Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) today said if the Governor’s proposed budget passes, with the nearly $1 billion new taxes and fees, it will cost the average family of four an additional $1,812 just to live in New York.

As we embark on a new legislative session, I look forward to passing legislation that helps create jobs, cuts business taxes, and provides property tax relief.

Last week, Governor Paterson released his proposed budget. It’s the first step in the beginning of the budget process and is the foundation from which lawmakers negotiate before its passage in April. In short, in his budget the Governor proposes to slow the growth of state spending but also proposes approximately $1 billion in new taxes and fees. In this column, I highlight some of the more substantive aspects of his proposal.

The New York Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm advocacy organization, has named Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) to its Circle of Friends. The honor is given to lawmakers who support policies and laws that help further New York agriculture.

Unfortunately, it recently became clear that the federal government will not guarantee the loans needed to site the new facility. In short, this means that the current federal administration is not in strong support of nuclear energy.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I?Pulaski) announced today that he and the Assembly Republican Conference have launched a new website, www.stopgovernmentwasteny.com, as part of their ongoing effort to rein in excessive state spending and the misuse of taxpayer dollars in Albany.
“With our state facing a potentially larger budget gap this year, the Republican Conference and I have [...]

The Governor’s State of the State address this week primarily focused on the seriousness of the state’s fiscal situation. The speech was more subdued and void of the usual ‘rah, rah’ tone Governors have taken in years past. Instead, his speech focused on the economy, and specifically how vital it is for New York to keep a balanced budget.

State Assemblyman Will Barclay (R-Pulaski) said today he is forming a committee to explore the idea of running for Congress this year.

Barclay has formed an exploratory committee, which allows him to raise money for a possible run.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I?Pulaski) said today he is encouraged by the Empire State Center for New York State Policy’s ‘Blueprint for a Better Budget,’ saying this report provides a framework for budget reform and policy changes.

This year proved to have its many challenges and disappointments. Perhaps the year’s greatest disappointment, however, was the budget that passed in the spring of 2009. It contained $8.2 billion in taxes and fee increases and increased government spending by 10 percent. As a result, the average family of four will pay an extra $2,362 in higher taxes and fees this year.

The Fulton District Wide Storytelling Festival was held and storytellers from throughout the district showcased their talents in telling a wide variety of stories. Participants told a folktale, fairytale, myth, legend, tall tale or fable. The stories ranged from spooky legends to hilarious tales and many had a useful moral attached that provided a bit [...]

Parents: Get your social life back on track! Go out “guilt-free” and have fun knowing that your children are not just waiting for you by the TV — but are having fun too!

The following students are on the Dean’s List for their outstanding academic achievement for the Fall 2009 semester from the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
The criteria for the Dean’s Honors list is a minimum grade point average of 3.5.
Christopher Marnell Mohr — Pennellville
Joseph T. Troia — [...]

Happy New Year to all of our readers in the tri-county region!
While our Richland facility is closed until April, the society is still active with Friday afternoon hours at the Barclay Court House in Pulaski (2nd floor over DMV, 2pm until 5) or by appointment. We got off to a rocky start following our [...]