JAMES APPEALS COURT REJECTION OF PARENTS REPLACEMENT ACT

The big news this week in New York State was the win in the State Supreme Court in Livingston County halting Hochul and the Progressive Democrats’ attempt to change the State Constitution. If successfully appealed, it would negatively impact parents rights and a variety of longtime protected areas, such as gender identity requiring biological men and women entry into cross gender competition. The Conservative Party has been immensely vocal in our opposition to the amendment.

Ironically, the decision was based on the failure of the Democrats to follow the State Constitution’s stipulation that the legislature could not act on any constitutional amendment until they had a written opinion from the State Attorney General.

The Democratically controlled Senate and Assembly, totally focused on legal abortion being pushed back to the States, threw the law to the wind looking to codify abortion in the State Constitution using the opportunity to add countless unrelated categories into the change. 

The Judge, clearly wanting to issue a belts and suspenders decision, wrote a 32-page document which in any fair judicial system should be the end of it. In fact, the initial response from the Legislature and AG was this is the way we always did it. You do not need to be a legal scholar to know ignorance of the law is never a good reason to violate the law.

In short, the Governor and her left-wing cronies simply got caught.

Early this week the Attorney General appealed to the 4th Department in Rochester.  The case will be heard shortly. All the reasoning and arguments are on our side.  Yet in New York State, in which the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals voted to give Elephants human rights, nothing is safe or sacred.

Assemblywoman Marjorie Bynes brought the action and the case was argued for our side by noted attorneys Bobbie Anne Cox and Chris Browne.

You can view our full press release here: 

THOUSANDS GATHER FOR TRUMP

I joined tens of thousands of President Trump supporters on a beach in Wildwoods, NJ last Saturday to rally for his re-election to the Presidency. Organized by local GOP Congressman Jeff Van Drew, it was said to be the largest political rally in New Jersey history. I can believe it, considering it was literally a sea of people.

I had been an invited guest, seated up front with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Congress Members Chris Smith, Nicole Malliotakis and Jeff Van Drew nearby. I had made the two-and-a-half-hour drive to the event with Congresswoman Malliotakis, who accompanied the President to court this past Monday.

President Trump arrived late, threw away his notes, and then spoke for an hour and a half. He was funny, articulate, but most all, for those who listened closely, quite substantive.

That is what I found most interesting; mingled in the jokes and political commentary was international affairs, the economy, illegal immigration, energy policy, public safety, the environment and so on. The media’s focus is always on everything other than what he hopes to accomplish as President.

I suppose that has been the way it has been since the beginning for Donald Trump. Many of us look at his four years as a great success from the perspective of accomplishments. Others want to focus on his tweets and style.

Soon all Americans will need to choose. Although, I consider it an easy choice. 

PATRIOT’S PODIUM PODCAST FEATURING TONY CASALE

Patriots Podium episode #24 featuring Anthony Casale, the A Republican Commissioner of the NYS  Board of Elections is available now! Tony has been a long-time friend and has an extensive background in government and public affairs having served as a Republican/Conservative member of the State Assembly, Chairman of the NYS Liquor Authority, and Vice President of Government Relations at Lynn University. This is a very informative podcast covering an array of material such as even-year election law, early voting, mail-in voting, the need for ID to vote, and the ins and outs of what goes on at the Board of Elections. I encourage you to give it a listen, as this information will be helpful on the campaign trails for November! 

     YouTube              BuzzSprout            Apple Music             Spotify

ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP REFUSES TO MOVE ANNUAL LOYALTY DAY RESOLUTION

Since 1921, in response to the communist celebration of May Day on May 1st the federal government has recognized May 1st in the United States as Loyalty Day. Every year each individual state does their own resolution memorializing Loyalty Day in their state. This had been the standard in New York until now. 

When Conservative/Republican Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo of Staten Island attempted to move the resolution which he authored a few weeks back, he was informed that the Democratically controlled Assembly would not put the resolution up for a vote because it made some of the Majority uncomfortable.  I guess I am not surprised, but very disappointed that we got to this point. This resolution is just what Albany and New Yorkers need in the current climate; a day dedicated to our country, its roots, and the heroes protecting us. This should not be a partisan resolution, but Democrats don’t want to vote for something they don’t believe in, nor do they want to rile up their anti-American base before November. 

This reminds me of a battle twenty years ago in Albany to cause the Assembly to say the Pledge of Allegiance before every session day.  The Democratic leadership opposed such an action on similar grounds.  Eventually under enormous public pressure the Assembly Democratic Leadership allowed each session to begin with the Pledge. 

Sam’s resolution can be found here. Take a read and see if you come to the same conclusion I did, that there is absolutely no good reason for stopping its passage. 

THE GOOD GUYS WIN ONE

A team with the help of the GOP, Conservative Party, and many others who played an active role won a big one in the State Supreme Court when Proposition One, the misnamed “Equal Rights Amendment” to the NYS Constitution, was removed from the ballot. 

The Legislature simply ignored the constitutional requirements necessary for passing it onto the ballot. Ironic or arrogant, you decide, but the bottom line is that the amendment, which was mostly about gender identity and abolishing many parental rights over minors, will not be on the November ballot.  Of course, the supporters are appealing with the Court of Appeals becoming a wild card in proceedings due to the antics of the Chief Judge. The law however is clear – it was not followed.  It will be interesting to see if Chief Judge Rowan Wilson, who dissented in a decision that an Elephant named Happy was not a “person,” can come up with a novel argument to get around the law. 

You can read our full press release on the ERA here: 

NYS Federation of Republican Women

This past weekend, and into Monday night, the New York State Federation of Republican Women held their 105th Annual Gala and Conference in the heart of Albany. I just wanted to take the time to acknowledge, and thank Trish Turner, President of NYSFRW, for putting on an amazing event. With over 300 people in attendance, it was a resounding success. I was also glad to see many members of the Conservative Party show their support. Dutchess County Chairman Don Minichino, Livingston County Chairman Jason McGuire, Wayne County Chairman Mike Garlock, and our Director of Operations Andrew Davis were all in attendance. I had the pleasure of being one of the speakers, along with many other notable speakers and political activists. The keynote speaker, Riley Gaines, delivered a profoundly impactful speech on her experience and her mission to defend women’s rights in sports. I thought I knew a lot about her story from the news, but I was blown away with how much I learned in just a short period of time. She discussed her story competing against Lia Thomas (Aka Will Thomas), her teammates’ uncomfortable experience in the locker room with a man, Title IX, the Equal Rights Amendment, and much more. She truly was a phenomenal speaker, and we look forward to welcoming her back to New York soon!

ENOUGH

New York State and New York City are taking no more militancy under the guise of legitimate protest from groups that are tied to radical organizations. The pro-Palestinian campus takeovers at Columbia, NYU and City College received a quick and decisive intervention from the NYPD. 

All too many of the violent protests are populated by individuals who, when questioned, show that they have no idea of what or why they have invaded campus space. Antisemitism might not be every protestor’s intent, but it certainly is the result of causing Jewish students, or those who support them, to feel unsafe and even unaccepted at their school. 

The removal of the American flag with the Palestinian flag being raised before the NYPD removed it and once again raising the American flag was symbolic to our nation that these protests are as much anti-American as they are antisemitic.

I applaud the NYPD and issued a statement that summarizes the Party’s view. You can view the press release here.

 THE FIGHT CONTINUES

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, together with Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, have introduced legislation that would prevent the congestion pricing plan from being implemented by prohibiting crucial federal money from being used to fund the start-up in June.  Congressman Mike Lawler has also signed onto the legislation which is supported by all of the ten Conservative Party endorsed members of Congress.

Congestion pricing is slated by the MTA to go into effect in late June.  It is immensely unpopular with the average New Yorker and will certainly have a negative impact on the Manhattan economy, in addition to it being effectively another tax on the driving public. The arguments against congestion pricing go well beyond the obvious and include increased pollution and traffic in the boroughs, and decreased quality of life in lower-income areas, especially in the Bronx and North Shore of Staten Island.

The MTA’s record on mostly everything it comes into contact with is disappointing to say the least. They are constantly looking for revenue, yet allow hundreds of million in fares to be evaded each year. The MTA leadership holds hearings in which they ignore public comment in order to effectuate a foregone conclusion. Throwing more money into the MTA will not fix the overall problem, and taxing people out of the City does not seem to be working.  

In addition to the Malliotakis legislation, the Nassau County Town of Hempstead has just filed a lawsuit which joins other legal actions including Staten Island elected officials, several labor organizations, and Borough President Fossella.

A sure fire way to stop congestion pricing, even if it has gone into effect, is to elect Donald Trump President this November. Trump, always a New Yorker regardless of how badly the State and City treat him, has been clear in his opposition. As President I am confident that he will unravel this ill-conceived effort through his power over the purse strings and control of oversight agencies that have failed to fully review the environment impact under instructions from the Biden Administration.

PATRIOT’S PODIUM WITH GREG GARVEY

Patriots Podium episode #23 featuring Greg Garvey, the Executive Director of The Coalition to Protect Kids NY is available now! Recently, we have been sending out a lot of information regarding the ill-conceived and so-called  “Equal Rights Amendment” that will appear on the ballot this November. The misguided amendment is really about giving minors, as young as the age of eleven, the ability to decide their gender identity and even the possibility of medically transitioning without their parents consent or knowledge. Parents know what is best for their kids, not the government. Although the name sounds appealing, the Conservative Party is a NO vote on this amendment. This is yet another resource for you to learn, and spread information about this amendment that may not be known to all voters. I encourage you to give it a listen to fully understand the scope of the issue. You can learn more about the coalition and how you can help on their website here. Watch the full show on any of the links below! 

YouTube        BuzzSprout          Apple Music         Spotify

Campus Takeovers

The Conservative Party strongly supports the right to protest, but what’s happening at Columbia, NYU, and on other college campuses is beyond the pale. These are not peaceful protests; they’re criminal takeovers of property that are disrupting the academic life of thousands. They’re also clearly orchestrated to intimidate Jewish students.

Threatening groups of Americans and seizing property is anarchy, not protest, and it must come with a penalty. This unbridled wokeism — egged on by irresponsible, leftist professors — cannot be tolerated. Not only do we need to clear the campuses as soon as possible, but in addition, the college must expel and hold the agitators accountable. If they are not American citizens, they should have their student visas rescinded. From an outside perspective, it seems the agitators are winning. Students who just want to go to class and learn are unable due to intimidation, distraction, noise, blocked off parts of campus, threats, and much more. For example, Columbia gave in to the protesters by canceling in person classes for the rest of the year, while allowing pro-Hamas supporters to continue to spew the most vile forms of antisemitism we have seen since the Holocaust. Other colleges are also following suit, while some others decided to  cancel graduation ceremonies due to “safety concerns.” It’s important to acknowledge that some of these students will never get a real graduation, or education experience, while forking up 70,000 dollars a year. First it was COVID, and now it is antisemitic protesters disrupting the learning environment and other students’ academic endeavors. It is truly sad that we got to this point, and still no action from University Presidents, Governor Hochul, or President Biden. The lack of leadership is devastating. 

So Called “Equal Rights Amendment”

  As you may know, on the November Ballot you will find a proposed constitutional amendment that the left wing is describing as an “Equal Rights  Amendment.” It is anything but that and, if adopted, will negatively impact parental rights and constitutionally protect the 2019 Reproductive Health Act, which essentially allows abortions to term in New York State.

It even creates new rights in the area of gender identity and gender expression covering all persons including minor children. Below you will find attached an outline prepared by Greg Garvey, the Executive Director of Protect Kids New York. In addition to being an outline of the issue it gives you a punch list of what you can do. Be assured that the Conservative Party will be actively opposing the passage of this ill-conceived amendment.

Click here to find out everything you need to know about the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment.” In addition, you can also click this YouTube link for a short explainer video on the ERA. Please do your best to share and spread the message for this November!

Trump in NYC

Yesterday, President Trump was in NYC to show his support for New York construction workers at the new JP Morgan Chase construction site in Midtown, Manhattan. There were upwards of a thousand supporters and workers eager to see the former President at 6 am! The Conservative Party was pleased to send several members of our party including Queens, Kings, and Bronx County committeemen. Thank you to all who came out to support our Presidential candidate for 2024. 

I don’t think the Democrats expected what is occurring; the witch hunt has only proved to backfire. It’s quite astonishing, a former President unable to campaign across the country due to constant partisan court battles in NYC, is only increasing in popularity. New Yorkers, and the country as a whole, know we are not in a good place with Biden as our President, and one-party rule in NYS only exacerbated the issues. 

President Trump can pull a bigger crowd at 6 am in front of a construction site, than Biden can at a planned campaign rally. The difference in enthusiasm will prove difficult in November for Democrats, as their own base is starting to pull away from Biden. In addition, the historically democratic Steamfitters Union in NYC put out a poll to their members that overwhelmingly supported Trump over Biden. The tide seems to be turning, and we will not let up the breaks. President Trump has said repeatedly, New York is in play for Republicans and Conservatives this November and we are with him.

ARREST ANTI-AMERICAN PROTESTORS BREAKING THE LAW

As constitutionalist conservatives, we believe protesting is a protected right in a free society. I for one have been involved in many protests over the years. However, protesting by closing bridges, blocking airport access on highways, taking over parts of schools and public places are not protected under the Constitutional right to free speech. Simply put, it’s because the protestors are interfering with the rights of others. Imagine you or a loved one is having a medical emergency, and you can’t get to a hospital because the access points are shut down by protesters. Although one example, this is the reality people are facing in our state, and across the country daily. Those who organize and conduct these illegal protests should be arrested and held accountable for the chaos they ensue. 

Law enforcement under the direction of civil authorities has a mixed record on this issue. In some parts of our nation the protestors are given free reign, always at the expense of the public. Even when a few arrests are made, usually after a direct altercation with the police, the protestors are likely to be back on the streets within hours with a claim of victimization. 

The NYPD and other NYS law enforcement organizations are becoming tougher with what has become everyday occurrences. Now, the prosecutors and judges need to recognize the need to cause these lawbreakers to cool their heels in jail and spend some much needed time in there reflecting on their decisions. 

Most Americans seeing these protests wonder if governments have lost control in many urban centers. It is important that our governmental, political, civic and criminal justice officials push back at protestors who take advantage of our free society by ignoring the laws that are in place to actually protect the sacred right. Recently, California’s famous Golden Gate Bridge was shut down by protesters for hours, only to be arrested and released the following day without charges. There are over 100,000 cars that cross that bridge every day, and because there is no accountability, they will do it again, and again. The solution is simple, but progressive Democrat policies handcuff our law enforcement, and ultimately our citizens pay the price, not the politicians. 

STATE BUDGET

With the conclusion of this very extensive and costly budget process, the average taxpayer should expect more devastating tax increases, rather than relief. Anyone who views this state budget as a victory is deluding themselves. It’s too expensive, too expansive, too progressive, and too self-serving for the Democratic Party. The People of New York deserve to be outraged.

Governor Hochul, who loves to claim victory by saying how much worse her budgets could have been, has again done nothing to address the screaming needs of New Yorkers. New York has a serious housing crisis, yet we see abandoned properties everywhere. Rent regulated landlords can’t keep properties up with Major Capital Improvement (MCIs) reimbursement rates capped at $30,000. And now, after destroying much of New York City’s housing market with counterproductive rent regulations, Mrs. Hochul and the Democrats are bringing regulations statewide with ‘Good Cause Eviction.’ You can read our full press release on the budget here. 

PATRIOTS PODIUM FEATURING PETER MURPHY, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY AT INVEST IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Patriots Podium episode #22 featuring Peter Murphy, the Vice President for Policy at Invest In Education Foundation is out now! I had the pleasure of having a great conversation with Peter Murphy who has many years of experience in government, the not-for-profit sector, and promoting the expansion of educational opportunities for American families. Peter previously served with Governor George Pataki where he helped develop the New York State Charter Schools Act, and as the Vice President of the State University Charter Schools Institute, he led efforts to bring about an investment tax credit within our state. In this episode, we go into detail about the importance of school choice, charter schools, policy, and much more! Please give it a listen, and share it to any interested individuals: 

      YouTube             BuzzSprout              Apple Music              Spotify

Social Media

As many of you might already know, the Conservative Party is very active on social media. Everyday, we are putting out information on multiple platforms; whether its press releases, weekly wrap-up, events, news, holidays, etc. If you aren’t fond of social media, we also update our website everyday in real time, which has all the information you may possibly need. Our website, which can be found at CPNYS.org, has our Legislative Platform, priorities, the history of our party, legislative ratings, and much more. I encourage all to take a look from time to time. 

In addition, we are now on our 23rd bi-weekly podcast episode, where we bring experts and lawmakers  to talk about issues impacting our state/country. This can be found on many platforms as linked above, and if you subscribe, you’ll get early access before it’s posted on social media! Our YouTube and social media pages also have unique videos and pictures from our events. For example, check out this quick three minute montage from CPPAC 2024 in Albany, NY here. We also record and post all of our speakers from the events, so you never miss a beat. Our social media platforms and party enrollment continues to flourish as we adapt to the changing times. All of our social media pages can be found below: 

      Twitter             Facebook          Instagram         Youtube        Website

Tax Freedom Day

Although most Americans look at April 15th as Tax Freedom Day, it is actually much later than that. True liberation from tax burdens isn’t realized until approximately the beginning of May, and in NYC it is unspecified, but can be even longer. Tax Freedom Day can be defined as the day an average American has theoretically earned enough money to pay off his or her total tax obligations for the year. This includes various taxes such as personal income tax, sales tax, property taxes, state/federal, and more. The calculation used to determine this date assumes that everyone in the nation works for eight hours a day beginning January 1st, and that every dollar earned is not spent. 

The venerable Tax Foundation, founded as a not-for-profit in 1937, has for years published a chart approximating the date each state’s residents could enjoy this special date, has estimated that in New York State it is the first week of May. Interestingly, surrounding states of New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts as well as California have similar dates. Places like Texas, New Hampshire, South Carolina, among others have a noticeably earlier Tax Freedom Day. Florida is sooner than New York which is one of the latest, Florida being more to the middle of the pack. 

Nevertheless, the enduring trend persists, with New York consistently ranking among the states burdened by high taxes, echoing similar challenges faced by other predominantly blue states, while their red counterparts fare better. Every dollar New Yorkers earn goes to paying taxes in a state that essentially lights it on fire. 

The question of what taxpayers receive in exchange for their contributions warrants examination. Unfortunately, the returns seem non-existent in comparison to the financial demands imposed. Issues such as congestion pricing and tolls, porous borders, budget mismanagement, escalating crime rates, and a notable exodus from the state paint a bleak picture of the taxpayer experience. 

Regrettably, the only foreseeable prospect within the New York State governance framework appears to be the perpetuation of higher tax obligations without evident or increased benefits. This cycle offers little incentive for optimism or anticipation for the average New Yorker, as it seemingly leads only to further fiscal strain without tangible improvements in public services or quality of life. Unless you are an illegal immigrant of course, then New York tax dollars are used for paying for 5 Star Hotels, meals, education, healthcare, credit cards and much more while we have homeless Americans and struggling veterans across the State. One-party Democratic rule is the reason New York was just ranked the worst state for economic outlook for the 11th year in a row! Eleven years ranking dead last is an absolute embarrassment, and yet Democrats remain committed to their policies. One would define that as insanity.  

According to the Tax Foundation’s website, their mission is “to improve lives through tax policies that lead to greater economic growth and opportunity.” For over 80 years their mission statement has been the same. Yet can you think of any tax policies that have abided by this mission statement? The simple answer is no, and we don’t expect them to start anytime soon. New Yorkers, and the Country as a whole, are fed up; this November, the common sense majority will prevail at the voting booth. 

Budget

New York is drifting between having a bad late budget and a very bad late budget with this week’s new state budget extenders. The longer the process goes, the more progressives will add to the already extraordinarily high price tag of running this state under one-party Democrat rule. The size and scope of the eventual budget will be on a historic scale, and never in a good way. You can read our full press release on the matter here: