Steve Hawley

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be joining a number of Assembly Minority Conference colleagues to hold a legislative hearing about the implementation of the recently enacted NY SAFE Act. The event will be held at the Amherst Town Hall Council Chamber in Williamsville at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 7 and will feature testimony from mental health professionals and representatives of county sheriffs and county clerks. The hearing will garner input from officials tasked with enforcing the new law in order to ensure that the safety and rights of New York’s citizens are being properly protected.

"The fallout from the SAFE Act has affected nearly every corner of this state," Hawley said." The controversial components have pitted law enforcement against county officials against state government, with the fate of the public hanging in the balance. It is my sincere hope that by bringing law enforcement professionals, county clerks, health experts and concerned citizens affected by this law together, we can all leave with a better understanding of how the SAFE Act affects us and how we can truly protect the safety of our communities as well as our constitutional rights."

Hawley recently held a local public hearing about the NY SAFE Act. In less than three months, a petition he circulated to repeal the law garnered 1,050 signatures from law-abiding citizens.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined a bipartisan push to restore funding to programs and services for the developmentally disabled. Hawley voted against the cuts in this year’s budget and supported a budget amendment to prevent the reduction from ever occurring. As a cosponsor of bipartisan legislation to restore the funding, Hawley indicated that the issue transcended party politics.

“One of our greatest obligations as New Yorkers is to support and care for our vulnerable citizens,” Hawley said. “The organizations in our community that support the developmentally disabled are led by selfless individuals who give of themselves to provide world-class care.

"As someone who has opposed these cuts since the very beginning, it breaks my heart that these programs were ever in jeopardy. However, it is great news that we are able to come together across party lines and attempt to right this wrong in a bipartisan fashion. I will continue to advocate for the programs and services that developmentally disabled New Yorkers and their families rely on.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) highlighted a piece of legislation passed by the Assembly addressing yet another flaw in the NY SAFE Act as further proof that the law must be fully repealed. The bill would exempt certain retired law enforcement officers from restrictions related to magazine capacity. Hawley agreed with the principle of the effort, but noted that such loopholes illustrate the need to repeal the law and start from scratch.

“Not only should retired police officers be exempt from the NY SAFE Act, but so should veterans and every other law-abiding American citizen,” said Hawley. “It seems that as more time passes, more glaring flaws come to light. It comes as no surprise that the bad process used to force this law on New Yorkers has led to bad policy. The sad truth is, I have little doubt we will be amending this irresponsible law piece by piece for a long time to come. That’s why we must repeal the SAFE Act and approach sensible, life-saving measures the correct way; by incorporating the voices of law-abiding New Yorkers whose lives are affected by the legislature’s actions.”

Hawley recently wrote to Governor Andrew Cuomo sharing the results of a petition he circulated advocating the repeal of the NY SAFE Act. In less than three months, the petition garnered 1,050 signatures from local law-abiding citizens.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is calling on members of the Assembly Majority to make their stance clear on sexual abuse against women by voicing their support for, or opposition to, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) has found that Speaker Silver launched a wide-ranging cover-up of a sexual harassment scandal involving recently resigned Assemblyman Vito Lopez, which included the use of taxpayer dollars as hush money. In 2001, the speaker helped shield his chief counsel, Michael Boxley, from sexual assault charges. Boxley was charged and found guilty of misconduct two years later.

Hawley, who has never supported Silver’s bid for speaker, is calling on the Assembly Majority to draw a line in the sand and vote him out of his leadership role.

“No woman should ever have to deal with sexual abuse in our society, let alone in the State Assembly, where public servants should be held to a higher standard,” Hawley said. “It takes tremendous courage for victims to confront their attackers; yet, time and time again, Speaker Silver has swept the acts of his members and staff under the rug.

“The Assembly Majority, who elected Silver as speaker, has been deafeningly silent on this issue,” Hawley continued. “This isn’t about politics. This is about right and wrong. I have never voted for Silver as speaker and believe he should relinquish his leadership post, and the members of his conference must publicly renounce him as well. Anything less would make them implicit in this despicable turn of events.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently wrote to Gov. Andrew Cuomo regarding a petition the assemblyman circulated over the last two-and-a-half months urging the repeal of the governor’s new gun control laws, which garnered 1,050 signatures. Hawley implored the governor to reexamine the process and allow his constituents to make their voices heard.

The signers are “1,050 taxpaying, law-abiding Americans who feel that their rights have been infringed upon without any increase in public safety,” Hawley said in the letter. “Their voices were not heard during the hurried passage of this law. They deserved to be heard then and they deserve to be heard now. I urge you to repeal this law and come to the table, not only with members of the legislature, but with law enforcement officials, mental health professionals and, most importantly, the concerned citizens of our community who have the most at stake when it comes to the laws of our state.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voiced his support for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and its successful efforts to attract a Dick’s Sporting Goods store to Towne Centre Mall in Batavia. The group was able to secure the store’s move through pro-business tax incentives, which will create local employment opportunities and increase sales tax revenue to support local programs and services. Hawley defended GCEDC against attacks from Buffalo-area Assemblyman Sean Ryan, who has publicly criticized the local economic development effort.

“Here in Batavia and across Genesee County, we deserve access to both consumer choice and employment opportunities. By attracting Dick’s to Towne Centre Mall, GCEDC has helped bolster both,” Hawley said. “Assemblyman Ryan’s attacks on our local economy are completely uncalled for. While he purports to be concerned with the use of state tax dollars, surely he would agree that one of the highest-taxed states in the nation has bigger fish to fry than Genesee County’s legal ability to strengthen its own economy. I believe it is in the best interests of all involved that assembly members focus on their own constituents and that he focuses on revitalizing Buffalo’s economy.”

“The GCEDC was created to help increase the tax base, create new jobs as well as bring new investment and revenues into our community. This project fulfills all of these criteria and without our assistance, these benefits would not be realized,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “The project will create jobs, increase sales tax revenue, bring new goods and services into the community, and reinvigorate what is currently a large, vacant space located at the gateway of our community off of I-90.”

Hawley noted the crucial role the GCEDC has played in attracting job creators to Genesee County and keeping them here long-term.

“Between the Genesee Valley Agri-business Park, Oakta Hills and countless other projects, GCEDC has long been at the forefront of job creation and economic development in our community,” Hawley said. “Throughout my time in the Assembly, we have worked diligently to revitalize our local economy, and GCEDC has my full support in its effort to bring jobs to our community.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently met with City of Batavia firefighters Jeff Stevens and Greg Ireland at his Albany office while the firefighters were in town for the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association’s (NYSPFFA) 2013 Legislative Conference. The assemblyman discussed NYSPFFA’s legislative priorities and thanked the firefighters for their service.

“Meeting with two of Batavia’s bravest public servants was truly an honor,” Hawley said. “NYSPFFA’s members are on the front lines protecting our lives and property from devastating fires and they deserve our support. I commend Mr. Stevens, Mr. Ireland and their colleagues for all they do to keep our communities safe.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is set to host a public forum on New York’s new gun laws. The event, taking place on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Genesee Community College (GCC) in Batavia, has been moved to the Stuart Steiner Theatre in order to facilitate the expected turnout.

Residents will have the chance to ask questions and learn about what the passage of the NY SAFE Act means to their rights as law-abiding gun owners. Hawley will be joined at the event by New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) President Tom King, Shooters Committee on Political Education (S.C.O.P.E) President Steve Aldstadt and a number of local law enforcement and government officials.

“Our local law-abiding gun owners have expressed overwhelming interest in the upcoming SAFE Act forum, and I am happy to move the event to a larger venue in an effort to accommodate all of our civically engaged, concerned citizens,” Hawley said. “This forum will give residents a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns over the NY SAFE Act, helping ensure that we can all protect our privacy and civil liberties to the fullest extent possible.”

Details on the event are as follows:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley Presents: An Educational Forum on the NY SAFE Act.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

6:30-8:00 p.m.
Genesee Community College
Stuart Steiner Theatre

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is set to host a public forum on New York’s new gun laws. The event, taking place on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Genesee Community College (GCC) in Batavia, will give residents a chance to ask questions and learn about what passage of the NY SAFE Act means to their rights as law-abiding gun owners. Hawley will be joined by New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) President Tom King, Shooters Committee on Political Education (S.C.O.P.E) President Steve Aldstadt and a number of local law enforcement and government officials at the event.

“New York’s new gun control laws were jammed through the legislature with no time for public input or review,” Hawley said. “As a result, many law-abiding gun owners are unaware of the new rules, regulations and requirements that now encroach on our Second Amendment rights. This forum will give residents a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns over the NY SAFE Act, helping ensure that we can all protect our privacy and civil liberties to the fullest extent possible.”

Details on the event are as follows:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley Presents: An Educational Forum on the NY SAFE Act.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

6:30 to 8 p.m.
Genesee Community College
Auditorium at Conable Technology Building
Room T102
Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive (1 College Road)
Batavia

Special Guests Include:
Tom King-NRA board member and president of the NYSRPA
Steve Aldstadt - president of S.C.O.P.E
Chief Deputy and Supervisor of Criminal Investigation Jerome Brewster - Genesee County Sheriff's Office
Representative from Orleans County Sheriff's Department
Karen Lake-Maynard - Orleans County Clerk
Don Read - Genesee County Clerk

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) expressed his dissatisfaction with the bulk of the 2013-14 state budget, stating that many aspects miss the mark on critical issues. Hawley decried the decision to sweep $1.75 billion from the State Insurance Fund back into unrelated spending rather than refunding employers who overpaid for Workers’ Compensation premiums. The assemblyman also opposed irresponsible measures like funding for the SAFE Act, devastating cuts to programs for people with developmental disabilities, and the extension of the energy tax.

“While there were some bright spots, the bulk of this budget falls short on many critical issues,” Hawley said. “Our families are hurting and our businesses are so overtaxed that they cannot create the jobs New Yorkers need, yet rather than delivering cost relief, this budget repeats the same tax-and-spend mistakes of old.

"Not only does this plan rely on ill-conceived revenue streams like the energy tax to fund unnecessary programs like the SAFE Act, but it fails to support programs for the developmentally disabled, which is an affront to these individuals and their families who need and deserve our help. All of this lands on top of a disastrous tax increase of at least $9.4 billion over the next five years. Unfortunately for New Yorkers, this budget flies in the face of the success we’ve seen over the last two years, and that’s why I opposed the majority of this plan.”

Hawley took particular exception to the extension of the 18-a utility tax, a surcharge passed in 2009 that was scheduled to sunset in 2014. The assemblyman advanced a budget amendment to repeal the fee and also sponsored Assembly Bill 382, which would have rescinded the tax as soon as it was enacted. The newly adopted budget extended the fee, which will cost families and businesses $1.7 billion over the length of the four-year extension.

“The amendment I advanced to repeal this tax would offer immediate relief for our families and businesses from burdensome electricity charges,” Hawley said. “This tax hurts all New Yorkers from Upstate to Downstate, families to businesses, low-income earners to high earners and everyone in between. If we really want to deliver the promise of a ‘New New York,’ we cannot continue this taxation without realistic, reasonable and responsive representation.”

Press release:

In response to widespread correspondence from his constituents, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently shed light on changes to the Basic STAR program in this year’s state budget.

Many property owners have expressed concern that their benefits will be revoked due to changes to the program in this year’s budget. However, the alterations merely call for those currently enrolled to register with the Commissioner of Tax and Finance through a yet-to-be-created form by April 1, 2014.

The purpose of the registration program is to verify a recipient’s eligibility and to determine if a homeowner is receiving more than one Basic STAR exemption.

“As the economy continues to struggle and property taxes become more of a burden for our families and businesses, it is critical that we ensure those who need and deserve relief are receiving it,” Hawley said.

“The changes to the Basic STAR program are meant to enforce the current requirements for eligibility and will not affect any property owner who currently qualifies. This measure will help protect funding for those who truly need it and deliver sorely needed relief to our families and businesses.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is preempting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents this week in observance of Good Friday. The weekly Friday meeting at Genesee Community College will resume as scheduled next week.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently joined his legislative colleagues and members of the business community at a press conference in opposition to a hidden utility tax. The 18-A Utility Assessment was enacted in 2009 and was set to expire this year, although the governor’s Executive Budget includes an extension of the tax. Hawley sponsored Assembly Bill 382 to repeal the tax as soon as it was enacted, receiving 17 bipartisan cosponsors, and noted the strain the surcharge puts on both families and businesses.

“This tax hurts every family, senior and job creator who pays utility bills in New York State,” Hawley said. “It was a bad idea when it was passed and it’s an even worse idea to extend it. This is an example of state government saying one thing and doing the exact opposite. That’s why I have sponsored legislation to repeal the tax, and that’s why I was proud to stand with my fellow Assembly members and business leaders urging that this tax expire as promised.”

In attendance at the press conference were representatives from the Business Council of New York State, Inc., Manufacturers Association of Central New York, National Federation of Independent Business, Unshackle Upstate and the New York Farm Bureau.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently joined legislative colleagues and local highway officials to advocate for greater attention to road and bridge repair. Partnering with fellow state representatives as well as mayors, county executives and highway superintendents, Hawley highlighted the need to support the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), which provides the bulk of state aid to counties and towns for the maintenance and improvement of local roads and bridges.

“The quality of our roads and bridges has a great impact on our safety and our overall quality of life,” Hawley said. “Sound infrastructure helps facilitate the flow of goods and services that boost our economy, while repair and maintenance projects help create local jobs.

"CHIPs funding is a critical component in how the state partners with localities to make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family, and I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues to fight for the crucial projects CHIPs funding supports.”

The governor has included $363.1 million in CHIPs funding in his proposed 2013-14 State Budget, the same level as last year. The legislators and local highway superintendents are calling for a CHIPs funding increase of $100 million, from $363.1 million to $463.1 million.  They note that local roads and bridges account for 82 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

A recent report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, “Cracks in the Foundation,” called 32 percent of New York's local bridges deficient and 40 percent of local roads fair or poor, and getting worse.

Among those joining Hawley and his legislative colleagues at the event were officials from the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association (NYSCHSA), NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH), NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC), New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voted against a dangerous, job-killing measure to raise the minimum wage both now and on an automatic escalator in the future. The bill seeks to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour, the second-highest rate in the nation, and includes annual increases tied to the rate of inflation.

According to the Business Council of New York State, Inc., the measure would increase total payroll costs per-employee by roughly $4,063 annually. Hawley listed a number of glaring problems with the bill, particularly its impact on the local agricultural industry.

“This legislation is a poorly thought out plan that will force businesses to eliminate jobs and pass the increase in the cost of doing business down to the consumer,” Hawley said. “The agricultural industry will be particularly devastated by this measure, which will wreak havoc on our local economy. If we want to help low-income families, we should be investing in the Earned Income Tax Credit rather than passing job-killing laws.

"This is not the way to show the world that New York is open for business. Rather, this is another example of the disconnect between Downstate, where the plan was hatched, and Upstate, where the damage will be the most severe. Now more than ever, we should be looking into my legislation that would let the public decide if New York should be split into two separate states.”

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently joined the National Rifle Association, the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, SCOPE and a large group of Second Amendment supporters at a rally outside of the Capitol that drew more than 5,000 attendees from Western New York and across the state. The event was held in opposition to the gun control legislation forced into passage in January. Approximately 48 hours after announcing the launch of his petition to repeal the law, the assemblyman has received more than 700 signatures.

“The attendance and response at the Second Amendment rally were like nothing I’ve ever seen during my time in state government,” Hawley said. “Between the enthusiasm at the event and the overwhelming response to my petition to repeal the gun control legislation, the people have spoken loud and clear, saying that ‘Our rights shall not be infringed!’ Democracy was betrayed by the hurried passage of this law, but the grassroots response from law-abiding gun owners continues to be a shining example of democracy in action.” 

Video of Assemblyman Hawley speaking about the Second Amendment can be found by clicking here or by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0aM_qWCIDI&feature=youtu.be. The petition to repeal the gun control legislation can be found at bit.ly/HawleyPetition or by visiting http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Stephen-Hawley/story/50987/.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is carrying out a number of interviews to garner support for his legislation that would allow New Yorkers to answer the question “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?”

Hawley has participated in, and scheduled future interviews with, high-profile outlets such as Capital Tonight, Talk 1300 Radio and WBEN Radio to highlight Assembly Bill 391, which would help Upstate and Western New Yorkers make their voices heard in state government by allowing counties to put the aforementioned question to a non-binding voter referendum.

“Due to the fact that much of New York’s population is concentrated Downstate – primarily in New York City – the vast majority of statewide legislative leaders are not from Upstate or Western New York. As a result, many local families feel their needs are ignored in state government,” Hawley said.

“I have been promoting this legislation across New York to garner support for this measure, which would allow the people of this state to decide for themselves if they would be better represented in the Capitol if New York were split into two separate states. This legislation is meant to give our local families a voice in state government, and I will continue fighting to make our voices heard in all corners of this great state.”

Hawley cited two examples of statewide policy advanced by New York City-area legislators that has drawn the ire of Upstate and Western New Yorkers -- gun control and Medicaid spending.

“We have seen time and time again that one-size-fits-all is not an effective way to approach government,” Hawley said. “When Downstate politicians tax and spend our economy into peril and infringe on our Constitutional rights, our communities are the ones that suffer. We deserve a voice at the table, and that’s what this legislation aims to achieve.”

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is promoting a pair of grant programs aimed at boosting dairy farming in New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced the initiatives, which will double financial incentives for renewable bio-energy projects to reduce electricity costs and help dairy farmers develop plans for expansion and growth.

“Here in Western New York, farming is an integral part of our economy and our way of life,” Hawley said. “These grant programs will help our dairy farmers continue to provide top-notch products and create the jobs that our region relies on. I commend Governor Cuomo for stepping up to the plate for our dairy farmers and I encourage our local farmers to explore the benefits these grants can provide.”

The initiatives include:

• The Anaerobic Digester Biogas-to-Electricity Program (ADG), which will double the maximum incentive amount from $1 million to up to $2 million per installation for farmers who install equipment on their farms that turns organic waste produced by cows into electricity;
• and the Dairy Acceleration Program (DAP), which will provide grants and coordinate funding and technical programs to help farmers interested in expanding their operations or increasing their efficiency.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

The governor’s Executive Budget proposal set the stage for weeks of public review and compromise with many details yet to be worked out. The governor’s proposal fails to address the pressing need for mandate relief and a more equitable school aid formula. Through my position on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, I will make these issues and all of our local concerns a focal point of the legislature’s revisions to this spending plan.