Steve Hawley

Joshua Derrick speaks Thursday evening during a forum at GCC on how best to protect the rights of people with disabilities and how better to assist them in the communities where they live.

The forum was hosted by Assemblyman Steve Hawley and is part of a series of nine forums around the state conducted by the Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities.

The forum focused on improving ways to support the rights of people with developmental disabilities, expansion of community-based care programs, the effectiveness of current transition plans for people in sheltered workshops and identifying whether the input and desires of people with disabilities are being appropriately considered.

"Information gathered at the forum will help us to better serve the needs and choices of people with developmental disabilities," Hawley said. "For many, the transition process to a more integrated work setting has resulted in frustrations and disappointing changes in services and care programs. New York must do a better job of assessing and meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities."

Also attending the form were Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch and Assemblyman Bill Nojay.

(Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined veterans and their family members in Washington, D.C., during last year’s Patriot Trip.) 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his ninth annual Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C., will take place Sept. 15 – 18. More than 100 veterans and their family members participated in the 2015 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 currently serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The trip can accommodate about 100 veterans and family members so those looking to sign up should do so as soon as possible.

 “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 following 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 this reason that I continue the Patriot Trip each year and encourage my constituents who are veterans to sign up as soon as possible.”

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

• WWII 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

Space is limited and signups are first come, first served, with priority given to the oldest veterans and first-time attendees. Immediate family members may accompany a veteran. If you or a veteran want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip IX, please call 585-589-5780 or e-mail carneyj@assembly.state.ny.us. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today blasted Downstate liberal members of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee for voting down legislation that would have increased the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award available to prospective college students in New York State.

Instead of expanding college affordability for citizens, the Assembly Majority has instead sided with illegal immigrants and voted to allow them taxpayer-funded college tuition they call “The Dream Act” and Hawley refers to as “The Nightmare Act."

“What kind of message are Downstate politicians sending the struggling families out there working two jobs or overtime to provide their children with a college education,” Hawley said. “Middle-class families deserve a break, and with skyrocketing college costs, we should be doing everything possible to make a college education a reality for our citizens.

"Add this bill to the long list of higher education initiatives blocked by New York City liberals to pump more resources, taxpayer money and freebies into their downstate voting bloc.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced he has introduced legislation mandating that counties be reimbursed for the increase in state judges’ and county district attorney salaries set to take place this year.

In December 2015, the New York State Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation recommended a salary increase for all state judges and county district attorneys in 2016 and 2018.

“This is yet another expensive Albany mandate that, if unaddressed, will hit the wallets of taxpayers the hardest,” Hawley said. “Our state judges and district attorneys do a superb job enforcing the law and bringing criminals to justice, but, as a proponent of local control, I contend that bureaucrats should not be telling our counties what they must pay local officials.

"Many Upstate counties’ budgets are already consumed by expensive costs like Medicaid, which, in some instances, comprise at least 90 percent of the county budget. Spending decisions like these should either be covered by the state or left up to local control. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for Albany’s irresponsible spending epidemic.”

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today honored members of the U.S. Military Academy during West Point Day in Albany.

Cadets from all across New York State as well as many officers joined legislators in the Assembly Chamber for passage of a resolution honoring the institution, which has guarded New York and the valuable Hudson River from invasion for more than 200 years.

“The U.S. Military Academy at West Point has a tremendous tradition and was critical in protecting our state during the American Revolution,” Hawley said. “As a veteran and son of a veteran, I can relate to the extraordinary sacrifices made by West Point Cadets. I want to thank all the members of West Point for enriching the heritage of New York State and their role in protecting our great nation.”

Hawley currently serves as Ranking Republican Member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee and sponsors a plethora of legislation which would increase services and free programs for veterans. He delivered an impassioned speech during today’s ceremony praising West Point.

“Tens of thousands of brave souls have graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, and today is a day to recognize the courageous contributions they made so we may all sleep safely at night,” Hawley said.

“Four years of molding, intense physical and mental training, academically rigorous coursework, and military expertise help shape cadets into some of the best and brightest soldiers in the U.S. military. As you leave West Point and enter the Armed Forces, I, along with my colleagues, thank you for your service and for enriching this prestigious academic and military institution.”

Press release:

The impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Olmstead v. L.C. continues to generate concerns from family members, caregivers, community organizations and individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the transition process into more integrated work settings.

As a result, the Assembly Minority Task Force on Protecting the Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities has been created to evaluate the effectiveness of current transition plans for those in sheltered workshops, developmental centers, and community homes and to ensure that the input and desires of people with developmental disabilities are being considered.

The task force will be hosting regional forums across the state in an effort to better address the current transition plans and other important issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families.

The ninth event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, at the Genesee Community College, Best Center Room T-119, 1 College Road, Batavia.

“Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers, and mental health professionals have expressed serious concerns with recent closures of sheltered workshops across the state. The feedback has highlighted the problem with the state’s ‘one-size fits all’ approach that has failed on many levels,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia).

“Listening to stakeholders’ experiences and stories at the forum will allow us as legislators to understand how we can better protect the rights of those with developmental disabilities.”

Representatives from non-profit organizations and facilities, community leaders and mental health experts have been invited to attend and provide testimony. The task force is also encouraging individuals with disabilities and their families to share their firsthand experiences as a result of the Olmstead Decision.

“A concerted, statewide effort to improve services for those with developmental disabilities is the only way to make certain every New Yorker is fairly represented,” said Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge), task force chairman.

“No New Yorker should be marginalized, and it is our job to make sure that never happens. Together, we will address the concerns of those with developmental disabilities and aggressively tackle those concerns head on.”

For more information on the task force, please contact the Assembly Minority Office of Public Affairs at 518-455-5073.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) issues statement on the sentencing of Sheldon Silver:

“I am glad to finally see Sheldon Silver meet the fate he deserves. I am extremely dismayed to hear that he will be receiving a near six figure taxpayer-funded pension behind bars. No one who purposely betrays the public for decades and denigrates his/her office like Silver should receive any form of taxpayer-funded pension. The Assembly Majority promised us comprehensive ethics reform months ago. Since then they have ignored the desires of New Yorkers in exchange for protecting one of their own. Corruption in Albany should not be business as usual and I will continue to beat the drum for a return to integrity here in the Capitol.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I- Batavia) today encouraged groups that hold raffles for fundraising and charity to write letters of support to Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (D-Mt. Vernon), chair of the Assembly’s Racing and Wagering Committee, encouraging him to introduce legislation that would help groups like the Stafford Fire Department legally operate their raffles.

“It is gravely important to our end goal of bringing back the Stafford car raffle that local groups write letters to Assemblyman Pretlow urging him to introduce the legislation that I have written,” Hawley said. “This is the first step in getting legislation passed. We have to show Assembly leadership that there is intense grassroots support for this legislation and that thousands of non-profits and charitable organizations will be gravely impacted if this injustice isn’t corrected.”

Current gaming regulations do not allow charitable groups and non-profits to collect raffle fees using check or credit cards and do not allow the sale of tickets outside of the county which the event will be taking place. The Stafford Fire Dept. previously sold tickets nationwide for its annual car raffle and used the proceeds for charitable donations and to fund the department.

Letters to Assemblyman Pretlow should include information about the group’s previous raffles and what profits were used for. A copy should be sent as soon as possible to Pretlow’s Albany office, his district office and Hawley’s district office. If you have any questions please call Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780. Pretlow’s office addresses are below.

Assemblyman Gary Pretlow
LOB 845
Albany, NY 12248

Assemblyman Gary Pretlow
District Office
6 Gramatan Ave.
Mt. Vernon, NY 10550

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

District Office

121 N. Main St.

Albion, NY 14411 

Press release:

On Friday Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I- Batavia) announced he will introduce legislation to immediately lift a mandate on counties and provide relief for local taxpayers.

In 2015, the New York State Commission on Legislative, Judicial & Executive Compensation recommended increases in all county district attorneys’ salaries in 2016, and again in 2018. As a result, counties are mandated to pick up the cost, a burden placed directly on taxpayers.

“Our hard-working district attorneys deserve this recognition, the invaluable work that they provide make our communities safer and better places to live,” Hawley said. “Mandating that counties pick up this cost, however, is a direct burden on our middle-class families and I’m glad my bill will provide the proper compensation for our public servants while also protecting the hard-earned money of our taxpayers.”

Hawley’s legislation will require that counties be reimbursed by the state for the entire cost of these increases, including any future increases to district attorney salaries.

“The estimated cost of these salary increases is $1.6 million statewide for 2016. Another increase in 2018 could result in an even greater burden on taxpayers,” Hawley said.

“That’s why this legislation is so important. It provides proper compensation for our district attorneys and protects counties and taxpayers from bearing any further burdens in the already tough economic climate of New York.”

Press release:

 Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today denounced Downstate members of the Assembly’s Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions who blocked legislation Hawley authored to eliminate an expensive surcharge on electricity bills in New York State.

Hawley has championed an initiative to eliminate the 18-A energy surcharge placed on utility companies and passed down to consumers since 2010.

“It is very troubling that Downstate politicians once again blocked an initiative that would have saved New Yorkers millions of dollars on their electricity bills,” Hawley said.

“In a state where property and income taxes are through the roof and Upstate jobs are disappearing, the middle class deserves a break. This is another example of the ongoing war to oppressively tax successful businesses, seniors and all New Yorkers.”

The vehicles filled with electronic waste were lined up and down Route 5 this morning, and by this afternoon, trailers were stuffed and bins were gorged with has-beens of the Digital Age, all destined to appropriate recycling facilities rather than a landfill.

The event outside the county's Social Services building was organized by Assemblyman Steve Hawley and his staff with a heaping trove of help from the Batavia High School Track Team.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) will host a free electronic recycling event on Saturday, April 9, in the parking lot of 5130 E. Main St. in Batavia. The location is next to National Grid.

Residents are encouraged to do the right thing for the environment with their old e-waste and properly recycle it with Hawley’s help.

“Going green has become more popular in recent years, and this event offers residents the opportunity to properly dispose of their old electronic waste in a way that doesn’t damage our environment,” Hawley said.

“Things like old desktop computers and fax machines are steadily being phased out in favor of more compact technology, so this event can also serve as early spring cleaning and a way to get rid of old, bulky junk. I encourage all of my constituents to bring their old cell phones, computers, monitors, printers and any other electronic waste on Saturday and do the right thing by recycling.”

WHO:          Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia)

WHAT:         Free Electronic Recycling Event (cell phones, computers, monitors, printers, audio/video equipment, small devices, undamaged old-style TVs all accepted)

WHERE:      Parking Lot of 5130 E. Main St., Batavia (Next to National Grid)

WHEN:        9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 

**Contact 585-589-5780 for more information**

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office: 

“Barring the extreme disregard for transparency, integrity and inclusiveness in this year’s budget process, the legislation we passed over the last two days in Albany will wreak havoc on our small businesses and agriculture industry," Hawley said.

The budget includes virtually no tax and regulatory reform for small businesses, and a minimum wage increase to $12.50 per hour Upstate with an escalation to $15 in the future, which will destroy New York’s already-ailing business community. Upstate cannot afford such a drastic increase, and the burden will fall on the middle-class in the form of higher prices and vanishing job opportunities.

Further damaging to our small business community will be the 12 week paid-family leave program, entirely funded by already over-burdened taxpayers. This is another example of New York City liberals expanding government and reaching into the pockets of our business owners and residents. While paid-family leave has good intentions, it will be ripe with abuse and cause labor costs to skyrocket. We cannot afford another expensive Albany mandate.

As the former owner and operator of our family-owned farm, I know what it takes to grow New York’s agriculture industry. Unfortunately, this budget cuts agriculture local assistance by over $160,000 and offers little relief for farms transitioning to a higher minimum wage. Agriculture is one of New York’s premiere industries, and I will do what I can to rectify these abhorrent policies.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today chastised entrenched Assembly leaders for blocking legislation he introduced that would establish several additional protections for our children from sex predators.

Hawley authored legislation to prevent Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders from obtaining employment in amusement parks, and another bill requiring certain sex offenders to report their employment addresses. Both were blocked from being voted on by the Assembly Majority.

“I am extremely disappointed that legislation to protect our children and improve public safety was met with such disregard by the Assembly Majority,” Hawley said. “There is absolutely no excuse for ignoring measures that would prevent sex offenders from striking again and provide safeguards for our children.

"This is yet another example of the futility of Albany politics. Ideas that would benefit us all often die because they aren’t top priorities of the speaker and his New York City cronies. Assembly Majority members should be ashamed of themselves.”

Press release: 

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced his staunch opposition to rumors that the governor and legislative leaders plan to eliminate the Medicaid Expenditure Cap for counties in the 2016-17 Enacted State Budget. New York already spends more in Medicaid than any other state, more than $54 billion, and is the only state in the nation that forces a majority of the expenses onto counties.

“I am outraged at the thought of the governor ending the expenditure cap for counties,” Hawley said. “Over one-third of our entire state budget is spent on Medicaid, and now the governor and his New York City cronies want upstate to pay even more because they can’t get their finances in order. That is absolutely outlandish.

"Our counties cannot afford any more expensive Albany mandates. Eliminating the cap would cause expenses to be passed down to homeowners in the form of higher property taxes. Downstate’s tax and spend mentality is out of control and I plan to fight tooth and nail against this injustice.”

Local leaders have also expressed concerned regarding the proposed elimination of the Medicaid Expenditure Cap for counties.

“New York State is the only state in the nation that forces this kind of expense onto localities,” said Orleans County Chief Administrative Officer Chuck Nesbitt. “We sit here and relatively quietly eat the false narrative that evil local government is the cause of high property taxes in New York State and now we have to watch as the state prepares to open the flood gates again of unfunded mandates and let it fall right on the heads of local property taxpayers.”

UPDATE 3:55 p.m.: Within the last hour, a press release was issued by the New York State Association of Counties on the issue of the Medicaid proposal in the State budget.

Submitted photo: Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) [second from left] joins members of the Assembly Minority Conference to call for alternatives to a $15-per-hour minimum wage increase.

Press release:

Following a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has denounced the governor’s plan to raise New York’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, citing the devastating impact on small businesses and other  job creators.

“As a four-decade small-business owner and one who has grown his company from the ground up, I know what we need to jumpstart New York’s stagnant business climate, and a 67-percent minimum wage increase will not work,” Hawley said.

“I understand that there are many working poor in our state who are doing everything they can to get by on the current minimum wage, but the consequences of this sharp increase would have the reverse of its intention: causing hundreds of thousands of jobs to be eliminated, companies to move out of state, and consumer prices to increase.”

Hawley proposed several solutions that would help the working poor directly without hindering small businesses or adversely affecting jobs.

“I understand that there are many New Yorkers living paycheck to paycheck and I want to help them, too,” Hawley said. “I sponsor A.9102, which would expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which hasn’t been adjusted in 12 years.

"This is estimated to introduce more than 14,000 New Yorkers into the workforce without damaging our business community. I also sponsor, A.7486, which would allow the EITC to be distributed in installment payments to help the working poor with monthly expenses.”

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“The Assembly’s One-House Budget Resolution is yet another example of entrenched New York City politicians trying to force misguided and dangerous policy on the rest of the state. The one-house budget, crafted entirely by the Assembly Majority, accepts the governor’s $15-per-hour minimum wage increase, which would adversely impact local small businesses. It also decreases agriculture local assistance, hurting Western New York’s fertile farming industry.

“Furthermore, I am outraged that no repeal of the unconstitutional SAFE Act or large-scale infrastructure funding are included. Both the Gov. and Assembly Majority have proposed eliminating $50 million in winter recovery funds that are vital to my district’s infrastructure after brutal Western New York winters. Last week I called for a large CHIPs increase in the budget and while the Assembly Majority has included a small increase, it is in no comparison to the infrastructure needs of our area’s roads, bridges and highways.

“What we need are solutions that work for the middle class with Upstate views in mind. Tax cuts for businesses and residents would streamline our economy and help produce jobs instead of kill them as the governor and Assembly Majority intend to do. Furthermore, we need to protect our local agriculture industry, and that starts with adequate funding to protect and expand the sector. I intend to fight for these provisions as we move toward a final state budget.”

Press release:

Albany’s apathy toward Western New York’s needs has gone on far too long. Entrenched career politicians continue to expand social spending and feed New York City’s bottomless hole of infrastructure and Medicaid desires at the expense of hard-working, middle-class families in our community. Year after year, frustration mounts as billions of dollars are funneled Downstate in exchange for political allegiance and Upstate roads and bridges continue to crumble.

Although we have made progress for farmers and successfully courted valuable new businesses, my main focuses this year are restoring parity to infrastructure funding, restoring the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) funds taken from our schools in 2010, and aiding our struggling small businesses.

Infrastructure funding is a matter of life and death. With some predicting that the upstate-downstate infrastructure funding gap will increase to $4 billion this year, a recent Rochester area story exacerbated the issue by demonstrating the desperate state of our community’s roads and bridges. Furthermore, the Lake Ontario Parkway and multitude of canal bridges in my district are in dire condition and cause significant automobile damage and safety concerns. In addition, limited access to this road prevent tourists from accessing Oak Orchard Creek, named the best fishing spot in the United Sttes for Monster NY Brown Trout in 2013. Join me in this fight and tell Gov. Cuomo and Albany’s elite that we are part of New York, too, and deserve our fair share.

An investment in our children is an investment in us all. Unfortunately, New York City politicians do not agree. They slashed billions from the state education budget in 2010 and have since ignored pleas from the education community to return what is rightfully theirs. I have led the charge to restore the GEA and this year is no different. I sponsor multiple bills to end these unfair cuts that limit our students’ opportunities and threaten inspiring teachers and after-school programs. This has to be the year we fully fund our schools.

As a small-business owner for over four decades, I know firsthand what it takes to create jobs and grow New York’s economy. Raising the minimum wage is not the answer. A $15 minimum wage will undoubtedly cause businesses to leave the state and, according to the Empire Center, would ultimately cost the state 200,000 jobs. What we need are large-scale tax and regulatory cuts for businesses instead of pay-to-play scenarios and “buying votes” with these bizarre gimmicks. Cutting business taxes will create jobs and provide greater incentives for business owners to stay in New York and keep profits local. I will fight for the mom-and-pop business owners in this year’s budget because they are the lifeblood of our economy.