Assemblyman Steve Hawley joined his GOP colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference in providing Gov. David Paterson a list of proposed spending cuts.

The cuts, if accepted, could save the state $3.5 billion.

"The Governor has asked each conference to present cost-saving ideas and for years we have had a list of ideas ready and waiting.  This is the third set of common-sense cost-saving solutions we have presented to the Governor and other legislative leaders.  Our plan has no new taxes or fees, these are not proposals for new revenue; the state does not need new revenue, it needs to stop spending the same way families and businesses are already doing,"  Hawley said in a statement.

The proposed cuts include:

• Eliminate $130 million in unspent pork barrel accounts in both houses;
• Reduce redundancy in state agencies
• Eliminate undispersed contracts.

Full press release after the jump:

This week in Albany, Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been busy lobbying the governor and other lawmakers to rescind a plan requiring all residents to get new vehicle license plates next spring.

Opponents of the DMV plan, like Hawley, say it's a blatant money-grab by a budget-challenged state at taxpayers' expense. Firstly, they argue, we do not need new license plates. Secondly, this plan is, basically, a tax, something New York has plenty of already.

In a press release, Hawley said "In rural areas, like in Western New York, it is a necessity to drive: to buy food, to get to work. This license plate plan is just another tax on residents in communities like ours. This plan does not impact New York City residents, it affects us."

He asked that it be repealed immediately as a "sign of good faith" that those in Albany are listening to the residents of Western New York and other upstate regions.

"It is not enough for the Governor and legislative leaders to 'rein in spending' by making last minute budget cuts," according to Hawley. "They must cut the excessive burden they have placed on the backs of taxpayers..."

Letter to the Editor from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia):

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who
participated or were involved in making our recent trip to Washington,
D.C. a great success. More than 150 local veterans and their family
members joined me for “Patriot Trip II,” which was made possible
through the tremendous support we received from Western New York
veterans, local businesses, staff and volunteers.

Our local veterans groups were especially helpful in encouraging World
War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans to attend. The 7th
District VFW, W.J. Gallagher Veterans Club, Butts-Clark Post 204
American Legion, Orleans Veterans Club, VFW Lincoln Post 1483, and the
Batavia American Legion all played a key role.

Without the generous contributions of local businesses the trip would
not have able to occur. Dunkin Doughnuts, Kirby Farms, Tops Market,
Oliver’s Candies, Tim Horton’s, as well as OTB and Batavia Downs all
donated significant resources.

The trip was coordinated through the efforts of my staff as well as
local volunteers. Eileen Banker, Laura Manley and Rachael Millspaugh
from my office, worked alongside selfless volunteers like Dale Banker,
Adam Tabelski, Jim Freas, Sharon White, Dick DeCarlo, Gregg Torrey
and Dennis Kirby.

The Crossroads Hotel on the Quantico Marine Base provided generous
accommodations for our group, while our Trailways’ bus drivers – Mike,
Del, and Steve – cheerfully escorted us to memorials and monuments.
In addition, Rikki Cason from the Medina Journal Register and Dan
Fisher from WBTA 1490 offered our tour tremendous press coverage.
Finally, our Congressman, Chris Lee, helped plan the trip and granted
us an invaluable tour of the Capitol Building.

Because of everyone’s efforts, the trip was a tremendous success and
we are all looking forward to next year’s “Patriot Trip III.”

Steve Hawley
Batavia, NY

Village of Bergen

2:00 p.m.

The Tulley Building

11 North Lake Avenue

Bergen

Photos from the Steve Hawley-sponsored veterans' trip to Washington, D.C., have been posted to Shutterfly.

First thing I did Thursday morning was stop by Batavia Downs to see off Assemblyman Steven Hawley and about 140 of his military veteran pals on a trip to Washington, D.C.  Today's time pressures kept me from doing a post about it until just now.

The video above is Steve talking about the trip. Below are three pictures I snapped just before the buses rolled.

Last year I said I would go this year. Well, maybe next year.

Our friends Dan and Debbie Fischer from WBTA are on the trip.

Local dairy farmers will join Assemblyman Steve Hawley in a rally in Le Roy at 11 a.m., calling on Gov. David Paterson to use federal stimulus funds to aid struggling dairies.

The dairy industry is caught between historically low prices for milk and rising production costs.

Stimulus funds are needed to stabilize Western New York's economy and create and maintain jobs, according to Hawley.

Hawley will be joined at the rally by Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R,I-Guilford).

Statement issued by Hawley's office:

New York State's family dairies are currently facing the most difficult economic conditions in the modern history of the industry. Dairy producers are being paid prices that are catastrophically below the price of production for their milk, regardless of the size of their operations, and economists predict that fluid milk prices may not increase for another year.

The governor's office has indicated that the stimulus funds can't be used in such a manner, but at the same time, a Catholic charity in Buffalo recently received stimulus funds to support its efforts.

The rally will be at Stein Farms, 8343 Gully Road, Le Roy.

New regulations proposed by the DEC on open burning could cost local governments more money, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The proposed regulations would prevent open burning in areas with populations of more than 20,000 people.

“While the DEC claims that there will be no additional mandates for local governments, that is clearly untrue," Hawley said in a statement. "In fact, the DEC admits that local government waste managements will have to expand in order to accommodate the increased amount of waste the burn ban will create.  Additionally, even though the DEC estimates that the additional cost to residents would be around $50 per ton of waste, Western New Yorkers’ household budgets are already squeezed too hard.  How much more ‘big government’ can our rural communities take?”

Hawley, who voted against a similar piece of legislation, A.5457 of 2007, when it came before the Assembly (the bill was held in committee in 2008).

Full press release after the jump:

***NOTICE OF PUBLIC EVENT***

HAWLEY & BURLING ANNOUNCE FREE

HUNTER EDUCATION & SAFETY COURSE

Free 3-Course Series Begins October 1 at Batavia Rod & Gun Club

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) and Assemblyman Dan Burling (R, C, I – Warsaw) will be hosting a free Hunter Education and Safety Course, taught by Carl Hyde, Jr., beginning October 1, 2009 at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Space is limited so interested persons should sign up today.

“I have worked hard to protect and promote our rural traditions, such as hunting, from excessive and overbearing legislative mandates, but I am a firm believer in responsible gun ownership.  That’s why I am pleased to help promote this free Hunter Education and Safety Course and look forward to offering more opportunities like this in our region,” said Hawley, who, as a member of the Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Committee, brought a number of individual sportsmen and groups to Albany to ensure their voices were heard during this year’s annual “Gun Day.”

“As passionate as I have been in fighting for Second Amendment rights, I have been equally passionate regarding gun safety and education.  Having firearms is not only a right, it is a responsibility.  When it comes to hunting or protecting our families, we owe it to our families and communities to ensure gun safety is practiced by all,” said Burling.

            The first Hunter Education and Safety Course, a three-part series, will begin on October 1 and participants must attend all three classes (Thursday, October 1 from 6 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, October 3 from 8 am to noon; and, Monday, October 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm).  All courses will be taught at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Those interested in signing up should do so in person at Batavia Marine and Sporting Goods, located at 411 West Main Street in Batavia.

            For more information or other inquiries, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or Assemblyman Burling’s office at (585) 786-0810.

###

HAWLEY OPPOSED TO NEW BURN BAN REGULATIONS

Outlines Effects of New DEC Statewide Burn Ban Regulations

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) today discussed his ardent opposition to the state Department of Environmental Conversation’s (DEC) new statewide burn ban regulations while appearing on a series of radio interviews, including WHAM Talk Radio.  The new regulations, which prohibit open fires in populations greater than 20,000, were announced by the DEC last week.

“While the DEC claims that there will be no additional mandates for local governments, that is clearly untrue.  In fact, the DEC admits that local government waste managements will have to expand in order to accommodate the increased amount of waste the burn ban will create.  Additionally, even though the DEC estimates that the additional cost to residents would be around $50 per ton of waste, Western New Yorkers’ household budgets are already squeezed too hard.  How much more ‘big government’ can our rural communities take?” asked Hawley, who voted against a similar piece of legislation, A.5457 of 2007, when it came before the Assembly (the bill was held in committee in 2008).

After the failure of such legislation to pass both houses of the State Legislature, discussions about instituting new statewide burn ban regulations began in the spring of 2008.  Immediately, Hawley contacted the DEC to express his opposition to the measure and his feelings that creating a new regulation, in lieu of a law, was circumventing the legislative process.  Additionally, that July, when the DEC held public hearings regarding the initiative, Hawley appeared before the panel to verbally express his opposition.

Due to the widespread opposition from rural communities regarding a statewide burn ban, the proposal was changed slightly to allow for a number of exemptions, including allowing on-site burning in towns with populations less than 20,000.  This and a dozen other exemptions were included as part of the DEC’s final burn ban proposal announced several days ago, yet no provisions were outlined to assist local governments in affording or accommodating the increased amounts of waste.  As detailed in the DEC’s “Express Terms 6 NYCRR Part 215:”

“This is due, for the most part, to the 6 NYCRR Part 360 Regulations which were promulgated on December 15, 1988. These regulations required each county to be responsible for the management and disposal of all municipal solid waste generated in their area. Most counties formed solid waste management associations and either built a landfill, built a series of transfer stations, or both. In turn, the municipalities which were now responsible for waste disposal would pay for the cost of disposal by raising taxes, charging fees at transfer stations, or both. For example, a rural community with a population of 1000 might expect their cost of transport and disposal of solid waste to increase by as much as $12,155.00 per year. This is based on data provided by the Division of Solid and Hazardous Materials and assumes the following worst case factors: one resident in three currently uses a burn barrel to dispose of their waste; an average person produces four pounds of solid waste a day; and the cost of transport and disposal of solid waste is $50.00 per ton…

“There will likely be a need for more employees (or employee hours) at rural solid waste transfer stations and at private waste haulers. Rural solid waste transfer stations are usually small facilities where residents bring their refuse, leaves, brush and recyclables. They typically consist of nothing more than a few roll-off containers into which residents deposit their wastes. When the containers are full, they are carted off to a permitted, composite lined solid waste landfill.

“Due to the potential increase in the amount of household waste, brush, and land clearing debris, communities may need to upgrade these transfer facilities. Most rural transfer stations are located on adequate land for expansion; many of them being located at a former landfill which was closed under 6 NYCRR Part 360 regulations. Upgrades would primarily consist of large trash compactors for household refuse, and wood chippers or tub grinders for brush and land clearing debris. Some communities currently rent tub grinders on a weekly or monthly basis to reduce brush/limbs to wood chips or mulch. These products can in turn be given back to the residents or used in municipal landscaping projects.”

As Hawley explains, “Sure, right now, a waste facility in a rural community may consist of just a few bins so, in theory, asking a local government to purchase a couple more bins doesn’t seem like a huge deal.  However, the reason why there is such little waste, as used in their statistics, is because in rural communities like ours, people burn their waste to keep it out of the landfills.  The statistics that the DEC is using are not realistic, therefore, the ‘marginal’ costs they estimate for our communities cannot be on target either.”

The DEC plans to submit their proposed regulation to the state within the next few days.  If approved, the new regulation would go into effect after 30 days.  However, Hawley has signed onto and supports A.7414, bipartisan legislation to prohibit the DEC from restricting the burning of garbage, refuse or rubbish in an open fire on land possessed by a single family or any part of a farm under certain circumstances.

###

The fight to repeal a two-percent utilities is gaining supporters, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Hawley announced this afternoon that bi-partisan support for his legislation to repeal the tax has received the backing of more than two dozen Assembly members.

“I am pleased that so many of my colleagues have already signed on to support this important bill in such a quick period of time,” said Hawley.  “It is good to know that members, from both sides of the aisle, can still come together over common-sense measures that benefit the people of our state and I look forward to their continued support when we return to Albany.”

Full press release after the jump:

HAWLEY’S BILL TO REPEAL NEW UTILITY TAX GAINS STEAM IN ALBANY

As the original author of legislation to repeal the new two percent tax on utilities, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is pleased to report that his legislation has now gained the support of over two dozen, bipartisan members of the State Assembly.

“I am pleased that so many of my colleagues have already signed on to support this important bill in such a quick period of time,” said Hawley.  “It is good to know that members, from both sides of the aisle, can still come together over common-sense measures that benefit the people of our state and I look forward to their continued support when we return to Albany.”

Assembly Bill 9098, authored by Hawley, will repeal in full the increased tax on utilities, which now totals 2 percent of a consumer’s bill.  The tax increase was made as part of the enacted 2009-10 State Budget, which Hawley opposed.  The newly increased tax went into effect on July 1, 2009 and will cost average homeowners an increase of $40 to over $200 annually.

Hawley’s bill, A.9098, has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions for their review.  With four members of this committee signed on to support this bill so far, and the growing support for the initiative with the public, Hawley is hopeful that the bill will be addressed when the Assembly is called back into session. 

“This winter is going to be tough for many New Yorkers, especially seniors here in Western New York, to afford their utilities.  Already, in previous years, we have seen seniors forced to choose between food, prescriptions and heat.  This increased tax compounds that problem and that’s why, before this winter, I hope that we can repeal this excessive tax,” said Hawley.

The Assemblyman is not only working across the aisle to garner support for this bill; he is looking at both houses.  As previously announced, State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has agreed to carry the bill in the Senate and together he and Hawley are working to encourage more senators to support the bill as well.

            Members of the public who would like to see the 2 percent utility tax repealed should contact Assemblyman Hawley’s office to sign his petition, which will be delivered to the Governor.  Residents should also write to the Chair of the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, Richard Brodksy and ask that he immediately take action on the bill.  You can contact Assemblyman Brodsky by writing, calling or emailing at the following:

The Honorable Richard Brodsky

Chair, Assembly Corporations, Authorities & Commissions Committee

5 West Main Street, Suite 205

Elmsford, NY 10523

Phone: (914) 345-0432

E-mail: brodskr@assembly.state.ny.us

###

HAWLEY DISPELS “STATE TAKEOVER OF OTB” RUMORS

A member of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) would like to assure all residents that rumors currently circulating of a state takeover of Off Track Betting (OTB) operations are untrue.  The Assemblyman has been vital in brokering racing and wagering agreements with the state, such as the new New York Racing Association (NYRA) agreement that increased revenues for Batavia Downs.

“To be very clear, there have been no discussions of a state takeover of OTB and should such discussions arise, I would like all residents to know that I am strongly opposed to such an initiative, especially regarding a takeover of OTBs in Western New York,” said Hawley, who upon learning of the rumors, immediately called Western New York OTB officials to dispel the rumors.

The state took over New York City OTB in June 2008; however, due to mounting problems, on September 1, 2009, Governor Paterson signed an executive order allowing the NYC OTB organization to file for reorganization under Chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code (executive order #27).  In that executive order, the Governor has directed NYC OTB to put together a restructuring plan within the next two months.

Contained in the 2008 legislation allowing the state to take over NYC OTB, the State Legislature also appointed a task force to study regional OTB corporations.  Their report is due later this fall.

Both of these actions have helped to fuel rumors that the task force would “rubber stamp” a rumored initiative for a state takeover to allow OTB revenues to be moved from local governments to the state’s General Fund to balance budget deficits.

In order for the state to take over OTB corporations across the state, there would need to be legislation drafted and moved through both houses.  However, at this time, there is no such legislation, nor have there been discussions to draft or introduce any legislation of the sort.

Assemblyman Hawley stated, “I can certainly understand the concern: last year the Governor swiped money from snowmobilers, this year he chose to give $200 handouts to recipients of social services instead of renewing the STAR rebate program.  Both of his budgets have been excessive in their spending, irresponsible and secretive in their negotiations. When it comes to making fiscal choices, there is a reason why New York State residents are skeptical of the Governor doing the right thing.  However, at present, I would like to ensure all residents that there have been no discussions about a state takeover of OTB operations.  Furthermore, I am adamantly against such a proposal and will fight it tooth-and-nail should such a proposal be made.”

###

The New York Senate will be in session tomorrow and Majority Leader Pedro Espada is apparently looking to score points with New York City labor unions -- he's calling for passage of what upstate legislators call "the farm death bill."

The bill, the Farmworkers Omnibus Labor Standards Bill, AB 1867, has already passed the Assembly.

If it becomes law, the bill will require farmers to pay time-and-a-half for over time, allow farm workers to join labor unions and require a day off during harvest season. It will also require farmers to pay into the unemployment system, among other provisions.

The bill is sponsored by Catherine Nolan, who represents Queens. Assemblyman Steve Hawley once pinned her down during a floor debate into admitting that in her district contains "less than one farm."

Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer plans to vote Nay if the bill does come to a vote. He said even upstate farm workers he's spoken with are concerned that passage of the bill will cost them their livelihoods.

"They are alarmed about the bill," Ranzenhofer said. "They're concerned about losing their jobs because farms will be going out of business."

Area farmers and farm workers alike tell both Hawley and Ranzenhofer that many of the issues the bill is trying to address is already taken care of by farmers. Most farmers do supply workers with adequate housing and health care. Workers are paid for all the hours they work, but not necessarily time-and-a-half. Because farm work is seasonal, the legislators note that a great deal of work must be packed into a short amount of time.

But by mandating such services, allowing labor unions to get involved and increasing government oversight, the bill will drive up costs on farmers tremendously.

The supporters of the bill just don't understand farming and that without farms, there is no food, both Hawley and Ranzenhofer say.

"The sponsors are from New York City," Ranzenhofer said. "They don't understand that the relationship between farmers and workers is mutually beneficial. This is a New York City union issue and really has nothing to do with farming in Upstate New York."

It's unclear just how the Senate will vote on the measure. It could go either way.

MAZIARZ & HAWLEY CALL TO FILL VACANCIES WITH OPEN ELECTIONS

With 4 of the State’s Leaders Appointed, Hawley & Maziarz Work to Ensure “Participatory Government”

State Senator George Maziarz and Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) called on the Governor to hold open elections when filling vacant high-level elected offices.  With the Governor, one of the state’s two United States Senators, Comptroller and now the Lieutenant Governor, all appointed or filled without public input, the legislators are concerned at the lack of “participatory government.”

“One of the greatest freedoms our nation has, and one of the greatest actions our citizenry has is a voice in choosing who represents them.  For the last three years, however, high-level state and federal leaders from our state have been ‘specially’ appointed rather than elected into office.  This severely undermines the public’s ability to exercise their right to vote and their voice in government, and further diminishes an already damaged sense of trust in government,” said Hawley, who is the original author of legislation that would address this issue.  “Had this bill to amend the constitution of our state been addressed and enacted after I first introduced it in March 2008, some of this year’s dysfunction could have been avoided and the people would have been able to elect their own Comptroller, Governor and Lieutenant Governor.” 

Senator Maziarz, who introduced the bill in the State Senate, stated, "Elections should determine who our state leaders are, not appointments.  We are a demoncracy and that means that power ultimately rests with the people.  That power is best exercised in the voting booth.  So, in my view, when we have to fill a vacancy in a major office, the best thing to do is empower the people and let them decide."

 Bills S.6127/A.1140 and S.6126/A.1141 would provide a process of open, public election for filling high-level state positions, such as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller and Attorney General.  Specifically, the legislation would change current law by automatically calling for an open election for any vacated top elected offices in the next scheduled general election.  This would prevent appointments for 3- or 4-year terms without the public having had the opportunity to voice their opinion.  The bill would go into effect after it is passed by both houses in two consecutive legislative sessions.

By initially filling vacancies through appointment until the next general election, the bills would not burden the state with the additional cost of holding a special election.  Under current law, only one person, Governor Paterson, who was appointed himself, has the power to name his successor. 

            While this initiative gained bi-partisan support in the State Legislature, as well as popular support among New Yorkers, the bills were held in the Assembly Judiciary Committee and have not been addressed in the Senate.  Both legislators are again circulating the legislation to their colleagues in the Assembly and Senate for their support and sponsorship.

###

How many ways can New York come up with to tax us?

That's one of the things Batavia resident Louis Dobbs wonders.

Assembly Steve Hawley and Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer held a joint press conference at the Batavia home of Dobbs today calling for a repeal of a recently enacted two-percent tax on utilities.

"It just never seems to end," Dobbs said. "Just when I thought New York State had exhausted all the possible ways to tax us, they find one more way to squeeze a few more dollars out of our wallets." (listen)

Hawley and Ranzenhofer are asking their constituents to sign petitions, which they, along with other Republicans in the legislature, will take to Gov. David Patterson, hoping to convince him to drop the tax.

The tax is scheduled to take effect next July.

Hawley said these are very difficult times in upstate and Western New York, and the new fees and taxes don't help (listen).

To sign the petition yourself, you can contact Steve Hawley’s office at 589-5780, or click this link: Sign the Petition

(This post based on the reporting of Geoff Redick from The Batavian's news partner, WBTA.)

A new utility tax that costs consumers between $40 and $200 annually is in the cross hairs of Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Hawley announced this week that he's introducing legislation to repeal the new 2-percent tax, which was put into effect as part of the governor's budget plan on July 1.

"Already residents are struggling to pay their utility bills, especially our seniors. This tax is a perfect example of Albany shifting the burden of their out-of-control spending in our state and I am working to relieve residents and businesses from this unnecessary tax," Hawley said.

The new tax is expected to take $557 million out of the economy and siphon it to the state's general fund. The tax would generate $2.8 billion through March 31, 2014.

Full press release here.

There may be some federal relief coming to Corfu and Darien for tornado damage clean up after all, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Hawley announced this morning that the Genesee County communities will be included in an omnibus relief rquest to the Federal Inspection Team along with other counties recently damaged by severe weather events.

Federal relief requirements mandate that eligible areas damaged by storms must have at least 25 uninsured houses, or five damaged businesses, among other guidelines, which means Darien and Corfu alone may not qualify.

The single relief package would include Cattaraugus, Erie, Chautauqua & Allegheny counties, also hit by heavy storms recently, and Columbia, Rensaleer, Cortland and Chenango counties, which also suffered storm-related damage.

"We will continue to keep all residents and businesses who were adversely 
affected apprised of the progress regarding possible monetary assistance as a 
result of these catastrophic weather patterns of destruction," Hawley said in a statement.

HAWLEY WORKS TO REPEAL NEW UTLITY TAX

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is drafting legislation that would repeal the two percent tax on utilities.  The tax is estimated to cost average consumers between $40 and $200 annually and went into effect on July 1, 2009.

“Already residents are struggling to pay their utility bills, especially our seniors.  This tax is a perfect example of Albany shifting the burden of their out-of-control spending in our state and I am working to relieve residents and businesses from this unnecessary tax,” said Assemblyman Hawley.

            Part NN of Article VII of the Laws of 2009 established a utility service conservation assessment of two percent on utilities statewide.  The measure was enacted through the budget bill, Assembly Bill 159-B, which Hawley voted against.

Since 1972, a similar tax of .3 of one percent was bundled into the delivery charge portion of a consumer’s utility bill. This new tax, increased by more than 300 percent to 2 percent, is expected to raise $557 million for the state’s General Fund or more than $2.8 billion through March 31, 2014. 

To offset the revenues lost by rescinding this new tax, Hawley proposes that the state first address their “addiction to spending.”  He has compiled a list of areas where the state could spend less or consolidate without compromising services.  For example, this year’s budget appropriated $60 million for new land acquisition and $200 million in member item spending.  The state also has continued to purchase and finance state-owned automobiles as perks for certain employees at an estimated cost of $10 million annually.  These appropriations are, in Hawley’s view, an inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars given the current fiscal climate.

Additionally, Hawley states that $1 billion in administrative costs could be saved by merging certain governmental agencies, such as the state Department of Correctional Services with the divisions of Criminal Justice, Probation and Correctional Alternatives and Parole or the state Office of Real Property with the Department of Taxation and Finance.  Another $5 billion also could be saved by addressing Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse.  Currently, the state is only recovering an average $500 million, leaving an estimated $4.5 billion in taxpayer dollars being misused.

            The Assemblyman will be seeking the sponsorship of his colleagues in both houses and will urge the State Legislature to address the bill when lawmakers return to Albany.

###

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I – Batavia) announced his second annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C.  This special trip is scheduled for Sept. 24-27 and is being jointly hosted by Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26).

“Last year’s trip was a very special and memorable trip for me on many levels: as a representative, as a veteran and as the son of a veteran," Hawley said. "I was thrilled to be able to share the experience with so many veterans from our region and am even more excited for this year’s expanded trip. I would like to thank Congressman Lee for his support and assistance in the planning of this trip."

The trip, dubbed Patriot Trip II, will include round-trip private-coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C. and accommodations at the Crossroads Hotel on Quantico Marine Base.

It also includes tours of the nation’s Capitol and Arlington Cemetery, as well as visits to a number of monuments and memorials, including World War II, Korean, Vietnam, FDR, Jefferson and Iwo Jima, among other tours and visits. Additionally, the trip includes admission to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian Museum and Quantico Marine Military Museum.

“Any time our veterans take the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital, it’s an important event,” said Congressman Lee. “It’s not uncommon to see vets at our war memorials surrounded by grateful tourists and fellow citizens. I hope all local veterans will seek to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Assemblyman Hawley continues to do great work on behalf of our local veterans, and I look forward to working with him to ensure this trip is a success.”

While many veterans were sent a mailer with the trip’s original dates, due to military personnel commitments at the hotel, the trip’s dates have been changed to Sept. 24-27.  Assemblyman Hawley, who's also Ranking Member of the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, would like to encourage all veterans within the 139th Assembly District who did not receive the mailing, to call his office and ask to be put on the mailing list.

For more information about the trip and its details, pricing, or to sign-up for the trip or mailing list, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.