The 2012 legislative session has come to a close. I would like to highlight some of the real achievements of the past six months.

With sound fiscal planning and the consolidation, merging, or elimination of nearly 30 government agencies and offices, my colleagues and I closed $13.5 billion in budget deficits over two years without raising taxes.

We have also taken many strides toward spurring job creation. Through the establishment of the $75 million New York Works Economic Development Fund, it is hoped that thousands of jobs will become available. We supported $1.2 billion in New York Works transportation funding to pay for bridge repairs and pavement-preservation projects. While there is still more work to provide job opportunities for all our residents, we have laid the foundation for future economic growth across New York.

I introduced legislation to ban synthetic marijuana and similar substances, which influenced the governor and the state Health Department to issue a ban on substances like Happy Shaman that have proven dangerous. The Assembly and Senate also passed different bills to criminalize the sale and distribution of these dangerous products and added synthetic cannabinoids to the list of controlled substances. This is a nationwide problem and it is my hope that federal leaders will find a way to criminalize these synthetic drugs.

Many steps were taken to address public safety as we expanded the state’s DNA database by requiring a DNA sample from every person convicted of a felony or penal misdemeanor. We passed legislation to prohibit bullying and cyber-bullying that put forth protocols to protect students and educate them on the consequences of victimizing others. 

The legislature passed bills to create the I-STOP program and established the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Through I-STOP’s real-time registry to track the filling of prescriptions and improved education and awareness of prescription-drug abuse, we can better stop this social epidemic. 

Prescription-drug abuse has become epidemic. Through the real-time registry and improved education and awareness of prescription-drug abuse, we can help both doctors and patients better navigate the prescription and usage of these medications. 

The new Justice Center would protect patients with special needs from abuse and mistreatment, ensuring these vulnerable residents receive proper treatment.

Two disappointments this legislative session included a measure that passed the Senate but was not taken up by the Assembly to prohibit the spending of cash assistance to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets and would prohibit cash to be withdrawn from ATMs at locations such as liquor stores, casinos, or establishments providing adult-oriented entertainment. 

This bill would help protect the integrity of the cash-assistance program, the families who use it as it was intended, and the taxpayers. Though this would not stop misuse altogether, it would make it more difficult for some to abuse the system. I was sorry the Assembly Speaker did not include this on the legislative calendar for a vote. I plan to work toward passage of this bill in the Assembly during the next legislative session.

All in all, my colleagues and I undertook many initiatives this year to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. While there is still more work to be done to provide the mandate relief for our counties and promote economic growth, several steps were taken in 2012 to put New York back on track and create a state we can be proud of again.         

William (Will) A. Barclay is the New York Assembly Deputy Minority Leader and the Republican representative of the 124th Assembly District, which encompasses parts of Oswego and Onondaga counties, including Oswego, Fulton, Camillus, and Skaneateles. Contact him at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us or call (315) 598-5185.