[November 3rd’s] historic election was the culmination of a truly remarkable effort from representatives at every level of government. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, an enormous number of voters in New York state were able to safely cast their ballot and participate in our democratic process. Residents in New York should be proud of their civic participation and commitment to shaping their communities through the important act of voting.

Here in the 120th Assembly District, I am again truly honored for the support and confidence the voters have placed in me. Representing the people of my home region will always be a distinct privilege, and one I will never take for granted. This has been an unprecedented year. Together we have overcome a great deal, we have accomplished a great deal, and I look forward to our continued work moving forward. 

I am also extremely pleased with the turnout from supporters of the Assembly Minority Conference and our candidates. Our conference continues to grow and we will welcome at least 11 new members to our ranks. This was a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering the fact that our conference is typically out-spent by a 4-to-1 margin. I extend my congratulations to all of our new members, as well as all the other candidates and winners in this year’s election.

The results from this Election Day speak to the outstanding quality of character of our candidates, the great campaigns they ran, and all the hard work of their supporters and numerous volunteers. Results in districts across New York have reinforced what we already knew: our platform of lowering the cost of living in the state, reducing the tax burden on small business and middle-class families, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast dedication to keeping our residents safe has resonated with voters in New York.

Now, more than ever, we must recommit to fiscal discipline and common-sense spending. As the state faces unprecedented fiscal challenges in the short and long-term, developing a transparent, prudent financial plan is the only way we will come out of the current economic climate solvent.

Further, as we move past the contentious election season, it is time to refocus and come together to do the people’s work. New members on both sides of the aisle must now get up to speed on the many issues facing New York. Our state is still marred by major economic uncertainties and the impact of COVID-19 is substantial. There is no shortage of work to do. I am confident, though, that together we will find workable solutions that account for the interests of all New Yorkers.                   

William (Will) A. Barclay, Republican, is the New York Assembly Minority Leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses most of Oswego County, including the cities of Oswego and Fulton, as well as the town of Lysander in Onondaga County and town of Ellisburg in Jefferson County. Contact Barclay at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us 

President Donald J. Trump was ridiculed and scoffed at by bureaucrats at the FDA when he repeatedly stated that a vaccine was nearing completion, possibly by election day.

[The Nov. 9] announcement by Pfizer Corporation that they have a vaccine that is 90-percent effective just six days past election day is proof that the president was right. What is alarming is that it is also proof that FDA officials, who knew that the president was telling the truth, instead chose to feed the lie that a vaccine was in the far-distant future.

This is exactly the swamp that the president has been taking on, [and they have been] fighting back, using the media as their willing allies. It is also more evidence that President Trump’s Project Warp Speed was absolutely necessary to bring treatments, tests, and vaccines to market safely and rapidly — rather than bowing to the public-health bureaucrats, who would rather have people die than give up control over their fiefdoms.

…America needs to give President Trump the thanks for not hiding in his basement, but instead fighting the bureaucracy to allow America’s best scientists the opportunity to develop medicines and vaccines that save hundreds of thousands of lives that would have been lost to the COVID virus.        

Rick Manning is president of Americans for Limited Government (ALG). The organization says it is a “non-partisan, nationwide network committed to advancing free-market reforms, private- property rights, and core American liberties.” This op-ed is drawn from a news release the ALG issued on Nov. 9.

The U.S. Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA), leaving the central aspects of the law in place. It’s a good move, not only for Americans’ health, but also for the economy.

The ACA has been law for a decade now and provides affordable,  government-subsidized health insurance to tens of millions of lower-income and out-of-work Americans. Over this time, it has grown into a very popular program as it also provides expanded Medicaid coverage in the states and pre-existing condition protections for all Americans. The legal arguments before the Supreme Court are not only considered fundamentally shaky, but also are very poorly timed with the current state of the coronavirus pandemic throwing millions more Americans out of work and into a vulnerable position for their health-care needs. If this suit were to be successful, millions of Americans would lose their health-insurance coverage almost instantly. Also, states would lose about 10 percent of their annual state budgets in the form of revoked Medicaid payments and millions more Americans would lose critical protections against pre-existing health exclusions, lifetime-coverage caps, and essential health coverage such as maternity care.      

Chris Orestis (www.retirementgenius.com) is president of LifeCare Xchange and a nationally recognized health-care expert and senior advocate. Known as a political insider, Orestis is a former Washington, D.C. lobbyist, who has worked in both the White House and for the Senate majority leader on Capitol Hill. He is author of the books “Help on the Way” and “A Survival Guide to Aging.” This op-ed is drawn from a statement Orestis issued on Nov. 10.