
August 24, 2022
THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT
BUSINESS ANNOUNCES HAWLEY HAS RECEIVED
PERFECT 100% RATING
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a national organization thatadvocates for the needs of small and independently-owned businesses, has announced thatAssemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has received their perfect rating of 100%. Thisperfect pro-business rating reflects Assemblyman Hawley’s unwavering support of smallbusiness owners, both through his advocacy efforts and his legislative voting history.“As a small business owner myself, I can tell you that especially in New York state,building and sustaining a successful business can be as difficult as it is rewarding,” said Hawley.“We are incredibly fortunate to have organizations such as the NFIB to stand up for and supportour small business owners, so I am honored to have earned their perfect rating.
HAWLEY ENCOURAGES LOCAL VETERANS TO REGISTER FOR PATRIOT TRIP XIII TO WASHINGTON DC
Hawley stands alongside veterans at the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. during the 12th Patriot Trip in 2019.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing there are still several openings available to take part in his Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., taking place from Sept. 15 to 18, 2002. Veterans and their family members will be hosted on a tour throughout the area to visit historical sites and landmarks constructed to pay tribute to their service and the nation they’ve fought for. This year’s trip will feature stops at war memorials and other notable locations, including the Arlington National Cemetery, and the World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials, with a stop in Gettysburg.
“Some of the most meaningful memories of my lifetime come from experiences I’ve had on our Patriot Trips witnessing heroes who’ve risked their lives to defend our country get to see the monuments built to honor their bravery and sacrifices,” said Hawley. “After having to pause the tour due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am very excited to begin our trips once more and encourage all interested to look into joining us on this incredibly meaningful journey.”
Participation in the trip is open to all military veterans and their family members and will cost between $425 to $500 per person. Those interested in participating in this year’s trip are encouraged to reach out to Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 for more details.
Assemblyman Hawley encourages those interested, or who knows someone who might be interested but who may need financial assistance, to contact their local veterans’ services agency. They may be able to provide some assistance, so Hawley encourages those interested to reach out to their county’s agency using the numbers below:
Genesee County: 585-815-7905
Orleans County: 585-589-3219
Erie County: 716-858-6363
Monroe County: 585-753-6040
August 4, 2022
HAWLEY URGES FISCAL RESTRAINT, PROTECTIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AS DIVISION OF BUDGET PROJECTS FUTURE BUDGET GAPS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging lawmakers to consider options to reduce state spending following a report by the Division of Budget predicting the state will face projected budget gaps totaling $13.7 billion over the next five years.
Additionally, the assemblyman is imploring action be taken to ensure the state’s small business owners are not made to bear the burden of the Legislative Majority’s fiscal irresponsibility. To this end, he is sponsoring a bill (A.7211) that would suspend employer contributions to the interest assessment surcharge fund through 2023, a fund created to help the state repay money borrowed from the federal government to pay unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic that business owners have been required to regularly contribute to.
This change in the Division of Budget’s economic forecast was spurred by an expected decline in tax revenue caused by recent downturns in the stock market and economy as a whole. For years, Hawley has criticized the Majority for their egregious spending, pointing to the fact that several of the state’s recent budgets have been larger than those of Texas and Florida combined, with this year’s record-breaking budget amounting to $220 billion in total spending.
“Just as millions of Americans are preparing to do in these next few months, it is high time our state tighten its belt and take a hard look at how we can cut waste while still taking care of our residents’ basic needs,” said Hawley. “Whether you look at red states like Texas or blue states like California, they spend far less per capita in their budgets, and I’m certain we could provide a similar value to our taxpayers. In any case, we must work to ensure that our state’s already-strained small business owners are not left to pick up the bill that’s accumulated after years of overspending by the Legislative Majority.”
JULY 28, 2022
HAWLEY RENEWS CALL TO ROLL BACK BAIL REFORM FOLLOWING SHOOTING OF ROCHESTER PD OFFICERS, ATTACK ON ZELDIN
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is renewing his call to restore judicial discretion by rolling back the state’s bail reform law following a series of violent incidents that occurred in the state last week, including the shooting of two Rochester Police Department officers and the attempted stabbing of gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Lee Zeldin (NY-1).
Hawley was especially concerned by news that Zeldin’s attacker was released from custody following the assault due to the state’s bail reform law, which considers assault in the 2nd degree, the crime Zeldin’s assailant was charged with, to be a non-violent felony. While the suspect would later be arrested under a federal charge for assaulting a member of Congress using a dangerous weapon, Hawley is deeply troubled by the fact that in the absence of federal action, state law would allow the attacker to continue walking freely today.
“Horrific incidents like these seem to be happening more and more often in our state,” said Hawley. “This isn’t normal, and we cannot continue to allow bail reform to tie the hands of our judges and further erode respect for laws and law enforcement. Harmful actions must have consequences, and bail reform has been letting dangerous individuals get away with far too much for far too long. We cannot allow regular violence against our people, our leaders, and our law enforcement to be accepted as a fact of life in New York, because people deserve to feel safe in the communities they call home.”
HAWLEY ISSUES STATEMENT DURING EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
“This week’s poorly-facilitated extraordinary session illustrates the dysfunction in our state government under one-party rule, and the Majority’s inability to prioritize issues most impactful to our residents’ well-being,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “As rising inflation and rampant crime continue to upend the lives of our residents, the Majority began its ‘emergency’ session a full day late and did nothing to address the problems causing so many of our residents to reconsider calling our state home. Our focus as legislators should not be on passing legislation that restricts the rights of law-abiding citizens, but on making our state a better place to live.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS FOLLOWING DECISION STRIKING DOWN LAW ALLOWING NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE IN NYC ELECTIONS
“Today’s decision reasserts the basic principle that our elections are for citizens of our state and that they will be operated in a manner compliant with the provisions of our state constitution,” Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “Maintaining sensible safeguards on our electoral processes ensures our elections are fair and that their outcomes can be trusted, so I am glad the judge in this case put the law and our constitution before partisan political interests.”
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/save-our-state-bus-tour-batavia-tickets-370665800387?aff=surrogates
JUNE 22, 2022
END OF SESSION RECAP: INACTION AMIDST CRISIS
A Column by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
As another legislative session comes to a close, the people of New York have once again been left on the hook with a $220 billion budget that’s more bloated than ever before. It seems with every year the Majority passes budgets that cost more but do less for the average working family in this state, and while the small tax cuts in this year’s plan were welcome, they simply won't be enough to give New Yorkers the financial jolt they need now more than ever. As prices on just about everything continue to skyrocket with no end in sight, I am disappointed that solutions our conference proposed to bring our residents substantive relief were not considered in earnest.
Our Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan (A.8481) would make everyday necessities, such as gasoline, prepared foods, household goods and personal care products, state tax-free for two years. The savings provided by this bill would be immediate and, perhaps most importantly, would help those hit hardest by inflation, some of whom have had to make hard decisions between paying for rent or groceries.
As if the financial strain affecting our communities wasn’t enough to contend with, people now feel less safe than ever in their own communities. According to a recent poll conducted by Spectrum News and Siena College, 7 in 10 New York City residents fear they may become a victim of violent crime. Their sentiments are also shared statewide, according to another Siena poll, finding that our residents are more concerned about crime than any other singular issue.
We need to restore respect for laws and law enforcement. We need to help victims, not criminals, and we need to restore judicial discretion. Our constituents were counting on us to fix bail reform, and it’s saddening that they will now be the ones who will suffer the consequences of its shortcomings in their neighborhoods.
I only hope that this November every voter will remember who stood up for their wallets and their neighborhoods by demanding direct solutions, and those who instead put forward half-measures and downplayed their suffering.
HAWLEY ISSUES STATEMENT AS LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES
“As prices and crime continue to rise in tandem here in New York, I am saddened that throughout this legislative session the Majority has been unwilling to help us address the real concerns of everyday people,” said Hawley. “It only goes to show that under one-party rule, helping people put food on their tables, gas in their cars and live lives free of crime and violence just aren’t priorities for them.”
May 26, 2022
HAWLEY ENCOURAGES LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO REACH OUT TO HIS OFFICE FOR FREE COVID-19 TEST KITS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that he will be making COVID-19 home test kits available through his office for free to any local organizations that could assist in distributing them to people who need them. Any groups interested in obtaining test kits are encouraged to reach out to the Assemblyman’s office at 585-589-5780 to learn more details and schedule a pickup.
“When it comes to COVID-19, we never truly know what lies ahead, and like the Boy Scouts say, it’s wise to ‘be prepared,’” said Hawley. “I encourage any and all local organizations that could put these tests to use to reach out and take advantage of this opportunity.”
HAWLEY AND ASSEMBLY MINORITY WRITE LETTER TO GOVERNOR DEMANDING MEETING OF THE DOMESTIC TERRORISM TASK FORCE IMMEDIATELY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues in drafting a letter to Gov. Hochul and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado requesting they facilitate an immediate meeting of the Domestic Terrorism Task Force (DTTF) in response to the tragic shooting that took the lives of 10 New Yorkers in Buffalo this past weekend.
Despite the fact the DTTF was established in 2020, the task force has never met, commissioned any studies or issued a single report, even though the legislation convening the task force had specified they were required to meet on a quarterly basis. The task force was created to collect and disseminate information about how to identify potential mass shooters, protect vulnerable areas they could target and prevent mass shootings, among other responsibilities.
“We owe it to all New Yorkers to take action to prevent terrorists from inflicting further pain on our communities and to learn everything we can about how to prevent hate from animating into violence,” said Hawley, “It is frustrating to think that even as our state has faced a significant increase in violent crime in the last several years, the governor has allowed this task force to sit on their hands and leave us unprepared for tragedies like the one that took place in Buffalo less than a week ago.”
HAWLEY CALLS FOR THE PASSAGE OF BILLS IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY IN NYS PLAYGROUNDS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today joined his colleagues from the Assembly Minority in calling for the passage of bills that would make playgrounds in New York state accessible to people of all levels of physical ability. One of the bills (A.9923) would require that playgrounds in state parks include at least one wheelchair accessible platform swing with a high-back, full-support seat, and the other (A.9539) would offer grants to local municipalities to help them purchase and install handicap-accessible elements to local recreation facilities.
“Every child deserves to be able to experience the basic childhood joy of playing on a playground, so today we’re taking a stand to ensure New York’s outdoor recreational centers are places everyone can enjoy,” said Hawley. “If there was ever a simple problem that people of all political backgrounds can get behind, I would think it’d be this, so I am hopeful our colleagues in the Majority will join us to get these bills passed before the end of session.”
HAWLEY DISAPPOINTED BY PASSAGE OF BILL FORGIVING UNEMPLOYMENT OVERPAYMENTS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is speaking out following the passage of a bill (A.6666) by the Assembly Majority that would remove requirements for individuals overpaid by the New York state unemployment system to pay back those funds. Hawley believes that the removal of such a requirement could encourage future abuse of the unemployment system and other assistance programs in the future, and that it burdens small businesses whose unemployment insurance costs have skyrocketed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While it is true people make mistakes, offering a blanket forgiveness to those who received this money and weren’t actually eligible sends the wrong message about how seriously our state tries to protect taxpayer dollars,” said Hawley. “This bill will also hurt the small business owners who are forced to pay more for unemployment insurance. This, in turn, could make it harder for them to hire more people and expand their operations.”
HAWLEY ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF A BILL ALLOWING REMOVAL OF BRIAN BENJAMIN FROM BALLOT
“If our colleagues in the Majority acted as fast to combat inflation and restore law and order as they did today to change the rules of our elections to help themselves out at the last minute, our state would truly be a better place for working people.”
APRIL 27, 2022
ASSEMBLYMAN HAWLEY SPEAKS ON PASSING OF TWO IN ELBA HELICOPTER CRASH
“Reports that two people have passed in the helicopter crash that took place today in the town of Elba is incredibly saddening, a tragic development to all of us here in Genesee County. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives today, as well as all who were affected by this horrific incident.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS OUT AS THE MAJORITY KILLS OFF BILLS SUPPORTING VETS, PROTECTING PUBLIC SAFETY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is expressing dismay at the decision of the Assembly Majority to kill a large number of bills proposed by members of the Assembly Minority that would support New York’s veterans and law enforcement professionals, while also bolstering public safety.
Among the bills members of the Majority shot down in committee were ones that would restore judicial discretion that was taken from judges following the passage of bail reform (A.7772, A. 6933), support for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (A.8377), and the creation of a penalty for committing hate crimes against police officers and other emergency personnel (A.3824). Additionally, bills Hawley co-sponsors were blocked, like making it a felony to fire a gun at either police officers or first responders (A.9608), or into crowds generally (A.4259), as well as another that would add five years to the sentence of anyone who commits a felony while in possession of a loaded gun (A.4762).
“I firmly believe that most people would consider the measures the Majority struck down in committee to be common-sense and uncontroversial and very much worthy of an open debate, if nothing else,” said Hawley. “Crime and public safety have consistently ranked among the top policy issues on the minds of New Yorkers this year, and the legislation we put forward directly addresses the concerns held among many regarding bail reform and the restoration of law and order in our communities. It is truly shameful that the Majority has deprived us of the opportunity to debate these bills in the open on their merits, and instead killed them off to protect themselves politically.”
HAWLEY ENCOURAGES SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS TO COMPLETE COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT APPLICATIONS BEFORE APRIL 30 DEADLINE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging eligible small business owners that have incomplete applications or have not yet submitted the necessary documentation to receive COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program funding to apply before the application period for the program draws to a close on April 30.
While Empire State Development has distributed over $550 million in funds to small businesses throughout the state since the program’s inception, much of the program’s $800 million in funds remain available to eligible small business owners who have either not started or completed their applications. Small business owners can use the following link to complete unfinished applications or view eligibility requirements they would need to meet to begin an application: https://nysmallbusinessrecovery.com
“With all our small businesses have endured through these last few years, it would be saddening to see business owners who truly need and deserve this support go without it,” said Hawley. “I’d encourage everyone who even thinks there’s a chance they’d be eligible for this funding to look into it. They may be surprised by the assistance available to them.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF BILL ALLOWING NEW YORK STATE-PRODUCED WHOLE AND 2% MILK IN SCHOOLS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is supporting the passage of a bill that would allow New York schools to purchase whole and 2% milk that’s produced within the state, modeled after similar legislation that was recently passed in Pennsylvania.
While the regulation banning these types of milk was put in place to combat rising trends of childhood obesity rates and type 2 diabetes diagnoses, these trends have only continued following its enactment. Countering the narrative that whole and 2% milk is unhealthy for children, recent studies have shown children who drink full-fat dairy products tend to be leaner than their peers and have a lower risk of becoming overweight. Other studies have found those who consume whole-fat dairy may have a lower risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, an increased satiety without weight gain and better sleep.
The removal of these milk options has also had a negative effect on dairy farms throughout upstate New York, who have long counted on revenue from milk sales to schools to keep their businesses operational. Already facing numerous obstacles in maintaining their viability as a business in recent years, including the lowering of the farm laborer overtime threshold, Hawley is hopeful this bill’s passage will help dairy farmers survive these new challenges to their livelihoods.
“The removal of 2% and whole milk from school cafeterias has had nothing but negative impacts on all stakeholders involved, including children and farmers,” said Hawley. “Providing more dairy options to students will only encourage them to get the nutrition their growing bodies need from milk, and help farmers recoup revenue lost since the passage of this ill-conceived prohibition.”
APRIL 13, 2022
HAWLEY ON THE RESIGNATION OF LT. GOV. BRIAN BENJAMIN
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“When your lieutenant governor is arrested for quid pro quo, and your administration has a reputation for making deals behind closed doors, people have a reason to be concerned about what’s really going on in your administration. While I welcome the resignation of Lt. Gov. Benjamin in light of the charges brought against him, I hope more than anything it will give New Yorkers some pause and make them wonder if four scandalous governorships in a row is a sign we’re due for a change in leadership.”
APRIL 12, 2022
HAWLEY SPEAKS ON THE ARREST OF LT. GOV. BRIAN BENJAMIN
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“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.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS ON THE 2022-23 STATE BUDGET
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“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 JOINS LAWMAKERS AT PRESSER ANNOUNCING LAWSUIT CHALLENGING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH QUARANTINE REGULATIONS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today joined his colleagues for a press conference in which Sen. George Borrello (SD-57), Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I-Schoharie), and Assemblyman Michael Lawler (R,C,I,SAM-Pearl River) announced their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a Department of Health regulation establishing isolation and quarantine procedures for those suspected of having a communicable disease. Hawley and those who’ve brought the lawsuit forward assert its implementation through the regulatory process violates the separation of powers.
Regulation 10 NYCRR 2.13 would empower the Department of Health to forcibly isolate and quarantine individuals exposed to communicable diseases, potentially in locations that aren’t their homes. Adopted on Feb. 22, 2022, the New York State Department of Health’s Public Health and Health Planning Council is set to renew the rule on an emergency basis today. Steps have also been taken by the council to make the regulation permanent.
“The role of the Legislature is to protect the public from dangerous policies like this, which would never survive scrutinous debate in the Assembly,” said Hawley. “When a bill containing most of the same measures this rule does was put before the Assembly in years past (A.416, Perry), it had only a single sponsor, so it seems to me the governor is truly trying to subvert our constitutionally-sanctioned legislative process to put this proposal into law. By subverting the Legislature, the governor has silenced the voices of the people they represent, who almost certainly would not wish to grant their government this overreaching authority.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES HE WILL BE DISTRIBUTING COVID-19 TEST KITS TO VILLAGE, TOWN AND CITY GOVERNMENTS IN THE 139th ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he is distributing COVID-19 tests allocated to his office to towns, villages and cities within the 139th Assembly District. Residents seeking test kits are encouraged to go to their local municipal center in order to secure test kits for themselves and their families.
“We thought distributing these test kits to local municipalities would be the best means of getting them into the hands of families who need them most,” said Hawley. “I hope that this distribution will give families a good chance to get ahead of any future COVID-19 spikes, and keep their families prepared for whatever the future may hold.”
HAWLEY SPEAKS THE FAILURE OF GOV. HOCHUL AND THE LEGISLATIVE MAJORITY TO PASS AN ON TIME STATE BUDGET
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“The failure to pass a timely budget when so much is on the line for public safety and people’s personal financial well-being speaks to the inability of Gov. Hochul to effectively lead the majorities and deliver results for the working people of New York state. Further inaction on their part to fix bail reform or provide inflation relief will only bring more suffering for our state’s residents, so they had better get their act together quickly.”
HAWLEY CALLS ON GOV. HOCHUL AND THE LEGISLATIVE MAJORITY TO FINALLY FIX BAIL REFORM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues from the Senate and Assembly Minorities in calling on Gov. Hochul and the legislative Majority to amend the state’s bail reform law, seeking to restore judicial discretion that would empower judges to keep criminals they know to be dangerous off of our streets. Hawley has spoken out against the danger this law poses to communities since it was first passed in 2019, horrified by reports that have emerged throughout the state of violent acts being perpetrated by offenders released, sometimes repeatedly, due to bail reform.
“So long as innocent people continue to get hurt by those who should not be walking free in our neighborhoods, I will continue to demand the restoration of the discretion that was taken away from our judges in 2019,” said Hawley. “As we now work to pass our state’s budget, I feel we have a real opportunity to restore order and save lives. Gov. Hochul’s proposed changes to the law may be a good start, but when we’re talking about matters of literal life and death, we can’t afford to do any less than finally fix this law once and for all to protect our communities.”
HAWLEY JOINS HIS ASSEMBLY COLLEAGUES IN HONORING WEST POINT CADETS DURING “WEST POINT DAY”
Hawley shakes the hand of Col. Kwenton Kuhlman,
Director of the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point on Mar. 24, 2022.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), an Army veteran and member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, joined other members of the New York state Assembly yesterday for a ceremony held in the chamber to honor cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point. An annual tradition within the state Assembly, this was the first West Point Day to take place in two years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The cadets of West Point embody the bright future of our nation, and every year we’re able to hold this ceremony I’m honored to have the opportunity to commend them for their dedication to our country and wish them well as future leaders within our military, our government and our communities,” said Hawley. “I was very happy to see West Point Day return to the chamber this year, and hope it will take place without further interruption in the future.”
HAWLEY RENEWS CALL FOR GOV. HOCHUL TO SUSPEND THE STATE GAS TAX
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is doubling down on his call for Gov. Hochul to suspend the state gas tax, as high gas prices continue to bear heavily on the budgets of working families. With some news sources reporting that the governor is instead considering providing New Yorkers with a gas rebate check, Hawley is rebuffing this proposal and insisting a suspension of the gas tax would be a more effective means of providing broad relief to consumers.
“When we talk about the impact of rising gas prices on consumers in New York, we need to bear in mind that nearly everything that makes it into a store gets there on a truck,” said Hawley. “The pain we feel at the pump radiates throughout our economy, and only by taking steps to directly lower the price of gasoline can we deliver meaningful relief to consumers and the businesses they patronize. Gov. Hochul has the power to do a lot of good for our state’s economy right now, so I sincerely hope she’ll address inflation at its roots by simply suspending the gas tax.”
HAWLEY JOINS ASSEMBLY MINORITY IN CALLING FOR NYS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT NON-CITIZEN VOTING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues today in calling for the passage of legislation (A.9095) which would amend the state Constitution to reserve the right to vote in state elections to American citizens.
Their push to pass the legislation comes in response to the passage of a policy by the New York City Council that allows non-citizens to vote in the city’s elections. Concerned that similar efforts could be undertaken in the future by progressive, activist lawmakers to implement such a policy at the state level, Hawley and his colleagues aim to bolster election integrity by passing this bill.
“The places we live, how we provide for ourselves and our families, and the laws we live by are molded by the elections that determine our representatives in government,” said Hawley. “Allowing people who are here illegally to have a say in our laws places criminals before law-abiding citizens. More than that, it will make it even more difficult to ensure the integrity of our elections, jeopardizing the faith people have in state government itself.”
HAWLEY WARNS AGAINST PASSAGE OF DANGEROUS, UNCONSTITUTIONAL AMMO TAX BILL
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is slamming proposed legislation (A.9563) that would establish an excise tax on ammunition purchased in the state, costing sportsmen an extra two to five cents per round. These funds would be deposited into a gun violence research fund, and while proponents of the legislation argue hunters and others who enjoy shooting sports should contribute to efforts that mitigate harm caused by firearms, Hawley argues such a tax would be an unconstitutional, onerous burden that infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers.
“If tomorrow it was proposed that the faithful be made to pay to freely worship, or that anyone who wanted to espouse a controversial opinion be taxed in order to mitigate the consequences of them doing so, such bills would be dismissed with disgrace,” said Hawley. “When we take our oaths of office to protect and defend our U.S. Constitution as state lawmakers, we make a commitment to defend the document in its entirety, so it’s a shame the Second Amendment has become something members of the Majority feel can be consciously ignored in their policymaking.
“While those in support of this bill argue that taxing ammunition by just a few cents a round does not place a substantive financial burden on sportsmen, the implementation of financial barriers of any kind to exercise constitutional rights sets a dangerous precedent that could enable the nickel-and-diming of our fundamental liberties in the future. This latest attempt to stifle criminality by inconveniencing the law-abiding may be the most dangerous we’ve seen in some time, and I’d encourage this bill’s sponsors to reflect deeply on the implications its enactment could have on the protection of their favored rights within our constitution.”
March 16, 2022
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 JOINS LAWMAKERS IN PROPOSING “INVEST IN VETS” PANDEMIC RELIEF PACKAGE TO SUPPORT VETERANS, VETERANS’ ORGS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) presents details of the “Invest in Vets” budget proposal alongside Americans Veterans (AMVETS) National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly on Thursday, March 10.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined his colleagues in the Assembly Minority today, as well as Americans Veterans (AMVETS) National Executive Director Joseph R. Chenelly, who the assemblyman had invited to speak, for a press conference proposing a much-needed pandemic relief package known as “Invest in Vets.” The proposal would invest $500 million within the New York State Budget to support services for veterans and veterans’ organizations, including $250 million in operational funding from the COVID-19 Public Health Response Fund and $250 million in capital funding for the State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) Program.
This package would support the Dwyer Peer Support Program for returning veterans, suicide prevention efforts, PTSD treatment and research, and many other endeavors in support of active duty and former military members. Notably, it would make funds available that could be used by veterans’ organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion to maintain their facilities. VFW Halls, American Legion Posts and similar gathering places are incredibly valuable community resources for veterans, providing them a chance to connect with other former service members who can provide them insight into their experiences transitioning to civilian life as well as the resources available to veterans locally.
“If our state budget is going to be one of the largest in the nation, the support we offer our veterans should be among the most comprehensive in the country, but unfortunately that is not the case,” said Hawley. “Today I call on my partners across the aisle in the Legislature and Gov. Hochul to include this critical funding package within this year’s final budget to better support our veterans and help connect them to local resources in their communities.”
HAWLEY JOINS ADVOCATES IN CALLING FOR INCREASED CHIPS FUNDING TO MAINTAIN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) called on Gov. Hochul and the Legislature today to increase funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS), Pave-NY, and the Extreme Winter Recovery Program. Hawley and other advocates supporting a funding increase argue that even though funding was increased for these programs last year, there is still much work to be done to ensure New York’s roads are safe for those who travel on them, and supply chains are able to keep moving as efficiently as possible.
“The well-being of our roads relates directly to the strength of our state’s economy and the safety of all who travel throughout it. This is especially important to consider when first responders are transporting patients and minutes matter,” said Hawley. “In these times, we must also bear in mind that by improving our roads, we will strengthen our supply chains–the slowing of which has weighed heavily on the wallets of our residents.
“Fixing potholes and making travel safe is something I believe lawmakers of all parties can come together to support. I’m hopeful we can get it done in this year’s budget.”
March 4, 2022
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.”
February 24, 2022
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.
February 14, 2022
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 AND MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY MINORITY WRITE LETTER TO HEASTIE IMPLORING HIM TO PRESERVE LIBRARY FUNDING
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has been joined by other members of the Assembly Minority in drafting a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie alerting him to their concerns regarding funding for libraries within the proposed executive budget. While the proposed budget does increase funding for library operating grants, Hawley and his colleagues were alarmed to see that the governor’s plan slashed capital funding for library construction projects by $20 million, a 59% cut from last year’s state budget.
In their letter, Minority members argue that since the executive budget proposes a 7.2% increase in school funds, library capital funding should be restored given the role libraries play in educating the public.
“Libraries are critical resources to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout New York state, providing our residents an equitable means of accessing information and technology vital to their success and happiness,” said Hawley. “A great equalizer for those willing to make the most of the opportunities they provide, we would be holding back the potential of our best and brightest New Yorkers by allowing library funding to be decimated as has been proposed by our governor. As someone who considers themselves a true believer in the American dream, I cannot overstate what a loss this cut would be for people with big ideas and limited personal resources.”
HAWLEY REACTS TO HOCHUL ANNOUNCEMENT ON END OF MASK MANDATES FOR BUSINESSES
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“The end of the mask mandate for businesses is a welcome development, but given what the data is telling us about the rapid decline in COVID-19 infections and what is being done in neighboring states that have otherwise maintained egregious and heavy-handed policies throughout the pandemic, it isn’t close to the announcement we would hope to hear. At this point it should be no question that the time for state-level mandates of any kind has come to an end and control of pandemic management should return to local governments and school districts.
“For rural communities like mine, mask mandates for healthy children in schools have done far more harm than good. Should educators and local administrators deem that such mandates aren’t needed, they should have the ability to make the best decision possible for the well-being of their students.”
HAWLEY DRAFTS LETTER AGAINST PROPOSED RULES GRANTING GOV. HOCHUL PERPETUAL EMERGENCY COVID POWERS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has joined fellow members of the Assembly Minority in drafting a letter to Gov. Hochul, Department of Health Commissioner Mary T. Bassett, and Department of Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa opposing a proposed change to New York state’s regulations that would empower the Department of Health and Department of Education to unilaterally implement mask mandates and other COVID-related edicts. Hawley argues this policy would essentially return emergency powers to Gov. Hochul in perpetuity, depriving the Legislature of its authority to design and implement such orders and the ability of local health departments to cater their pandemic response toward the unique circumstances faced by their communities.
“New Yorkers have been overwhelmingly calling for a return to normalcy and the implementation of this dystopian policy would be the farthest thing from that, forever granting Gov. Hochul the power to plunge our lives back into a state of chaos at her whim,” said Hawley “This proposal is an attempt by Hochul’s administration to feign concern for public health in order to claw power away from the people, their local governments and their elected representatives, and cannot be allowed to stand.”
February 1, 2022
HAWLEY WRITES LETTERS TO HOCHUL AND LABOR COMMISSIONER TO PREVENT IMPLEMENTATION OF FARM LABORER OVERTIME THRESHOLD
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), a former farmer and member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, has written a pair of letters to Gov. Kathy Hochul and Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon urging them to stop the implementation of a reduction in the farm labor overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours.
Last Friday, the Farm Laborers Wage Board voted 2-1 to lower the threshold. Power now rests with Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Reardon to enact the overtime threshold reduction.
“Farmers from all corners of our state have spoken about how dangerous this policy would be for them, for their families, and for their communities alike. The time has come for Gov. Hochul and Commissioner Reardon to decide whether they stand with farmers, or the special interests who’ve worked behind the scenes to advance this proposal,” said Hawley. “As the consequences of this decision have clearly been laid out for them, I sincerely hope they’ll recognize how disastrous this decision would be for farming as we know it in New York and take action to prevent its implementation.”
January 29, 2022
HAWLEY SLAMS FARM LABORERS WAGE BOARD DECISION TO LOWER OVERTIME THRESHOLD TO 40 HOURS
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."
January 25, 2022
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.”
January 11, 2022
HAWLEY JOINS SENATE AND ASSEMBLY MINORITIES IN CALLING FOR PASSAGE OF PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joins his colleagues from the Senate and Assembly Minorities, law enforcement and public safety advocates for a press conference on January 11th.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined members of the Senate and Assembly Minority Conferences, law enforcement and public safety advocates on Tuesday to call for the passing of anti-crime measures, following a rise in violence throughout New York state during the past two years.
The legislative conferences advocated for the restoration of judicial discretion to locally-elected judges, among several other proposals. Since the passage of bail reform in 2019, the ability of judges to hold lawbreakers they know to be dangerous to the community on bail has been heavily restricted. The state has seen a 46.7% increase in murders throughout the state from 2019 to 2020. Criminals released under the bail reform law have gone on to frequently reoffend, at times retaliating against victims mere hours after their pretrial release.
“If we want New York to be a place people want to live, start families and spend their money, it must first and foremost be a safe place,” said Hawley. “During our governor’s State of the State address, there was a glaring absence of any discussion of the marked rise in violence we’ve seen in our communities all across New York. So putting public safety back on the agenda for the upcoming legislative session is a priority for me and our conference as a whole.”
January 7, 2022
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
January 6, 2022
STATE OF THE STATE 2022: A CHANCE TO FORGE A NEW PATH TO PROSPERITY IN NEW YORK
A Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“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.”
YEAR IN REVIEW: LEARNING FROM THE LEGISLATURE’S MISTAKES TO BRING ABOUT A BRIGHTER DAY
A Column by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
Last year was certainly one for the books, though the reasons 2021 was so notable aren’t necessarily worth celebrating. Our governor resigned in disgrace, more of the businesses we love in our communities shuttered, taxes increased, prices increased and we passed a budget that cost us more than ever. All while doing less than ever to actually help working families. Throughout, we have also continued to contend with a pandemic that has worn on our economy and the fortitude of New Yorkers across the state, as some in government yet again consider mandates and lockdowns that would assuredly take a tremendous toll on our collective recovery.
I say this not to elicit feelings of doom or gloom but out of a hope, that by recognizing the mistakes made in state government this year, we can work together to rectify them and put our state on a path toward growth. The circumstances we face have often been described as “unprecedented,” so given the challenges before us, I feel that we have an opportunity to work collaboratively to deliver solutions many in the Legislature haven’t given a fair shake in the past.
To put it simply, I believe that the best way of fostering prosperity here in New York state is to unleash the power of its people by staying out of the way of their success. By creating a business climate that will attract the brightest minds our nation has to offer, and that will retain the talents we have. More than anything, we need to give people a reason to believe New York’s brightest days are still ahead.
Perhaps, most important, we must also ensure that people feel safe living and starting families here. To do so we must give our law enforcement and judiciary the tools they need to protect our neighborhoods. The end of the decay of our villages, towns and cities will begin with the rescinding of our state’s dangerous bail reform laws. These changes have tied the hands of our judges and empowered criminal elements to act with impunity, knowing that they will be released back onto the streets, even if they’re apprehended. In 2022, we must collectively recognize that bail reform was a mistake and restore law and order throughout New York.
Here in New York we’ve tried raising taxes, we’ve tried heavy-handed mandates and we’ve tried various police “reforms,” all to the detriment of our state’s public safety and prosperity. If there was ever a time for a change to give New Yorkers a chance to chase their dreams and lift up their communities in the process, that time is now. This year, let’s give New Yorkers a chance to control their own destinies, put an end to one-size-fits-all mandates and empower individuals and local governments to do what’s best for their families and the municipalities they know and love.
New Yorkers are the toughest and most industrious people in this entire country and they deserve a legal and economic climate that will allow them to unleash what they’re capable of onto the national and global marketplace. This year let’s make New York work for those who seek to better their lives and communities through hard work.
