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.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is hosting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22. The office hours will be in Room T1243 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College, 1 College Drive.
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:
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.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is hosting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College this coming Friday, May 22.
It will be from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Conable Technology Building Room T123 at the college, located at 1 College Road, Batavia. Staff members from Assemblyman Hawley’s office will be there.
To schedule a separate appointment with the assemblyman, please contact his office at hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 813-9319.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today cast his vote against a poor legislative process that shut the public out of a critical discourse and prevented a measured, responsible approach to protecting our children and families. Major gun control legislation was brought to the Assembly floor without any public commentary or proper time for legislative review. Hawley indicated that the hasty process betrayed the need for compassionate, reasonable and substantive debate.
“In light of recent tragedies in places like Webster and Newtown, I share our community’s desire to ensure that New York’s laws provide the public safety protections that our families need and deserve. However, the hurried passage of this critical legislation is an example of government dysfunction at its worst,” Hawley said.
“Forcing through a massive overhaul of gun control regulations without properly reviewing any of the constitutional or budgetary implications is the kind of unaccountability that has caused the public to lose its faith and trust in Congress. Instead of hastily infringing upon the Second Amendment rights of New Yorkers, we should have engaged in a measured debate that truly protects our children and families from dangerous criminals and those unfit to bear arms. The dysfunction of Albany and the total disregard for our citizens’ input into this process is totally unacceptable!”
Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley:
The Governor’s State of the State address detailed his personal agenda for the 2013 legislative session. His plans to promote Upstate New York’s economy and invest in programs that will put the state on the cutting edge of high-tech innovation will provide a much-needed boost for our region. However, his presentation lacked any plans to address unfunded mandate relief, one of the biggest issues facing state government this year. No legislative agenda can be considered complete without a substantive plan to free our schools, towns and taxpayers from the burden of unfunded mandates.
Statement by State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:
State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R, C, I- Amherst) has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address:
“Over the last two years, the State Legislature has been able to work together – unlike the gridlock and partisanship in Washington, D.C.– to pass two on-time budgets that reduced overall spending, lowered middle-class tax rates to the lowest levels in 58 years and realigned investments toward job-creation initiatives, such as ReCharge NY and Regional Economic Development Councils. Despite our fiscal house being put back in order, difficult choices remain ahead since the State still faces a $1 billion budget gap.
The ultimate goal must continue to be making New York more business friendly and improving our State’s economy so that the private sector can create jobs. The Governor’s proposals to reform workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance programs and his commitment to avoid taxes as a way to balance the budget will further help companies lower the costs of operating a business in New York. I am also pleased that, after announcing a billion dollars in economic development incentives for the Buffalo region last year, the Governor has again recommended a series of initiatives to revitalize Upstate New York’s economy.
The private sector created more than 210,000 jobs in New York State alone during the last two years, and I am hopeful that the State Legislature will be able to move New York’s economy in an even stronger direction by making the right investments and taking the right actions in the 2013 Legislative Session.”
Press release:
With the Thruway Authority canceling two consecutive meetings at the last moment over the past week, and authority leadership expressing opposition to a proposed 45-percent toll hike on commercial trucks, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is crediting job creators and business advocates for making their voices heard on the issue.
Hawley, who joined fellow lawmakers and pro-business groups like Unshackle Upstate in sounding the alarm on the proposed hikes beginning in June, applauded those who contacted the Thruway Authority to oppose the job-killing toll increase.
“Thanks to the constant pressure from local families, businesses, lawmakers and advocacy groups, the Thruway Authority has put their toll hike plan in reverse,” Hawley said. “The comments made by Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison and other high-ranking board members indicate that our message is being heard and common sense is prevailing.
"Such a drastic toll increase on commercial trucks would force businesses to either take their jobs out of New York or pass a cost increase onto consumers. We must continue to stand against this toll hike until the plan is officially discarded and our job creators are protected.”
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) was recently named to the New York State Farm Bureau’s 2012 Circle of Friends. The organization awarded Hawley for his voting record on issues of importance to New York agriculture and other measures of legislative support. The assemblyman, a past president of the Farm Bureau, reiterated his commitment to New York’s hardworking family farmers.
“Here in Western New York, farming isn’t just a cornerstone of our economy; it’s a way life,” Hawley said. “Having grown up in a farming family, I understand both the economic benefits and cultural significance that agriculture offers all of our lives.
"That is why for the last 35 years, as a former president and member of the Farm Bureau, I have worked tirelessly to promote agribusiness. I look forward to continuing my work with the Farm Bureau and joining with my Assembly Committee on Agriculture colleagues to further New York’s proud farming traditions.”
The Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by member-families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.
Genesee County lawyers gathered for a photo shoot on the Old Courthouse steps Thursday. This was to conclude the ceremony celebrating the Genesee County Bar Association's 100th Anniversary.
In attendance were Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (who joined the lawyers in the photo), Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Genesee County Legislature Chairperson Mary Pat Hancock and professionals from the justice system at the state level.
Hawley and Ranzenhofer presented the proclamation to GCBA President Durin B. Rogers (middle).
Here are some closer views of the lawyers who attended:
For more information on GCBA, visit their Web site: www.gcbany.com.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently expressed his opposition to legislation that would extend a variety of tuition assistance benefits to illegal aliens attending college in New York. Hawley characterized the measure as an out-of-touch proposal that betrays government’s obligation to taxpaying American families.
“Forcing taxpaying American citizens to subsidize higher education for illegal aliens is a blatant violation of the public trust and a complete injustice for our American students and families working tooth-and-nail to afford the pursuit of a college diploma,” Hawley said.
“This is yet another example of out-of-touch New York City politicians forcing New Yorkers in Upstate communities to foot the bill for their radical agenda. Families in Western New York need tuition assistance to build better lives for themselves and their children.
"I will fight any measure that robs them of that opportunity, especially this legislation which funnels taxpayer money into public assistance for illegal aliens.”
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) wrote to Governor Andrew Cuomo today, strongly encouraging the governor to stop the Thruway Authority Board from increasing tolls by 45 percent on commercial trucks with three axles or more. The assemblyman says the measure would slow job creation and increase costs to taxpayers and consumers alike.
In a letter to the govenor, Hawley wrote:
Thruway Authority Chairman Howard Milstein considers the 45-percent hike a "modest increase." A 45-percent spike in tolls is anything but a modest increase. In Western New York, this proposal would increase a trip between Buffalo and New York City for applicable trucks to roughly $127. The $39 cost increase will be passed onto consumers as companies increase the price of their goods in order to recoup the increased cost of doing business.
Trucks will be forced onto local roads in an attempt to avoid the tolls, causing the need for expensive repairs to local roadways -- placing, once again, the expense on the backs of local taxpayers. In addition, driving hazards will increase by adding more large trucks to local traffic.
This proposal will eliminate jobs for New Yorkers as trucking companies move out of the state and avoid doing business in New York entirely. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to work to reverse the irresponsible, job-killing taxes and fees that have plagued our state for years. We need to concentrate our efforts to reopen the "New" New York and empasize we are "Open" for business!
The 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution got a ringing endorsement Tuesday from three of the top-ranking elected officials who represent Genesee County.
Rep. Kathy Hochul, State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steven Hawley all appeared at SCOPE's monthly meeting to talk about what they're doing to help prevent extremists on the left from stripping gun owners of their right to own firearms.
Ranzenhofer started off the evening by discussing how important a Republican majority is in the State Senate to protecting gun rights.
"There are people out there who don’t like you and want to take away your rights," Ranzenhofer said.
When Ranzenhofer was first in office, and the GOP didn't have a majority in the Senate, he said anti-gun Democrats regularly tried to push new laws to restrict gun and ammo sales. Since the GOP regained control of the upper chamber, "we’ve not had to be constantly on guard for new legislation coming up," Ranzenhofer said.
Now, Ranzenhofer said, the biggest worry at the state level for gun-rights advocates is a popular governor who wants to push through legislation to restrict the rights of gun owners.
Hochul said she comes from a family of gun-rights advocates. She has two brothers in Maryland, she said, who are expert marksmen. While Hochul said she isn't big into hunting or target shooting herself, she has taken safety courses and knows how to handle a firearm.
"When a bill comes up that affects your 2nd Amendment rights, I’m on your side," Hochul said.
While clerk in Erie County, Hochul said she streamlined the process for a gun permits from a year or longer to four months, and three of those months involve the State of New York doing background checks.
"Some of you may say I have a 'D' after my name and I can't vote for you," Hochul said. "Well, fine, but I still represent you. I am independent and I look at each and every issue as what's best for the people of Western New York. Sometimes the Democrats are right and sometimes they're really wrong. Some times the Republicans are right and some times they are really wrong."
According to Hochul, when the gun rights groups come out with their congressional rankings soon, she will receive a very high grade for her voting record for her first year in office.
"I'm very proud of my ranking," Hochul said.
Hochul also noted that she opposed the "Fast and Furious" operation, which provided guns to drug gangs in Mexico, and believes Attorney General Eric Holder should respect the powers of Congress under the Constitution and turn over all "Fast and Furious" documents to the House of Representatives, a demand from Congress the Obama Administration is fighting.
Hochul faces the most serious reelection challenge in November of the three officials who spoke Tuesday and SCOPE Chairman Jack Taylor said he contacted the campaign for her challenger, Chris Collins, to invite Collins to the meeting, but didn't get a response.
Hawley talked a good deal about his work on veterans' issues, particularly his annual Patriot Tour of Washington, D.C., and noted that while his colleague in the Senate, Ranzenhofer, may need to deal with only two anti-gun zealots in that chamber, the state Assembly is filled with 40 or 50 people eager to water down the 2nd Amendment.
Hawley said those representatives deal with a very different constituency than Assembly members in Upstate and Western New York, where people often live on a bit of land, own their own homes, like to hunt and fish and target shoot.
In noting the differences, Hawley segued into a discussion of a bill he has repeatedly sponsored -- allowing a referendum vote on whether New York should be split into two states.
Taylor spoke between each guest and hammered home the same point: Gun rights advocates need to educate the public on the difference between law-abiding citizens who own guns and criminals who not only use guns but other implements to commit their crimes.
"In all my years in retail, I've never seen a gun jump off the shelf and shoot somebody," Taylor said.
Some of the blame for the misrepresentation of guns falls on the media, Taylor noted, reminding SCOPE members that you never see a headline that says "Chevy and Budweiser kills family of four," but you do see headlines like "Glock used in murder spree."
The former county coroner said the most common way that young people die a violent death in Genesee County is from drunken driving, while there is only about one homicide every seven years locally (worth noting: the last homicide locally was Scott Doll beating to death his victim, no gun involved).
"We are all against crime, whatever the implement," Taylor said. "We need to separate the crime from the implement. There’s not a gun law out there that ever saved a life or prevented a criminal from committing a crime."
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia, invites concerned local citizens to his monthly outreach meeting at the Stafford Town Hall, at 8903 Route 237, on Tuesday, July 10.
The meeting will last from 4:30 until 6 pm. All who wish to share their two cents about what the government can do for Genesee County are encouraged to attend.
For more information, e-mail Hawley at hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced his fifth annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C. The 2012 installment of this much-anticipated tradition will take place from Sept. 27 through 30. Hawley, who served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves as well as with the National Guard, is a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs. The assemblyman is encouraging both new and old faces to join the fifth incarnation of the Patriot Trip.
“It’s hard to believe this will be the fifth year that I have the honor of joining Western New York’s heroic veterans in visiting our nation’s capitol to recognize not only their own service, but that of all the selfless patriots who have defended our freedom and safety as Americans,” Hawley said.
“I encourage veterans and their families who have not participated in past years to join us in September and experience the powerful, moving venture that is truly a highlight of my role as a state legislator.”
Patriot Trip V will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and Iwo Jima memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $350.
For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign-up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.
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