Steve Hawley

Assemblyman Steve Hawley hosted a tour of his district yesterday for two down-state legislators, Assemblyman Michael Cusick (green shirt) and Assemblyman Micheal Fitzpatrick (dark shirt next to his small son), including a visit with Jeff Post (gray shirt) at Post Farms in Elba. Also pictured, Barry Flansburg, a member of Hawley's staff.

The tour also included stops at the NYS vets nursing home,  O-AT-KA  Milk Products, Oliver's Candies and the Orleans County Fair.

Press release:

In his continuing quest for bipartisanship, rare in today’s political climate, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will be hosting Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) in his Assembly district to demonstrate the concerns and needs of Western New Yorkers. In return, Hawley will visit Cusick’s home, Staten Island, at some point in the future.

“I am excited to host Assemblyman Cusick and show him how our lives are different in another region of the state,” Hawley said. “I am pleased that he accepted my invitation to travel the many miles to our area and his acceptance illustrates the bipartisanship and common bond we all have as state lawmakers despite the quarreling and vigorous policy debates we have in Albany. I hope other lawmakers follow our lead and remember that our common goal is to make all of New York a better place to live.”

"Although I have long represented a district in one of New York City's greenest boroughs known fondly as 'The Borough of Parks,' I believe my trip to Genesee and Orleans may challenge what I have always thought of as 'green space,' " said Assemblyman Cusick. "Very much looking forward to taking up Assemblyman Hawley on his kind offer to tour these beautiful counties."

Press release:

The conviction of Sheldon Silver being overturned by the second Circuit Court is a textbook abandonment of the ethical values we all hold sacred.

Albany has long had a storied history of corruption and this quagmire of a case is a perfect example why we need to fight against the entrenched network of favors and secret dealings that are in place at the capitol.

I for one expect the retrial to address this and to make an example of Silver to show that this kind of behavior will no longer be tolerated in New York. It is past time for a new dawn of ethical practice and transparency in Albany.

I have long been a proponent of sweeping ethics reforms, both resisting special interest groups from New York City and calling for increased transparency in Albany. This decision comes right on the heels of my criticisms of this year’s extraordinary session, which was just another motivator to keep pushing for ethical reforms and a new dawn of transparency in our state government.

It is with this in mind that I cosponsor the Public Officer’s Accountability Act (A5864) the most comprehensive way to fight corruption. This bill enforces numerous protections against back-door dealing and favor trading, such as the limitation of campaign funds to campaign activities and adding criminality to failure to report evidence of corruption. Among a myriad other tools provided within the bill, are the ways to restore our trust in our State government.

Next year’s session will be the primary arena to prevent actions like Silver’s from being repeated, stress ethics reform and focus on transparency. Moving forward against the kind of ethical breaches like Silver’s is something everyone can fight for and a rallying cry for those of us holding steadfast to our shared American ideals and values.

Press release:

With the advent of Independent Retailer Month, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia), who himself has been a small-business owner for more than 40 years, is encouraging his neighbors to shop local this month.

It is a chance to support the local economy and strengthen community growth in Western New York.

“This month is the perfect opportunity to support your neighbor’s businesses and show the strength of our community,” Hawley said. “As a local business owner, I know the importance of the issues so many business owners face.

"The regulation and taxes meted out by Albany stifle the prosperity of all of us. It is with this in mind that we use this month as a symbol to band together as neighbors and show that our local economy has never been stronger and will continue to keep local money in local pockets.”

Hawley is a strong opponent of regulation and governmental oversight that prevents local businesses from operating efficiently in New York State.

This motivated him to sponsor the Red Tape Reduction Act (A6916) to help start cutting back harmful laws sent down from Albany. Less regulation and less red tape means more jobs, lower taxes, and more money in your pocket at the end of every day.

Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Albany’s dysfunction was on full display (Wednesday) as legislators were called back to session for a 12-hour fiasco with many of us in the dark until very late as to what bills we were to vote on. As usual, the three-men-in-a-room backdoor deal circus was on full display, costing taxpayers tens of thousands in per diems and travel expenses.

“Although many issues like ethics reform, small-business relief, property and income-tax reform were unfortunately not addressed this year, we did manage to pass sales tax extenders for Orleans and Genesee counties that will help mitigate rising property taxes and fund various county initiatives.

“We also made important changes that will allow us to streamline the grant process for homeowners and owners of secondary properties affected by flooding to obtain aid and relief. I am hopeful that the governor will sign this bill into law soon and help residents who are still struggling with Lake Ontario’s devastating flooding.

“While this session was far from perfect and rife with dysfunction and secrecy, we did provide a record amount of aid for our schools, provided funding to combat the growing heroin epidemic, passed the ‘New York Buy American Act’ to bolster manufacturing and construction jobs and brought ride-sharing services Upstate.

“I look forward to a productive summer and fall visiting with constituents in our area and hearing feedback, questions and concerns as we look forward to the 2018 Session. Please remember that I am always available to discuss state issues and I will always be your voice and represent you fairly in Albany.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement about the Fourth of July: 

“As the 4^th of July approaches, we should all take a moment to appreciate the importance of this great day. Our independence is something that can sometimes be overlooked, and with all the corporate and trendy holidays that we have throughout the year, we need to cherish this holiday and what it stands for.

“It is a true gift to have a sense of patriotism and to remember the people who made our independence possible. The fight for liberty and justice is never complete; and as Americans it is our duty to remember and cherish our independence.

It is a day to celebrate our freedom, our country, our triumphs and to remember all those men and women who have served our nation and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of those ideals.

"Although this holiday is a joyous occasion, I encourage everyone to stay safe and to celebrate responsibly with family and friends.”

In response to our request, Assemblyman Steve Hawley provided the following statement on the issue of extending the 1-percent addition to local sales tax:

“At this point, we know very little about whether the Legislature plans to congruently pass local tax extenders. The Senate has already passed the Genesee County 1% tax extender that will be in effect until November 30, 2019, as well as the Orleans County tax extender.

"But the issue is that Assembly leadership chose to pass all local tax bills in one omnibus bill this year, instead of separately as they have done in almost all years past. Genesee and Orleans counties will be looking at approximate $9.3 million and $3.8 million revenue shortfalls, respectively.

"Essentially, the Assembly is holding tax extenders hostage, claiming that they have already fulfilled their obligation to counties. We are not sure at this point whether tax extenders will be addressed in Wednesday’s special legislative session, but it is time to put politics aside and compromise in order to avoid a major fiscal deficit in Genesee and Orleans counties,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia).

Previously: Inaction in Albany could deliver $8 million revenue blow to local governments

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is pleased to announce passage of a bill which will authorize Orleans County and Genesee County residents to hunt big game from Nov. 15 till Dec. 7. The bill allows residents to hunt using pistols, shotguns, muzzle-loaded firearms, long bows, crossbows or rifles.

“Hunting is an important part of our history, it is how our forefathers survived and provided for their families,” Hawley said. “As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I am proud to announce that citizens of Orleans and Genesee counties will be able to continue this centuries-old tradition that is such a huge part of our Western New York culture.

"As a proud outdoorsman myself, I will continue to work tirelessly to protect our constitutional rights from special interests attempting to restrict them. The passage of this bill is a step in the right direction toward maintaining our freedom and right to own firearms.”

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Today’s celebration of Flag Day is a powerful reminder of both the downfalls and triumphs our country has gone through in the past to get to where we are today. It was made the official flag of the United States in 1777, and although the American Flag has undergone some changes, it has remained a constant symbol of pride, hope and inspiration for our country and will for many years to come.

“I don’t think there is any other country that is as proud of their flag and what it represents as the United States of America. I hope many of you will join me this year in honoring the American Flag by displaying one at your home to show your love and pride in our great nation.”

Press release:

As the result of tens of millions in taxpayer dollars poured into stagnant and corrupt economic development programs in recent years, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is championing legislation that would provide greater accountability, transparency and safeguarding in how the state spends taxpayer money.

Following a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua), Hawley and a host of his Assembly Republican colleagues are blasting the state’s unproductive and seemingly corrupt programs like START-UP NY and the illegal I Love NY signs and arguing that strict auditing, deadlines and oversight must accompany any further spending in these initiatives.

“These programs have been a disgrace and a clear abuse of taxpayer dollars,” Hawley said. “In a state with already suffocating taxes and outrageous spending, we cannot continue to pour millions into programs that are rife with bid rigging and have created a minimal number of sustainable jobs.

"We need to let Comptroller DiNapoli do his job and audit these programs and return unnecessary tax dollars back into the pockets of our struggling families. I am calling for an immediate vote on this bill before session adjourns for the summer and encourage my colleagues across the state to support our cause.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today held a press conference with Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma) in Albany calling for an expansion of New York’s charitable gaming laws to include measures such as allowing for the use of credit and debit cards as payment for raffles and allowing advertising and sales online for raffles and games of chance.

“Momentum is at all-time high to reform these outdated and detrimental restrictions,” Hawley said. “These reforms would benefit thousands of not for profits and organizations like Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs, churches, fire departments and foundations for children like the Buffalo Sabres Foundation. I thank my colleagues in the Senate for spearheading this charge in their house and am hopeful that we can pass these changes before session adjourns in a few weeks.”

Hawley has been influential in leading the fight to reform the antiquated laws the past few years and championed legislation included in this year’s budget that would allow television and internet advertising of raffles, the use of personal checks as payments and expanding the definition of “authorized organization” to include volunteer ambulance workers and organizations that have been in existence for one year, among other provisions.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) addresses the Oakfield-Alabama High School Social Studies class.

Submitted photo and press release:

Yesterday, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) visited a Social Studies class at Oakfield-Alabama High School to discuss his duties as an elected official and explain his views on current and local issues.

This experience gave students an opportunity to learn valuable information about politics from a valued member of the State Assembly. Hawley enjoyed his time with the students and hopes that many of them will be inspired to take part in politics in the future.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today released the findings of his 2017 Legislative Survey that offered constituents an opportunity to answer questions and provide feedback on a host of state issues from ways to increase business activity to taxes and the DREAM Act.

“I am so pleased to have once again conducted a legislative survey to gain insight into the needs and concerns of our community and look forward to using that input to shape the legislation I introduce and my policy platform moving forward,” Hawley said. “Things like cutting taxes, improving our business climate, repealing the NY SAFE Act Upstate and fighting against the DREAM Act are top priorities of my constituents and certainly mirror what I am fighting for in Albany.”

The results offer clear evidence that many Western New York residents believe New York is headed in the wrong direction and that lowering taxes and ethics reform were the most important issues to constituents at 43.4 percent and 30.2 percent, respectively.

“As I have said for many years, New York’s leadership continues to funnel money and resources into Downstate-centric initiatives, which leaves Upstate to fight for scraps, and that is unacceptable. I look forward to conducting a similar survey next year and am accessible year-round to meet with constituents or groups here in the district or in Albany to hear their concerns,” Hawley said.

Other highlights of the survey include 64.1 percent of respondents in favor of abolishing the wasteful START-UP NY program, 58.9 percent in favor of cutting red tape and unnecessary regulations for small businesses and 66.1 percent in support of the division of New York into two separate states. 

To see survey results, click here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced Wednesday that he has introduced legislation to revamp the Assistance and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) formula, a large pool of state funding to help local governments undergo projects and conduct local operations of the government.

Currently, about 90 percent of this funding goes to cities and Gov. Cuomo is requiring local governments to devise consolidations plans to receive the funding as part of this year’s budget.

“Unfunded mandates like Medicaid handed down by downstate politicians continue to strangle the budgets of our local governments and are the driving force behind high property taxes,” Hawley said.

“This legislation would level the playing field for many small municipalities and help them receive their fair share of state funding. The AIM formula hasn’t been revised in a number of years and a more equitable formula would help our town, village and county governments reduce taxes and undergo projects like road and bridge repair. I am calling on Assembly leadership to bring this bill to the floor for a vote before be adjourn for the summer next month.”

Press release:

In his ongoing fight to update the state’s charitable gaming laws which have prohibited events such as the Stafford Fire Department’s annual car raffle, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has introduced legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept credits cards as a form of payment for Internet sales of games of chance.

Hawley was successful in working with Gov. Cuomo to update several facets of the state’s gaming laws in this year’s budget, including expanding the definition of an “authorized organization” to include volunteer ambulance workers and organizations that have been in existence for one year, allowing television and Internet advertising of raffles and allowing personal checks to be acceptable payments for games of chance.

“While many of the state’s archaic gaming laws were updated in this year’s budget, there is still much more work to be done to protect the livelihood of our thousands of charitable organizations, churches, fire departments and non-profits across the state,” Hawley said.

“This bill would allow these groups to accept credit cards as a form of payment for raffles, resulting in higher revenues raised for these great organizations and the ability for them to sell tickets outside of the region in which the raffle is taking place. I am hopeful that we can get this passed by the end of session and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to make that a reality moving forward.”

This information is from a press release provided by Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today proudly announced that the Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield will be receiving a state grant to install security cameras.

Hawley fought vigorously during this year’s budget negotiations to restore proposed cuts to library aid made by Gov. Cuomo and secure $95.6 million in total aid, including a $5 million increase for capital projects. 

“Libraries like these are a staple of our community and offer myriad services to local residents, such as free books and movie rentals, high-speed Internet and research services,” Hawley said. “My colleagues and I worked diligently to fight Gov. Cuomo’s proposed cuts to library aid and I am proud to announce that we actually secured an increase in funding for public libraries to undertake capital projects and improvements.

"Libraries are a gateway to a world of knowledge and enlightenment through reading and research and they will always have my unwavering support.”

Hawley also noted that Le Roy's Woodward Memorial Library received a state grant to renovate its Children's Room. For previous coverage on that project, click here.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Memorial Day is one of those special times of year that allows us to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and selflessly served to protect our nation and its citizens. With our principles of freedom and security under attack, it is more important than ever to keep those who are valiantly serving at home or abroad in our thoughts and prayers as they strive to further preserve our freedom and the American way of life.

“For decades, young men and women, some of them lying about their age to enlist, have answered the call when their nation needed them most. Their efforts are linked with unimaginable selflessness. As a veteran myself and son of someone who served during World War II, I know firsthand the courage and strength of our veterans. This Memorial Day, I applaud and honor their service and memory.

“As you enjoy time with friends and family during the long weekend, please take time to thank a veteran in your life, reflect on those we have lost in the line of service and enjoy the festivities responsibly.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 10^th annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C,. will take place Sept. 21 – 24. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2016 trip, which included stories of valiant service members and valuable time spent together reflecting on the courage and dedication exhibited by our nation’s veterans.

Hawley is a longtime supporter of veterans and has served on the Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee since 2006.

Only veterans who have never been on the trip before may sign up now. After Aug. 1, veterans who have been on the trip before and those living outside of the 139^th Assembly District may apply. The approximate cost of the trip is $350, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

“I look forward to this trip each year as a way to give back to those who have served our country and remember those who have perished in combat,” Hawley said. “I came up with this idea after a similar trip I took with my father, a World War II veteran.

"Through the experiences of my father and my own service in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves, I have gained a tremendous understanding and respect for the sacrifices endured by our veterans. It is for these reasons that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and have solidified it as one of the staples of my service to our community.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

• White House 
• WWII Memorial
• Gettysburg Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Vietnam War Memorial
• Iwo Jima – The Marine Corps Memorial
• American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
• Air Force Memorial
• 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon
• Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard
• Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns – Vietnam Veterans

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip X, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Submitted photos and info:

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley visited fourth-graders at Pembroke Intermediate School. Students have been studying the history of New York State, the government of New York, and how New York has helped shape America.

Assemblyman Hawley discussed his responsibilities and duties, while students participated in a question and answer session. Earlier in the year, students from Mr. Brown's Social Studies class wrote to Assemblyman Hawley after learning about the branches of government in New York.

Press release:

“New York’s taxes and spending have reached monumental proportions. It is a shameful reflection of the policies pushed by New York City elites and state leaders that our families must work over four months a year to pay off their collective tax burden.

We have some of the highest property taxes in the country right here in our state, and it is abundantly clear that many businesses and families would rather uproot and relocate to more tax-friendly states than remain in New York.

We need to cut business and income taxes to incentivize families to remain in our state and reinvest in our citizens rather than spending money on programs for illegal immigrants and Hollywood movie producers.”