Assembly leader promotes Hawley

Local assemblyman named assistant minority leader

Steve Hawley has been promoted to assistant minority leader in the State Assembly, a spot that puts him in the top five of leadership among the Assembly Republicans.

Leader Brian Kolb appointed Hawley to the position. He has been serving as deputy whip. In his new role, Hawley will help create conference policy initiatives, urge his fellow legislators to support pro-job creation proposals and better advocate for his constituent’s concerns.

“It’s all about getting things done for the people back here,” Hawley said this afternoon.

The Batavia resident has been serving in the Assembly for nearly eight years. He represents all of Orleans County, except the town of Shelby. The district also includes all of Genesee and part of western Monroe County.

In his new role in the Assembly, Hawley said he will have more input shaping legislation and he’ll have more clout when he talks with Democrats who are in the majority.

“I plan to use this new position to give voice to my constituents and promote policies that create jobs, lower the tax burden on Western New York families and protect our country’s veterans,” Hawley said in a statement. “I thank Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and my colleagues for trusting me with this task. With their support and the support of my constituents, I look forward to serving in this role.”

Hawley is a former hog farmer who owns an insurance agency in Batavia. Kolb said Hawley has been “a staunch supporter of small businesses and farmers, and he understands the importance of creating jobs and improving the economy.”