Michael R. Long, the long time chairman of the NYS Conservative Party, was laid to rest on Friday, July 29, 2022, after devoting most of his life to helping make our state and nation a better place for all of us to live. There was never any doubt in our minds of the impact that Mike had in the political world and the world outside of politics. Mike was loved. His passing has left us with a profound sense of loss. Mike was always there when we needed answers, from the young men who worked for him in the ice cream parlor, to those who sought elective positions, to the customers who would stop by his liquor store to discuss the burning issues of the day; Mike made time for all of us.  Mike Long was our anchor, a man whose moral compass did all that was necessary to set the state and nation back to the visions of our Founding Fathers.

Michael had his own anchor, Eileen, his wife of 59 years. Their love, their shared goals, their nine children, who emulate their lives, their 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren are a testament to a simple fact:  Mike and Eileen Long lived their lives as devout Catholics, treating all who crossed their paths with respect and love.

It was a tribute to Mike and his family to see the long lines waiting to pay their respects at Clavin’s Funeral Home on both Wednesday and Thursday. Our Lady of Angels Church was filled to capacity with family and friends. Monsignor Kevin Noone and Father James Delvin were co-celebrants, while Bishop Edmund Whalen, Bishop James Massa, Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio along with 6 other priests assisted is celebrating the High Mass on Friday morning.

As Chairman of the Conservative Party, I noted earlier this week, “The loss of Mike Long is immeasurable. We have lost a good man, a close friend, mentor and outstanding political leader; a void for me and many has been created that cannot be filled. “The countless number of people who learned from Mike can today be found throughout the political (and non-political) world and will act as his legacy for many years to come.”

We salute you for a job well done. Rest in Peace, Chairman Emeritus Michael R. Long. Rest in Peace.

The Spectator tribute for Mike Long.

From Newsmax:  Remembering Mike Long.

John Gizzi writes in Newsmax:  Mike Long, N.Y. Conservative Party Chairman, Dies at 82

George J. Marlin:  New York’s lost a working-class champion with the death of Mike Long, who helped depose Mario Cuomo.

Carl Campanile:  Former NY Conservative Party leader Michael Long dead at 82.

The New York Times:  Michael R. Long, N.Y. Conservative Party Stalwart, Dies at 82.

The Citizens’ Auburn:  ‘A force’: Michael Long, longtime NY Conservative Party chair, dies.

For more tributes scroll through our Twitter account @cpnys or Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cpnys

Vote NO on November’s $4.2 Billion Dollar Environmental Bond Act

This November, a tax increase is on the ballot.

New York is addicted to spending and borrowing, and state taxpayers are drowning in debt, thanks to some of the highest taxes and fees in the nation and a financially devastating 9.1 percent inflation rate that shows no signs of abating.

Now, predictably, the State wants to borrow and spend even more, as Empire State families find themselves forgoing simple necessities like milk, cereal, and eggs because they just don’t have enough money to pay for them.

It’s a hard slap in the face when you consider that Albany increased the State Budget from $177 billion to $220.5 billion — a $43 billion increase! — in the past two years alone. Unsatisfied, Democrats in Albany want more. Always more.

Governor Kathy Hochul and her Democrat colleagues in the State Legislature are now promoting a $4.2 billion Bond Act that voters will decide on in November. It’s being trumpeted in the loftiest terms — “The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” — but in reality, it’s a vague and amorphous ballot proposal that’s more about politics than it is about clear environmental goals.

It’s no coincidence that Mrs. Hochul is promoting this Act in the same year she’s running for governor. The Bond Act would provide millions of dollars to various environmental interest groups that Mrs. Hochul wants in her corner. Call it pork barrel borrowing.

What Governor Hochul and her Democrat colleagues in Albany don’t want you to know is that money from New York’s 1996, $1.75 billion Environmental Bond Act remains unspent. If it’s so essential to borrow an additional $4.2 billion this year, why haven’t we spent down the environmental funds we borrowed 26 years ago?

The New York State Conservative Party cares about environmental conservation. But it also cares about working- and middle-class families that are having trouble making ends meet. Almost a million and a half financially beleaguered New York families have fled the state for friendlier tax climates over the past dozen years, and Albany Democrats still don’t get it. The Conservative Party does because it is rooted in reality.

To get a sense of how out of whack New York taxing and spending has become, consider this: Florida and Texas each have larger populations than New York with annual budgets about half the size of ours. And Texas and Florida enjoy faster growing economies than New York’s. That’s no coincidence.

You’ll soon see ads extolling the urgent necessity of borrowing billions more this year. It’s a sham. How about using the billions we’ve already borrowed first?

Another Hochul Emergency Order

In the world of Governor Hochul, the COVID emergency never goes away. As Hochul, like her predecessor Andrew Cuomo, renews pandemic-related emergency orders, she is also suspending many state checks and balances designed to keep government honest.

The Empire Center’s Bill Hammond recently addressed the dangers of these executive orders.

The Conservative Party together with the State Senate and State Assembly Republicans have been advocating since early 2021 that all special executive authority that emanates from renewing pandemic-related emergency orders come to an end. The State Legislature has the authority. The Democrats who have the majority in both houses appear not willing to take back the responsibility that comes with being an equal branch of government. Its high time they do.

Biden Again Misses the Point

 We certainly hope President Biden overcomes his bout with COVID soon. Maybe the time he is resting will give him an opportunity to better see the sad ongoing failure of his foreign policy.

His trip to Saudi Arabia can best be described as sickening. The United States has rightfully held the leader of Saudi Arabia responsible for ordering the killing of Jamal Khashoggi within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Now we have the President of the United States coming close to begging for increased Saudi energy support through a visit with the Saudi leader that has the two acting like the best of friends. A sad state of affairs for America and the Biden Administration.

Maybe if Biden had allowed the continuation of American energy independence achieved under President Trump with the Keystone Pipeline and offshore drilling, we would not have the President of the United States graveling to Mohammed bin Salman.

Alleged Lee Zeldin attempted attacker charged with felony, immediately released just as congressman predicted

White House Says It Doesn’t Matter Where Biden Got COVID-19.

Biden-era Democrats learn to love emergency powers after hating them under Trump

Van Jones makes revealing admission about black Americans under Biden: ‘The pain is more intense’

Record Setting Inflation

 Federal Reserve interest rate increases may slow inflation, but they will not reverse it if energy prices remain out of control. This means no relief for Americans getting squeezed tighter and tighter every day as the Biden administration continues to make one mistake after another.

Annual inflation hit 9.1% in June, the highest rate of price growth since 1981, and despite those recent interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Consumer prices rose 1.3% in June alone, driving up the costs for Americans as they do the necessities such as get groceries and fill up their gas tanks.

The Democratic led Congress and the President himself instead continue to focus on long range environmental goals of questionable value at best. Fortunately, after it was announced late Thursday that any party line reconciliation bill with climate provisions, would not be supported by Joe Manchin (D-WV). Manchin’s spokesperson Sam Runyon said Thursday. “Senator Manchin believes it’s time for leaders to put political agendas aside, reevaluate and adjust to the economic realities the country faces to avoid taking steps that add fuel to the inflation fire.”

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is Dangerous

 Bragg never claimed during his campaign that he would be the people’s District Attorney. From day one in office his focus has been to be an advocate for the rights of criminals. We called for his removal by Governor Hochul, the only one with the authority, after his outrageous staff memo essentially implementing the ‘Bragg criminal Justice system.” We reiterate our push for his removal every time an arrest turned into a revolving door, or a law enforcement officer was made the scapegoat for his backward view of public safety.

Last week’s indictment by The Manhattan DA of bodega worker Jose Alba, for murder, when it was clear to witnesses and on video that Alba was exercising his right to self-defense, brought a new national spotlight to Bragg’s backwards logic.

Lee Zeldin has indicated as Governor on day one he would remove Bragg for malfeasance in office. I can think of dozens of reasons why we need Lee Zeldin as Governor, but for the past week removing Alvin Bragg has been on the top of my list.

 Assembly Republicans

 It is generally agreed upon in NYS political circles that our party’s strong alliance with the State Senate Republicans, led by Rob Ortt, will result in many victories this November. The same can be said of the New York State Assembly Republicans led by Will Barclay.

I had a chance to meet a number of candidates this past week at their annual summer golf outing. First, let me tell you it was large, in fact one of the largest summer fundraisers in many years. It was also an extraordinarily upbeat event; you could feel the excitement and enthusiasm.

As always, it all comes down to candidates. In my estimation there were many winners in the room. Individuals who will make excellent public officials who will push for the changes we need to get our state back on the right track. I want to congratulate Leader Barclay and everyone at RACC (Republican Assembly Campaign Committee) for working to recruit such good candidates around the state.

Manchin says he won’t support climate, tax provisions in sweeping Democratic bill

Most Top Biden Officials Have 0 Years Of Business Experience

The Pay Cut President: Average American Family Has Lost $6,800 in Annual Wages Under Biden’s Inflation Administration.

Biden arrives in Saudi Arabia a ‘much diminished president,’ the kingdom’s former intel chief says

Challenge to NYS Concealed Weapons Law

Last week the NYS legislature passed S. 51001/A. 41001, (the vote is at the end of the links below) , an unconstitutional infringement on the right to carry a concealed weapon in New York State. This action was taken to override a decision handed down from the US Supreme Court on June 24, 2022.

The Court was clear that any governmental effort to regulate the right must not be excessive.  New York State’s response was to essentially make it impossible to carry a concealed weapon anywhere in the state for most residents.

The NYS Conservative Party has joined with the State GOP and its Chairman, Nick Langworthy, in creating a coalition to take legal action. I feel certain that when we get our day in court, we will be successful.

Read our press release here.

NYS Moving to Put Abortion Protections in State Constitution

New York falls into the category of a handful of states that allows abortion through viability – in fact, arguably to term. Non-medical professionals can do the procedure and doctors who perform abortions are under no requirement to save the life of a baby born alive.

Many members of the New York Legislature and Governor Hochul want New York’s extreme abortion policies enshrined in the State Constitution. The legislature last week did the first passage (S.51002/A.41002). They are required to pass it again next year before it needs to go on the ballot for the voters to make a final decision.

Although the bills passed with near unanimous Democrat support, there were some regular allies in the GOP who voted against the Party’s pro-life view. Myself, and our party leaders in the legislative districts have been in touch with the legislators, expressing our disappointment as well as our concern for the future.

I encourage you to review the  Senate/Assembly voting record (at the end of the links below) and contact those who voted to protect abortion as a civil right in New York’s Constitution.

National Affairs Conference

We will be holding a National Affairs Political Action Conference on Saturday, August 13th from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Arthur Finnegan American Legion Post #1443, 40 Mountain Lakes Lane, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925.  A reception will follow immediately after.

At the conference we will be releasing our updated National Affairs Platform and hearing from a number of speakers and panels on issues such as Border Security, China/Taiwan, Inflation and supply chain woes, the Supreme Court and more.

There will be a modest $25 per person attendance fee for the conference. The conference will be followed by a reception attended by Joe Pinion, our US Senate Candidate, and local Congressional candidates.  The fee for the reception is $75.  Registration forms will be on our website sometime next week.  As always, please feel free to call us at 718-921-2158.

WATCH: Doocy grills Jean-Pierre over why majority of Americans think nation ‘on the wrong track’

A Biden Tax Hike Kicked In That Affects Everything From Soap To Lightbulbs.

Jobless Claims Rise to 6-Month High; Job Cuts Jump 57 Percent.

Police pulling back on traffic stops impairs authorities’ ability to limit ‘gun violence’: Experts

S.51001Final vote on S 51001 fire arms bill

S.51002s51002 final vote

Happy Independence Day

This weekend we celebrate the most important date in American history—July 4^th.  A significant day in every American’s life. Through the parades, cookouts, and fireworks, America gathers to commemorate its heroes and celebrate our freedoms.

Abraham Lincoln once said “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him” these words remain true and if you’re like me, you find yourself fortunate to be born in a country that provides its citizens with inalienable rights—such as freedom of speech, or the opportunity to fight for Conservative values—such as the right to life. For these reasons, and many more, I am proud to pledge allegiance to the United States of America.

It is imperative we never allow these freedoms to perish. We must take personal responsibility, stand up for what is right, what is moral and defend our basic liberties from those who wish to undo our way of life by telling us how we should live or think.

I wish you all a safe and Happy 4^th of July with your family and friends. As you celebrate our independence, please take a moment to say a prayer for all those who made this weekend possible.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” -Ronald Reagan

Biden Won’t Be Bragging About This Year’s July Fourth Cookout Prices Which Rose 17 Percent.

Justice Thomas’ influence over Supreme Court at a ‘zenith,’ allies say, despite attacks from the left.

Texas-Based Insurance Company Offers Employees Money For Birth, Adoption In Response To Roe V. Wade Being Overturned

Monthly Mortgage Payments for Typical Home Rise $800 Since January.

FiveThirtyEight 2022 election forecast.

Roe v. Wade Overturned!

“Roe v. Wade was a constitutionally flawed decision that never should have been issued.”  And today it was overturned.  The Conservative Party has been seeking this decision since the day it became the law, January 22, 1973.  We applaud Justice Alito, Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Thomas, Justice Gorsuch, Justice Kavanaugh and Justice Coney Barrett who upheld the United States Constitution with today’s historic decision.  Read my full statement here.

Former VP Pence Wows Conservative Party

Former Vice-President Mike Pence returned to a Conservative Party event on Wednesday evening and the crowed room responded to his remarks with thunderous applause, especially when he restated his strong support for the next Governor of New York State, Lee Zeldin.  Mr. Pence reminded those in the room how America, under the Biden Administration, has lost some of her standing in the free world, due to the erroneous mistakes of the current administration from our embarrassing exodus from Afghanistan to the disastrous flooding of ill-legal immigrants on our southern border and record high inflation.  His remarks stressed the importance of taking back the House and Senate in the upcoming November elections in an effort to end the progressive hold on the White House and noted that it is up to the voters across our great nation that only they can retake control in November and reminded us that while endorsements, editorial support and social media are all important for candidates, the most important conveyor of support is word of mouth…so call, text or email your family and let them know who you support.  Thank you for all you do to support the Conservative Party of New York State.

Tuesday, June 28 is Primary Day

The first step in Saving our State begins on Tuesday, when Republicans vote for Lee Zeldin in the Republican Primary.  (The Conservative Party does not have a primary and is proud to support Lee Zeldin, Allison Esposito, Lt. Gov. candidate, Michael Henry for Attorney General, Paul Rodriquez for NYS Comptroller and Joe Pinion for US Senate.) It is important that you use Mr. Pence’s advice about word of mouth being the best way to show support for Lee Zeldin.  A united Republican-Conservative candidate is the best chance of defeating the progressive hold the current administration has on New Yorkers.  Lee Zeldin will fire DA Alvin Bragg on day one and has committed to making New York safe again.  The New York Post editorial of June 16, 2022 said it best:  Lee Zeldin is the best bet for governor to save New York.  Take the first step on Tuesday to help make this happen.

SCOTUS Strikes Down NY’s Archaic Concealed Carry Gun Law

The National Review writes that “the Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that New York’s “proper-cause” requirement to obtain a concealed-carry license is unconstitutional as it violates ordinary citizens’ Second Amendment rights.”  The 6-3 decision was written by Justice Clarence Thomas who used the 2^nd and 14^th Amendments and the decision in District of Columbia vs Heller as a basis to reject New York’s 1913 law that limited carrying concealed guns outside the home.  Justice Thomas noted “We know of no other constitutional right that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need.”  Kudos to Justice Thomas, Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Alito, Justice Gorsuch, Justice Kavanaugh and Justice Coney Barrett.  You can read my statement here.

Democrats Plan ‘Second Pandemic’ as the Race for the 2024 Election Looms.

Biden Confidant: Start Firing People or Pack Your Bags

Energy Industry and Economists Deride Biden Gas Tax Holiday Proposal.

ENJOY! Here Are the Liberals’ CRAZIEST Responses to Supreme Court Gun Ruling.