Steve Hawley

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that his 2017 Legislative Survey has been launched on his official Assembly website. The survey covers various topics such as the minimum wage, small business reform, the DREAM Act and economic development.

“I am proud to once again offer an interactive survey to my constituents that allows for feedback on opinion-based questions pertaining to the most salient legislative issues facing our state,” Hawley said.

“Hearing feedback, positive and negative, from those who have trusted me to represent them in Albany is the crux of what we do as elected officials, and I encourage all residents to take a couple of minutes and answer these questions. I look forward to your feedback!”

A link to Hawley’s survey can be found by clicking here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is criticizing the governor for not including $4.6 million in SAFE Act funding within the 154 items he vetoed late last week. The funding has yet to be used because the SAFE Act was enacted four years ago, and those funds could be used more appropriately to rebuild infrastructure and fund schools in Western New York.

“I am disheartened by Gov. Cuomo’s failure to cease funding for the SAFE Act,” Hawley said. “I voted against the Capital Projects budget bill, which contained millions to fund the unconstitutional SAFE Act, and I continue to stand in opposition.

“The high number of vetoes makes it clear that there is massive waste in the budget,” Hawley continued. “The governor vetoed millions to fund workforce development, various grant programs and environmental projects across the state but doubled-down on his fight against law-abiding gun owners.

"Funding for the SAFE Act hasn’t been used since its inception, so it should have been eliminated from the budget. We need a budget that’s free of waste and only utilizes funds to benefit New Yorkers.”

With the passage of the new state budget, there is some relief for local charities looking to conduct raffles, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, but not all the reforms in the state gaming law that he would like to see.

Last year, many local charities, most particularly, volunteer fire departments, discovered their traditional fund-raising raffles were potentially in violation of state gaming laws, so most of the raffles were shut down.

Hawley introduced legislation aimed at making these charity raffles legal, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed the bill after it was passed by the Assembly and Senate.

This year, Cuomo included some reforms in his budget request and with passage of the budget, those reforms also passed.

The changes will allow charities to accept raffle payments by cash or check and to advertise the raffles on the Internet.

Charities will still be prohibited, however, from selling raffle tickets online.

"Those are the big changes and they will be somewhat helpful, but not (in) the place where I’d like to see it," Hawley said.

He is introducing legislation this session to try and get online ticket sales and credit card sales legal for charity raffles.

Interview with Assemblyman Steve Hawley conducted by our news partner, WBTA.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“After a long, exhaustive budget process, we have finally come to the end of the road. I am pleased that we have increased funding to repair our roads, bridges and highways and provided resources for a slew of capital projects across upstate. Although they are not totally ideal, we have made changes to the Charitable Gaming laws which will help raffles and charity functions at thousands of churches, nonprofits and fire departments across the state.

“The restoration of library funding that was slated to be cut by the governor and securing a record high in education aid are major victories for us as well. We have also legalized ride-sharing services like Uber upstate and will provide adequate funding for the Western New York Veterans Home, which are crucial to our region.

“Despite these victories, New York City initiatives like Raise the Age, increased income taxes and SAFE Act funding, along with many political projects for downstate, have tainted our final budget. I will continue to fight against the siphoning of our resources to New York City in the months ahead and ensure we receive our fair share.”

“This nearly 2,000 page budget extender serves as a microcosm of the dysfunction, secrecy and incompetence in Albany’s budget process," Hawley said. "We have been kept mostly in the dark for days and now are expected to vote on an almost 2,000 page budget extender that will keep the government in function until May 31 only minutes after it was printed.

"This is an absolutely unacceptable way to operate state government, and the state leaders and New York City politicians who are perpetuating this stalemate because they can’t agree after weeks of negotiations should be ashamed of themselves.

"Furthermore, they have cost taxpayers roughly $250,000 in per diem in travel expenses for legislators by keeping them here through the weekend while an agreement is being negotiated.”

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“It is unconscionable that an agreement, which state leaders have had months to negotiate, must wait until the absolute last minute year after year, leaving the public and legislators in the dark.”

“In keeping all 213 state legislators in Albany this week voting on useless legislation while a deal is struck behind the scenes, state leaders will have potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in per diems because they are too incompetent and beholden to special interests to agree on a deal anytime in the previous several months.”

“At this point, it seems as though the ‘Three Men in a Room’ are hashing out various policy and spending proposals behind closed doors. Unfortunately, this troubling lack of transparency is usual during the final days of budget negotiations, but it is certainly not the appropriate way to do the people’s business.”

“Rumors are circulating surrounding an agreement on Upstate ride-sharing, a major clean water infrastructure investment and raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, but little legislation has been introduced or printed and we are at the will of the nebulous legislative leaders.”

“I am hopeful that the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act, increased money to repair our roads and bridges and small-business relief are included in the final budget and I will be fighting for our community every step of the way. I will keep you updated and issue reports when more information is known.”

As part of Ag Literacy Week, Assemblyman Steve Hawley was at John Kennedy School this morning to read to a group of students from a children's book about a grape farmer.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) spoke with pro-Second Amendment groups as well as a number of hunters, sportsmen, wildlife and fishing advocates from around the state on Wednesday at Albany’s annual Sportsmen’s Day.

Among the groups in attendance were the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA), the New York State Crossbow Coalition, New York State Conservation Council Inc. and Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education (SAFE).

“I have always prided myself as being an outdoorsman and advocate for the Second Amendment,” Hawley said. “Things like hunting, fishing and target shooting are ingrained in Western New York’s culture and require consistent protection from downstate interest groups who seek to infringe on our rights.

"I was one of the first legislators to fight against the unconstitutional SAFE Act and have consistently advocated for hunting and trapping rights in the counties I represent. I enjoyed speaking with various statewide groups and was impressed by their knowledge, passion and commitment. I look forward to this event each year and thank those who came to advocate and participate.”

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on Sunshine Week, which is dedicated to increased openness, accountability and transparency in government:

“Sunshine Week is a tremendous opportunity we have as public officials to inject trust and integrity back into Albany politics. Unfortunately, year after year, Albany’s budget process seems to be the opposite.

"The governor and house leaders have routinely kept many rank-and-file legislators completely in the dark on budget negotiations, only to thrust a series of very long bills on our desks in the middle of the night for a rushed vote, and that is unacceptable.

“Let’s not forget it was New York City special interests who voted against 12 reforms put on the table by my upstate Assembly colleagues and I, which would have set term limits for legislative leaders, put restrictions on messages of necessity and required a three-day input process before legislation could be voted upon.

"The best way to cut through the dark cloud of secrecy and backroom dealings is sunshine, and I will be working to pull back the curtains as we move forward.”

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on the Assembly’s One-House Budget Resolution:

“It comes as no surprise that the Assembly’s One-House Budget Resolution, crafted in secret by New York City politicians, increases taxes and spending and shifts our state’s resources in a way that seemingly benefits illegal aliens and criminals as much as taxpaying citizens.

"This is a 3-percent spending increase over last year and it is disingenuous to force our municipalities to stay within the 2 percent tax cap when the legislature is not required to do so. We should lead by example and walk the walk.

"I will not stand for free college giveaways like the DREAM Act, Raise the Age, which protects violent felony offenders or the Essential Plan, which gives high-end healthcare plans to illegals on our dime.

"Despite these misplaced priorities, billions to fund clean water infrastructure upgrades, an increase in school aid, an increase in local agriculture assistance and a $500 million proposed investment in the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) will go a long way toward improving and strengthening our community if they make it into the final enacted state budget. Expect me to remain vigilant and fight for these initiatives in the coming weeks.

"Furthermore, I am encouraged by the proposed $4 million restoration in Library Aid that the governor planned on cutting. I have worked diligently over the last few months to restore this funding and even wrote a letter to Speaker Heastie with signatures of 62 legislators from both sides of the aisle.”

Press release:

“This week, residents of Western New York were devastated by a hurricane-like storm that caused major damage and left thousands without power. We are now focused on cleaning up the mess left behind by the storm and ensuring that everyone is safe and has power.

“The powerful winds blew many signs down in my district, including at least three ‘I Love NY’ signs at mile post 381 on the Thruway just east of Batavia. These gimmicks cost taxpayers $25 million and were installed by the governor despite being in violation of federal law.

"I am calling on the governor not to waste another cent of taxpayer money on these illegal signs and put that money into repairing our infrastructure and the damages from this horrific windstorm that wreaked havoc on our region.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today (March 10) proudly announced that the Village of Elba in Genesee County has received $3.5 million for a water improvement project, $2.1 million of which is a New York State Water Grant.

The project involves connecting to the Genesee County Water Supply by installing a new pressure-reducing valve, decommissioning the Chapel Street Well, and rehabilitating the Village’s finished water storage tank. More than 21,000 feet of aged water main will also be replaced.

“Water quality is a major issue across the state,” Hawley said. “This affects not only the water our residents use to drink and cook with, but also the water in our schools and businesses.

"Old lead and cast iron pipes were reliable technology 50 years ago, but they now need to be replaced, and I applaud state leaders for taking a proactive approach to mitigate costs. The more we invest upfront to swap out old pipes and water infrastructure, the more we will save in the long run and families will have peace of mind knowing the water they drink is safe and clean.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today (March 1) announced that legislation to amend New York’s antiquated gaming laws and help restore the Stafford Fire Department’s historic car raffle has been introduced in the Assembly and is awaiting a vote in the Racing and Wagering Committee.

Hawley, who is cosponsoring this bill, was influential in ushering very similar legislation through the Assembly last year only for it to be vetoed by Gov. Cuomo.

“I am excited to announce that we have introduced the Charitable Gaming Act of 2017, and I look forward to garnering support throughout the Legislature and seeing that this bill finally becomes law,” Hawley said.

“This is not only to help the Stafford Fire Department recover its famous car raffle, but also to empower the tens of thousands of churches, non-profits, fire departments and charitable organizations that raise money for noble causes and rely on raffles to sustain themselves.

"I would like to thank Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Buffalo), Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R-Elma) and the rest of my Assembly and Senate colleagues for their support on this important issue.”

(Submitted photo of Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [right] with New York State Rifle and Pistol Association President Tom King at today’s press conference in Albany.)

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today (March 1) joined his colleagues in Albany for a press conference to call for a repeal of provisions of the infamous NY SAFE Act in Upstate New York and on Long Island. Legislation was introduced, which Hawley sponsors, which would limit the gun control measure to the counties of Kings, Queens, Bronx, New York and Richmond.

“It is long beyond time for the unconstitutional SAFE Act to be repealed in Upstate New York,” Hawley said. “Setting aside the facts that this bill was passed secretively in the middle of the night and is in direct violation of the Second Amendment, upstate families and businesses are less safe because of this law.

"Unlike in New York City where police are readily available, upstate citizens deserve to be able to protect their families in the event of an intruder, especially in rural areas where law enforcement may be many miles away.”

Hawley’s ‘Two New York’s’ bill was mentioned prominently during the press conference as an example of how different areas of the state can be carved out for various policy implementations. Hawley, a longtime supporter of the Second Amendment, hunters, sportsmen and local S.C.O.P.E. chapters, was one of the first to come out against the SAFE Act, which was rushed through the Legislature in the middle of the night with little to no public or stakeholder input.

“There has long existed a cultural difference between New York City and Upstate that has dictated policy,” Hawley said. “If Downstate special interests can carve out special zones for policy initiatives like ride-sharing, the minimum wage, the property-tax cap and local government assistance and include them in budget bills, then there is no reason Upstate residents should have to abide by these laws that were specifically pushed by New York City politicians.

"I am calling on Assembly and Senate leadership to include our bill as part of budget negotiations and eliminate upstate New York from the SAFE-Act’s unlawful regulations.”

Submitted photo of Assemblyman Stephen Hawley with youth representing the Batavia City Youth Bureau, the Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Orleans County Youth Bureau along with staff from the Batavia City Youth Bureau and the Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau.

Press release:

Earlier this month, local youth from Genesee and Orleans County met with Senator Ranzenhofer, Senator Ortt and Assemblyman Hawley to get supprt by investing money in the Youth Bureau System. The youth asked for help in urging the $1.7 million to be restored for the 2017-2018 Youth Bureau Development Program.

The Youth Development Program allows youth bureaus, along with many other community based organizations to operate after school prevention programs, which help youth succeed. The youth all shared their experiences being involved with the Youth Bureau System and how it has positively impacted their lives.

Press release:

 Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has written a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), strongly encouraging the full funding of libraries in this year’s budget. Gov. Cuomo has proposed to cut $4 million from library aid in his Executive Budget proposal. Sixty legislators from around the state, including Hawley, have signed onto the letter.

“…According to libraries in my district, New York State Education Law requires Library Aid for FY 2017-18 to be $102.6 million…the current level, a reduction of $4 million, at $91.6 million, places library aid at 2000 funding levels,” Hawley wrote “...Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. We are sure you would agree that each and every New Yorker should be afforded equal access to the Internet, ESL courses, and literacy classes offered by our libraries.”

Hawley, a strong proponent of community libraries, argues that libraries are essential to providing students and adults, especially in rural areas, with access to broadband internet and other educational resources and strengthen the communities in which they are based.

“Libraries are one of those unique public resources that can be used by everyone and offer a plethora of educational and leisure opportunities that help to enrich our society and create a stronger, more educated New York State,” Hawley said.

“Local libraries often serve as public meeting spaces for various local groups, provide classes, videos, books, high-speed Internet access and research materials for students. One of the cornerstones of our advanced society is the ability to explore through education, and we mustn’t hinder that ability.”

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“I am deeply concerned that the package of criminal justice bills that were brought to the floor the past two days by New York City special interests are soft on crime and endanger our families across the state.

"By raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 we are allowing violent felony offenders to be tried in our family court system and allowing them more lenient sentences. Individuals should be responsible for their own actions and we should never put the rights of criminals above the safety of law-abiding citizens.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has written a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), strongly encouraging the full funding of libraries in this year’s budget.

Gov. Cuomo has proposed to cut $4 million from library aid in his Executive Budget proposal. Sixty legislators from around the state, including Hawley, have signed onto the letter.

“…According to libraries in my district, New York State Education Law requires Library Aid for FY 2017-18 to be $102.6 million…the current level, a reduction of $4 million, at $91.6 million, places library aid at 2000 funding levels,” Hawley wrote.

“...Our constituents, who range from toddlers to the elderly, depend significantly on the services provided by our libraries. We are sure you would agree that each and every New Yorker should be afforded equal access to the internet, ESL courses, and literacy classes offered by our libraries.”

Hawley, a strong proponent of community libraries, argues that libraries are essential to providing students and adults, especially in rural areas, with access to broadband Internet and other educational resources and strengthen the communities in which they are based.

“Libraries are one of those unique public resources that can be used by everyone and offer a plethora of educational and leisure opportunities that help to enrich our society and create a stronger, more educated New York State,” Hawley said.

“Local libraries often serve as public meeting spaces for various local groups, provide classes, videos, books, high-speed Internet access and research materials for students. One of the cornerstones of our advanced society is the ability to explore through education, and we mustn’t hinder that ability.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) proposed a measure on the Assembly floor on Monday that would require a two-thirds vote of the house for Messages of Necessity to be accepted when issued by the governor. Legislation is usually subject to an “aging” period of three days before it can be voted on, but Messages of Necessity are issued by the governor to forgo this process and rush a vote on important and/or controversial legislation, as was done with the SAFE Act.

“Messages of Necessity should only be used in extreme circumstances, and all legislation should be subject to proper vetting and examination instead of being irresponsibly rushed through the legislative process,” Hawley said. ”This tactic is often used to pass legislation before the public and media have time to criticize it, and that is cowardly. I am disappointed this proposal was voted down by the Assembly Majority but I will continue to beat the drum for ethics reform in Albany.”

The Assembly also took the next step toward stripping pension and retirement benefits from corrupt lawmakers today by passing a constitutional amendment which has been championed by the Assembly Minority for years.

“I was pleased that the Assembly passed our pension forfeiture bill today and took an important step toward breaking down Albany’s culture of corruption and malfeasance,” Hawley said. “Corrupt lawmakers should never be allowed to collect a taxpayer-funded pension after betraying the public trust, and I am proud to have voted for this measure.”

If the bill passes the Senate this year, it must be approved by voters as a statewide referendum before becoming law.