“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
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 19, 2023
New Shelter Rules in NYC Show Absolute Absurdity of Biden/Hochul/Adams Immigration Policy: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Today’s New York Post storyabout new shelter limits just imposed by the City of New York demonstrates the absolute absurdity of the Biden-Hochul-Adams immigration policies. More than 90,000 foreigners have been shipped to the five boroughs in recent months — that’s what happens when you declare a ‘sanctuary city’ — and nearly 55,000 are now seeking shelter in City facilities, prompting Mayor Adams to limit stays for single adults to 60 days, after which they’ll be able to reapply for shelter that probably won’t exist. Additional non-citizens arrive each week by the thousands, despite the Mayor’s warnings that New York can’t take any more.
“New York City has its own problems; we can’t fix the troubles of the world. New Yorkers have crises, too, and many need shelter, but now they’re being forced to wait in line for people who just got off a bus, and who will keep arriving until Washington finally does something about this. While New Yorkers stumble over trash piles and broken city sidewalks, almost a billion of their tax dollars are going to non citizen services. When will this insanity end?’’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 13, 2023
Politicized New York Appellate Court Creating Havoc on State and Nation: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“The New York State Appellate Court, Third Department, is making a mockery of our Congressional districts, undermining public confidence in our judiciary and the electoral process itself. This highly politicized court, which is clearly doing the bidding of the Democrat-controlled State Legislature and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has unnecessarily created chaos to hurt conservative officeholders and help Mr. Jeffries retake the House majority for progressive Democrats next year. It’s wrong — indeed, mid-decade redistricting is prohibited by our State Constitution.
“Conservatives won New York House seats in 2022 fairly and squarely. This is a politically contrived move by Democratic leaders to undo the will of the voters and to deny them the leaders they chose under fair district lines.
“The Conservative Party is confident that the Court of Appeals will reverse this ill-conceived ruling by upholding the fair congressional lines established in 2022 by the District Court. One must remember that the courts were forced to step in that year to stop an outrageous gerrymandering attempt by the Democrat-controlled State Legislature and then Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We are hopeful that the Court of Appeals will protect voters by reaffirming New York’s established congressional lines, but, ultimately, it’s the voters themselves who have the power to right obvious wrongs. The more they learn about what’s happening in New York, the more firmly they will act to stop these cynical political shenanigans.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
bill@novemberteam.com
July 12, 2023
STATEMENT ON SIENA CRIME SURVEY FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…”When nearly two thirds of New Yorkers (61%) are afraid of being a crime victim and more than half (51%) fear for their safety in public, something is going seriously wrong. (Please see Siena Poll here.)
“But that’s not news to the 20 million New Yorkers who have watched their ‘progressive’ elected officials undermine law enforcement professionals at every turn. Disastrous bail reform laws, new disclosure requirements that benefit criminal defense attorneys, the effective ban of undercover policing in New York City, and the new clean-slate initiative are just some of the items that have tied the hands of law enforcement officials across the state in favor of criminals. It’s no wonder that New York police officers are retiring in droves, and that recruitment efforts are coming up short.
“A decade ago, law enforcement agencies across the globe looked to New York as a model for crime fighting. Not any more. A single generation of one-party Democratic rule has destroyed actual progress made under Republican administrations. What an avoidable shame.”
New York City is officially moving a $107 billion dollar budget. Although there was initially an attempt by the Mayor to rein in some spending, the final budget negotiated by the City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Committee Chairman Justin Brannan managed to restore and increase spending in areas such as illegal migrant services, free legal services, and a variety of programs that can best be described as poorly managed giveaways.
Several progressives voted against it because it did not go far enough. One Republican, Ari Kagan, voted against it because it went too far, except in the area of public safety where it fell miserably short in supporting corrections, EMS, and other first responders but gave billions to illegal migrants, anti-NYPD, and anti-Asian organizations.
The NYPD did receive an increase in funding by way of higher salaries and a new contract with the PBA, but offender services benefited greatly from this bloated budget.
There was also a separate vote that will increase property taxes, which all Democrats voted for and all Republicans against. Although many NYC homeowners had been fortunate to have relatively moderate property taxes – that will no longer be the case.
New York City is money hungry. Every year its appetite will cost the State and Federal governments billions of dollars that effect all New Yorkers.
The right vote on the City Budget was a NO.
Malliotakis, Steel Move to Amend Tax Code
As part of a $237 billion House Republican Tax Cut Package, House Ways and Means GOP members Nicole Malliotakis (R/C, New York) and Michelle Steel (R-California) have introduced legislation to increase the Federal Standard Deduction by $4,000 for joint filers and $2,000 for single filers above the cost of living adjustment for 2024 and 2025 returns.
This increase is for households with under $500,000 in income and is estimated to benefit almost 90% of those who claim the current standard deduction.
Malliotakis, together with her NYS GOP/Conservative colleagues continue to advocate for a return of the SALT deduction.
The uniqueness of their legislation to establish a “bonus” standard deduction is that it has the support of Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith and should eventually be part of a final package negotiated with the US Senate.
U.S Supreme Court gets it Right Again
Whatever your feelings might be about Donald Trump running for re-election one thing is certain. President Trump gave us today’s Supreme Court.
They are doing an amazing job. Last year’s Dobbs decision reversing Roe vs Wade and the protection of basic 2nd amendment rights was a prelude to several major victories we saw over the past few weeks.
Affirmative Action has gone down, the practice of one’s religious beliefs upheld, and the ability to appeal partisan gerrymandering to a State Court enshrined. Additionally, the ability of the Executive Branch to make budgetary law overruled with the cancelation of the student loan forgiveness program.
The decisions, often 6 to 3, came with detailed, rational arguments that were countered with stale liberal rhetoric.
I am very much looking forward to the next US Supreme Court session!
The New York State Conservative Party takes immense pride in honoring the significance of this remarkable day in our nation’s history. On behalf of our dedicated members and supporters, we extend our warmest greetings and best wishes for a patriotic Fourth of July.
Independence Day serves as a powerful reminder of the American spirit that united our Founding Fathers and ignited the flame of freedom in the hearts of every American. It was on this historic day, 247 years ago, that our forefathers boldly declared their independence, paving the way for the birth of the greatest nation on Earth. The values of liberty, justice, and equality, enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, continue to guide and inspire us.
The United States of America is more than just a country; it is a beacon of hope and freedom that reflects worldwide. The American Dream has become an aspiration for millions, a testament to the possibilities that exist when individuals are empowered to pursue their ambitions. The principles upon which our nation was founded – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – continue to resonate with Americans today. We are a nation that cherishes individual freedoms, personal responsibility, and limited government. It is these core values that have propelled our nation to new heights of prosperity. As conservatives, we remain committed to the principles that have made our nation prosperous and free.
This 4th of July, as fireworks light up the night sky, let us renew our commitment to preserving the American legacy for generations to come. Let us strive to uphold the principles that have made our nation a shining example to the world, demonstrating that freedom, opportunity, and justice are not mere ideals but attainable realities. As we honor the birth of our great nation, the New York State Conservative Party wishes every American a joyous and meaningful Independence Day. May God bless you, your families, and the United States of America.
“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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
June 29, 2023
STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPREME COURT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION DECISION
“Today’s decision is a triumph for the fundamental American notion that all men and women are created equal and deserve equal treatment under the law. Affirmative action implicitly divided us, creating quiet divisions among Americans over the entire college admissions process. The Conservative Party cherishes the individual, regardless of race or creed; we believe, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eloquently stated, that a person should be judged on character and nothing else. This is a great step forward for America and all who call her home.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@novemberteam.com
June 26, 2023
STATEMENT ON WOOD-FIRE PIZZA ATTACK FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…”The Conservative Party has always understood that ‘a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.’ But we never could have imagined that government would go after wood-fire pizza. What’s next? Hotdogs and hamburgers on charcoal grills?
“New York Democrats are out of control. Gas stoves have been banned by the State, and clearly the City and State will be going after campfires, fireplaces, and, eventually, matches. If New Yorkers don’t stand up and say ‘no’ now, the future here may be very dark.”
I applaud the censure of Democratic California Congressman Adam Schiff by the House of Representatives.
Schiff, as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, grossly misused his position when he essentially set out to frame President Trump. The cost to the taxpayers for an investigation that had no basis and not surprisingly turned up absolutely nothing was a $32 million dollar hit on the taxpayers.
The censure results in a referral to the House Ethics Committee where a formal review of the charges against him could result in a recommendation that Schiff be expelled from the House.
I urge the House Ethics Committee to move quickly.
Chinese Military in Cuba
It is called the Monroe Doctrine and it has been in place since December of 1823. The document is a warning to foreign powers that the United States will not tolerate efforts in the Western Hemisphere that could affect U.S. peace and security.
Any effort by communist China and Cuba to jointly plan and build a military training camp on the Marxist Island just 100 miles off the U.S. coast could easily be construed to be a violation of the doctrine.
The last time a Marxist power threatened to put a large installation on Cuba soil, the U.S. swiftly acted to protect its territorial integrity. The Biden Administration must similarly put in place measures to stop this planned facility in its tracks.
Assembly Finally Gets Something Right
The NY Assembly failed to take action on a State Senate approved scheme to use several billion in federal dollars as a down payment to provide medical coverage beyond emergency services for the tens of thousands of illegal migrants that have made their way into New York these past few months.
It was estimated that the cost to the state beyond the $2 billion dollars the federal government is allowing through a waiver would be as high as an additional $6 billion dollars over a four-year period.
Of course, the Assembly has not actually rejected the Senate move. They simply did not act, so at least for this year they could return, although this is not expected.
An amazing crowd gathered last night at the New York Athletic Club to honor retiring longtime Party Executive Director Shaun Marie. The festivities were highlighted by a Congressional Resolution presented by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Shaun received the first annual Mike Long Award. It was great to see the Long family there in force led by matriarch Eileen Long. Shaun Marie served as Mike’s Executive Director from 1995 to 2019. Former State Chairman and State Senator Serf Maltese, who Shaun Marie assisted in both the Party and in the Senate, made heartfelt remarks about their long association. Chris Long, Mike’s son, spoke on behalf of the Long family.
I have known Shaun Marie for many years and was delighted that she stayed on these past four years as my Executive Director and continues to serve as the Executive Vice Chairwoman, the Party’s number two spot.
Her work ethic and commitment to the conservative movement is stellar. I certainly learned a great deal from Shaun Marie. Now, I wish her a happy and healthy retirement.
The Mike Long Award reads:
“For many years of loyalty, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the Conservative movement and the New York State Conservative Party.”
“You Have Kept the Faith Alive and the Torch Aflame.”
Daniel Penny Indicted by Grand Jury
I said it before and will say it again. Self Defense is not a crime! If anything, Daniel Penny is a hero who intervened to stop an erratic, threatening individual with a long criminal record confined within a moving subway car from violently assaulting riders.
The many eye witnesses and videos should have been enough to prove his innocence, but this is Alvin Bragg’s Manhattan. I feel confident that Penny will be found innocent, but this former Marine continues to need our help both in terms of moral support as well as financial support for what will be an exceedingly expensive legal defense.
I urge you to consider contributing to his defense fund and speaking out on his behalf.
When Will New Yorkers be Safe Again?
The short answer is when the New York State Legislature finally adjourns next week. The State Senate and Assembly could hardly be more out of touch with the average New Yorker these past six months.
They ended last year giving themselves enormous pay raises making them the highest paid legislative body in the nation. They burst into 2023 going after our gas hook ups, creating enormous and growing deficits, and ignoring meaningful criminal justice reform.
The proposals they put off until the very end involved election changes that have been portrayed as the big steal by the Democratic Party. This includes unconstitutional changes in early voting by paper, limitations on bringing election litigation in local courts, and eliminating off year local elections.
The local election bill will result in important local races playing second fiddle to Presidential and statewide races as well as Congressional and State Legislative races. As usual the philosophy in Albany is if it’s not broken let’s break it. And of course, we await the Governor’s decision on the “Clean Slate Act,” which in our increasingly dangerous criminal justice environment, seals records making it more difficult for an employer or District Attorney to make informed decisions on convicted felons.
Take a Governor who cannot lead and mix it with a Legislature that cannot represent half the State and you have a recipe for disaster.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
June 10, 2023
STATEMENT ON END OF 2023 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BY NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…“New York State’s leftward march under one-party rule sadly continued in 2023. The punishing cost of living here got more punishing; nothing was done to reverse cashless bail, despite the clear will of the public to repeal it; the pro-criminal clean slate bill will deprive employers of the right to know who has a dangerous criminal record before hiring; unprepared communities were inundated with illegal immigrants that will need school seats, housing, and medical care. The Democrats also set April 2nd as Presidential primary day, resulting in early voting being on several of the most solemn days on the Christian calendar, including Good Friday, Holy Thursday, and Palm Sunday. The New York State Conservative Party takes great exception when the legislature puts politics over faith.
“Democrat politicians didn’t forget themselves — they expanded taxpayer-funded political campaigns to an eight-to-one match on donations over $250 — adding an even larger public cost to an already bad spending program, and changed the local election calendar to even years, depriving voters of the full attention that local, off-year elections deserve. Democrats also created a special slavery reparations committee, 195 years after slavery ended in New York, that is certain to create racial tensions throughout the state. And they did all this in the name of ‘progress.’
“What we are seeing is a state legislature, far to the political left of the average New Yorker, plowing forward with the radical fads of the day at the expense of families who can barely make it here. The only true winners from this legislative session are Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, all of which will grow in population as the alarming New York exodus continues.”
NYC Pushes for Private Residences to House Migrants
Struggling with inflation? Have an extra room? The City of New York will pay you $125 a night to house migrants. This is Mayor Adams’ latest attempt to put a band-aid on what needs a tourniquet.
In New York, a foster parent is given a daily allowance of $40 to raise a child, more than 3 times less than what they’re proposing to offer those willing to house an illegal migrant. And while New Yorkers struggle to pay bills due to inflation and increasing taxes, Mayor Adams aims to provide migrants with a free ride on the back of taxpayers.
The simple truth is the Biden Administration has bitten off far more than it can chew, and New York City’s sanctuary city status only elevates the crisis.
We must, at once, close the southern border and reverse Biden’s border policies; if not, the City and State of New York are in for a long and expensive summer.
Democratic Assembly And Senate Pass Reparations Bill
The Democrat-controlled New York State Assembly passed a bill on Thursday that would establish a commission to assess how complicit the state of New York was in slavery. Yes, you read that right.
This nine-member commission would be appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.
The State of New York passed legislation nearly 200 years ago that granted enslaved Africans their freedom. While we can all agree the idea of slavery is certainly deplorable, New York took the necessary action in 1827 to provide freedom to all.
This bill is nothing more than an attempt to further divide us using race as bait. Now, the bill goes to the desk of Governor Hochul who will decide its fate.
One Week Away from Spring Reception
We are just a week away from celebrating the career of longtime party Executive Director Shaun Marie Levine. We’re expecting a great evening at the New York City Athletic Club and have already received more than 100 RSVPs for the June 15th reception.
I look forward to presenting Shaun Marie with the first annual Michael R. Long award.
I cannot think of someone who deserves the inaugural award more than the person who spent decades in service to the Conservative Party under the great leadership of Mike Long.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
June 9, 2023
STATEMENT ON TRUMP INDICTMENT BY NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…“The Conservative Party adamantly opposes selective law enforcement, which is exactly what we’re seeing with the indictment of former President and current GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. Both Trump and President Joe Biden were found to have classified documents in their homes, but only the Republican challenger is being prosecuted. How can that be viewed as anything other than weaponization of the federal government for electoral advantage?
“Americans are quickly losing faith in their government, and the glaring discrepancy in the treatment of the two presidents will only make things worse. Politics should be left up to the voters, not partisan officials in Washington. The precedent that these indictments set will drag the country into truly dangerous territory. President Biden should call off his dogs and let the voters decide.”
