“Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it”-Ronald Reagan
For Immediate Release
April 29, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Brooklyn, NY — “President Biden’s address Wednesday night made it clear that America can’t afford the Democratic Party. His proposals, while nice sounding to some, would constitute an assault on our younger generations which have to bear the brunt of our already unmanageable debt. It’s easy to propose new spending; it’s quite another thing to govern responsibly.
“Senator Tim Scott, in his GOP response, described the America we all embrace; an America that fosters the American Dream knowing that America’s vision from its inception has always relied on a responsible approach to governance. He spoke to the common sense in each of us and it was a breath of fresh air.”
New York Legislator Moves to Restore Voting Rights for Parolees
A bill passed earlier this year by the state Senate was also adopted by the Assembly this week paving the way to grant voting rights to every parolee in the state.
New York now becomes one of few states in the nation that allows parolees to vote and requires Department of Corrections employees to provide those individuals with a voter registration form.
When you commit felonies, you owe a debt to society and that debt is not paid in full until the convict has served their time and finished their parole obligations.
The Democratic-controlled state legislature makes it no secret that they are not interested in protecting the millions of residents and visitors who are law abiding members of society. Instead, they continue to place votes over paying the full debt to society.
They continue to empower those most willing to do harm to property and individuals, sending the message that their actions have very little consequences.
The only thing that remains for Democrats to do is add voting sites outside of our state prisons.
Vice President Harris MIA
Where is Vice President Harris, has been a question that has popped up over the last few weeks. Well, I can tell you where she is not, the Southern Border.
On March 24, President Joe Biden tasked VP Harris with leading the administrations response to the growing crisis at our border, but Harris has yet to visit Texas, Arizona, or New Mexico where illegal crossings have hit an all-time high.
The Vice President did announce her intentions to travel to Latin America last week, but continues to dodge questions regarding the humanitarian catastrophe, health risks, and the national security crisis our nation is facing.
Perhaps Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is correct when saying the Vice President is having trouble finding the border? Several members of our New York delegation have spent time visiting the border with law enforcement and seeing the issues up close. I am sure Congressmembers Garbarino, Malliotakis, Tenney, Jacobs or Katko would be more than willing to escort Vice President Harris to Donna, Texas.
2021 Spring Reception
I am very excited to have our first in-person Spring Reception May 26th in Tappan, New York.
It has been far too long since we have gathered to visit with one another and this event will give us the opportunity to do so while celebrating some very deserving honorees and their contributions.
I am happy to announce Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis will be our speaker. The Congresswoman has taken on a leading roll in Washington D.C. on behalf of New York’s 11th congressional district. She has been an outspoken critic on the Democrats attempt to pack the court, and most recently has been the leading voice on calling for the DOJ to release documents related to Saudi Arabia’s role in the September 11, 2001 atrocities.
Additionally, I am excited to award Bob Smith, an original founder of the party, with the J. Daniel Mahoney award. Bob is the President and Founder of Smith Affiliated Capital and has been active for decades. Bob is more than deserving and I look forward to honoring him.
Finally, we will present Senators Ortt, Borrello, Helming, O’Mara and Assemblyman DiPietro with our top legislative rating awards for their commitment to supporting and voting for good causes throughout New York State.
The venue is a truly special place and piece of New York history. The Old ’76 House is America’s oldest restaurant and is listed as a National Landmark.
After a long delay due to travel restrictions related to the Corona Virus, I am back on the road moving party business forward. This past week, I spent two days in Washington D.C. to discuss the future for the State Conservative Party and politics in New York State.
I had meetings with several members from our state delegation which gave me an opportunity to discuss their priorities and a bit of politics. I found our delegation is focused and working hard for their districts to combat radical liberals and their dangerous, expensive agenda.
I was also happy to meet with key conservative leaders including Karen Cross, the Political Action Director of the National Right to Life Committee, Governor Scott Walker, President of Young America’s Foundation, and Dan Schneider, Executive Director of the American Conservative Union.
Additionally, I had a great meeting with Saul Anuzis, President of “60 Plus,” and Justin Richards, the Executive Director of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee to discuss our current members and some New York State candidates on the horizon.
Finally, I caught up with hard-charging Congressman Lee Zeldin to discuss his gubernatorial campaign and the next year and a half. Congressman Zeldin is focused on his district and his run to return New York to glory; a state we can all be proud of without living in fear of rising crime, taxes, and quality of life issues.
Democrats Move to Pack Supreme Court
The New York State Conservative Party condemns in the strongest possible terms efforts to expand the U.S. Supreme Court from 9 to 13 members.
In attempting to pack the court — a political impulse 75 consecutive Congresses have resisted — progressive Democrats are fiddling with the lock of a Pandora’s Box. If the Democrats succeed, what’s to stop Republicans from further expanding the court to 17 members when they next regain power? What’s to then stop Democrats from going to 21?
The Supreme Court was never intended to be the plaything of temporary partisan passions, and it should not be now for the benefit of either party. Its role is to interpret the constitutionality of our laws, not advance shortsighted political agendas. We urge level-headed members of Congress from all political backgrounds to stop this ill-conceived bill dead in its tracks.
We have seen a once prosperous nation, Venezuela, pack their courts with handpicked judges selected to act as an arm of the Hugo Chavez regime. The result? Between the years of 2004 and 2013, 45,000 rulings were examined, not once did they rule against Chavez and his Government.
That is not democracy, that is not freedom, that is socialism at its ugliest and mark my words, court-packing will be bad for America and its future.
Bill Pepitone for Mayor
The New York Conservative Party has its own candidate for Mayor, former NYPD office Bill Pepitone. This is not unusual as the party has run candidates solely endorsed by the Conservative Party including Bill Buckley, Barry Farber, Mario Biaggi, and George Marlin amongst others.
Bill was born and raised in Brooklyn New York, in a family of public servants. His father was a New York City Police Officer, Firefighter and Fire Marshal, His mother was a medical assistant, his uncle served as a detective with the NYPD Street Crime and Career Criminals Unit, and his grandfather served in the United States Navy.
It was inevitable that Bill would answer the call to serve the people, in 1989, Bill Pepitone joined the New York Police Department. During his career, he was assigned to Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, Brooklyn South Task Force, and the NYPD Police Academy’s Physical Training and Tactics Department.
Like most of us across the country, Bill Pepitone is devastated by what is happening to our freedoms, our livelihoods, our businesses, and our safety within our communities. These are some of the reasons, he chose to run for Mayor of New York City.
To learn more about Bill, or to get involved, click here.
New York State Budget tops $212 Billion; Comes with Massive Tax Hikes
Late, expensive, and using taxpayers to bail New York out of another mismanaged state budget. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this Governor and State Legislature.
The state budget is a liberal’s dream and taxpayers’ nightmare; it throws all fiscal responsibility right out window while it continues to set a dangerous precedence going forward. A balanced budget does not matter to the Governor, as long as he has taxpayers to place the burden on, he will continue to recklessly spend.
For years, far before the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been spiraling out of control, writing checks and spending money we do not have. After a federal bailout to the tune of $12.6 billion, Governor Cuomo and the Democrat controlled State Legislature raised taxes by an additional $4 billion, making New York perhaps the most taxed state in the nation and further providing more reasons for residents and businesses to explore other options in friendlier states.
To add insult to injury, $2.1 billion of the state budget was allocated for illegal immigrants while less than half that amount was allocated to help small businesses survive.
The priorities of Democrats are beyond misplaced. They have, once again, prioritized those most willing to break laws over the hardworking taxpayers who wish to live in New York State, operate a small business, or simply provide for their family.
Zeldin, Schmitt Announcements
Congressman Lee Zeldin and Assemblyman Colin Schmitt announced their intentions to run for Governor and Congress respectively in 2022 this week.
Their entry into the Governors race and what is now New York’s 18th Congressional District is welcome news as both have been excellent representatives to their districts.
Congressman Zeldin, a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, served in the New York State Senate from 2011-2014 before defeating incumbent Democratic Congressman Tim Bishop in 2014. Lee is currently serving in his 4th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, a Corporal in the Army National Guard, was elected to the State Assembly in 2018. Colin easily won re-election in 2020. The seat was previously held by the Democrats until Colin flipped the open blue seat red.
We welcome them both and look forward to working with their teams.
Disorder at the Border
President Joe Biden wasted no time creating chaos at the border as illegal crossings are on pace to reach the highest levels in 20 years.
Shockingly 172,000 immigrants were apprehended in March alone under the Biden Administration. That represents an increase of 71% from March 2020 under the Trump Administration.
In addition to the humanitarian and public health crisis at our Southern Border, grave national security threats are a growing concern as two men on a terrorism watch list, and no fly list, were arrested after illegally crossing the border from Mexico into California, officials from the U.S. Border Patrol announced Monday. The men were apprehended in separate incidents, one on January 29th and the other March 30, signaling the utter disregard for our immigration laws and weakness portrayed by the Biden Administration.
Many members of the New York Congressional delegation have visited the border, or will shortly, to see firsthand the disorder President Biden has caused through the undoing of Trump era policies by executive order.
Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis posted this video taken in McAllen, Texas last night as she toured the border with Whip Steve Scalise and other members of Congress.
Congressman Chris Jacobs was also touring the border last night. His initial observations can be heard here.
In March, House Homeland Security Ranking Member, Congressman John Katko, with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy led a delegation to the Southern Border for a tour and discussion with Border Patrol Agents to assess the dire situation on the ground. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney was also among those who visited; you can watch some of that here.
“As a federal organized crime prosecutor back in the 90s, I was charged with going after the drug cartels. I had a fundamental understanding then, and I do now, that the cartels know when to exploit the southern border, and they’re doing it now masterfully. They’re doing it because President Biden rolled back a lot of the orders of the previous administration that were working” said Congressman Katko.
For Immediate Release
April 6, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882 www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by State Chairman Gerard Kassar on the NYS Budget
Brooklyn, NY – The democratic-controlled NYS Legislature, along with Governor Andrew Cuomo, are on the verge of passing an historically high spending document that increases spending and taxes to the highest levels ever in New York State. These significant increases will impact all New Yorker’s, especially New York’s working families.
New York’s proposed budget has gone from bad to unsustainable, while the progressive-left cheers and says it will help working families in New York State. Nothing could be further from reality.
New York’s working families need jobs to be able to keep working; by adopting new increased taxes on those who are wealthy and on corporations, NYS Government is encouraging an even greater exodus from New York by those who can leave and forcing corporations to escape to states that are tax-friendly, thereby taking New York jobs with them.
New York’s poor fiscal management, by the supermajority of democratic elected officials, is a flawed and erroneous way to uphold their oath to those who put them in office. Shame on them.
In 1981, Richard Rivera murdered off-duty officer and dad-of-four Robert Walsh. Now, Rivera sits on a panel in Ithaca and Thompkins County trusted to help create police reforms.
The program to “reimagine” police departments was formed at the request of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo and his New York Parole Board have been active in releasing cop killers from prison, demonstrating a clear lack of respect for police, the victim’s families and public safety.
You may have also read about the vicious attack that took place on West 43rd Street in Manhattan or have seen the disturbing video. Based on what we know to be the priority of the far-left liberals in the State Legislature and Governor’s mansion, I am sure it won’t surprise you to hear the attacker, Brandon Elliott, was on parole for the murder of his own mother in 2002.
Rehabilitated he is clearly not, as shown by his disgusting attack on a 65-year-old woman whose only crime was walking down the same sidewalk as him. Video shows Elliott punch her, kick her in the stomach, and then stomp on her head. An abhorrent scene made possible by a misguided parole board hellbent on releasing violent criminals back on to the streets of New York.
Now, another convicted cop killer, Paul Ford, is set to be paroled. Ford was one of three men convicted of the 1980 murder of Police Officer Harry Ryman.
For years I have had a personal interest and have written many letters in support of keeping Paul Ford behind bars.
Another man convicted of killing, Barrington Young, 62, was released last year and deported. The third convicted killer, Cornelius Bucknor, 59, has also been granted a parole hearing.
Unconscionably, 20 cop killers have been released from prison in New York since 2017. An unfathomable, concerning number and dangerous precedence.
NYC Council, Mayor Turn Back on Police Again
An already tough and dangerous job became more tough last week as the New York City Council voted to end qualified immunity for its officers.
Common sense and protections for those who risk their lives to protect us no longer exist in New York City. Mayor de Blasio and the City Council continue to kowtow to the left, bending at the knee to every demand from liberal activists, no matter the consequences and negative affects it will have on law abiding citizens.
“New Yorkers are getting shot, and police officers are on the streets day and night, trying to stop the bloodshed” said PBA President Pat Lynch.
There was a troubling increase in crime in 2020, specifically murders, shooting victims, and shooting incidents. In 2021, we are on pace to far surpass those unacceptable 2020 numbers.
Under no circumstance should we be working to promote criminals and those willing to cause harm and destruction while diminishing the role of the police and putting the men and women who protect our city at further risk.
Marijuana Legalized in New York State
To say New York is going to pot may be the understatement of the decade. Legislation to create the ‘New York Office of Cannabis Management’ sounds like a bad joke. If only it were funny.
Democrats in Albany, led by scandal-scarred Gov. Andrew Cuomo, know that legalizing recreational marijuana will come at significant human cost, but all they seem to care about is more tax revenue. Their indifference to human suffering is unconscionable.
Study after study has shown that marijuana use among teens — make no mistake about it, teen use will go up — can cause significant psychological damage and lead to use of even more dangerous drugs. We also know that traffic injuries and fatalities will increase because of stoned drivers on our roads, and a percentage of first-time marijuana users will become addicts.
We also know from other states that black-market drug sales actually increase after legalization, and those illicit drug pipelines often include counterfeit prescription pills and deadly narcotics like heroin and fentanyl. The cost of treating the addictions that will ensue from this legislation will likely cost far more than any revenue it would generate. Indeed, for every $1 of tax revenue in alcohol and tobacco tax revenues, society loses $10 in social costs according to SAM-Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
Mark Twain said the darnedest thing: “It’s easier to keep out of something than to get out of something.” He was, of course, right, and Twain’s advice is our advice to the New York State Legislature.
Keep out of the drug business. It will not end well.
Conservative Party Reception to Return May 26, 2021
We are excited to announce the return of our annual reception this spring which will be held in Tappan, NY, May 26th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at The Old ’76 House.
The ‘76 House, America’s oldest restaurant, is a three-hundred-year-old structure lovingly restored to pristine condition by the Norden Family. It is listed as a National Landmark and holds significant historic value. In fact, the original water painting of Benedict Arnold remains hung upside down. Just as George Washington left it.
We are expecting an exciting list of distinguished guests and honorees. We will be awarding our J. Daniel Mahoney Award, and Legislator of the Year Awards for 2020.
We are very much looking forward to gathering once again to visit with familiar faces and support the party.
Tickets for the event are $500 per person. More details are to follow in the coming week.
For Immediate Release
March 30, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn, NY – “To say New York is going to pot may be the understatement of the decade. Today’s legislation to create the ‘New York Office of Cannabis Management’ sounds like a bad joke. If only it were funny.
“Democrats in Albany, led by scandal-scarred Gov. Andrew Cuomo, know that legalizing recreational marijuana will come at significant human cost, but all they seem to care about is more tax revenue. Their indifference to human suffering is unconscionable.
“Study after study has shown that marijuana use among teens — make no mistake about it, teen use will go up — can cause significant psychological damage and lead to use of even more dangerous drugs. We also know that traffic injuries and fatalities will increase because of stoned drivers on our roads, and a percentage of first-time marijuana users will become addicts.
“We also know from other states that black-market drug sales actually increase after legalization, and those illicit drug pipelines often include counterfeit prescription pills and deadly narcotics like heroin and fentanyl. The cost of treating the addictions that will ensue from this legislation will likely cost far more than any revenue it would generate. Indeed, for every $1 of tax revenue in alcohol and tobacco tax revenues, society loses $10 in social costs according to SAM-Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
“Mark Twain said the darnedest thing: It’s easier to keep out of something than to get out of something. He was, of course, right, and Twain’s advice is our advice to the New York State Legislature. Keep out of the drug business. It will not end well.”
Senator Ed Rath and Assemblyman DiPietro have teamed to introduce common sense legislation that would permit school districts to open to students for in-person instruction if the school is capable of maintaining 3 feet of distance between students.
The bill has been introduced in the Senate and Assembly. Additionally, it is supported by the New York State Academy of Pediatrics.
“There is increasing data to suggest that schools can safely reopen and that safe reopening does not suggest that teachers need to be vaccinated,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a February press conference.
The prolonged school closures have left many families confused and frustrated, rightfully so. The goalposts have continually moved while the CDC has given no indication that schools should remain closed. The teachers who continue to boycott returning to the classroom are putting children years behind and keeping many of them in environments that are far more dangerous than the care and supervision of attending in-person school 5 days a week.
“There is no reason for schools that are otherwise compliant with the bevy of safety guidelines and restrictions should be prevented from reopening because they lack the space to keep students 6-feet apart. Many schools simply do not have the physical square footage to be able to realistically comply with this executive order, said Assemblyman DiPietro who introduced the bill in the State Assembly.
President Biden Showing His Age
A lot of political hay has been made of President Biden’s multiple falls going up the stairway to board Air Force One. I have kept away from direct political commentary in as much I find the event troubling on a different scale. The President could have seriously hurt himself. That is something that should concern all Americans.
It is not political theater but a reality that the 78-year-old President has physical issues that could affect him and as such the nation. Just imagine if he had slipped down a few of the steps seriously twisting an ankle or injuring a bone or breaking his hip. It would, for a period of time, cause anxiety from Main Street to Wall Street, as well as in foreign Capitals.
Yesterday, the President gave his first press conference since taking office and far too often sounded incoherent and seemed to lose his train of thought. Midway through answering a question he abruptly stopped and ended the sentence with “uh, anyways.” It was not a funny moment, it was concerning and hit home the fact that the President is of a very advanced age.
President Biden’s job is grueling and demanding, but Americans deserve transparency and a Commander in Chief who communicates with the country often. Only time will tell if Biden is capable to fulfill his duties.
Live with Assemblyman Ed Ra
I was pleased to be joined by New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra, the ranking Republican of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, Tuesday night to discuss the upcoming New York State budget.
The full interview can be seen here. I encourage anyone with a curiosity or interest of the budget and how Governor Cuomo and the Democratic majority continue to spend wildly and tax New Yorkers, listen to this interview. The video will be pinned to the top of our Facebook page for easy access.
New York Conservative Party Gets Boost
On behalf of the state party, I would like to thank the thousands who have joined the party over the last year for trusting in us to advocate on behalf of you. We welcome you with open arms.
With the increase, we now stand at 154,000 active members up from 147,000 in February of 2020.
Additionally, this past election cycle, we received nearly 300,000 votes on the Conservative Party line for President Trump. It is clear many New Yorkers believe in the work of the party.
It is my hope that we can continue to show to our members, and potential future members, that we are on the forefront of every fight worth fighting and supporting good candidates throughout our great state.
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADERS FILE COMPLAINT IN STATE SUPREME COURT TO PROTECT CONSTITUTIONAL VOTING RIGHTS OF ALL NEW YORKERS
New York State Conservative Party leaders yesterday announced the filing of a verified complaint with the New York State Supreme Court, County of Niagara, to protect the constitutionally prescribed voting rights of all New Yorkers.
The complaint filed on Thursday in Niagara County, seeks to overturn an unconstitutional action by the State Legislature S8015-D/A10833 signed into law by Governor Cuomo on August 20th, 2020 and now Chapter 139 of the laws of 2020. This Chapter amends Election Law Section 8-400 in clear violation of Article II, Section 2 of the State Constitution. This section establishes specific circumstances in which a registered voter can obtain an absentee ballot.
The Conservative Party maintains that this Chapter makes a permanent change in the State Constitution and as such requires approval of the electorate by placing such amendment on the November ballot. The Legislature and Governor by adopting said piece of legislation have circumvented that process.
The authority that allowed the Governor to open the process of absentee ballots to all voters in 2020 was limited to the authority granted him through the broad temporary emergency powers adopted by the Legislature in the Spring of 2020. Those powers expire with the pandemic.
The State Constitution belongs to the people of New York as a safeguard against runaway governors and legislatures which we clearly now have. The Constitution spells out the rules for absentee voting in great specificity not to inhibit voting, but to protect the integrity of every vote in this state. Those who wish to make changes in these areas are free to do so through a vote of the electorate, but never through legislative action. They simply don’t have that power.
The State Conservative Party successfully challenged the constitutionality of other attempted changes to New York Election Law by the Governor and Legislature in 2020.
Every registered New Yorker should exercise his or her right to vote in every election, but it is imperative that the voting safeguards put in place by our State Constitution be observed to guarantee maximum ballot security. When rules are changed willy-nilly, public confidence in our election processes wane, and that can be a dangerous thing. This complaint seeks to protect the democratic rights of New Yorkers, and we are hopeful for an affirmative outcome by the Court.
Statewide News Service
Recently, I joined the Statewide News Service to discuss Governor Cuomo, his toxic workplace environment, sexual harassment, and abuse allegations and finally the recall and initiative referendum legislation.
Embattled Governor Cuomo is running out of friends willing to cover up his sexual harassment and abuse allegations. However, it appears he still has the cover of President Joe Biden.
Reports from in and around the White House are that the President and Vice President are split on how to respond to the scathing allegations surrounding Cuomo. Biden has remained loyal to Cuomo saying an investigation should be carried out, while it is rumored Vice President Harris is ready and prepared to call on the Governor’s resignation.
On Wednesday, the Washington Examiner wrote this story featuring myself and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
I am happy that national publications have continued to follow the Governor Cuomo scandal closely and I hope that they also continue to remember that it does not end with the claims of sexual harassment and assault, but with the nursing home death cover up.
It is important that we continue to remember all those lost and the lies that came out of Albany in an effort to diminish the whistleblowers and those calling for the truth.
Live with Ed Ra
On Tuesday, March 23, I will be joined live with New York State Assemblyman Ed Ra. Assemblyman Ra is the senior Republican on the Ways and Means Committee and will be joining me to discuss the egregious New York State Budget that is moving forward in the State Assembly and Senate.
We will be live at 7:00pm Tuesday and we look forward to seeing you join us. As always, just visit our Facebook page where you will see the interview.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADERS FILE COMPLAINT IN STATE SUPREME COURT TO PROTECT CONSTITUTIONAL VOTING RIGHTS OF ALL NEW YORKERS
Buffalo, NY-March 19…New York State Conservative Party leaders today announced the filing of a verified complaint with the New York State Supreme Court, County of Niagara, to protect the constitutionally prescribed voting rights of all New Yorkers.
The complaint filed on Thursday in Niagara County, seeks to overturn an unconstitutional action by the State Legislature S8015-D/A10833 signed into law by Governor Cuomo on August 20th, 2020 and now Chapter 139 of the laws of 2020. This Chapter amends Election Law Section 8-400 in clear violation of Article II, Section 2 of the State Constitution. This section establishes specific circumstances in which a registered voter can obtain an absentee ballot.
The Conservative Party maintains that this Chapter makes a permanent change in the State Constitution and as such requires approval of the electorate by placing such amendment on the November ballot. The Legislature and Governor by adopting said piece of legislation have circumvented that process.
The authority that allowed the Governor to open the process of absentee ballots to all voters in 2020 was limited to the authority granted him through the broad temporary emergency powers adopted by the Legislature in the Spring of 2020. Those powers expire with the pandemic.
“The State Constitution belongs to the people of New York as a safeguard against runaway governors and legislatures which we clearly now have,” said State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “The Constitution spells out the rules for absentee voting in great specificity not to inhibit voting, but to protect the integrity of every vote in this state. Those who wish to make changes in these areas are free to do so through a vote of the electorate, but never through legislative action. They simply don’t have that power.”
The State Conservative Party successfully challenged the constitutionality of other attempted changes to New York Election Law by the Governor and Legislature in 2020.
“Every registered New Yorker should exercise his or her right to vote in every election, but it is imperative that the voting safeguards put in place by our State Constitution be observed to guarantee maximum ballot security,
”Chairman Kassar continued. “When rules are changed willy-nilly, public confidence in our election processes wane, and that can be a dangerous thing. This complaint seeks to protect the democratic rights of New Yorkers, and we are hopeful for an affirmative outcome by the Court.”
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2021
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
www.cpnys.org @cpnys
Despite Infusion of Washington’s Cash; Democrats in NYS Plan Nearly $7 Billion in New Taxes on New Yorkers Statement by Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn, NY — The Democrat controlled New York State Legislature, despite the infusion of fresh federal aid to NY ($12.6 B directly to state coffers) is poised to pass one-house bills that include a massive tax increase on businessmen and the wealthy; a 22.6% increase in spending over last year; 10.5% more than Governor Cuomo’s proposal.
Increasing the taxes on businesses and the wealthy will only further the exodus that has steadily increased over the past 10 years. New York state cannot afford any additional losses. This impractical plan will end up costing every New Yorker. Spending is the problem. If these Bills are enacted, the Democratic-controlled Legislature is shouting that New York is closed for business and encouraging New Yorkers to move to a state where they have better control over the money they earn.
D.C. Democrats Continue to Push Through Radical Agenda
With all the attention statewide focused on Governor Cuomo, his six sexual harassment claims, and pending federal investigation into nursing home death coverups, it is easy to lose track of all the bad Bills that Congress is passing in Washington, DC.
This week they passed the $1.9 trillion “COVID-19 relief” Bill that had little to do with relief and more to do with giving money, that we do not have, away to foreign nations and spending on projects that have nothing to do with giving people and businesses the aide they need.
Every member of our delegation, Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, John Katko, Nicole Malliotakis, Tom Reed, Andrew Garbarino, Claudia Tenney and Chris Jacobs all voted NO for the new round of stimulus that will cost each individual American over $5,000 to pay for.
Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi also continued their assault on the 2nd Amendment with the passage of H.R. 8, the “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021”, and H.R. 1446, the “Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021”.
While all three bills passed the House this week, we are proud of the members of our delegation who voted NO.
I thank them all for their level-headed, common sense approach to all the legislation they voted on this week. Having had many discussions with the Congress members from NY, I can tell you they were on the right side of these votes from the start.
Cuomo’s Woes Continue
There have been no good days for Governor Cuomo the last few weeks, and it does not appear any are on the horizon.
Cuomo was accused by a 6th woman this week; this time of sexual assault in the private residence of the Governor’s mansion. It has been referred to the local police to begin a probe into the Governor, potentially leading to a criminal investigation. If police choose to find the woman’s claims credible, Cuomo will officially be under investigation by two separate law enforcement entities at both the state and federal level.
On the Albany front, the entire Republican conference, and a growing number of Democrats, including leadership, have called on the Governor to resign. With more than half of the combined State Legislature having moved towards his resignation or impeachment, it is clear he has lost all ability to Govern and lead a legislative body.
When you have lost Albany, you have lost the people. New York needs a functional, working Government. Nearly a year ago, Andrew Cuomo prioritized a book deal, with a seven-figure advancement, over the health of New Yorker’s. While nursing home deaths piled up, and field hospitals remained empty, Cuomo was working on his fictional account of what a great leader he is.
His book is an egregious attack on our intelligence and disgusting show of self-promotion. We knew it then, and thankfully the entire world knows it now.
Conservative Candidate Petitions
We have a few more days remaining in this year’s petitioning cycle. If you have not yet signed a petition for your local Conservative Party candidate, please contact your local leadership, or someone you know who is involved with the party, to sign and get our candidates on the ballot.
A complete list of leadership and their contacts can be found here, or call the State Headquarters at 718-921-2158.
Just the News
I was happy to join David Brody on the Water Cooler yesterday to discuss Governor Cuomo, the hypocrisy of Senators Gillibrand, Schumer and the Democratic conference. Listen to the interview in its entirety by clicking here.
