August 27, 2018
HAWLEY AGAIN CALLS FOR CUOMO TO REMOVE ILLEGAL THRUWAY SIGNS
Gov. Cuomo pledged to remove the blue I Love-NY signs from across New York’s Thruway system by summer’s end.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is again calling on Gov. Cuomo to remove the illegal blue I Love-NY Thruway signs before the state loses the ability to recoup the $14 million it was fined this winter. The Cuomo administration previously installed the signs despite knowing they were against federal highway codes. New York has until Sept. 30 to remove all the signs.
“This charade has gone on far too long. New York taxpayers are already down over $8 million for these bogus signs, and if the governor doesn’t accept reality and take them down by the Sept. 30 deadline, taxpayers will be down another $14 million,” Hawley said.
“The governor can put up all the signs he wants but the reality is that his policies have perpetuated the highest taxes in the nation and are rotting upstate New York from the inside out. That is why no one wants to move here,” Hawley continued.
“It is bad enough that many of these signs were not even built in our state, using our tax money to bolster jobs in Arkansas, but the fact is that the governor knew these signs were illegal and he put them up anyway. We have about four weeks to comply, but if he takes them down with the same urgency as he did to put them up, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
July 27, 2018
HAWLEY CONDEMNS GOV. CUOMO’S MOVE GIVING PEDOPHILES ACCESS TO SCHOOLS
In response to a stunning decision by Gov. Cuomo earlier this week to pardon 77 sexual predators, many of whom are convicted rapists and pedophiles deemed to dangerous to live among the general public, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is condemning the decision and calling for the ban of any such person from a school setting under any circumstance.
“As I said earlier this year when Gov. Cuomo began pardoning convicted murderers and arsonists, this is the most egregious and dangerous abuse of power I’ve seen in my time as a lawmaker,” Hawley said. “But apparently the lengths to which this governor will go to garner votes knows no bounds as we have learned that dozens of dangerous predators and pedophiles were also pardoned.”
With Gov. Cuomo pardoning dozens of sexual predators, the possibility exists that they will be allowed to enter schools after a certain time and with a Superintendent’s permission if that is their polling place.
“These depraved criminals should never see the light of day, especially to exercise our nation’s most cherished right, which was justly stripped from them. At the very least they should be given an absentee ballot and never allowed to vote in or near a school,” Hawley continued. “We have already learned that taxpayers are paying for parole officers to assist felons in registering to vote, but who is going to pay for transportation for them to and from their polling place? Taxpayers should never be on the hook for the radical decisions of one man in his endless pursuit of power and ambition.”
July 19, 2018
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT CHANGES TO LEGISLATION
TO HELP BREWERIES, WINERIES AND DISTILLERS
Today, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced that a bill passed earlier this year aimed at helping local breweries and distilleries attain tax-exempt status when doing various sampling events in New York state (A.11203) will be amended to become congruent with current law.
Under the current version of the bill, a portion of the legislation restricts anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 from serving alcohol, which is contrary to current state law. Hawley announced the legislature has agreed to pass a chapter amendment resolving this issue before the bill is signed into law.
“It is extremely important to our producers, wineries, distilleries and breweries, who host many tasting and sampling events, that employees under the legal drinking age are still allowed to work at these events,” said Hawley. “Furthermore, this legislation provides a great boost to local businesses and tax credits will be available to New York producers who offer tastings on their own premises. I hope these sales tax exemptions will help boost economic growth in our state and encourage new businesses to open here as well. The bill will not be sent to the governor until the end of the year, but I’m pleased by its widespread support. I’d like to thank the sponsors of this legislation for dedication to helping and promoting our state’s businesses.”
June 27, 2018
HAWLEY DENOUNCES GOV. CUOMO’S USE OF MORE TAXPAYER-FUNDED RESOURCES FOR ILLEGALS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today condemned the Cuomo administration’s recent announcement that more taxpayer-funded resources across a wide array of departments will be available to illegal immigrants in New York state. The announcement is another staple in Gov. Cuomo’s recent history of sparring with the federal government on a host of policy issues.
“While I believe it is always the best policy to keep families together, I am concerned about continual use of taxpayer-funded resources being dolled out by the Cuomo administration to individuals here illegally,” Hawley said. “Instead of state leaders engaging in useless political quarreling and grandstanding we should be using those resources to better empower Child Protective Services and the Department of Social Services to protect the needy and less fortunate children that have already suffered in our state.”
Gov. Cuomo has recently called himself “undocumented” in recent weeks and boasted about the success of his signature Liberty Defense Project, a multi-million dollar taxpayer-funded program, signed into law last year, which offers legal defense and counsel for illegals facing deportation.
“Our state agencies and departments are already working at full capacity to help law-abiding citizens and to think Gov. Cuomo is pushing them to the wayside to help illegals is deeply regrettable,” Hawley continued. “We need to end the billions of dollars in unnecessary expenses forced upon local governments so agencies working at the local level can realize more resources to care for our children. The priorities of this administration are extremely out of control and continue to endanger middle-class New York by the day.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES $13.9 MILLION IN LOCAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
Funding will improve operating assistance, transit buses, facilities and services in Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that millions in transportation upgrades have been awarded to the 139th Assembly District which includes funds to replace three transit buses and one bus shelter in Genesee County, improve operating functionality in Monroe County and the purchase of a new bus facility in Orleans County.
“Our local public transportation system is crucial to maintaining a strong and bustling community for all walks of life,” Hawley said. “With all the difficulties of traffic, parking and expenses of commuting for oneself, public transportation is extremely important to many residents of Western New York. Thousands of people rely on our buses to travel to work, go shopping and travel around the district, and many school age and college students need reliable transportation to and from campus. I am pleased to announce that this funding will be injected into our local transportation system and look forward to a more seamless commute for our residents.”
June 14, 2018
HAWLEY QUESTIONS CUOMO MANDATE THAT GOV’T EMPLOYEES HELP
EX-FELONS REGISTER TO VOTE ON STATE TIME
A garbage outside a parole office where parolees have discarded their voter registration forms after given to them by Parole Officers.
According to information obtained by Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), Acting Commissioner Anthony Annucci of New York State Corrections and Community Supervision, a department under Gov. Cuomo, has issued a memo directing all department parole officers to begin presenting newly pardoned felons with voter registration forms, help them complete the process of registering to vote and help them locate the local Board of Elections during the course of their taxpayer-funded duties.
In a memo obtained by Hawley that was circulated to department heads, it states “…the Parole Officer must also provide the recipient (of the pardon certificate) with the NYS Voter Registration Form and the NYS Voting Rights form…The Parole Officer must be prepared to assist the parolee with filling out the registration form and the Parole Officer is responsible for providing information regarding the location of the local Board of Elections.”
“This is the most outlandish abuse of power and taxpayer-funded resources I’ve witnessed in my time as a legislator,” Hawley said. “Gov. Cuomo is using state employees as campaign workers to register recently paroled felons to vote. Absolutely outrageous.”
The memo dictates detailed instructions for corrections employees on how to execute pardons and help parolees register to vote and does not specify that this be done outside the purview of their official, taxpayer-funded duties.
“This governor continues to use our money as his money and there seems to be no bound to how autocratic his tenure has become,” Hawley continued. “It’s very possible that there is added pressure on Parole Officers to hit some sort of ‘quota’ on registrations ahead of the governor’s upcoming gubernatorial primary.”
June 13, 2018
CUOMO AND GOV’T ELITISTS USING YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO LIVE THE HIGH LIFE
As the result of years of inaction by the Cuomo administration to clean up Albany’s widespread bid-rigging and pay-to-play paradigm, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is making a late push for legislation that would provide greater accountability, transparency and safeguarding into the state’s economic development spending.
“New York no longer offers fair opportunity for the best, brightest and hardest working, as state leaders only offer opportunities and favoritism to whoever can satisfy their itching palm,” Hawley said.
Following a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua), Hawley and a host of his Assembly Republican colleagues are blasting the state’s corrupt programs like START-UP NY and the illegal I Love NY signs and arguing that strict auditing, deadlines and oversight must accompany any further spending in these initiatives.
“It has become abundantly clear in New York that in order to do business with the state, you have to know someone, be politically connected or make a large campaign contribution,” Hawley continued.
“This is taxpayer money that belongs to our hardworking families, and I am calling for an immediate cease, audit and analysis of all state economic development spending to ensure that state leaders are playing by the rules.”
June 5, 2018
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be hosting a free electronic recycling event for local residents on Saturday, June 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the parking lot of 5130 East Main St. in Batavia. The event gives residents an opportunity to recycle old electronic devices such as computers, cell phones and televisions in an environmentally conscious manner.
“This has been a tremendously successful event in the past and a useful way for local residents to get rid of unusable bulky electronic devices in a safe and environmentally-friendly way,” Hawley said. “It is important that we keep in mind how consumerism affects the environment and realize that we have an obligation to future generations to leave our planet a cleaner place than we found it. I encourage all interested residents to come out on the 23rd and I look forward to seeing you there!”
**Items Accepted: Computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, audio/video, small electronic devices
*Limit of 4 tube televisions per car
WHO: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
WHAT: Free Electronics Recycling Event
WHEN: Saturday, June 23
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: Parking Lot of 5130 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY (Next to National Grid)
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES PEMBROKE AND OAKFIELD-ALABAMA SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO RECEIVE TECHNOLOGY, SECURITY UPGRADES THROUGH SMART SCHOOLS INVESTMENT PLAN
As part of the $2 billion Smart School Bond Act that was approved by voters in 2014, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that both Pembroke and Oakfield-Alabama Central School Districts will be receiving funding to make technology and security upgrades in their schools.
“Technology is ever-changing and that means the way our students learn must be ever-changing and adaptable as well. The whole idea behind the Smart Schools Investments was to provide a higher quality of education for our students and bring every classroom up to par with the digital age of tablets, lap top computers, whiteboards and high-speed wireless internet access,” Hawley said.
In addition to technology and internet capabilities, a portion of the funding will be allotted to high-tech security upgrades. Hawley wrote Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie earlier this year asking for $50,000 per school statewide to hire armed resource officers. Furthermore, he recently introduced legislation that would make it easier for school districts to hire armed security personnel.
“The safety and security of our students is preeminent and I am glad some of this funding will go toward technological security upgrades,” Hawley continued. “Our students, teachers and faculty deserve to feel safe and protected from the moment they step inside a school and that starts with taking a proactive approach.”
May 25, 2018
HAWLEY COMMEMORATES MEMORIAL DAY
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“This Monday is dedicated to the countless men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom and way of life. The American dream is uniquely cherished and we owe our gratitude to the veterans who courageously defended it throughout our nation’s history.
“As a veteran, son of a World War Two veteran and member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee for many years, our servicemen and servicewomen have always held a special place in my heart and are an inspiration for me to keep fighting in Albany.
“As you are enjoying this special day with family and friends, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on those who have given their lives so future generations can live free and thank a veteran in your life for their service. Lastly, always remember to be safe and responsible when driving but, most importantly, have a happy Memorial Day!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii5hWaifYa0&feature=youtu.be
HAWLEY OPTIMISTIC FOR NEW LEGISLATION ON SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS, CHARITABLE GAMING AS LEGISLATURE ENTERS HOME STRETCH
When the Legislature returns from Memorial Day break, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be garnering support and fighting for new legislation he is optimistic will move forward before the Legislature adjourns for summer break beginning in late June.
Hawley has amended legislation to further expand rights for charitable gaming organizations such as churches, fire departments and not-for-profits to build on the successes of the Charitable Gaming Act that became law last year. Hawley’s bill would allow raffle tickets sold on the internet to be purchased by any resident regardless of their location. Current law only allows for raffle sales in the county by which the charitable organization is operating or any contiguous county.
“This is about continuing to modernize our antiquated charitable gaming laws and allowing the wonderful organizations that conduct these raffles to sell tickets all over the state,” Hawley said. “There are tens of thousands of churches, fire departments, non-profits, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs across New York that are struggling to still provide great community resources while dealing with these outdated regulations.”
On the heels of Barbara Underwood’s appointment to fill the last several months of Eric Schneiderman’s term as New York attorney general, Hawley is making a renewed push for legislation that would return power to the voters in the case New York’s comptroller or attorney general resigns or passes away. Currently, the Legislature has the power to hand-pick candidates to fill these vacancies no matter how long of a term is left to serve, while Hawley’s bill would require a statewide election.
“We have seen far too many statewide elected officials leave office in disgrace, and setting aside the need for more honest government officials, the citizens of this state should always have the supreme right to elect who they wish, not the Legislature,” Hawley said. “This legislation is about protecting our democratic process and sanctity of elections, and I am hopeful it will gain much support after recent events.”
Following the string of deadly school shootings in recent months, Hawley has introduced new legislation that would allow school districts to employ retired police officers as school safety officers and continue to receive their retirement benefits. In March, Hawley sent a public letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie requesting $50,000 for each school across the state to hire resource officers.
“This is about priorities, and I cannot think of a priority more preeminent than the safety and security of our students,” Hawley said. “My bill includes $50,000 in state funding per school to offset the cost of hiring security officers and an increase of the cap for retired police officers who are receiving a pension in order for them to earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.”
May 21, 2018
HAWLEY WELCOMES LOCAL VETERANS TO ATTEND 11TH ANNUAL PATRIOT TRIP
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)[center] poses with veterans of the U.S. Air Force at a memorial honoring Air Force veterans during last year’s Patriot Trip to Washington D.C.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 11th annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. will take place September 20 – September 23, 2018. Over 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2017 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans. Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.
Only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After August 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139th Assembly District may apply. The approximate cost of the trip is $400, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.
“The Patriot Trip is one of my favorite events throughout the year,” Hawley said. “This trip was inspired by Mike Paduzak, a World War Two veteran, who asked me to come together with local veterans and host a trip to Washington D.C. Through the experiences of my father, veterans I have met during previous year’s trips, and my own service in the military, I have gained a tremendous understanding and admiration for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”
Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:
White House
U.S. Capitol
WWII Memorial
Gettysburg
Korean War Memorial
Vietnam War Memorial
Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Air Force Memorial
911 Memorial at the Pentagon
Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns
If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip XI, please call 585-589-5780 or email [email protected]. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.
HAWLEY WELCOMES ATTICA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY HONOR GUARD & GENESEE EMERGENCY MGT. COORDINATOR TIM YEAGER TO ALBANY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [far right] poses with members of the Attica Correctional Facility’s Honor Guard
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) had the pleasure yesterday of welcoming members of the Attica Correctional Facility’s Honor Guard to the Assembly Chamber this week. The dedicated group protects the public from some of the most dangerous criminals housed in Attica Prison, located on the border of Hawley’s district in the town of Attica.
“The brave men and women who patrol our prisons are an unforgettable part of our community’s law enforcement apparatus, and the dangers they face each day cannot be overstated,” Hawley said. “The legacy and professionalism of the Honor Guard precedes itself, and I was pleased to have met these selfless individuals. I will always be their voice in Albany.”
Hawley also had the pleasure of welcoming Genesee Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yeager to the Assembly Chamber.
Hawley poses with Genesee County Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yeager in the Assembly Chamber
“It was my pleasure to welcome Genesee County’s Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yeager to Albany Tuesday and recognize the crucial role he plays in responding to accidents, natural disasters and keeping our residents out of harm’s way,” Hawley said. “When calamity strikes, Tim always remains cool and collected under pressure, and I admire his work on behalf of all of Genesee County. It was truly a pleasure honoring him in Albany.”
May 10, 2018
HAWLEY COMMEMORATES WEST POINT MILITARY ACADEMY IN ALBANY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) shakes hands with Brigadier General Cindy Jebb, 14th Dean of the Academic Board of the United States Military Academy at West Point
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) honored cadets and officers from The United States Military Academy in West Point today in Albany. Hawley, who serves on the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee, is a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.
“West Point Day is always a special celebration in Albany and we are so fortunate to have some of the finest recruits and soldiers in the world right here training in our state,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I know the great sacrifices our military members undertake and that drives me to be a strong advocate on their behalf in the legislature. Measure like free state park passes and fishing permits and reduced highway tolls are simple displays of gratitude we should be implementing for our veterans and active duty members. I enjoyed meeting the cadets and leadership of West Point today and wish them the best in their careers.”
May 1, 2018
HAWLEY DELIVERS FOR AREA MOTORISTS, SECURES NEEDED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS FOR ROADS BATTERED BY EXTREME WINTER WEATHER
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced new funding to repair and resurface two critical roadways which were damaged by extreme weather conditions this winter.
“Reliable infrastructure is so important. It’s worth the investment,” said Hawley. “Bus drivers transporting our kids to school, hardworking parents commuting to work and seniors getting to appointments deserve to travel on safe, sound roads. Revitalizing our infrastructure is an investment in public safety, in economic development and in a stronger middle class.”
Hawley secured $1 million to resurface Route 31 in the Village of Albion in Orleans County. He delivered another $1 million to resurface Route 19 from Randall Road to Route 33 in Genesee County.
In recent years, Hawley has worked with his colleagues to secure a 40 percent increase in state aid for local infrastructure projects.
“We still have tremendous unmet infrastructure needs at the local level, and our message has been that the state needs to step in and really invest in this. That’s why I’m so pleased to deliver this funding, and why I’m going to continue to be a tireless advocate for providing New Yorkers with 21st Century infrastructure,” said Hawley.
