Assembly Will Barclay

New York has a reputation for enacting policies that are punishing to businesses. Over the past three years, business owners have had to absorb onerous mandates such as new fast food wage orders, higher minimum wages, and a paid family leave policy. These policies come on top of other regulatory burdens and high tax rates that make our state less competitive than other states.

February is National Heart Month and a time each year that people “Go Red For Women.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease was the number one killer in our state in 2015.

After more than a decade, and much discussion, the State Legislature reached a general consensus and passed the Child Victims Act. The legislation significantly extends the time a child abuse victim can pursue a criminal or civil claim.

In an attempt to get ahead of the legislature, on January 15 the Governor gave his annual budget address. In the address, the Governor laid out what most would consider a very liberal agenda. Sadly, there was nothing in his address that offers relief to the overtaxed citizens of Upstate New York or to stem the continued outward migration of people from New York state.

The idea that citizens have the right to be self-governed was the cornerstone political belief of our founding fathers and the fact that we have the ability to choose our political leaders is as important today as it was at the time of our country’s founding.

On Wednesday, the State Legislature gaveled in for the first time this year marking the start to the 2019 Legislative Session. I look forward to this day. It brings a renewed sense of hope and change for the upcoming year and allows for the opportunity to set priorities for this session with my colleagues.

Since 1965, New York has had a Newborn Screening Program. When the program first became law, health care providers only screened for PKU (Phenylketonuria) – a rare genetic disorder.

Before the holiday shopping season ramps up, the public is encouraged to shop locally during Small Business Saturday. The day is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving (following Black Friday) and serves as a reminder that gifts and services purchased locally support businesses and jobs in our backyards.

Financial scams are common problems. The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2017, more than 100,000 New Yorkers lost approximately $40 million in financial scams. These numbers are probably much higher because people are reluctant to admit they have been scammed and, therefore, do not file a report.