Here They Go Again

It is possible that President Trump is not your first choice for President. Even so, the new revelation coming from Mr. Trump that he is a target for a likely criminal indictment over the January 6th events further makes the case that the Federal government is conducting a witch hunt.

Numerous legal experts, including many that lean left, have commented that charging the former President for texts and public statements surrounding the invasion of the United States Capitol is a stretch.  The communications in question and under review do not make the case for what the prosecutors are claiming. In fact, Mr. Trump was public in using the same media calling for protestors to stand down and remain peaceful. Prosecutors do bend the truth for their own benefit. Charging a leading Presidential candidate who was President at the time in question with a form of insurrection is not going to sit well with most Americans – some of whom are not supporting Trump this time around.

Special Prosecutor Jack Smith needs to be reminded that even former Presidents have their rights. 

NYC Absurd Shelter Laws

A New York Post story about a new sixty-day shelter limit for single undocumented migrants seeking asylum shows the complete absurdity of the city’s longstanding sanctuary policy as well as Biden/Hochul immigration policies.

The obvious first question is where do those who have met their time limit of sixty days go? The city’s answer is to have them reapply. That is a true head scratcher of an answer providing no solution but very appropriate for a large bureaucracy.

According to published reports, Adams having met enormous resistance around the state to his efforts to move the migrants to other locations, is spending taxpayer dollars at the border with flyers and advertisements urging border crossers to go anywhere but NYC since we have run out of available shelter with no jobs being available. Border patrol has thus far refused to distribute those flyers.

The answer lies with the failed Biden policies that have taken a porous border and turned it into an open border.  The United States ,as shown by President Trump, can successfully close borders and mitigate the illegal migrant crisis. Democrats like Adams intuitively know that is what needs to be done.

Biden needs to think “America First” read my full statement for more information here.

Join us in Orange County

The State Conservative Party will be holding a young professionals mixer Wednesday, July 26th, from 6-8 pm at Delancy’s Restaurant in Goshen NY (40 Park PL, Goshen NY, 10924). We will have an array of legislators in attendance, as well as media personality Brianna Lyman, who will join me to speak about her path to being a national conservative commentator. I also expect a lively discussion on many topics of the day as we enjoy a cocktail or two and some food.

A little background on Brianna: Brianna Lyman is a brilliant young political commentator and breaking news reporter for the Daily Caller making regular appearances on Newsmax. She will talk to us about the media and their role in politics. We are thrilled she made herself available to us and look forward to having her. The event is free (although the bar is not). Please RSVP to Andrew Davis (Andrew@cpnys.org, or call/text 845-522-1915 if you have any questions). We hope to see you there!

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 story about 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?’’

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Siena Says What We All Know

New Yorkers are afraid. They are concerned that their property will be stolen or they will be the victim of a violent crime.

The Siena College survey released this week showed that a clear majority of New Yorkers from almost every part of the state consider crime one of their top three issues. You do not need to reside in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, or New York City to believe your community is not as safe as it was just a few years ago. Just as shocking, most New Yorkers have been touched in someway by crime in their lives, many very recently.

The Democratic Party has moved far left on public safety issues with crime victim rights being overtaken by criminal rights.  We can thank the Democrats in Albany as well as in local big city governments with implementing cashless bail, disclosure laws that hinder prosecutors, defunding police, anti-policing initiatives and just this past session a “clean slate law” which simply undoes the record of a convicted felon and washes away the reality that they seriously broke the law. And this is to name just a few.

Law enforcement professionals are retiring in record numbers. New Yorkers are moving out of state because of crime, taxes and over regulation.

Siena said what we all know. The only way to reverse the damage done will be by electing conservatives to state and local offices who have an interest in public safety. With your help that is what we plan to do.

Read my full statement on the Siena poll here.

New York’s Third Department is Politics as Usual

As you probably have heard New York’s Third Department Appeals Court in Albany ruled 3 to 2 to scrap New York’s Congressional lines returning the responsibility to the Independent Redistricting Commission and eventually the Legislature. The lines that currently exist were drawn by a Special Master Court appointed by a Supreme Court Judge, upheld by the Appellate Division in Rochester, and by the Court of Appeals.

The Albany Appeals decision will go up the ladder to the State Court of Appeals. There is something to be said for the certainty of government. The constant back and forth on redistricting leaves the general public depending on the ebb and flow of a working government in the lurch. This is unfair and destabilizing for those represented and the broader nation. It would be foolish to think this Court was doing anything other than the bidding of the Democratic Party, House Democratic leadership, and the Biden Administration.

We will continue through the process and work to have our day in court. However, as the Party Chairman, I continue to focus on beating the Democratic Court assisted steal at the ballot box. 

Read my press release here.

Congresswoman Tenney on Patriots Podium

You can preview my conversation with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney by clicking here.

Claudia has been a beacon of conservative philosophy in Albany and Washington for many years. In our interview we discuss a wide range of issues from defense and foreign policy to Governor Hochul’s poor stewardship of our state.

I personally have known Claudia for over twenty years. You can count on her voting right as much as you can expect her to explain why she voted a certain way.

I hope you will take a look.

NYC BUDGET

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!

Independence Day

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

Adam Schiff Censured

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.

Congratulations Shaun Marie

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.