November 25, 2015 ___ __
LET’S MAKE THANKSGIVING A SPECIAL TIME FOR EVERY FAMILY
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today issued comments on the Thanksgiving holiday and reiterated his support for organizations that help less-fortunate families cope with hunger and homelessness during this time of year. Hawley expressed concern for those who will not be able to afford a Thanksgiving feast this year and said hunger is still a serious problem in local communities.
“The Thanksgiving season is one for reflection and appreciation,” Hawley said. “As you sit down to enjoy a hot turkey or delicious dessert, please take a moment to reflect on those who are not able to enjoy the same privileges. This time of year, many families struggle with homelessness and hunger in our community, and that is unacceptable. But there are many local resources available to share our good fortune with those in need, and I urge my constituents, as well as all New Yorkers, to consider contributing to one of many fantastic organizations that aid the less fortunate.
- Contact your local food pantry at www.foodpantries.org.
- Foodlink hosts food drives and takes donations to support other hunger-relief agencies: http://foodlinkny.org/fight_hunger/ways-to-give/.
- The Salvation Army provides clothing, goods and comfort to those in need. Donate today by visiting http://empire.salvationarmy.org/.
- Sign up to donate a holiday basket to a needy family or volunteer at one of several rewarding activities through Community Action of Orleans and Genesee by visiting http://www.caoginc.org/.
- The Brockport Food Shelf serves local needy families. Make a donation by visiting http://www.brockportfoodshelf.org/.
If you know someone who needs assistance or needs help with a problem before it gets out of control, call 211 or visit www.211Lifeline.org to find local organizations that offer a wide array of support.
November 18, 2015 ___ __
LOCAL ISSUES REQUIRE LOCAL INPUT, VOICE YOUR OPINION ON THE LIGHTHOUSE WIND PROJECT
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today urged constituents to voice their opinions on the Lighthouse Wind, LLC project, which recently opened a public comment period that began November 18.
“The Lighthouse Wind, LLC project has the potential to have major economic and social implications for local residents,” Hawley said. “Wherever you fall on this issue, the most important thing is that your voice is heard. The 21-day comment period is now open and will close on December 9. Government is responsible to the citizens, and public comment and dissent is an integral and inherent part of our democratic process. I encourage all constituents to voice their comments at Lighthouse Wind, 310 4th St. NE, Suite 200, Charlottesville, VA 22902, and file a copy with the Secretary of the Department of Public Service.”
Hawley also reiterated his sponsorship of two bills aimed at increasing public input on local projects and strong opposition to Article X in order to give the local population greater representation in decisions that affect their community.
“As a result of my strong push for public input on local issues and staunch opposition to Article X, I am vehemently supporting two bills aimed at increasing public involvement in projects such as these. A.8545 would increase membership on the siting board from 7 to 9 members, increase the number of ad hoc members from 2 to 4, and require all ad hoc members to be present for a quorum.
“Another bill, A.8564, would require a public referendum to be held by the county or district where the project is located and mandate a certificate be issued for the proposal if the majority of voters are in favor of the project. Both of these bills increase public accessibility to local projects and create avenues for citizens to voice their concerns.”
November 18, 2015 ___ __
DANGEROUS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN A FREE PASS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that he has signed on as co-sponsor of the NY Cares Act-Sanctuary City Bill, legislation to strictly enforce federal immigration laws and prevent dangerous illegal immigrants from seeking sanctuary in our state and avoiding deportation. During the past four years, 121 illegal aliens committed murders after they were released from deportation hearings, despite having prior criminal records. The bill, A.8552, is being carried in the Senate by Sen. Tom Croci (R-Long Island).
“I am sponsoring this legislation because I believe protection of the citizens of this state should be our top priority,” Hawley said. “ISIS operatives already have made it clear that they intend to infiltrate our state and do harm to our men, women and children. By more strictly enforcing federal immigration policy, we can prevent violent immigrants from gaining sanctuary in our communities and deport those who are actively supporting terrorism or are sympathetic to radical Islamic views. We cannot afford to continue turning a blind eye to illegal immigrants for the purpose of cheap labor, leaving our communities vulnerable to dangerous criminals. The global war on terrorism requires a heightened level of security and restriction on our immigration policy, and that is exactly what this bill intends to do.”
November 17, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY CALLS ON CUOMO TO INCREASE SCREENING, CLOSE BORDERS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES ENTERING NEW YORK
In light of last weekend’s horrific terrorist attacks across Europe, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has called on Gov. Cuomo to increase New York’s screening process for allowing Syrian refugees into the state. Hawley expressed the urgency of this matter as authorities are investigating a Syrian Passport found near one of the French bombing sites after the weekend’s terrorist attacks. Twenty-five governors across the country have vowed to block Syrian refugees from entering their states as of this morning.
“This is a matter of New York State security,” Hawley said. “I am concerned that Syrian refugees sympathetic to the terrorist attacks could already be living among us, and we have a duty to protect our citizens from future threats. New York’s highly populated cities are easy targets for terrorists who are now more frequently attacking innocent civilians. The groundswell of support for this measure is growing by the hour, and 25 governors, including several moderate presidential candidates, already have pledged to close their borders until security is increased. I am officially calling on Gov. Cuomo to close our borders to Syrian refugees until we can properly ascertain threats inside our state and the remaining attackers have been apprehended.”
November 10, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY: VETERANS DAY, A DAY TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN US SO MUCH
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)
“We owe the men and women of the armed forces our sincere gratitude. Their courage and bravery have ensured that we remain a free nation and safe from threats, both foreign and domestic. As a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, as well as the son of a veteran, I know the sacrifices and determination it takes to serve in our country’s military. The U.S. is the greatest military power the world has ever seen, and that honor is owed in large part to the brave servicemen and women who have sustained our freedom over the past 239 years.
“As Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee, I have strived to give our veterans and active duty military members a voice in Albany. I beseech all my constituents and New Yorkers across the state to join me in celebrating Veterans Day on Wednesday by thanking a veteran and taking a moment to reflect on those who have perished while defending our freedoms.”
November 5, 2015 ___ __
HAWLEY NAMED TO FARM BUREAU’S 2015 “CIRCLE OF FRIENDS”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently named to the Farm Bureau’s 2015 “Circle of Friends.” The honor was given to state legislators who display a great deal of support for agricultural initiatives including voting for legislation the Farm Bureau supports and sponsoring bills favorable to the agriculture industry during the 2015 Legislative Session. Hawley has been named to the “Circle of Friends” every year since 2006.
“As the owner of our family-owned farm for many years, I know the importance of the agriculture industry to New York State’s economy,” Hawley said. “I am honored to once again be named to the Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends” and take pride in championing its causes in the legislature. Oftentimes, local farms are family-owned and their hard work ensures that fresh produce, poultry and beef are available to local vendors as well as across the state. In an industry where profits are not guaranteed year to year and flooding and drought are common, our farmers deserve our utmost support and consideration.”
Hawley served as President of the Genesee County Farm Bureau while operating his own farm and has served on the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee since 2006.
