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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Memorial Day Provides Opportunity to Honor our Veterans, Country

In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem, “Defense of Fort McHenry.” The poem was later put to song and retitled “The Star Spangled Banner.” Our anthem is proudly played often at sporting events, community gatherings, and at schools throughout our country. During Memorial Day our national anthem will be heard near and far as communities gather for parades and graveside tributes.

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Ritchie

Honoring Service To Our Country and Our Communities

Fighting on the front lines in World War II. Serving in combat in Iraq. Making daring rescues that saved the lives of their fellow service members. These are just a few of the career highlights of the honorees recognized through this year’s Veterans Hall of Fame program, a special initiative that pays tribute not only to the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces, bu

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Brittany’s Law Has Potential to Save Lives

In November of 2009, Helen Buchel and her daughter, Brittany Passalacqua, a 12-year-old girl, were brutally murdered in Geneva, NY. Helen and Brittany were killed by John Edward Brown, a violent felon whose criminal history included a conviction for assaulting his infant daughter in 2003. According to Helen’s mother, Dale Driscoll, Helen was unaware of Brown’s violent past when she became involved with him.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Grants For Arts Have Widespread Impact

Our state government provides millions of dollars in funding for various agencies and infrastructure. However, it’s often the smaller investments in local programs and individuals that people notice and appreciate. Grants of less than $5,000, for example, can make a significant impact on the quality of life for residents and provide a sense of connectedness for communities through special events, music series, and public art workshops.

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Ritchie

Taking Steps To Stay Healthy During American Stroke Month

Every 40 seconds, someone in our country becomes the victim of a stroke, a disease that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off, causing brain cells to stop working and resulting in loss of things like memory and muscle control. Every May, an extra effort is made to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke through American Stroke Month.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

State Makes Investment in Water Infrastructure

Flint, Michigan, has been in the news lately because dangerously high lead levels were discovered in its drinking water. Sadly, it looks as though Flint’s contaminated water could have been prevented with better oversight and management at all levels of government, but the issue cast a light on our drinking water – one of our most valuable natural resources.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Protecting Our Children

In recent weeks, pinwheels have been placed in lawns around the state that are meant to serve as a reminder that child abuse is real and that more can be done to protect children. According to child protective services agencies, approximately 702,000 children in the United States were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2014 and thousands more cases go unreported.

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Ritchie

Celebrating Planet Earth

Every April, we celebrate our planet with “Earth Day,” a special commemoration established in 1970 as a way to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. Today, Earth Day is celebrated across the globe on April 22 and in many places, isn’t limited to just one day, as throughout the entire month a spotlight is placed on what we can do to protect the planet.

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