Assembly Will Barclay

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.

Earlier this year, the State Health Department announced some good news: the statewide adult smoking rate has fallen to 14.2%. This is the lowest level since 1985 when New York began using its current system to track smoking rates and it is below the national average of 15.5%.

In 2017, the President set a goal to double the number of apprenticeships in the U.S. because there is a great need for skilled laborers due to retiring baby boomers. AARP estimates that 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, a trend that will continue into the 2030s. Businesses are in need of reliable, skilled employees who can fill the gaps left by retirees.

When serving in the National Guard, guard soldiers and airmen never know when they will be called to serve the state or country. On the morning of 9-11, two pilots were on alert duty at the Otis Air National Guard Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts when a call came through of a suspected hijacking.

Each quarter the state’s Division of Budget releases updates to the state’s financial plan. The latest report which was published earlier this month included, once again, details on state debt. As one might guess, with our state’s reputation for spending, the state debt load is among the highest in the nation. Our outstanding debt is nearly $54 billion, second only to California.