Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

According to the Healthcare Association of New York State, New York is facing a doctor shortage and that shortage is likely to intensify over the next decade. This is especially problematic for rural and low-income communities where there are even fewer doctors and a particular shortage of primary care doctors.

There are more than 6,000 public libraries in New York State providing access to books, movies, technology, various workshops and classes. They enrich our communities and provide educational opportunities at every stage of life.

February is National Heart Month and also the time when people “Go Red for Women.” These efforts are aimed at promoting awareness of heart disease. This month, local groups have been featured in the workplace and on the news wearing red to promote heart health and healthy lifestyles.

There are many positive reasons to live and work in New York. Unfortunately, state taxes are not one of them. Each year, the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization based in Washington, D.C., publishes various reports ranking each state’s tax burdens.

Last month, the NYS Public Service Commission took important action on upgrading the state’s electrical grid. This is the first step in addressing New York’s outdated transmission infrastructure. In doing so, the state can reduce its reliance on imported power, more readily and efficiently transmit electricity throughout the state, and better allow power generated Upstate to reach Downstate markets. These types of grid improvements will provide long-term viability to Upstate generators, particularly our nuclear plants.

At first glance, “free” college sounds very attractive. Why not? The cost of higher education continues to increase at a rate far outpacing inflation and many graduates end up being saddled with huge student loan debt.

About 2 million people hunt, fish and trap in the state, ranking New York third in the nation in the number of sportsmen and women obtaining licenses and permits. Local communities and the state benefit economically from the license sales and associated activity.

Last week, in lieu of a traditional State of the State address to the legislature, the Governor made six speeches throughout the state that outlined his policy priorities for 2017. Some of the major policies that he said he would be advocating for are (i) free college tuition, (ii) expanding the child care tax credit, and (iii) making various “social justice” reforms.

The 2017 legislative session is under way in Albany. Pursuant to the state constitution, the Governor is required during every session to communicate to the legislature the condition of the state. This, in the modern era, has been known as the Governor’s State of the State address. Traditionally, it has been given in early January by means of a speech in the Assembly chamber.