3 local state legislators named Farm Bureau ‘Friends’

Three state legislators that represent Orleans County in Albany were all recognized by New York Farm Bureau in the organization’s “Circle of Friends.”

State Assembly members Steve Hawley of Batavia and Jane Corwin of Clarence were both named to the list, as was State Sen. George Maziarz of Newfane. Maziarz’s 3-county district includes all of Orleans. Hawley’s district has all of Orleans, except the Town of Shelby, which is in Corwin’s district.

Altogether, 125 of the 212 state legislators were named friends by Farm Bureau. The “Circle of Friends” honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported or opposed during the most recent legislative session.

“The selected lawmakers from both the Assembly and Senate were chosen for their commitment to the hard working farm families in New York,” said Dean Norton, president of NYFB. “Each friend has demonstrated that they understand the importance of agriculture to the people of their legislative district, and how farming significantly impacts the economy of this great state.”

Hawley, former president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau, said he appreciated the recognition from Farm Bureau.

“My district in Western New York contains many farms and many families in my area sell crops as a primary or secondary source of income,” Hawley said. “It is of the utmost importance to me that we support legislation that will enhance farmers’ abilities to expand their businesses and sell their products on a wider scale. Farms remain a driving force in New York State and a facet of our economy that we cannot take for granted.”