Op Eds

One of the cornerstones of the campaign for President of self-proclaimed socialist Bernie Sanders was that public colleges and universities should be tuition “free.” Not to be outdone, Hillary Clinton also made tuition-free higher education part of her campaign. Notwithstanding the fact that both Sanders and Clinton were unsuccessful in their bids for the Presidency, Governor Cuomo, this year, is following their lead by making “free” college a part of his 2017-18 budget proposal.

Last month, the NYS Public Service Commission (“PSC) took important action on upgrading the state’s electrical grid. This is the first step in addressing New York’s outdated transmission infrastructure. In doing so, the state can reduce its reliance on imported power, more readily and efficiently transmit electricity throughout the state, and better allow power generated Upstate to reach Downstate markets. These types of grid improvements will provide long-term viability to Upstate generators, particularly our nuclear plants.

There are many positive reasons to live and work in New York. Unfortunately, state taxes are not one of them. Each year, the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization based in Washington, D.C., publishes various reports ranking each state’s tax burdens. One very useful report, published in a pocket-size compendium, is entitled “Facts & Figures: How Does Your State Compare.”

February is National Heart Month and also the time when people "Go Red for Women." These efforts are aimed at promoting awareness of heart disease. This month, local groups have been featured in the workplace and on the news wearing red to promote heart health and healthy lifestyles.

There are more than 6,000 public libraries in New York State providing access to books, movies, technology, various workshops and classes. They enrich our communities and provide educational opportunities at every stage of life.

Today, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) joined his colleagues at a press conference announcing legislation to repeal portions of the SAFE Act in Upstate New York and on Long Island.

According to the Healthcare Association of New York State, New York is facing a doctor shortage and that shortage is likely to intensify over the next decade. This is especially problematic for rural and low-income communities where there are even fewer doctors and a particular shortage of primary care doctors. Without enough primary care physicians to serve the community, patients lose access to regular checkups and good preventative care. They also lose that connection to the health care provider most likely to recommend a specialist or medical procedure that can sometimes save people’s lives or prevent a trip to the emergency room.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I,Ref-Pulaski) today called for a $150 million increase in state aid for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) in the state budget.

Over the last few weeks, certain self-proclaimed environmental groups have begun an all-out effort to convince the legislature to overturn New York’s newly adopted Clean Energy Standard (“CES”).