Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today chided members of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee for blocking a package of bills that would have provided financial relief for veterans’ groups and their families at recreational facilities.
Hawley, who has served on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee for many years, is also a veteran and hosts an annual trip to Washington, D.C., each September for local veterans and their families – the Patriot Trip.
Hawley served as acting Ranking Republican Member of Tuesday’s committee meeting and insisted that each bill be considered on its own merits so that a vote could be taken on each instead of choosing to "Hold for Consideration" – a legislative action which essentially kills the legislation.
Three of the bills had bipartisan support, yet all were blocked by a vote of 10-8.
The bills blocked by the Assembly Majority include:
- A.858 – directs the state to waive pavilion rental fees in state parks for recognized veterans’ organizations.
- A.3307 – directs the state to waive fees for the use of cabins and cottages for up to 14 days per year for veterans who are blind, non‑ambulatory, an amputee or for any veteran who has been awarded, or is eligible for, an allowance by the federal government toward the purchase of an automobile.
- A.4904 – provides that any veteran who holds a federal Golden Access Passport or federal Access Pass issued upon a determination of permanent disability may use state campsites, parks and other public places of recreation free of charge.
- A.4993 – permits family members of service members who died on active duty during wartime to utilize all state parks free of charge.
“It continues to baffle me that members of the Downstate majority refuse to repay our brave veterans for their service to our state and nation,” Hawley said. “The costs associated with these measures are miniscule compared to the costs and sacrifices many veterans paid while protecting our freedom – and yet they were all blocked.
"As we witnessed when downstate lawmakers blocked my Gold Star families bill earlier this year, the majority has no issue rewarding illegal individuals with driver’s licenses or prison inmates with pay raises but turn their backs when it comes to our veterans – disgraceful.”
Without know what the reason
Without know what the reason for voting against it could pobbibly be, this is a real disgrace. Especially with the effort to raise minimum wage and COLA for inmates. What COLA does inmates need?? Our priorities are misplaced to say the least. Stay after them Steve, and thanks for supporting us.
Fred, well said.
Fred, well said.
They already receive
They already receive Mercenary type pay and bennies, and considering they haven't fought a worthwhile war or battle since 1945, I'd have to be in favor of the vote. If you boys want to give to the war partiers that is unfortunately your right. The causes of our wars should be a mandatory line of courses for both grade school and high school students. That way the truth would come out regardless of the best efforts of those who propagandize us to think uhhh....war good.
Ok Assemblymember Hawley, we
Ok Assemblymember Hawley, we get it, you love the military. Well guess what, most of us do.
However, many of us are also wise to the fact that your political softballs of patriotism is downright disgusting. You have become so transparent that even many of your one time supporters have lost faith. Can you please tell us home many blind veterans have come to your office beating down your doors requesting to camp for free in our state parks? How many golden passport folks have camped out in your office seeking the right to camp elsewhere for free? I am thinking not very many.
While Hawley is baffled with his failures I am not. Perhaps he should take a step back and look at himself in the mirror. He is a name-calling bully that does not play well with others. While bashing anyone who resides downstate may work for a few of his pals here in GLOW, why would any sane person downstate give him the time of day? Well, guess what? They don't.
I must admit that this type of behavior does work in some small circles. It gave us Collins and Trump. So I guess he wants to follow in their footsteps. I for one, think that the residents of GLOW deserve better.
Instead of picking fights with downstate folks and being baffled, maybe Hawley should actually open his eyes to the problems in his District. Low wage jobs, an opiate epidemic, failing roads and bridges, and increasing crime. There was not a murder in Batavia in ages, however last year there were two and this year we already have one. A Good Samaritan was killed. Where is Hawley's press release on this? Downstate folks to blame for this Steve?
Instead of ridiculous softball bills that you know you do not have the votes to pass, how about doing something positive for your constituents? It is a novel and new idea, but give it a shot, Steve.
Steve Hawley, thank you for
Steve Hawley, thank you for your Military Service to our Country, and your years of Service as our Assemblyman.
Yeah thanks for marching
Yeah thanks for marching around Ohio during the Vietnam war. And marching right around the draft. I'm still wondering if he was involved in the murders at Kent state. A question that any journalist worth his ink should have asked by now, or at least since I brought out the fact that it is quite possible. Any journalists out there?