Steve Hawley

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is responding to the governor’s 2014 State of the State address by challenging him to deliver the tax relief he has promised. Hawley wants to see the governor actually deliver on his rhetoric to bring significant tax relief to upstate New York families.

“It is normal for politicians to talk about tax relief in an election year, but usually, the so-called relief that is delivered is not enough to give our middle-class families the help they need,” Hawley said. “If the governor is the leader he claims to be, he will pass a tax-relief package that takes money from Albany’s special interests and puts it in the pockets of Upstate New York’s families. Also, the governor needs to deliver on an unfulfilled promise to pass mandate relief for our counties and municipalities, which would help lower property taxes.”

In addition to calling for tax relief, Hawley renewed his pledge to fight for the Second Amendment rights of Upstate New Yorkers. He hopes the courts will find the NY SAFE Act unconstitutional and has also introduced legislation to repeal the SAFE Act in order to hold those who passed it accountable for their actions.

“We are approaching the one-year anniversary of the passage of the SAFE Act. This should renew all Second Amendment advocates’ deep resolve to get this unconstitutional law repealed. I have been working for the past year with Second Amendment advocates to organize our opposition to the law, and I will continue that fight in the coming year,” Hawley said.

Hawley is also pushing for a vote on his “Two New Yorks” bill. This legislation would allow counties to place an initiative on the ballot on whether the citizens want New York to be split into two states due to the divergent interests of Upstate and Downstate New York.

“Since the SAFE Act was rammed down the throats of the people of Upstate New York under the cover of darkness, the frustration with Downstate special interests has grown exponentially. When combined with the highest in the nation taxes and unending regulations imposed by Downstate bureaucrats, Upstate New Yorkers deserve to have their voices heard on whether or not they want to continue to be linked with Downstate New York,” Hawley said.

Here's Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer's response:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address:

“Today’s State of the State message made it clear that tax relief will be at the top of the to-do list. Enacting a property tax cap and reducing income tax rates has started the process of chipping away at New York’s high tax burden. Yet, New York State still finishes near last place when ranked by tax climate.

“That is why I am pleased that the Governor followed the lead of the report released by my colleagues in the State Senate to reduce, simplify and eliminate taxes across the board. Eliminating the tax rate for manufacturers in Upstate New York will enhance firms’ ability to invest, expand and create jobs. Accelerating the phase-out of the 18-A surcharge will put more money back in households’ wallets, while helping to keep energy costs down for businesses. I have been an advocate of these tax-relief initiatives for several years now.

“One of my major legislative priorities will be cutting taxes for all New Yorkers – small businesses, manufacturers, families, retirees, young professionals, property owners and seniors – at every level. Overall, tax relief with the farthest reach, and to as many New Yorkers as possible, will help to ensure a brighter, stronger and more prosperous economy for Western New York.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently applauded the enactment of a bill he multi-sponsored to increase property tax assistance for veterans. Assembly Bill 565, recently signed into law by Gov. Cuomo, expands existing property tax exemptions by authorizing localities to exclude veterans from school taxes. Hawley, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee throughout his time in the Assembly, noted that the exemption is one of many ways for New York to thank its veterans.

“The sacrifices of our courageous veterans must be recognized, and this bill will express our gratitude by providing well-deserved property tax relief to these brave men and women,” Hawley said. “This legislation is an example of how our commitment to supporting our veterans must be a year-round focus, and I am hopeful that these savings will serve as a token of New York’s thanks to our heroes in the armed services.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he's just received word that Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed today -- on Veterans Day -- a piece of legislation he sponsored to rename Route 98 from Attica to Lake Ontario "The Genesee-Orleans Veterans Memorial Highway."

Hawley said he was proud that the governor supported his request to rename the highway and that Cuomo signed the bill on Veterans Day.

"We should recognize veterans 365 days a year and this helps do that," Hawley said.

Senators Mike Ranzenhofer and George Maziarz sponsored the bill in the Senate.

"As a proud veteran myself and the son of a World War II veteran and the ranking minority member of the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Assembly, I thought it important to recognize what veterans have done for our country," Hawley said.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently highlighted the newest problem with Governor Cuomo’s overreaching gun control law as another reason to repeal the measure. The State Police have confirmed that they will not begin tracking ammunition background checks and purchasing history on Jan. 15 as planned, due to their inability to compile a proper recording system by that time. Hawley pointed to the hang up as further proof that the bill was irresponsibly rushed into law.

“The SAFE Act was forced through so hastily that its authors didn’t even properly consider its impact on the very law enforcement agencies charged with upholding it,” Hawley said. “It is disturbing to think that this would be handled with such little care that a deadline for enforcement would be imposed that our own state police couldn’t be reasonably expected to meet.

"Between all of the amendments, corrections and corresponding protests from law-abiding gun owners, it could not be more clear that the SAFE Act must be repealed. As a co-sponsor of legislation to do just that, I will continue to fight for our constitutional rights and responsible measures to truly strengthen the safety of our communities.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) expressed pleasure today at the news that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation creating a 2-percent agricultural assessment cap into law. Hawley, a cosponsor of this cap, sees this as crucial to ensuring our farming families can afford to maintain their operations for generations to come.

“Our local farms have felt the squeeze from constantly escalating taxes in recent years,” Hawley said. “The agricultural assessment will be crucial in giving our farming families some financial breathing room, allowing them to stay on their land for generations to come and continue doing what they do best: producing the locally grown, healthy products our state relies on.”

Press release:

Petty, party-line politics have halted business in Washington D.C., leaving many Americans with a distrust and disinterest in government at all levels. It is truly disheartening to see such issues casting a pall on the institution of public service, and it will take time to rebuild the trust that is eroding as we speak. There is an aspect of the federal government shutdown where no time can be wasted, however: the reopening of the monuments and memorials dedicated to the honorable men and women who have sacrificed for our country.

Over the last six years, I have had the honor of leading an annual Patriot Trip with local veterans to Washington, D.C., visiting the sites and venues dedicated to their service. Throughout the course of the trip, more than 650 veterans and family members have embarked on this emotional journey, which has featured many of the monuments and memorials currently shut down due to gridlock within the federal government. This year’s trip included veterans from the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War eras who put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and way of life. I cannot imagine showing up with my bus full of veterans and having to tell them their government would not allow them to experience the structures specifically meant to recognize their personal sacrifice.

The mere fact that open-air venues would be closed off to the public illustrates just how far the government has gone astray. While departments, employees and entities have been deemed “non-essential” and had their operations put on hold, it’s actually taking effort to keep veterans away from these destinations. Conversely, the groups of veterans who have broken through the barricades at the World War II memorial show the indomitable spirit of our servicemen and women. As always, these veterans have shown that strength in one’s convictions and a willingness to let actions speak louder than words will always win the day. This is a lesson from which many of the people responsible for the government shutdown could stand to learn.

As Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, I understand that government must step up to the plate to recognize and honor the sacrifice made by our courageous heroes. If government can’t get that right, then I can’t blame the American public for being disheartened. I urge the National Park Service to right this wrong and reopen these monuments and memorials at once, not only to honor our veterans, but to show that government is capable of fulfilling its most basic and essential duties.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently named to the Farm Bureau’s 2013 Circle of Friends list, which recognizes members of the state legislature for their support of New York’s farming industry. The honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance, sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau supports, and opposition to policies that the organization has deemed harmful to farming.

“Farming is both the engine that drives our economy and an integral part of our way of life in Western New York,” Hawley said. “Providing our family farms with the support they need to stay competitive and prosperous in our global economy has been a top priority of mine throughout my time in the Assembly, and I remain committed to strengthening our proud, agricultural heritage. I have worked with the Farm Bureau on many critical issues over the years and I look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

Hawley is a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. He is a past president of the Farm Bureau and former owner and operator of Hawley Farms.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is in the midst of his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., with a group of residents from his district. He sent us these pictures.

Above, Jack Toth at the World War II Memorial.

Below, a group shot and a shot of some of the travels with Hawley and Rep. Chris Collins.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is in the midst of leading his annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., but he just sent over this statement regarding the unfunded mandate by the NYS Corrections Commission requiring Genesee County to spend another $1 million on jail guards:

I was apprised by Genesee County officials of yet another $1 million unfunded mandate from Albany about a week ago. We are working closely with county officials to remedy this. When will Albany ever get it?

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is encouraging local homeowners using the Basic STAR Exemption for property tax assistance to register with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to continue their exemption for 2014 and beyond.

In compliance with new guidelines meant to prevent fraud and abuse of STAR benefits, participants must sign up by telephone or online by Dec. 31. The new guidelines do not affect homeowners age 65 or above enrolled in Enhanced STAR.

"Property taxes continue to be a primary source of financial stress for local homeowners, and the STAR exemption is a critical way to reduce the cost of living,” Hawley said. “It is essential that anyone who has relied on this program to combat the excessive cost of property taxes, signs up to ensure that they receive the help they deserve.”

To register, visit www.tax.ny.gov <http://www.tax.ny.gov/>  or call (518) 457-2036.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) organized a meeting on Aug. 20 between State Deputy Secretary for Education De’Shawn Wright and more than 20 local school superintendents and Board of Education members. The gathering provided local education leaders with an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on the challenges facing schools and teachers in Western New York, as well as what the state must do to improve local education.

“The fact that the governor sent such a high-ranking education official to our community shows that our calls for fair aid allocation and greater control of our schools are being heard,” Hawley said. “Issues such as Common Core, mandate relief, special education programs, and eliminating the Triborough Amendment, Gap Elimination Adjustment and frivolous lawsuits were examined.

"The local education leaders in attendance did a terrific job of illustrating to Deputy Secretary Wright the need for equitable school aid regardless of geographic location or socio-economic status. The meeting helped make the point to the highest levels of the State Education Department that children in low-wealth school districts deserve the same opportunities as kids in wealthier areas.

"I thank Deputy Secretary Wright for taking the time to travel to our community as well as all of the local education leaders who did such a tremendous job showing how much Western New York cares for its students.”

Press release:

With the State Assembly in session from the beginning of January to the end of June, it’s hard to believe that any stone could go unturned. Unfortunately, due to the misplaced priorities of the Assembly Majority, the legislature failed to address a number of critical topics facing our families and job creators in 2013. In fact, the Assembly left Albany with so much unfinished business that I believe we should return to the Capitol for a special session as soon as possible.

Perhaps the most dismal failure of the 2013 Legislative Session was the Assembly’s inability to pass nine critical pieces of legislation in support of women. While the Senate passed individual pieces of legislation that would combat human trafficking, expand protections for victims of domestic violence and prevent housing discrimination, the Assembly chose to play politics with a controversial catch-all bill that prevented the nine widely supported measures from becoming law. This was a major disappointment for women, who deserve the basic protections and support passed by the Senate. These bills would easily pass the Assembly if voted on individually, and that alone is reason enough to call the chamber into special session.

However, the disappointment in the 2013 session didn’t end there. Job creators took a hit as a significant anti-business cost-driver survived session. A provision passed in 2011 forces businesses to issue a written statement to their employees informing them of their pay level every year, even if their pay, already required to be printed on individual paychecks, hasn’t changed. The state is literally forcing private businesses to waste supplies and manpower to remind their employees how much money they make, even though it’s written out for them every single payday. This is the kind of illogical, job-killing overregulation that earns New York its anti-business reputation, and it needs to be repealed immediately.

Taxpayers were negatively impacted by the 2013 session as well. A hidden fee on utility bills, set to expire in 2014, was extended for four years, costing families and businesses $1.7 billion. I advanced a budget amendment to undo this disastrous extension and have sponsored a bill to repeal the surcharge with bipartisan support since the fee was created in 2009. A special session agenda should include an immediate repeal of this fee, as well as address the continuing problem of unfunded mandates, which drive local taxes through the roof and rob our communities of power over our own finances and programs.

It shouldn’t take six full months for the Assembly to pass legislation supporting women, businesses and taxpayers, but this year’s session left too much unfinished business to wait until 2014 to reconvene. The Assembly must return to the Capitol and finish the people’s business as soon as possible. Anything less is a failure for all New Yorkers.

In an effort to be more accessable to contituents, Assemblyman Steve Hawley held his first "Telephone Town Hall" this evening and promised more to come.

The hour-long "free and convenient" format allowed the 133,000 residents of the 139th Assembly District the chance to sit in an easy chair, put the phone on speaker mode, or not, and hear dialogue about voters' concerns or ask a question of their representative.

Before taking calls, Hawley mentioned current issues he's most passionate about -- job creation, equitable funding for Upstate education, support for veterans' causes, and repeal of the SAFE (Secure Ammunitions and Firearms Enforcement) Act, as well as finding out how voters feel about dividing the state in two (saying the newly configured entities could be called "New York and New Yawk").

He spoke a lot about the recently enacted SAFE Act, though he acknowleged getting it completely repealed is an uphill battle. Hawley said he's appalled that no time or effort was put forth to allow legislators to read the bill or weigh in on it. It was signed by the governor less than five minutes after being passed by both chambers of the state legislature. Hawley vehemently opposed it, has introduced a bill to repeal it, and maintains that it does nothing to increase public safety.

At 6:44, the first questioner, Doug, asked why the purported "commonsense governor" -- so horrified by the use of assault weapons -- would entertain Hollywood's request for an amendment to the SAFE Act that would allow filmmakers to use replicas of assault weapons while creating movies and video games in New York. Hawley simply replied that the entire SAFE Act needs to be eliminated.

Carol asked about controversial hydro-fracking and whether there's any legislation pending regarding it. Hawley replied that he's not aware of any, but said the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Health Department are currently studying the issue.

Hawley noted that "fracking" to extract oil from rock shale has been done in New York, particularly the Southern Tier, for roughly 80 years, but not hydro-fracking. The Southern Tier "has suffered significant economic doldrums, like the rest of Upstate, and I will withhold my opinion (on hydro-fracking) until the studies are out."

Next, Hawley proudly mentioned the bipartisan effort that resulted in restoring $90 million in proposed funding cuts for programs to aid the developmentally disabled.

Then a guy named Steve, of Orleans County, who said his county is probably the poorest one in Upstate New York, wanted to know why a disabled, wheelchair-bound citizen like himself can't get into many businesses to buy their goods. His questions to the proprietors result in "blank stares" and they claim to "know nothing" about accessibility for the disabled.

Hawley suggested he contact his local elected officials for help, including two staffers -- "Jaylene or Eileen" -- from his office.

Another caller asked about the steady gravy train of benefits offered by New York to those who flock here to take advantage of the system.

The Assemblyman acknowleged that New York is the most "benefit-rich" state in the Union, surpassing not only every state individually, but even California, Texas and North Carolina combined -- shelling out $90 billion a year in benefits. It is that reason many people flock here, the Assemblyman said, not jobs or family reasons.

This is one incentive for introducing legislation strengthening proof of residence requirements and mandating drug and alcohol testing for applicants, Hawley said. The proposal will be on the November ballot.

"The problem is that Downstate has a problem with reining in public-assistance spending," Hawley said.

Dorothy asked about casino gambling and Hawley said he voted against a proposal to expand gambling but favors a bill asking voters this November whether to allow three or four casinos Upstate, east of Route 14 (no specific geography cited).

Caller John said he has dim hope that slicing the state in half will ever happen, but wanted to know how Downstate can be made to hear and help resolve problems Upstate.

As far as splitting up New York, Hawley acknowledged it's a longshot, but said "there's more and more talk about it." (C'mon -- even Staten Island doesn't want to be considered a burrough of NYC anymore.) In a nutshell, the people Downstate live vertically and rent, we live horizontally and own homes, have grass, and more land -- they don't understand us, and how their tax-and-spend "solutions" are anything but.

Still, Hawley emphasized the need to stay engaged and keep working for resolutions with a view of the world where the "glass is always half full."

Asked about the utility tax, Hawley said he was very disappointed that the tax increase, set to expire in March 2014, has been extended by the Governor for another four years, costing taxpayers billions.

Rhonda, in Albion, asked about the plethora of abandoned houses there and complained that efforts to fix them up end up being a tax burden on the citizens of Albion. Hawley offered only that she try and work with local code enforcement officers to resolve issues.

Next, Hawley decried the ever-present burden of unfunded mandates -- noting that the biggest one is Medicaid -- and the Feds pay 50 percent of bill, the State pays 25 percent, and local government is responsible for the remaining 25 percent but is not reimbursed. That escalates the cost of doing business here.

Governor Cuomo's promises to reduce unfunded mandates have been empty ones, Hawley said.

The session ended with Hawley promising more Telephone Town Halls, saying they are helpful to him and to citizens and they increase accessiblity and transparency in government.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will hold a telephone town hall event on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. The event is free of charge.

The forum allows constituents to dial into a conference call, ask the assemblyman questions and hear from their neighbors on the most important issues regarding state government in our community.

“In order to best serve our community, I am always working to find new ways to connect with local families and businesses so that I can make our voices heard at the Capitol,” said Hawley. “In addition to weekly town hall meetings and mobile office hours I hold across the district, this telephone town hall event will provide a great opportunity to discuss our local priorities.

"I look forward to hearing from many friends and neighbors during this productive discussion.”

Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, residents can call 877-228-2184 and enter the pin number 111837. Participants can dial *3 to ask a question, at which time you will be entered into a queue and be informed when it is time to pose your question.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently announced that he will be hosting Patriot Trip VI, an annual journey with local veterans to visit the monuments, museums and memorials dedicated to America’s courageous armed service members.

This year’s trip will take place from Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22 and include visits to landmarks such as the World War WII, Vietnam, Korean and Iwo Jima memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

“The Patriot Trip is a solemn and captivating experience that highlights the depth of the bravery and sacrifice our heroic veterans have contributed to our nation,” Hawley said. “Over the past five years, this event has provided indelible memories for me and the veterans I have had the honor of traveling with, and I look forward to sharing this experience with more of our heroic service men and women who have given so much to protect our freedom and way of life.”

Hawley, who served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves as well as with the National Guard, is the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Patriot Trip VI will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $350. For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) recently lamented the loss of 174 jobs through the announced closure of the Bernz-O-Matic manufacturing plant in Medina. Worthington Industries, owners of Bernz-O-Matic, indicated that local employees would have the opportunity to transfer to the company’s plant in Wisconsin, which served as little consolation for proud local residents, Hawley noted. The assemblyman has reached out to Worthington Industries Chairman and CEO John McConnell to discuss the best ways to mitigate the economic damage in Medina.

“The news of Bernz-O-Matic’s closure is heartbreaking for the people employed at the plant, their families and all of us across Orleans County,” Hawley said. “Our immediate priority must be to help those affected find new work here in our community as quickly as humanly possible. I offer my deepest regrets to all of Bernz-O-Matic’s employees and pledge my full support in working through this difficult time.”

Coming on the heels of Chase Bank’s call center closure, Hawley lamented the job-killing policies forced on Western New York by out-of-touch lawmakers at the Capitol.

“How many more local jobs must be lost; how many more local families have to suffer before the Capitol lawmakers see the destruction that New York’s anti-business climate causes?” Hawley asked. “Runaway taxes, overregulation and regressive policies have run countless job creators out of our community, yet legislative leaders continue to repeat the mistakes of old that have left our hardworking families out in the cold. It’s time to open our eyes and change our courses before Western New York’s families are forced to watch another company take their jobs across state lines.”