Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) and his colleagues in the Assembly recently voted to restore the $90 million cut that had been levied upon the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The legislators came to an agreement with Gov. Cuomo last week to fully restore the $90 million that was taken away from non-profit organizations that provide critical, cost-effective services to people with developmental disabilities.

 “New York State can only be truly strong if we care for those who need our help the most, and these non-profits provide absolutely vital services in a cost-effective manner,” said Walter.  “I swore I would do everything in my power to have these funds restored and, in the end, we prevailed. These families and organizations desperately need this money, and I was proud to see my colleagues finally join me in voting to restore this funding.”

 Back in March, Assemblyman Walter implored his colleagues across the aisle to vote with him on an amendment to the budget that would have restored this unfortunate $90 million cut. After hours of debate, only two members of the Majority joined Walter and the Assembly Republicans in voting yes to the reinstatement of funds.

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Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) and his colleagues in the assembly recently announced they have successfully secured funding to eliminate the $90 million cut that had been levied upon the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The legislators came to an agreement with Gov. Cuomo on Thursday that will fully restore the $90 million that was taken away from non-profit organizations that provide critical, cost-effective services to people with developmental disabilities. The bill to reinstate this funding will be voted on next week, the last week of the legislative session.

 “New York State can only be truly strong if we care for those who need our help the most, and these non-profits provide absolutely vital services in a cost-effective manner,” said Walter.  “I swore I would do everything in my power to have these funds restored, and in the end, we prevailed. These families and organizations desperately need this money and I’m proud to finally see my colleagues in the Assembly join me in pledging to restore these funds.”

 Back in March, Assemblyman Walter implored his colleagues across the aisle to vote with him on an amendment to the budget that would have restored this unfortunate $90 million cut. After hours of debate, only two members of the Majority joined Walter and the Assembly Republicans in voting yes to the reinstatement of funds.

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Assemblyman Raymond Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) announced his support of the Senate Republicans and Independent Democratic Council’s (IDC) plan to cut the burdensome red tape that continues to restrict job growth and choke the upstate economy. The Senate Majority Coalition’s package of bills, which takes aim at unnecessary government regulations, unfunded mandates, and oppressive economic policies, was lauded by Walter as shining example of bi-partisanship that must be an end-of-session priority.

“My colleagues and I have been trying to fight the leviathan of red-tape that exists in this state for a long time; we may finally have a tangible solution,” said Walter. “Small businesses are the main driver of employment in this state, and regulatory reforms would go a long way in helping to revitalize the drab business climate in this state. Not making these reforms a priority would be a huge mistake.”

 Assemblyman Walter is a sponsor of many Assembly Minority proposals aimed at regulation reform that would accomplish the same goals as the senate coalition.

           “I look forward to working with my friends in the Senate to work out a full package of bills that would accomplish our collective goals: real job growth, economic development, and reducing the burdensome state rules and regulations that our businesses and schools endure.”

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Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst), in conjunction with the ranking Member of the Legislative Oversight, Analysis and Investigation Committee, Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,I,C-Glen Head), will be hosting a legislative hearing to discuss the implementation and execution thus far of the NY-SAFE Act. The hearing is to be held at the Amherst Town Hall Council Chamber from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. this Friday, June 7. Representatives from the County Sheriffs and County Clerks as well as mental health professionals based in Erie and Wyoming Counties will be testifying. Also in attendance will be Western New York Assembly members Jane Corwin, Steve Hawley, and David DiPietro.

 “We must ensure that our citizen's civil rights are being protected.  Unfortunately, I believe we are seeing poor results from a poor law that was passed in a poor way,” said Walter. “Legislation as sweeping and life-changing as the NY-SAFE Act needs to be dissected and discussed, and should have been done proactively and transparently. My constituents have been directly affected by the mistakes and confusion that exists in this law. It's about time we get down to business with local officials, mental health professionals, and responsible gun owners to figure out how this law needs to be changed.”

 Earlier this year, Walter delivered a letter to Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott calling on her to review the policies and procedures associated with the implementation and enforcement of the NY SAFE Act. The letter asked that the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the administration of the New York State Police (NYSP) be investigated as to how they have conducted themselves with regard to the SAFE Act’s mental hygiene provisions over the past few months. Specifically, David Lewis, a local Amherst resident, wrongfully had his firearms confiscated and pistol permit revoked on April 1, after the NYSP identified him as the wrong David Lewis.

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WALTER, COLLEAGUES TO INSPECTOR GENERAL: INVESTIGATE GUN CASE

Assemblyman Ray Walter delivers signed letter to Inspector General.

               Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) delivered a letter to  Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott calling on her to review the policies and procedures associated with the implementation and enforcement of the NY SAFE Act. The letter, signed by every member of the Assembly Minority Conference, is asking that the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the administration of the New York State Police (NYSP) be investigated as to how they have conducted themselves with regard to the SAFE Act’s mental hygiene provisions over the past few months. Specifically, David Lewis, a local Amherst resident, wrongfully had his firearms confiscated and pistol permit revoked on April 1, after the NYSP identified him as the wrong David Lewis.

             “Clearly, DCJS and the administration of the New York State Police have failed to properly implement the NY SAFE Act,” said Walter. “It is my hope that Inspector General Scott will not only be able to get to the bottom of this disturbing violation of Mr. Lewis’ constitutional rights, but will also be able to decipher the administration's policies and procedures going forward.  We must ensure that our citizen's civil rights are being protected.  Unfortunately, I believe we are seeing the bad results from a bad law that was passed in a bad way.”

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Assemblyman Walter joins Assembly Minority Conference colleagues in announcing new proposal to combat corruption.

            Today, Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) joined his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference in proposing a state constitutional amendment to allow for recall elections. This would put in place a system to allow voters the ability to remove an elected official from office through a direct vote before his or her term has expired.

            “Our objective should always be to empower the people that we represent, and remind them that the power lies not with the elected, but with the electorate,” said Walter. “The constituents of the two legislators who are currently under indictment deserve the opportunity to have new representation instead of being in limbo for years to come. We should employ the people in assisting us to combat corruption, not another government bureaucrat that contributes to the culture of Albany.”

Under the proposed legislation, the recall process would be initiated by getting signatures equal to 20 percent of the last vote for the office in question on a petition to remove an elected official. That petition of removal is then presented to the secretary of state.  Once signatures are certified, the governor would set a date for a recall election.  A recall election would then be conducted to determine whether or not the official is to be removed from office.

            To see Assemblyman Walter speak on this issue, click the link below…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmP-cLESsf0

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WALTER CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION OF DCJS AND NYSP IN SAFE ACT CASE

Assemblyman Ray Walter and colleagues send formal complaint to acting Inspector General

Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) and his colleagues are calling on Acting Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott to review the policies and procedures associated with the implementation and enforcement of the NY SAFE Act. Specifically, Walter is asking that the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the administration of the New York State Police (NYSP) be investigated as to how they have conducted themselves with regard to the SAFE Act’s mental hygiene provisions over the past few months. Specifically, David Lewis, a local Amherst resident, wrongfully had his firearms confiscated and pistol permit revoked on April 1, after the NYSP identified him as the wrong David Lewis.

 “There is a failure on behalf of DCJS and the Superintendent to understand the provisions of the Act, which negatively affects their ability to properly implement its provisions,” Walter said in his letter. “The Act makes no reference to the County Clerk’s Office conducting an investigation and such an investigation would be outside of the powers and duties of the Clerk. This failure has had severe consequences in the well-documented case of Mr. Lewis, whose property was erroneously seized. We have heard similar stories throughout the state and are concerned that our citizens are being deprived of their civil rights. In addition, there have been reports that improper searches of individuals’ medical records have been taking place, including Mr. Lewis’. These accusations represent a serious breach of our residents’ constitutional rights and deserve a thorough investigation.”

Walter goes on to say that “the demonstrated failures of DCJS and the Superintendent to understand and properly implement the mental health provisions of the SAFE Act should be of major concern to the Inspector General’s office and, in our opinion, warrant a formal investigation of the actions taken so far and an examination of the procedures that they anticipate will be utilized going forward.”

 Walter added, “I have the utmost respect for our State Troopers who risk their lives each day serving and protecting the citizens of this state.  This issue is with the administration and political appointees who are carrying out the flawed policies emanating from the Governor’s Office.”

 Assemblyman Walter is currently circulating a letter to give his colleagues the opportunity to sign on and will be submitting this letter to Inspector General Scott next week.

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Assemblyman Ray Walter joins  push to raise awareness about first responder opportunities

            In honor of National Volunteer Week, Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) is taking part in RecruitNY, a state wide program in which local fire departments open their doors to any and all residents interested in learning more about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter or first responder. Walter noted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for many fire departments in Western New York to recruit and retain volunteers for various reasons.

“Volunteer first responders are among the most essential personnel in our communities. They put their lives on the line in times of emergency, and we can always count on their protection,” said Walter. “The recent tragedies in Boston and Texas serve as a reminder of how truly brave and invaluable our emergency personnel are. I want to encourage everyone to contact their local fire departments to learn more.”

            Emergency responders provide an invaluable service to our communities, while saving local property taxpayers millions of dollars annually.  Unfortunately, New York’s volunteer fire departments continue to experience a critical loss of members and desperately need help to recruit and retain members to serve our local communities.

Below is a list of fire departments that are opening their doors for RecruitNY.

Hutchinson Hose Company - Williamsville Fire Department (5565 Main Street)

April 27th
10 am - 1 pm

Ellicott Creek Volunteer Fire Company

April 27th

1 pm - 4 pm

North Amherst Fire Company

April 28th

12 pm - 4 pm

Getzville Fire Company

April 27th

1 pm - 3 pm

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    Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) is investigating the forced forfeiture of firearms and wrongful suspension of the pistol license of local Amherst resident David A. Lewis. Walter reached out to Mr. Lewis to offer his assistance with regard to this very troubling matter. Walter has also contacted Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs as well as State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico to discover exactly how Mr. Lewis’ constitutional rights were clearly violated. A meeting between Walter and Superintendent D’Amico has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 16.

     “What happened to Mr. Lewis is deeply troubling and there is no mistake that he has been victimized. Not only was he forced to surrender his belongings to police, but his private medical records have become public in all of this,” said Walter. “I have spoken with Mr. Lewis’ attorney to offer my assistance and assure them that I am doing everything within my power to get to the bottom of this issue.”

     Mr. Lewis, a college librarian, was wrongfully identified by the State Police and the Erie County Clerk’s office as someone who, under the new mental health provisions of the NY SAFE Act, was not allowed to own firearms. He was incorrectly identified as someone who had a mental illness and could be a danger to himself or others, and as a result, he was forced to forfeit his firearms and his pistol permit was suspended on April 1. Now, his permit has been reinstated, and his belongings will be returned shortly, but as a result of all this, Mr. Lewis’ medical history has also been made public, a clear violation of his rights as a citizen.

     “Whatever your opinion is about the SAFE Act, the fact that this incident took place is deeply upsetting. A law-abiding citizen had his possessions taken from him and this is exactly what we were assured would not happen. When I meet with Superintendent D’Amico, I plan on reviewing procedure with regard to the SAFE Act, ask exactly how this incident occurred, and how we can make sure this never happens again.”

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