op/ed

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

A Review of the Governor’s State of the State Address

January 11, 2010 Contributor
The Governor’s State of the State address this week primarily focused on the seriousness of the state’s fiscal situation. The speech was more subdued and void of the usual ‘rah, rah’ tone Governors have taken in years past. Instead, his speech focused on the economy, and specifically how vital it is for New York to keep a balanced budget.

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Aubertine

In Albany, We Need to Cut Spending, Pass Reforms, Work Together

January 11, 2010 Contributor
Last week, the governor delivered his State of the State address in which he hit on some key points that align with what I hope we can achieve this year. Most pressing is the need to rebuild our economy to create jobs, cut spending, reject new taxes or fees, and find ways to meaningfully address rising property taxes.

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Opinion

Looking Ahead to 2010: Report on New Tax Bill, Energy Conservation Projects

January 4, 2010 Contributor
The development of a new “Citizen-Friendly” tax bill was one of many projects that I set out to achieve when I presented the state of the county address last February. The 2010 tax bills, which are being delivered over the next few days, have been re-designed to make them easier to read and understand. And, the new format requires less paper, saving money and natural resources.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

To a Healthier New Year

December 20, 2009 Contributor
New York was recently named as one of the most prepared states in the nation in the event of a health emergency. We were one of eight states to achieve this distinction, according to national organizations that annually compare state public health policies and performance. We have people in the public and private health sectors collaborating effectively to provide a safe state and establish our state as an example for others. It takes many hours of planning and hard work to earn this type of designation.

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Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay

Budget Plan Stops Short of Real Change

December 7, 2009 Contributor
A four-week special session came to a frustrating close this week after Albany failed to pass a Deficit Reduction Plan that structurally solved any of the state’s financial troubles. It’s true that the legislature, after majority-party political infighting that wasted time and taxpayer dollars, managed to close a substantial portion of the budget gap. However, this deficit reduction plan fell well short of any meaningful reform. Therefore, the majorities ensured that problems we’re facing today will continue to carryover next year and into the future.

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Aubertine

End of Extraordinary Session Yields Positive Results, 2010-11 Will Require More Tough Choices

December 7, 2009 Contributor
After four weeks of negotiations, last week we passed a package of deficit reduction measures that close the gap in our 2009-10 Enacted State Budget by close to $3 billion. We reached this goal with a plan that protects jobs, rejects tax and fee increases, and shields property taxpayers and our school children from the impact of mid-year cuts.

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Community

Spiritually Speaking: Life with Betty

December 2, 2009 Contributor
Who is Betty? Let me introduce you to her – well, as best I can. We’re still getting to know each other. We met last Friday at a rescue shelter in Broadalbin, NY. At the moment, we are sharing a two week trial period to see if we are compatible. Thunder, the cat, is still undecided. I think Betty and I are looking at a long term relationship.

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Community

New Law Cracks Down on DWI Offenders

November 29, 2009 Contributor
New York recently took another important step toward tougher penalties for DWI offenders. Leandra’s Law was signed by the Governor last week. Leandra’s Law makes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a child a felony. The law also makes New York one of a dozen states to require all convicted drunken drivers use an ignition interlock device, which prevents them from driving their car if they are drunk.

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