January 29, 2016 ___ __
FUNDING AVAILABLE TO FARMERS FOR WATER QUALITY PROTECTION
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the state has made available $11 million in grants through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program to assist farmers with projects to protect soil and water.
“Much of New York’s economy is driven by agriculture, especially in Western New York,” said Hawley. “We must protect our resources and keep this essential industry growing. To do so, New York State has made $11 million available to farmers via a grant program through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program.”
These grants will be awarded to County Soil and Water Districts to implement best practices such as structural soil conservation practices and agricultural waste storage. The program is funded directly through the state Environmental Protection Fund.
January 26, 2016 ___ __
HAWLEY STANDS WITH TOWN OF YATES
AGAINST APEX WIND PROJECT
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“I will stand with the Town of Yates’ decision in opposition to the APEX Clean Energy Lighthouse, LLC project. The town’s recently passed resolution is a perfect example of local government having complete autonomy over local issues. Local residents, leaders and elected officials know what’s best for their particular municipality, and I believe that is a cornerstone of good government. I have always been a strong advocate for local control and will support the Town of Yates in its decision.”
January 25, 2016 ___ __
HAWLEY GIVES BACK TO VETS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced that he will host Operation Entrepreneurship, free business start-up training for veterans and military family members. The event will take place on Thursday, February 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Genesee Community College in room T119.
“As a veteran and small-business owner, I know firsthand the challenges and dedication it takes to succeed in both of these fields,” Hawley said. “I built my business from the ground up and am constantly evolving, evaluating and challenging myself to succeed in New York’s lackluster and competitive business climate. I look forward to meeting and working with veterans and their families who have an interest in starting and owning their own business because the American dream is alive and well, and I want to help people realize it.”
The event is being sponsored by the Small Business Association (SBA) and topics covered will include introduction to business ownership, finding the right idea, introduction to business planning, understanding market research, choosing the correct legal entity and other issues. SBA Buffalo District Office Director, Franklin J. Sciortino, also praised the event’s merits.
“The SBA supports our veterans, service members and military families through a number of initiatives,” said Sciortino. “The Operation Entrepreneurship program creates an opportunity for our veterans to learn how to start up in a day, discover resources available to support their business success, and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs.”
WHAT: Operation Entrepreneurship – Free entrepreneurship training for veterans and military family members
WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
WHEN: Thursday, February 4
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Genesee Community College
Room T119,
1 College Rd.
Batavia, NY 14020
**To register, contact Greg Lindberg at 716-551-5670 or visit www.events.sba.gov**
January 22, 2016 ___ __
SNOWMOBILE SEASON IS HERE, UPCOMING SAFETY COURSE FOR YOUTH
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the New York State Police will hold a snowmobile safety course for New Yorkers aged 10 to 18 on February 6, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hamlin Beach State Park Conference Room in Hamlin. State law requires that all youth, ages 10 to 18, must possess a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile anywhere except family-owned or leased land.
“While Western New York winters can be particularly harsh, they can also be great fun for snowmobile enthusiasts,” Hawley said. “As easy as it seems to operate a snowmobile, I remind constituents that these can be dangerous machines that have taken lives. It is imperative that residents under the age of 18 receive their snowmobile safety certificate for their own and others’ safety. I encourage all interested young residents to attend this course on February 6. Have fun and enjoy the snow.”
WHAT: Snowmobile Safety certification course
WHEN: February 6, 2016, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE: Hamlin Beach State Park Conference Room, Hamlin
WHO: New Yorkers aged 10 to 18
**Remember to bring a lunch**
January 20, 2016 ___ __
YOUR PATH TO A QUICKER REFUND – LEARN HOW TO E-FILE
With the deadline to file federal taxes quickly approaching, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has announced a series of workshops coming to his district that will help constituents learn how to electronically file their taxes. A listing of the events, hosted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, has been included. The workshops will take place in Batavia and Corfu.
“Filing taxes electronically saves residents time and money and also yields a considerably quicker refund,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, the error rate for e-filed returns is 20 times lower than for paper returns and your refund can be directly deposited right into your bank account. I am excited to announce these upcoming workshops that run from January 25 to April 12 and encourage all of my constituents to attend to learn how to prepare and file your taxes for free.”
Ninety-two percent of New Yorkers file their taxes electronically and if your combined income for 2015 did not exceed $62,000, you can e-file for no charge. To learn more about e-filing, please visit www.tax.ny.gov.
January 19, 2016 ___ __
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES WOMEN’S EQUALITY BILLS OFFICIALLY BECOME LAW TODAY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) celebrates planks of the Women’s Equality Agenda that became law today
“I am honored to announce that historic measures to protect New York’s women from things like domestic violence and workplace discrimination have become law today,” Hawley said. “My colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority Conference worked tirelessly to ensure that these individual bills came to the floor for a vote. While members of the Assembly Majority used this issue as campaign rhetoric, we continued our unwavering support and never lost sight of the importance to our state’s women. I am proud to be part of this memorable day and will continue to lead the fight on women’s rights.”
HAWLEY TOURS U.S. GYPSUM PLANT IN OAKFIELD, TOUTS SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) (pictured center) poses with employees of the U.S. Gypsum plant in Oakfield
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) visited the U.S. Gypsum Plant in Oakfield Thursday as part of his ongoing local business tours. Hawley, a small-business owner for over four decades, commended U.S. Gypsum on its unwavering commitment to safety and dedication to its employees, 30 percent of whom have worked at the plant for over 25 years. U.S. Gypsum has won numerous MSHA Sentinels of Safety Mining Awards and was named one of the safest companies in 2015 by EHS Today Magazine.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) (pictured far left) commends employees at the Oakfield U.S. Gypsum plant for their strict adherence to safety
“I was impressed by the safety procedures and precautions in place at the Oakfield plant, and the large number of employees who have been there for over 25 years and are multi-generational employees of the company,” Hawley said. “This speaks to their presence in the local community and U.S. Gypsum’s devotion to its employees. It is important that young people remember that trade or factory work can open many doors for a fulfilling career, and companies such as U.S. Gypsum are always seeking employees who are looking to build a career in the skilled trades.
“As impressive as its safety measures is U.S. Gypsum’s ongoing effort to stay environmentally friendly. I was amazed to learn that the Oakfield plant is completely energy efficient, burning natural gas and selling off the excess. Furthermore, its products are made with 100 percent recycled paper. U.S. Gypsum is a shining example of a well-functioning company that cares about more than just its bottom line, and that is commendable.”
January 13, 2016 ___ __
GOV. LATE ON SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF, LITTLE AID FOR UPSTATE INFRASTRUCTURE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) Statement on 2016 State of the State and Executive Budget Address
“While Gov. Cuomo touted his plan to help small businesses today, the fact is that the Assembly Minority has been calling for small business tax cuts and regulatory reform for years. As a small-business owner for over four decades, I know that creating jobs and growing our economy starts with curbing New York’s tax structure, which has continuously been ranked worst in the nation.
“The governor’s proposal outlines a great deal of spending, particularly downstate. It is misguided and destructive to neglect our failing upstate roads and bridges. Projects like the Tappan Zee rebuild, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Long Island Rail Road should not take precedence over Western New York bridges, roads and highways, which are literally crumbling in some cases.
“Rather than trying to limit outside income as the governor proposed, the legislature should have a tighter schedule, stricter deadlines and cut salaries so that citizens become involved in politics for the right reasons. Many legislators used to be farmers, as the governor mentioned, so maybe we should actually work like farmers.”
January 12, 2016 ___ __
ASSEMBLY MAJORITY DEFEATS GOP ETHICS REFORMS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) (pictured center) attends a press conference in Albany today calling for increased accountability and transparency in government
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today introduced one of 17 resolutions aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in state government at a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua) in Albany. Hawley proposed requiring a two-thirds majority of the house to pass a message of necessity, but all of the 17 reform measures were defeated by the Assembly Majority during today’s Legislative Session.
“It is unacceptable that these reforms were unanimously defeated by the Assembly Majority, especially after the slew of corruption cases that stained Albany last year,” Hawley said. “Our top priority should be restoring faith in government and increasing our openness and transparency but it has become clear that the Assembly Majority does not care at all about ethics reform.”
“I have been an outspoken opponent of messages of necessity because they are the antithesis to good government and usually accompany controversial legislation such as the SAFE-Act. All legislation should be properly vetted and debated before a vote is taken, but messages of necessity rob us of that procedural safeguard. Until we make major changes to how the house functions, we run the risk of entrenched corruption continuing in Albany.”
Assemblyman Hawley Speaks Against Messages of Necessity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hroEnLTDULA
Assemblyman Hawley on Ethics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1UUbNwxNj4
January 6, 2016 ___ __
HAWLEY DEFENDS GUN OWNERS, DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
“President Obama’s Executive Action to increase background checks and toughen licensing requirements for firearms sales is misguided, ignores the democratic process and is the wrong approach for many areas of the country, including Western New York. While I agree that gun safety is a salient concern, rushing through new requirements and stipulations is contrary to our country’s principles of democracy and populous support.
“It is a poor reflection on our state’s leadership that Gov. Cuomo has praised Obama for abusing Presidential Powers. Gov. Cuomo has a lackluster record on properly vetting important issues as we saw with the SAFE-Act and minimum wage. No executive should be abusing his authority as a way to side-step a legislature that, in large part, does not support these initiatives.
“President Obama’s actions place a heavy financial and social burden on law-abiding firearm owners in exchange for pursuit of his ideological agenda. Western New York is filled with legal firearm owners who love to hunt, target shoot and buy, sell and trade firearms. Furthermore, rural citizens use firearms for home protection, especially in places where police are many miles away. The founding of our nation and the 2nd Amendment are inextricably linked and should never be suppressed in exchange for one man’s political pursuits.”
