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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

First Day Hikes, Local Trails Provide Winter Recreation

First Day Hikes are designed to encourage people to begin the New Year by reconnecting with the outdoors and to help people keep the common New Year’s resolution to be healthier. More than 50 First Day Hikes are being held in New York State. Fort Ontario will host its third annual First Day Hike and guided tour on New Year’s Day.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

It is Time for Uber and Lyft in Upstate New York

Uber and other ridesharing services are unavailable not only in Buffalo but in all of Upstate New York because state government has been unable to agree on a regulatory scheme to govern ridesharing companies and their services. Ridesharing companies, or as perhaps more appropriately named ride-sourcing companies, match people who need transportation with drivers by means of an app on a smartphone.

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Ritchie

A New Law To Protect Those Who Protect Us

Like many motor vehicle laws, New York’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when passing authorized emergency vehicles pulled over on the side of the road, was created to save lives and prevent injuries. Recently, I was proud to support a bill (Senate bill 7938) that expanded New York’s Move Over law.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Freedom Of Information Law Change Prevents Unnecessary Delays

The Governor recently signed a bill that will reform the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to potentially expedite the process of obtaining public records. The measure passed with unanimous support in both the Senate and the Assembly in June and will become effective in the spring of 2017. Our Freedom of Information Law is a tool that anyone can use. The legislation establishing the FOIL process was passed in 1978.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

New York Employers Report Need for Skilled Labor; Apprentice Programs Help Fill Gaps

A recent report published by the New York State Department of Labor indicates that employers are facing labor shortages as they seek workers to fill skilled trade jobs. The report states that these shortages are mainly due to baby boomers retiring. The demand for skilled labor represents a good opportunity for high school graduates and individuals seeking a career change to enter these fields and train for what are often high-paying jobs

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Mid-Year Report Forecasts Budget Gaps in Upcoming Years

As the year draws to a close, it is time for those in State Government to begin thinking about the state budget. Each year, New York State passes a budget for its fiscal year which begins April 1 and ends March 31. The budget process begins in mid-January when the Governor submits his budget proposal to the Legislature.

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Ritchie

Staying Safe On The Roads As The Snow Flies

Now that winter weather has made its appearance across Central and Northern New York, motorists traveling on our roadways need to be prepared for the snow, ice and all other elements that make driving during the season hazardous. Everyone knows the unpredictability of winter weather conditions can make travel challenging for even the most experienced drivers.

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