November 25, 2014
WISHING ALL
A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING
As the holiday season approaches, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is wishing all families in his district and throughout the state a happy Thanksgiving. Hawley knows it is important to relax and enjoy time with loved ones at this time of year. He has also remarked that as we spend time with our families, it is important not to forget the servicemen and servicewomen who will spend Thanksgiving abroad protecting our nation.
“I wish everyone in my district and all New Yorkers a happy and safe Thanksgiving,” said Hawley. “Please take time over the next few days to reflect on what you are thankful for and appreciate the time to relax and spend with loved ones. During this week, I urge everyone to pause and think about our military personnel who have been lost defending our freedoms and the tremendous sacrifices active military personnel have made to spend Thanksgiving away from their families.”
Hawley continues to be a strong advocate for families and veterans. Through his service as ranking member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the many events that honor veterans throughout the year, Hawley considers honoring servicemen and servicewomen a top priority. Born and raised in Western New York, Hawley has deep-rooted ties to his family and his community which he demonstrates by emphasizing family, community and reflection this Thanksgiving and holiday season.
November 24, 2014
NEW WAY TO DISPOSE OF ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is advising his constituents about the new way consumers are required to dispose of electronic equipment. Starting January 1, 2015, the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act will require that consumers dispose of electronic equipment by either returning it to either the manufacturer or a designated New York State Waste Collection Site.
“There is now a new way that consumers are required to dispose of their electronic equipment. I want to make sure that my constituents are aware of this change to the law so they are in compliance,” said Hawley. “The new way electronics must be disposed of is simple and easy to understand and costs the consumer nothing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact my office and we will be happy to help.”
Under this law, there are two way to dispose of your electronics. The first way is the use the newly-required product manufacturer’s take-back program. A listing of manufacturers and how to contact them about the take-back program can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/82084.html. The second way you can drop off your electronics is at a designated New York State Waste Collection Site. A list of collection sites can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/ewcolsites.pdf. Call ahead to make sure the specific collection site is able to take back your specific piece of electronic equipment.
For more information about the new take-back program, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/66872.html. This includes a listing of electronic equipment that is covered by the program. If you have any questions or encounter any problems, call the DEC at 518-402-8706.
November 17, 2014
ELECTION RESULTS SHOW DEEP UPSTATE/DOWNSTATE DIVISION
Pushes “Two New Yorks” legislation to free Upstate New York
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), in response to the deep divide between upstate and downstate New York revealed in the recent elections, is renewing his push for his “Two New Yorks” legislation, numbered A00391. This legislation would permit counties to place an initiative on the ballot to poll citizens on whether or not they want to see New York separated into two states. Hawley believes this is an important first step toward true representation for upstate New York.
“These recent elections have made one thing clear: New York City has a tight grip on the electoral politics of this state, and it is not working for upstate New York. Longtime upstate New Yorkers are being driven out of the state they were raised in because of oppressive taxes and the lack of well-paying jobs,” said Hawley. “I’ll be making my ‘Two New Yorks’ legislation a top priority to find out if upstate New Yorkers want to take the step to separate from New York City and downstate interests.”
The upstate/downstate divide was made abundantly clear in this year’s gubernatorial elections, where Gov. Cuomo’s entire margin of victory came from New York City alone. He won New York City by 569,278 votes, but only won the election by 480,605 votes. This means that without New York City, he would have lost and New York’s next governor would be someone more aligned with the upstate priorities of lower taxes, a better business climate, and the restoration of Second Amendment rights.
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES START OF YOUNG FARMERS
LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation has begun accepting applications for the Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Program created in the 2014-15 State Budget. The program is designed to help the next generation of farmers get started in the business by making entry into the profession less expensive. It provides student loan forgiveness for young farmers who get a degree from an approved New York State college or university and agrees to operate a farm in New York for at least five years.
“This loan program is important to help keep agriculture the staple of upstate New York’s economy. I encourage any prospective young farmer to apply. This will help the young farmers who are breaking into the profession as well as our state as we look to improve our farming economy,” said Hawley.
More information about the Young Farmer’s Loan Forgiveness Program can be found at http://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/new-york-state-young-farmers-loan-forgiveness-incentive-program.html.
November 10, 2014
HAWLEY ANNOUNCING NEW ONLINE HIRING RESOURCE FOR VETERANS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing the release of a new online resource for veterans that will connect out of work veterans to temporary state employment opportunities. The Veteran’s Temporary Hiring Portal, which can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/vetportal/, allows veterans to upload their resumes so that state agencies can find candidates for open positions within their organization. Hawley calls the portal a positive step for veterans who are struggling to find employment in New York.
“As the ranking member of the Assembly’s Veterans Affairs Committee, I understand the difficulty that veterans face when they look for work after returning from deployment. This important resource will connect veterans with critical temporary work that will help them get by while they look for long term employment. With Veterans Day tomorrow, this is a good time to unveil a resource like this.”
November 10, 2014
Our nation’s prosperity has been secured by our nation’s veterans from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror. It is important that we take time to remember the sacrifices that veterans have made so that we understand the vigilance with which we must defend our freedoms. Along with my constituents and the rest of our nation, I express my heartfelt gratitude to our nation’s veterans for their sacrifice on our behalf.
November 7, 2014
HAWLEY THANKS CONSTITUENTS FOR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), who was re-elected on Tuesday with over 95% of the vote, is extending his gratitude to the people who have entrusted him to represent them for another two years. Hawley’s priorities for the next two years include creating a better business climate in Western New York that creates well-paying jobs and working to restore Second Amendment rights. Hawley issued the following statement:
“I am humbled by the overwhelming support that the people of the 139th Assembly District have shown me. I will continue to faithfully represent them by holding town halls across the district so that constituents have the chance to let me know what they want to see from our state and bringing those concerns to Albany. I look forward to keeping a good thing going representing the good people of Western New York for another two years.”
