December 30, 2019
HAWLEY ENCOURAGES COLLABORATION, PROGRESS IN 2020
“The end of 2019 does not represent a time of closure but rather a time for new hope, new opportunity and the fulfillment of long-standing aspirations. It is a symbolic time to set new goals, raise your standards and put failures and disappointment behind you. Although we must always look forward, it is important to reflect on what we have accomplished this year and all that we have to be thankful for. In doing so, we can evaluate what we have achieved and push ourselves even further professionally, personally and physically to even greater limits next year.
“The division in our state and our nation is troubling. Politics shouldn’t be a perpetual competition as much as it should be about listening, collaboration and compromise. New York has taken on a stark progressive character the last year under one-party leadership and although I disagree with many of the current policies, I will continue to extend the olive branch in 2020 and forge a bond with elected officials as fellow New Yorkers first, not Republicans or Democrats.
“Next year’s election cycle is sure to be contentious, but we will heal as a nation by always remembering to listen, respect and be kind to others.
“If you are out celebrating the New Year with family and friends and choose to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly and always take advantage of the great ride-sharing and taxi services we have locally. We need to all do our part this time of year to keep our drivers and passengers safe.
“On behalf of all the constituents of the 139th Assembly District and fellow New Yorkers alike, I wish everyone and their families a happy and safe New Year!”
December 11, 2019
HAWLEY TO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER: NOT EVERYONE BELIEVES IN RAISING TAXES
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) issues the following statement regarding Bronx Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s comments that “For us in the Assembly, we always believe in raising revenue.”
“Speaker Heastie is dead wrong – maybe his downstate allies support raising taxes but millions of residents and small businesses across our state do not. In fact, it seems like only the Speaker and his New York City colleagues are the ones intent on making New York less affordable and exiling more of our neighbors to less expensive states.
“Albany’s fiscal woes can be summed up very easily – a lack of revenue isn’t the problem, reckless spending is. I’ve said for years that the state welfare program is out of control and it is unfortunate that Assembly leadership let the program balloon, to the tune of $6 billion over budget, instead of addressing the issue years ago.
“Bottom line, Speaker Heastie, along with Gov. Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Stewart Cousins, is directly responsible for growing our budget beyond control.
“Taxpayer money is just that – the taxpayer’s money, not a mechanism to right Albany’s runaway fiscal ship and certainly not something the Speaker should be taking lightly. Families are still struggling to pay the bills as expenses continue to rise, and I will fight to prevent any further tax increases on our residents.”
PUBLIC FINANCING TURNS CAMPAIGNS INTO FULL-TIME CASH GRABS
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the public financing commission’s recommendations issued last week
“We have the highest taxes in the nation and now Albany insiders have stacked the deck even further against taxpayers, handing out another $100 million of your money to political candidates so they buy loads of robocalls, billboards and television commercials – an absolute disgrace.
“It’s truly cowardice of Albany leadership to kick such a controversial topic to an outside commission instead of allowing a full debate and vote where lawmakers actually had to take responsibility for creating such a wasteful and unnecessary system.
“Replacing ‘big money’ in politics with taxpayer money does not solve the problem, it only exacerbates a corrupt Albany culture.
“Furthermore, the commission has put minor parties on life support, forcing residents into two camps, Republican or Democrat, and further dividing our state. Gov. Cuomo’s personal war with the Working Families Party robs voters of choice and will certainly disenfranchise those who want a third-party candidate.
“Once again, special interests in Albany have gone too far by overhauling a system behind closed doors, out of public view. I am calling on Gov. Cuomo to bring us back to Albany for a special session before January 1 to fix these disastrous new regulations.”
November 25, 2019
PERSPECTIVE AND APPRECIATION ACHIEVED THROUGH GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
With Thanksgiving and the subsequent holiday season on the horizon, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging residents to consider donating some food or their time to a local food pantry or organization to help those who are less fortunate enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.
“It gives us perspective and appreciation to set aside time this week to reflect on all the good fortune and success we’ve had throughout the year and visit with family and friends who we may only see during this special time,” Hawley said. “As you’re enjoying Thanksgiving and the holiday season, please remember that many of our neighbors are struggling. Taking the time to lift them up and offer encouragement will make us all stronger as a community.
“Something as simple as a couple of cans of food or a box of stuffing will mean so much to a local family, and I encourage everyone who is able to donate a couple of items or their time to one of our local food pantries or organizations which do tremendous work this time of year,” Hawley said.
Visit http://www.foodpantries.org/st/newyork to find a food pantry or donate to one of our local options here in Western New York:
Genesee County Food Pantries:
Salvation Army
529 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY
Community Action of Orleans and Genesee
5073 Clinton St. Road, Batavia, NY
(585) 343-7798
Le Roy Pantry and Help Fund, Inc.
48 Main Street, Le Roy, NY
(585) 768-4559
Orleans County:
Orleans Community Action
409 E State St, Albion, NY 14411
(585) 589-5605
Monroe County:
Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf
59 Henry Street, Hilton Community Center
Hilton, NY 14468
(585) 234-2090
Life Solutions of Hamlin Inc.
1696 Lake Road., Hamlin
(585) 964-7420
Brockport Food Shelf
14 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420
Albion: http://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ny-albion
Holley: http://www.foodpantries.org/city.php?city=Holley&st=NY
Lyndonville: http://www.foodpantries.org/city.php?city=Lyndonville&st=NY
HAWLEY PUSHING FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS STATEWIDE FOLLOWING ALBION THREAT
Following the stifled plot of three middle school students in Albion who intended to conduct a violent attack inside their school, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reiterating a call for armed School Resource Officers (SROs) to be present inside every school in New York state. The School Resource Officer assigned to Albion Central School District helped thwart the planned attack after receiving information from school officials about a threatening message posted on the app Discord.
Hawley’s legislation, A.3732, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, would mandate that all School Resource Officers are properly trained veterans or retired law enforcement and provides $50,000 in state grants to each school district that hires a SRO. Hawley wrote Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie during 2018 budget negotiations asking for funding for each school statewide to hire more armed security following the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“I applaud the work of local law enforcement and teachers in Albion for stopping this plan and thank them for their vigilance. The situation at Albion Middle School proves that increased security measures are absolutely necessary in schools across the state. This is a wake-up call that these dangers are very real, and tomorrow we may be faced with a different outcome,” Hawley said. “I will continue pushing for each school around the state to be given grant funding to hire at least one armed School Resource Officer. We cannot place a cost on the safety of our children and our teachers.”
HAWLEY BLASTS SENATE BILL ALLOWING PRISON INMATES TO VOTE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) responds to legislation introduced by Sen. Kevin Parker, S.6821, that would allow locked up felons the right to vote.
“This is a shameful display of governance that’s insulting not only to law-abiding citizens across New York, but members of law enforcement and the criminal justice system who worked diligently to get these dangerous predators off the street.
“We are a nation of laws, but it has become crystal clear that New York City politicians believe those laws shouldn’t apply to illegal aliens, criminals or prison inmates – all of which should be held accountable and should face punishments.
“The challenges facing our state are vast and diverse, but none of them should include making life easier for rapists, murderers and pedophiles. First it was free ipads for prisoners, next it was voting rights for parolees, then it was no bail requirement for accused drug dealers and felons, and now voting rights for inmates.
“There’s a runaway train in New York tossing giveaways and luxuries to criminals, inmates and illegals and its being conducted by Gov. Cuomo and New York City radicals.”
November 14, 2019
HAWLEY PUSHING FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS STATEWIDE FOLLOWING ALBION THREAT
Following the stifled plot of three middle school students in Albion who intended to conduct a violent attack inside their school, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reiterating a call for armed School Resource Officers (SROs) to be present inside every school in New York state. The School Resource Officer assigned to Albion Central School District helped thwart the planned attack after receiving information from school officials about a threatening message posted on the app Discord.
Hawley’s legislation, A.3732, supported by both Republicans and Democrats, would mandate that all School Resource Officers are properly trained veterans or retired law enforcement and provides $50,000 in state grants to each school district that hires a SRO. Hawley wrote Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie during 2018 budget negotiations asking for funding for each school statewide to hire more armed security following the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“I applaud the work of local law enforcement and teachers in Albion for stopping this plan and thank them for their vigilance. The situation at Albion Middle School proves that increased security measures are absolutely necessary in schools across the state. This is a wake-up call that these dangers are very real, and tomorrow we may be faced with a different outcome,” Hawley said. “I will continue pushing for each school around the state to be given grant funding to hire at least one armed School Resource Officer. We cannot place a cost on the safety of our children and our teachers.”
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES STATE COMMITMENT TO BUILD VETERANS’ CEMETERIES
Editor’s Note: Click Here to watch Hawley’s interview on constructing veterans cemeteries
With the celebration of Veterans Day yesterday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced that Gov. Cuomo and state leaders have committed to creating New York’s first veterans’ cemeteries in communities around the state which will serve as a proper and respectful final resting place for our state’s military heroes. The Director of New York State Veterans Affairs, Jim McDonough, recently said that constructing a special cemetery for veterans in Pembroke is one of his top priorities.
Hawley has been a strong proponent to create veterans cemeteries for many years, sponsoring A.5347 and A.887 which would provide the funding mechanism to preserve and maintain such cemeteries in the future. Hawley, the son of a World War Two veteran, served in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.
“Our brave veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to preserve American liberty and freedom for generations to come, and these cemeteries will serve as a unique monument for friends, family and fellow veterans to appreciate their legacy,” Hawley said. “When an individual serves their country in the military, he or she also serves their state, and they deserve a final resting place with their fellow veterans. It is beyond time that New York steps up and gets this done.”
A DAY FOR REMEMBRANCE AND THANKS
Assemblyman Hawley urges constituents to pay tribute to our retired, active and deceased servicemen and servicewomen this Veterans Day weekend
As we approach Veterans Day weekend, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging his constituents and all New Yorkers to reserve some time to speak to and thank a veteran or current service member for their dedication and sacrifice to preserving our way of life. Hawley, the son of a veteran, served seven years in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves and reached the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
“Military service runs deep in my family and Veterans Day will always hold a special place in my heart,” Hawley said. “Whether it be my annual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C. to give back to local veterans or my efforts in Albany, I try to improve the lives of our active military and veterans consistently throughout the year.”
Hawley is a true champion in Albany for our current and retired military members in Albany. When downstate politician blocked a bill earlier this year to provide free college tuition to Gold Star families, Hawley launched a national campaign to ensure that the dependents of our state’s heroes receive the benefits they deserve, and ultimately was successful.
“Our veterans display a tremendous amount of sacrifice and dedication to preserving our way of life and their actions have helped shape our country into the pinnacle of liberty and success,” Hawley continued. “I encourage all my constituents and New Yorkers alike to take time this weekend to thank a veteran for their service and pray for those who are still fighting overseas.”
Hawley sponsors several pieces of legislation to make the “Campaign Service Medal” more inclusive, help veterans start small businesses and remove admission fees for veterans to state parks. Hawley also played a pivotal role in ushering in the Veterans Buy-back Bill that allows vets to purchase up to three years of military service back from the state in exchange for a credit toward their public pension.
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES RELIEF PROGRAM FOR LAKE ONTARIO SECONDARY HOMEOWNERS
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that owners of secondary homes on Lake Ontario who were directly impacted by this year’s flooding and sustained damages to their homes may now apply for funding through the 2019 Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Flood Relief and Recovery Program. Up to $8 million is available, and applications will be accepted through December 10.
Residents with second homes in Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Wayne counties are now eligible to apply to receive up to $50,000 in state funding to help offset damages to their residences.
Applications can be found at https://hcr.ny.gov/lake-ontario-st-lawrence-river-flood-relief-and-recovery-grant-program.
- Second homeowner applications will be accepted from Nov. 6, 2019 through Dec. 10, 2019.
- Second homeowners with a qualified gross income of less than $275,000 may apply. However, priority will be given to those with a qualified gross income of $175,000 or less.
- Funding to address damages to secondary homes will be considered following fulfillment of primary residence applications, which will be given priority. Primary homeowners must have applied by the Oct. 31, 2019 deadline.
“There are many families with vacation, summer or secondary homes on Lake Ontario’s southern shore and I am pleased that a portion of the state’s recovery program will now be available to qualifying homeowners,” Hawley said. “Although we sustained historic and catastrophic flooding this year, we are making progress toward full recovery and my office is here to help with questions and concerns as we work together to rebuild and fortify our shoreline. Most importantly, please do not hesitate to apply by December 10.”
October 31, 2019
HAWLEY BLASTS SENATE BILL ALLOWING PRISON INMATES TO VOTE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) responds to legislation introduced by Sen. Kevin Parker, S.6821, that would allow locked up felons the right to vote.
“This is a shameful display of governance that’s insulting not only to law-abiding citizens across New York, but members of law enforcement and the criminal justice system who worked diligently to get these dangerous predators off the street.
“We are a nation of laws, but it has become crystal clear that New York City politicians believe those laws shouldn’t apply to illegal aliens, criminals or prison inmates – all of which should be held accountable and should face punishments.
“The challenges facing our state are vast and diverse, but none of them should include making life easier for rapists, murderers and pedophiles. First it was free ipads for prisoners, next it was voting rights for parolees, then it was no bail requirement for accused drug dealers and felons, and now voting rights for inmates.
“There’s a runaway train in New York tossing giveaways and luxuries to criminals, inmates and illegals and its being conducted by Gov. Cuomo and New York City radicals.”
HAWLEY URGES ACTION, PASSAGE OF ‘BRITTANY’S LAW’ DURING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
In conjunction with October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is urging action on a number of measures to protect victims, help those who are in danger achieve safety and security and punish those who commit this terrible crime.
During 2017, Hawley hosted one of many statewide forums in Batavia that brought together law enforcement, victims and their family members and advocates to share their stories and discuss ways to end the epidemic of domestic violence. As a result the Assembly Minority Conference issued a full report that takes an in-depth look at the issue and legislative solutions.
“Domestic violence is an atrocity that leaves a trail of heartache and devastation for friends, family members and the community long after abuse has taken place,” Hawley said. “It is our responsibility this month to bring awareness to this public health crisis and help victims find safety and security.”
Some of the recommendations outlined in the report include:
- Providing financial assistance and relief to victims seeking alternative housing or living in a shelter to escape their abuse;
- Declaring domestic violence a statewide public health crisis;
- Creation of a new “Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child” crime with harsher penalties for abusers;
- Allowing domestic violence victims to obtain emergency panic buttons through local law enforcement or social services; and
- Freeing up law enforcement to arrest more abusers and keep victims safe.
Furthermore, Hawley is renewing calls to pass Brittany’s Law – legislation supported by both Democrats and Republicans that would create a public registry for violent felony offenders.
“It is truly a disgrace that legislation like this, aimed at saving lives and preventing domestic violence, sits idly in Albany despite having bipartisan support,” Hawley continued. “Individuals sometimes become romantically involved with a partner who has a troubled past but chose to hide it. This bill would make violent felons known to the public so as to prevent tragedy of those close to them. I will continue to push for a vote on Brittany’s Law as we prepare for session this winter.”
October 16, 2019
REOPENING OF DENSMORE ROAD BRIDGE
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the bridge carrying Densmore Road over the Erie Canal in Albion has reopened following rehabilitation and repair to its flooring, structural and safety mechanisms. The Densmore Road Bridge is part of an ongoing $11 million infrastructure package that includes repairs to seven historic Erie Canal bridges in the towns of Gaines, Murray, Albion, Ridgeway and Village of Medina.
“Commuters, farmers, emergency services and everyone else who travels these routes deserve peace of mind when crossing a bridge, and I am pleased to see that Densmore Road bridge’s repairs and upgrades have been completed,” Hawley said. “Our district contains over half of the state’s lift bridges and a large portion of Erie Canal bridges that are vital to our area’s manufacturers and farmers. We must continue to push for investment and inspection of our bridges and roadways to see that they are held to the highest standards of safety and quality.”
DOWNSTATE ATTACKS CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS WITH PROPOSED FIREARM RAFFLE BAN
In response to Assembly Bill 1413, which outlaws firearms as prizes in games of chance, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has vocally opposed this legislation as another example of downstate government overreach. Firearm raffles are an important source of funding for community activities and many local organizations, specifically fire departments, use the funds generated by these raffles to support the department and purchase equipment used to protect the community. The legislation is authored by Jo Anne Simon, a Democrat from Brooklyn and sponsored by over a dozen New York City Democrats.
“The widening disconnect between downstate politicians and upstate matters is alarming,” said Hawley. “It is the not the place of legislators in New York City to determine laws that significantly affect upstate affairs. Law-abiding gun owners have been subjected to increased regulations and harmful laws that blatantly violate their 2nd Amendment rights, and banning firearms as raffle prizes is yet another example.”
The standards of gun ownership do not change whether it’s purchased from a licensed dealer or won in a raffle. In order to claim possession one must still pass the background checks and have the necessary permits.
“Gun ownership is a proud and storied tradition in Western New York,” said Hawley. “It is not the business of city legislators to infringe on your constitutional rights and ultimately hurt our local charitable organizations.”
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, EARLY DETECTION TO SAVE LIVES
In honor of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is calling on individuals to embrace education and early detection as primary mechanisms to fight the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the U.S. and at the top of new cancer cases reported in New York in 2016.
“As we all come together to emphasize our constant fight against breast cancer this month, it is critical to impart on the public that early detection is the key to beating this disease,” Hawley said. “There are countless state and local programs, support groups and resources available to the public including through the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) as well as a free screening program that is part of state law to cover ineligible or uninsured women.”
For more information on the state program or to find a screening location, click here.
On October 23, BCCR will host its annual “Lives Touched, Lives Celebrated” event which pays tribute to all the women and men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and includes a candlelight walk, music and poetry. For more information, visit https://bccr.org/lives-touched-lives-celebrated/.
September 11, 2019
REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on 9/11
“On a day just like today 18 years ago, our nation came under attack. Nearly 3,000 citizens, firefighters and police officers, began their mornings just like any other. On that day they tragically lost their lives.
“No one could imagine the events that transpired that September morning, and for a moment our freedom was compromised.
“An attack intended to break our spirits and devastate our nation, in our darkest hour faced with pure evil, Americans responded with bravery and courage. An effort to tear us apart only brought us closer together.
“Today we hold the ones we love a little tighter, we remember those we lost and we honor those who gave everything to protect our freedom.
“The memory of September 11, 2001 will remain in our hearts forever, but the strength and resiliency that defines this country will always prevail in the face of darkness.
“We will never forget.”
September 4, 2019
HAWLEY ANNOUNCES DOT DECISION TO FORGO PLANNED ROUNDABOUT AT INTERSECTION OF RT. 77 AND LEDGE RD.
Decision follows opposition of Alabama Town Board against expensive and intrusive roundabout construction
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the state Department of Transportation (DOT) has reversed their decision to construct a roundabout at the dangerous intersection of State Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama in favor of a blinking yellow light on Rt. 77 and a blinking red light on Ledge Rd.
The busy intersection is known to be very dangerous, having become common place for traffic accidents, and is routinely used by tractor trailers and farm vehicles as a gateway to the western portions of the state. The Alabama Town Board recently passed a resolution opposing the construction of a roundabout for myriad reasons including cost, the need to build onto nearby private property, and the likelihood accidents would continue. Hawley backed the town board’s opposition to the roundabout and twice requested that the DOT consider different alternatives to the proposed roundabout.
“Although I am pleased that the state DOT deferred to the concerns of local citizens and the town board in this case, I hope and pray that all residents take the dangers surrounding this intersection seriously and heed all traffic signals and devices,” Hawley said. “The proposed roundabout would have cost nearly $1.8 million in taxpayer money, whereas the new lights will cost less than $100,000 and be infinitely less intrusive to nearby residents’ properties and daily commuters. The citizens of Alabama know what works best for their community and I will happily stand behind their decision.”
