Steve Hawley

As a result of a series of statewide regional forums hosted by members of the Assembly Republican Conference, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today spoke at a press conference in Albany on legislative solutions to combat domestic violence. The full report and all its recommendations have been made public.

The full report, A Safe Haven: Helping Abuse Victims and Enhancing Protections, can be found here.

“Domestic violence is a grave issue that has irrevocable consequences for families and society as a whole,” Hawley said. “I had the opportunity to host one of our conference’s forums in Batavia, and the testimony and information we received was both concerning and valuable.

"This is a complex issue, but after talking with law enforcement, advocates, victims and those on the frontlines around the state, I believe these recommendations will go very far in preventing domestic violence and helping victims feel safe again.”

Some of the recommendations outlined in the report include:

• Providing financial assistance and relief to victims seeking alternative housing or living in a shelter to escape their abuse;
• Declaring domestic violence a statewide public health crisis;
• Creation of a new “Domestic Violence in the Presence of a Child” crime with harsher penalties for abusers;
• Allowing domestic violence victims to obtain emergency panic buttons through local law enforcement or social services; and
• Freeing up law enforcement to arrest more abusers and keep victims safe.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced $5.5 million is now available to farmers and agricultural producers as part of two new grant programs. The awards are aimed toward farmland conservation, assisting farmers in identifying available land and ensuring that arable land is permanently protected from development and nonfarm uses.

“Farming is one of the cornerstones of our community and extremely important to our local economy, traditions and way of life,” Hawley said. “Too often, farmers lose the ability to work the land due to environmental concerns or development, and these new grants will help protect our producers and ensure that family farms remain family businesses. I remain committed to giving our farmers a voice in Albany, and I look forward to advocating their concerns as we progress through this year’s session.”

More information can be found on the state’s Agriculture and Markets site and interested applicants can access grant information here. Applications will be processed until all funding for the program has been exhausted.

Hawley is the former owner/operator of Hawley Farms in Batavia and sits on the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley outlining his budget priorities:

Government is about the people. Making a difference in the everyday lives of individuals should be the central role to which we aspire as legislators. Society flourishes when personal freedom and liberty rule the day, not directives and penalties handed down in the form of taxes and mandates.

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State Address last week was filled with the latter. Lofty expansion of programs and more state spending is what many witnessed but few desire.

According to the Tax Foundation, New York ranks 49^th in the country in tax climate for businesses for the fourth year in a row. In addition, our state ranks 49^th in terms of tax levies on personal income, 47^th in property-taxes and 43^rd in sales taxes – all of which have contributed to more than one millions residents who have left the state since 2010.

We have the power to change these embarrassing statistics and rewrite New York’s mantra of tax, fine and harass.

The solutions start with reducing fraud and waste in our Medicaid system, which spends more than Florida and Texas combined, and mitigating the over 140,000 pages of regulations Albany elites impose on our job creators – not bloating government as Gov. Cuomo proclaims. Mandates like these, which counties and local governments cannot afford, are eventually paid by individuals in the form of higher property and state taxes.

We need to build on the success of the Charitable Gaming Act that was signed into law last year and further empower the thousands of fire departments, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, nonprofits, churches and charitable organizations that provide tremendous community services through their raffles.

Lake Ontario flood victims are still hurting and this year’s budget should include more funding to help these struggling individuals and business owners return to normalcy.

State government should hinge on allowing people to flourish and that cannot happen if disconnected elites like Gov. Cuomo continue to use their tax dollars to tax, penalize and restrict them.

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is pursuing ethics reform that would bar state legislators from holding jobs or owning businesses and would establish the expectation -- though not necessarily the pay -- that they are full-time elected officials.

It's the kind of reform that could potentially force Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer to either quit the Legislature or give up their outside business interests.

During her visit to Batavia yesterday, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the proposal isn't specifically directed at any current elected officials, including Hawley and Ranzenhofer, but she supports the reform.

When elected officials earn income from sources other than their government jobs, it creates an inherent conflict of interest, she said.

"If you want to serve the people of your state, and this is the highest privilege there is no matter what your level of elective office, you need to respect it and not try to serve two masters," Hochul said. 

"We want legislators focused on them (their constituents) and not their outside income," Hochul added.

These proposals have come along before, Hawley said, and he thinks the idea of a full-time legislature misses the advantages of elected officials living a life outside of politics.

He said one of the problems in this country is we've gotten away from the idea of citizen legislators.

"When a representative's only source of income is being an elected official they lose touch with the reality of everyday life and what real people go through," Hawley said. "No outside income diminishes their grasp on reality.

"When being an elected official is your only source of income, you look at it as an occupation and not an avocation," Hawley said. "That means more conflicts of interest and you need to keep your jobs no matter the legislation and the conflict is greater 100 times over because when that's all you do and it's your only source of income, you will say or do anything to keep that job."

Ranzenhofer, an attorney, agreed with Hawley's main objection to the proposed reform.

"Having outside business interests, whether it's insurance, or being an attorney, or a doctor, or whatever, brings a much more diverse Legislature," Ranzenhofer said. "It means people with real-world experience are serving. I cannot imagine a world where every single member of the legislature is a professional legislator, where that's all they did is legislation and politics."

Hochul said the reform isn't aimed specifically at Hawley or Ranzenhofer, and perhaps for existing members of the Legislature, there could be some sort of grandfather clause that would allow current members to continue to serve.

"I'm not talking about them individually," Hochul said. "I'm talking about the system as a whole. The people of the state deserve to have full-time (legislators)."

Ranzenhofer served on the Senate's judiciary committee and he said his up-to-date, real-work experience working in courts helps inform the debates.

"It's helpful to have people who are engaged in these issues in the real world so we can advise people on how legislation could affect people," Ranzenhofer said.

Hawley has been both an elected official and an insurance company owner, going back to his days on the County Legislature, for 39 years. He said he has consistently handled potential conflicts this way for four decades: he seeks the advice of legal counsel for the elected body.

"There have been a number of occasions where I've asked legal counsel about something we were voting on, whether there was an issue," Hawley said. "There has never been any finding of a conflict that has come to the fore."

If the insurance industry has ever thought they had it in the bag with Hawley, that simply hasn't been the case, he said. He has on several occasions, he said, voted against the lobbying requests of the insurance industry. One example he raised was legislation that would have required agents to disclose to new clients that they were earning a commission from the sale of a policy. The agents' association opposed the legislation and Hawley voted in favor of the reform.

"I think probably 99 percent of the people understand that, but even if just 1 percent don't understand it, then I don't have a problem (with the disclosure)," Hawley said.

Though he keeps busy with attending public events and meeting with constituents, Hawley said he isn't convinced there is enough work in Albany to sustain a full-time Legislature.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Although I am glad that the governor did not continue his game of political hide-and-seek with the legislature as we saw last year, wasting large sums of taxpayer money to present over 20 ideas with unsubstantiated legislative backing or confirmed funding sources amounts to little more than an expensive taxpayer-funded speech.

“I am glad to be back in Albany continuing to work hard for the residents of Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties with my focus on lowing our families’ tax burden, making New York more business-friendly, fully funding our infrastructure and continuing to reform our charitable gaming laws.”

Press release from State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer:

“This year, the state of New York is facing a deficit in the billions. The budget must be balanced by restraining spending and not by more taxes for a state that has one of the highest burdens in the nation. It’s time to remove the barriers that inhibit growth in our Upstate economy and enact policies that stem the consistent loss of population of past decades, such as enacting comprehensive regulatory reforms and cutting energy taxes. 

“We should also seriously consider eliminating expenditures for the state’s economic development programs that are not creating jobs, including Start-Up NY and the tens of millions of dollars being spent on television advertising by the Executive.

“By getting our fiscal house in order, we can continue investments in improvements to our community’s transportation infrastructure and water quality, combating the heroin and opioid crisis and ensuring Western New York gets its fair share of state funding for our schools.”

Press release from Congressman Chris Collins:

"The Governor's speech was a pathetic attempt to rile his base, although even they have realized that his political empire is crumbling judging from the fact that the loudest round of applause came when he mentioned the Buffalo Bills. Republicans under President Trump have lowered taxes, rolled back regulations, and are seeing explosive economic growth. In comparison, under Andrew Cuomo, New York is facing a $4 billion deficit, the New York City subway is crumbling, and the FBI has opened an investigation into his hiring practices. New Yorkers deserve better."

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“I am honored to be named to the Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends for 2017. Agriculture is such an important part of Western New York’s economy, and we have so many dedicated farmers and producers locally who battle excessive rain, drought and other obstacles to feed our state. Whether it’s dairy, livestock or vegetables, our products are in grocery stores across the nation and that is a testament to the devotion and will of our area’s farmers.

“As the former owner and operator of our family-owned farm in Batavia for many years, I know the challenges our producers face, and that is why I will always have the backs of these dedicated men and women. I look forward to another productive year in Albany and will strive to keep New York’s farming industry the best in the nation.”

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“This is a tremendous victory and crucial first step toward reforming our gaming laws for the tens of thousands of non-profits, fire departments, churches, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs and charitable organizations throughout the state," Hawley said.

“After a long uphill climb, and with much help from my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, we have made important changes to New York’s gaming laws that open the conversation and serve as a catapult to tackle more changes this year.

“I would like to personally thank Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Buffalo) for carrying this bill in our house and Senators Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma), Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) and Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) for championing this cause in the Senate. I would also like to thank all the constituents and local groups who contacted my office and the governor’s office expressing their support for this bill.

“The law will take effect in 180 days and the New York State Gaming Commission will make any necessary tweaks. I am so proud of the work we have done and I am hopeful that moving forward we continue to advocate for our charitable and nonprofit organizations and make more changes to the state’s gaming laws.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be hosting a free Yellow Dot program on Thursday in Corfu. It will be held at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Alleghany Road, Corfu.

It will be conducted by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department and Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron Jr. and Undersheriff Gregory Walker are expected to attend.

Yellow Dot is designed to help first responders provide life-saving medical attention during that first “golden hour” after a car crash or emergency. A Yellow Dot Kit, like those available at Thursday's event, contains two cards for your personal information and and two Yellow Dot stickers (decals), one for your car and one for your home.

FOR YOUR VEHICLE: A Yellow Dot placed in the driver's-side rear window of your vehicle will alert first responders that vital medical information is stored in the glove compartment. One card should be completed for each person who regularly occupies the vehicle. The card(s) should be updated annually yourself or bring it to your medical check-up. (If you sell your car, remove the Yellow Dot sticker.)

AT HOME: A Yellow Dot kit can be used to alert those who respond to an emergency in your home. Simply place a Yellow Dot decal on or beside your front door and place a completed card for each occupant in a clear freezer bag and place in a visible location in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator.

The Sheriff's Association has distributed more than 2 million free Yellow Dot kits to New Yorkers to date. 

“Yellow Dot is truly a life-saving program,” Hawley said. “This is a free program that is especially important as road conditions become more dangerous during the winter months.

"Participating in the Yellow Dot Program is as easy as filling out a brief medical card and placing the Yellow Dot sticker on your car window. I encourage all who are available to stop by and pick up your free Yellow Dot Kit ... or contact your local sheriff’s department.”

Press release:

In his ongoing efforts to preserve our Second Amendment rights, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today reminded pistol permit holders to recertify their permits by Jan. 31 in order to prevent them from becoming invalid.

If your pistol permit was issued before Jan.15, 2013, you must recertify your permit before Jan. 31. If your permit was issued on or prior Jan. 15, 2013, the deadline is five years after the date the permit was issued.

“Unfortunately, this is a new mandate on pistol permit holders in New York and the first year that owners have to recertify,” Hawley said. “The deadline is coming up and many New Yorkers may be unaware of these new requirements.

"As much as we may disagree with the unconstitutional Safe Act, if we come out in droves to recertify it will send the message to state leadership that we cherish our Second Amendment right to bear arms, and will not be silenced by any big government policies, as frustrating as they might seem.”

If you are a New York state pistol permit holder and need to recertify your license or would like more information, please visit the New York State Trooper Website here. Additionally, feel free to contact my office with questions at (585) 589-5780, or email me at hawleys@nyassembly.gov.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act has been delivered to Gov. Cuomo for his approval or veto.

The bipartisan measure, ushered through the Legislature this spring, provides a host of benefits to charitable organizations and nonprofits that hold raffles and fundraisers across the state. Hawley has been fighting for this bill to become law ever since the cancellation of the Stafford Fire Department’s classic car raffle.

“Gov. Cuomo now has the unilateral power to do what is right for the tens of thousands of churches, fire departments, nonprofits and charitable organizations that raise money to support themselves or help the less fortunate throughout our state,” Hawley said.

"“I would like to thank Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma), Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda) and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Amherst) for championing this bill in the Senate and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Buffalo) for introducing this legislation in the Assembly.

"Although I was a prime co-sponsor in the house, this was truly collaboration and I thank all of my legislative colleagues for their diligence. I call on the governor to sign this bill into law immediately and back the dedicated men and women who are handcuffed by these archaic statutes.”

Join Assemblyman Hawley in calling on Gov. Cuomo to sign the Charitable Gaming Act into law by calling or writing the governor’s office at:

518-474-8390

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo

Governor of New York State

NYS State Capitol Building

Albany, NY 12224

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“As we kick off the bustling holiday season on Black Friday, it is important to consider shopping at some of our locally owned, small businesses this weekend for Small Business Saturday," Hawley said. "The dedicated men and women that own and operate these businesses take pride in the products they sell and are crucial in growing our local economy.

“As a small business owner/operator for several decades, I know firsthand the trials and tribulations of our state’s business owners and have strived to become their voice in Albany. By patronizing these tremendous companies this weekend you will undoubtedly take part in helping to create local jobs, stimulate our economy and make Western New York a fantastic place to do business.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) praised the announcement of new veteran license plates. The new service branch-specific license plates are available for all branches of U.S. military service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines.         

“Our veterans have made a tremendous sacrifice for our country and our state,” Hawley said. “This is an opportunity for each of them to be recognized for the commitment they’ve made for all of us. As the start of a new session approaches, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass more legislation that will inevitably improve the lives of our veterans across the state.”

The new custom plates, made available for the first time in New York, join a number of others offered in the Veteran and Military series, including the Purple Heart Recipient, Vietnam Veteran and War on Terror Veteran license plates.

In order to purchase a custom plate, New Yorkers are required to validate their military service with a copy of their discharge papers (DD-214 or equivalent documentation) and mail a copy with a completed application, found here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recognized earlier this month for an exemplary commitment to the policies endorsed by the New York State Conservative Party.

The party’s executive committee determined the score based on each state legislator’s voting record across a diverse sample of legislation from this year’s session. Hawley had the highest score with a rating of 92 out of 100.   

“I am honored to be presented with this rating by the Conservative Party of New York State,” Hawley said. “This rating exemplifies the discipline and commitment to the policies that we must support if we intend to develop a stronger and healthier economy for job seekers and job creators alike.

"Policies such as keeping taxes low so more money stays in the pockets of our families and cutting red tape so businesses can hire, expand, and operate profitably are all measures I voted for and I believe will inevitably bring economic growth to our state.”

A link to the full list of rankings can be found here.

Press release:

On Thursday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) praised the signing of legislation to extend property tax exemptions to eligible U.S. veterans to include school taxes. These exemptions would extend the veterans’ property tax exemption to include school taxes in New York State and will ease financial burdens faced by veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

“As Americans, we owe it all to the brave men and women who fought to defend our country,” Hawley said. “Extending tax exemptions to veterans is one small way we can positively impact their post-military lives. I applaud the signing of this legislation and I hope veterans across the state will benefit from these additional tax exemptions.”

At this time, state property tax laws provide partial property tax exemptions to qualified veterans of the U.S. military, but these exemptions didn’t include school taxes. In 2013 and 2016 the alternative veterans’ property tax exemption and Cold War property tax exemptions were revised to give school districts the option of allowing exemptions. With this signed legislation, all three veterans’ property tax exemptions would apply to school taxes.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [left of sign] poses with Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) [right of sign] at Decker Farms in Staten Island.

Submitted photos and press release:

In a show of bipartisanship and in response to several Downstate legislators touring his district this past summer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) departed Wednesday night to tour Staten Island with Democratic state lawmaker Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) and Long Island with Republican lawmaker Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown).

“Cooperation and benevolence between our political parties is so rare in today’s political climate, and that is why I am eager to tour some areas of the state with an open mind and focus on improving our state for all residents, because at the end of the day, we are all New Yorkers and our goal is to leave our children a better state than we found it,” Hawley said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed having my downstate colleagues visit my district and I think they gained some added perspective and insight, my goal is to accomplish the same this week.”

The group will visit Freshkills Park, one of the largest park developments in New York City, Decker Farms, Joe & Pat’s Pizza and Empire Outlets, a proposed shopping park in Staten Island featuring over 100 stores.

The group will also tour the district represented by Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown), including a tour of various types of agriculture on Long Island hosted by Rob Carpenter, President of the Long Island Farm Bureau. Carpenter will accompany them to the Green Harbor Craft Brewery and Sparkling Pointe Vineyard and Winery. They will visit the North Fork Potato Chip Factory as well. 

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s official website.

Below Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [left], Assemblyman Matt Titone (D-Staten Island)[center], and Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) [right] grab lunch at Joe & Pat’s Pizza on Staten Island, a local staple. 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today wrote to Gov. Cuomo and New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Matthew Driscoll asking for increased funding to repair and secure dozens of local bridges that have been deemed structurally deficient by a recent report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office.

“Securing infrastructure funding at the local level is like pulling teeth every year in Albany,” Hawley said. “Just because we are a more rural community compared to New York City doesn’t mean our local roads, bridges and highways take any less punishment.

"If anything, our bridges wear down more easily because many more residents drive and our agriculture and small business vehicles are constantly shipping more goods across the state.”

Statewide estimates to make all the necessary repairs are $27 billion, with 23 percent of Genesee County bridges and 16.2 percent of Orleans County bridges categorized as structurally deficient.

“This is about giving peace of mind to our bus drivers as they bring our children to school, our parents making the morning commute to put food on the table and  our small-business owners working hard to transport their goods to market,” Hawley said.

“Government’s top priority should be the safety of its residents, and that starts with roads and bridges in which we have confidence, allowing residents and tourists to travel safely. Securing funding to make this a reality is a must, and I will fight in the coming weeks and months to make that happen.”