“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
This is one of the rare times that I indicate a must read column: A Nation’s True Test Comes After the Crisis. Kudos to Lawrence W. Reed for reminding some of us what we may have forgotten and others who were never taught of why we are so very blessed to be Americans.
It is safe to say that Governor Andrew Cuomo should read Mr. Reed’s column.
We seldom, if ever, agree with editorials in the New York Times, however we will admit that today’s editorial, Keep It Simple, Albany. This Is No Time for Budget Games, makes some good points. (Did anyone really think we would agree with all of it?) We, like others, believe that important policy decisions should not be rolled into the budget.
Joe Mahoney, writes in the Lockport Union -Sun and Journal that Cuomo vows to swing ax at state spending. The article explains how the progressives and fiscal hawks are all making their voices heard for their own agendas. One thing is certain, New York was facing a $6 billion deficit prior to the economic catastrophe caused by the closing of businesses and requiring non-essential employees to work at home. Simply put, the NYS Budget cannot add one additional penny to its budget, as it faces a loss of up to $15 billion due to the loss of income caused by government shutting down “non-essential” businesses. The fiscal hawks must win this budget battle; if it doesn’t, New York will see an exodus that exceeds tenfold the one we have experienced in the last ten years.
Here is another comprehensive article on the NYS Budget crisis written by another longtime Albany reporter, Joseph Spector for the Democrat & Chronical today. Needless to say, while NY is in dire financial straits, to pass the recreational use of marijuana in the budget, would be an unconscionable action by the Legislature. Instead of seeing the sale of recreational marijuana as a partial panacea for its financial woes, the Members of the Legislature must consider the severe pitfalls of this Schedule 1 drug.
I want to first start this week’s wrap up by thanking doctors, nurses, EMT’S, medical professionals, first responders, truck drivers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyone else across New York State who has been on the front lines of this fight. I am eternally grateful for your perseverance. We are all, in one way or another, touched by this epidemic. My thoughts and prayers are with our great state.
Coronavirus and What It Means for Candidates
We are living through unprecedented times. Schools have been suspended, businesses across the state have been forced to close, and the Governor has ordered 100% of the non-essential workforce to remain at home in order to help “flatten the curve”, further preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Politically, it has disrupted our calendar, as well as the petition period, which was cut 16 days short. The good news is, the Conservative Party, and county leaders, did everything they needed to do to ensure the party runs a full slate of candidates for federal, state, and local offices. We are excited about our candidates statewide and want to reaffirm our commitment to them, and you, that once we have beaten the virus, we will be doing everything we can to help them get elected.
Discussions to postpone the April 28th Democratic primary to a date in June are ongoing as Board of Election Commissioners statewide are encouraging the Governor to act fast on pushing back the date.
“We have election workers who don’t want to work. We have polling places who don’t want us to be there. We have this stay at home order that we don’t know when that’s going to be lifted,” Onondaga BOE Democratic Deputy Commissioner Dustin Czarny said.
De Blasio Sputters as Trump, Cuomo Shine
In the midst of a public health crisis in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has once again proven his detractors right, he is not up to the job. At a time when the city needs a steady, calming voice to lead the way, the Mayor has fallen short and left NYC residents scrambling to President Trump and Governor Cuomo for answers.
The Mayor continues his attempt to lay blame at the feet of the President, but a recent NY Post article confirms what we already knew, de Blasio himself botched the city’s response to the Coronavirus epidemic from the very beginning, waiting until March 6 to begin ordering the essential supplies needed to fight the virus. Now, according to the article, his administration is in disarray, and not sure where to go.
There are a series of blunders the Mayor wishes he could have back, including this March 2 tweet, “Since I’m encouraging New Yorkers to go on with your lives + get out on the town despite Coronavirus, I thought I would offer some suggestions” de Blasio says, before going on to suggest going to the theatre to see a movie.
Meanwhile, President Trump and Governor Cuomo dominate the headlines. 60% of American’s approve of the President’s response to the health crisis, while Governor Cuomo is being touted as a potential Vice President pick of Joe Biden. Some going as far to suggest that the Governor should be the Democrats nominee for President this November. The President and Governor have often praised each other for their work on behalf of New Yorker’s, while both contradicting and minimizing the Mayor. I guess we can credit de Blasio with one thing; he has managed to bring President Trump and Governor Cuomo into thinking he is in over his head.
We are grateful for the excellent coordination that is being shown between the President and Governor. Their combined efforts are likely saving lives, and will hopefully shorten the duration of the virus. The Mayor, however, has been a miserable failure with his daily hysterical rantings, lack of leadership, and desire to politicize the crisis whenever he gets the chance.
Crisis and the Economy
This crisis has presented a complicated scenario in which the economy cannot be allowed to crash, but cannot be allowed to operate as usual in the interest of Americans and their safety. That, alone, can have long term consequences that could compete with the dangers of the Coronavirus.
A much-needed boost was provided when the United States Senate and House passed the CARES Act, a relief bill – headed to the President for his signature – that will provide Americans, small businesses and large corporations who have been hurt, at no fault of their own, with much needed relief. The package includes $1,200 for Americans who make $75,000 or less, $2,400 per married couple, and $500 per child.
While I am no fan of the entire bill, which Democrats used as a slush fund for many other non-Coronavirus related items, I do realize there is a significant need to provide aid for the millions of Americans who have, and will continue, to lose their jobs.
The President has voiced his interest in re-opening many aspects of the economy on April 12 in areas that have not been greatly affected by the virus, but insists he will do so at the advice and consultation of White House Coronavirus task force experts, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, and others.
Yesterday’s daily update included this article Cuomo: ‘Numbers don’t work’ in ‘terrible’ Senate stimulus package, in which Gov. Cuomo complained that New York was not getting enough money in the $2T “Coronavirus Bill.” E.J. McMahon, writes in the Empire Center about how the stimulus bill treats NY. While the rest of the nation swoons over Governor Cuomo’s handling of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Mr. McMahon, rightfully points out the WSJ editorial (subscription required) on the Bill and that Governor Cuomo’s “beef arises from his own more direct concern: a state government revenue shortfall he now estimates at $10 billion to $15 billion.”
The exodus from New York continues. (In the above article where Gov. Cuomo says the numbers don’t work, Gov. Cuomo states “We’re not a big-spending state. I cut taxes every year,” Cuomo added. “I have the lowest growth rate of the state budget in modern political history. We are frugal and we are efficient,” which begs the question, why are New Yorkers still moving out of New York?)
Most government employees will not face the same economic problems that private employees will face as New York battles the coronavirus. They have generous vacation and sick time that can be used during this medical emergency, with that being understood, it seems to be reasonable to postpone their 2% pay increase until New York regains its financial footing.
While everyone complains about the ever-increasing costs of prescription drugs, after learning about that many of our prescription drugs are manufactured in China, would people be willing to pay more knowing they are manufactured in America. I certainly would. Is US Too Dependent on China for Medical Supplies?
For Immediate Release
March 25, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by State Chairman Gerard Kassar on Senator John Flanagan’s retirement.
Brooklyn, NY — “John Flanagan has been a dedicated public servant for more than thirty years, as an assemblyman, senator, and senate leader. I have worked closely with him during those years and consider him a friend. The New York State Conservative Party thanks Senator Flanagan for his long service, and wishes him the best in all future endeavors.”
A medical pandemic is, to say the least, a serious health problem that needs to be addressed. However, in doing what is right for those at risk, and those who do not know they have the virus, for carriers who do not get sick, and for everyone who breathes, government must realize that the economic fall out in doing all of what may be necessary, may bring about an economic crisis greater than the medical pandemic currently being faced. In fact, government is well on its way to creating an economic crisis the likes of which may rival any previous one throughout our history. Yes, government has an obligation to protect her citizens, but it also has a fiscal and moral obligation to not waste her revenues. Americans and New Yorkers are strong individuals that will withstand this crisis and be that much stronger as we always have since the birth of our great nation.
Today’s NY Post editorial writes this: NY lawmakers will pass a state budget, must stick to what’s necessary. “The first instinct of the progressives who run the Legislature — hike taxes in the name of balancing the books — is guaranteed to make the economic picture worse, kicking average New Yorkers when they’re down.”
Conservative Party Defeats Governor Cuomo and Public Finance Commission
Since day one, we’ve been saying the State Legislatures creating of a Public Finance Commission was an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority. On Thursday, a Niagara Supreme Court judge agreed and ruled in our favor.
This is a big blow to the Governor who attempted to strip New Yorker’s of their right to vote for third parties, and reach further into the pockets of taxpayers through an unelected body of handpicked cronies.
“The Legislature established the commission and delegated to it the authority to create new law and to repeal existing law which is a function reserved solely to the Legislature under the constitution,” ruling Supreme Court Justice Ralph Boniello said. “The transgressions became final when the recommendations of the commission became law without further action by the Legislature,” he added.
This entire process was a total overreach by an overzealous Governor. This is a total victory for political freedom in New York, and a reminder to Governor Cuomo that he is an executive and not an emperor. Reason has won out over Machiavellianism, and New York State is better for it.
Joe Biden’s Big Primary Win
Vice President Joe Biden enjoyed another successful batch of primaries Tuesday as he clinched huge victories in Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, and Idaho. Bernie Sanders was victorious in only North Dakota, vastly underperforming from his 2016 numbers. It is clear that Sander’s success in 2016 was a complete rejection of Hillary Clinton, and not the political revolution that he had suggested.
While it appears Socialist Bernie Sander’s path to the nomination is all but over, there are still many important questions to be answered, including the health of Vice President Biden.
It is fair to question whether Biden is fit to serve as President. We all recall the mainstream liberal media and never trumper’s questioning whether or not Donald Trump was fit to serve in office, and President Trump has since proven to be in outstanding physical health according to White House Doctors.
At 77 years old, Biden is four years older than Reagan was during his 1984 re-election campaign. If elected, Biden will be 78 years old when sworn in, older than Reagan on his last day as President.
Biden has contributed to our concern as American citizens, he has repeatedly misspoken, forgotten where he was, shown an extreme lack of patience, and recently, forgot the words of the Declaration of Independence, saying “All men and women are created, by the, you know, you know the thing.” He has also has declared himself a candidate for United States Senate, claimed he was arrested in South Africa for trying to visit Nelson Mandela in prison, which his campaign admitted was not true, and most recently, was seen shuffling into his escort vehicle slowly and with the help of a staffer.
I do not find pleasure in watching the decline of Vice President Biden, but I am concerned that someone in cognitive decline is considered the Democratic front runner for President of the United States.
Coronavirus
As you are all aware, the state of New York is taking preventative measures to prevent the spread of the virus. It is imperative we all take the necessary precautions, and maintain sanitary conditions so not to spread the sickness to our neighbors.
Nationally, President Trump has restricted travel from European nations and at 3pm today, will issue a National State of Emergency to release $40 billion in aid. The President restricted travel from China, where the virus originated, on February 4th.
As of this writing, there are 421 confirmed cases of the virus statewide, but that number is expected to grow as testing continues.
Contrary to reports, the New York City Subway system remains open, but I do expect more preventative measures to be taken to minimize the spread of the virus.
For those petitioning, I have been in regular contact with GOP leadership of the state Legislature to push for a reduction in petition signature requirements. I am very hopeful that in the near future we will hear that our request has been granted.
I ask you remain prudent, but do not panic. Wash your hands, make sure to be mindful of the most vulnerable age group, and maintain sanitary conditions at all times.
Today is a good day to read Jim Geraghty article “A Pep Talk for America” published online yesterday in National Review. It reminds us that we will get through this scary coronavirus crisis as we have gotten through everything else America has faced.
This article was published almost two years ago and every person who is a Bernie supporter should read it, perhaps even Bernie himself — for he also, does not appreciate all the good that capitalism truly does here in America and throughout the world. Here is another one for the Bernie Bro’s.
According to this, the Criminal Justice Reform Law is wreaking havoc on code enforcement as well is criminal justice.
Statement by New York Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on “Total Victory for Political Freedom in New York; Reason Has Won out Over Machiavellianism”
March 12, 2020
“Today’s court decision confirms what the State Conservative Party has maintained since day one: Governor Cuomo’s Public Finance Commission had no Constitutional right to make or amend state law. This was a total overreach by an overzealous governor, and we are grateful that the Court acted to protect the political and First Amendment rights of New Yorkers and the parties with which they choose to affiliate. This is a total victory for political freedom in New York, and a reminder to Governor Cuomo that he is an executive and not an emperor. Reason has won out over Machiavellianism, and New York is better for it.”
Governor Cuomo had the Criminal Justice Reform Bill in last year’s budget; and the consequences when implemented have been far reaching and well publicized in this blog. Not learning from his major political mistake, Governor Cuomo is pushing the legalization of marijuana in this year’s budget. Despite efforts to change the classification of marijuana, it is still classified as a Schedule I drug and to only perceive it as an revenue enhancer is disingenuous and dangerous. At the very least, it should be a stand alone bill, and freely debated on the floor with minimal time limits so all the information regarding the dangers of smoking, inhaling, or eating, growing and dispensing marijuana is available. In Massachusetts, Resistance to Marijuana Dispensaries. Legislators must know all of the issues and concerns that have surfaced in states that passed recreational marijuana, if they do, we are certain they will not allow it in New York. And, If they foolishly insist on allowing recreational marijuana to go forward; the backlash will be just as strong as it is on the Criminal Justice Reform.
Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel was fond of saying “You never want a serious crisis go to waste.” It is very apparent that Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken that advice to heart. First, with very little opposition, he had the legislature provide $40 million to protect New Yorkers from the coronavirus (remember the state budget is already facing a $6 billion deficit) but more egregiously they passed changes to the emergency powers granted to the Governor. Three unlikely political allies have grave concerns, as we all should, with these newly created powers that seemingly innocuous language changes in the legislation could give unprecedented authority to Cuomo for as long as the governor wants it.
California Throws the Books at Undercover Reporter Who Exposed Baby Body Trafficking. The voters in California have blindly given carte blanche to California’s government; thereby proving this quote: “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is a government big enough to take away everything that you have,” including the right to life and freedom of the press. What will be next?
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders entered Super Tuesday as the presumed favorite to capture the Democratic nomination in this November’s general election. On Wednesday morning, he found himself preparing to dig out of a hole.
The 18-29-year-old base that came out in record numbers in 2016 left much to the imagination Tuesday as each of the 14 states saw a decline within that demographic.
Heading into Super Tuesday, polling showed Sanders ahead in both Massachusetts and Texas, but due to the poor turnout amongst the 18-29 crowd, Vice President Biden prevailed in both states and has positioned himself well heading into next week’s round of primaries and caucuses.
Something the mainstream media has conveniently left out of the news is the massive amount of votes President Trump has received in the 2020 primary season.
For example, President Trump won in Texas with 94.1% or 1,889.006 votes. The last time an incumbent ran for reelection was George Bush in 2004. He received 92.5% of the vote in Texas, a state where he also served as Governor. The Democratic primary had a total of 2,075,862 votes case. Solid showing for President Trump who is essentially running unopposed compared to the Democratic party who is in the midst of a competitive primary battle.
Schumer Threatens Two Supreme Court Judges
Perhaps feeling the heat of an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez challenge for his U.S. Senate seat, Chuck Schumer continues taking a sharp left turn in Washington D.C., and now has a new target; Supreme Court Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh.
Schumer’s comments came as U.S. Supreme Court Justices deliberated on a Louisiana abortion decision. “I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price!” Schumer emphatically yelled into the microphone. “You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.”
These appalling threats coming from Senator Schumer are a clear indication he feels left out of the spotlight and the only way he knows how to make himself relevant is to issue threats to member of the highest court in the land.
Senator Schumer owes Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh an apology for the threats he personally made against him and an apology for the subsequent response the threat received from those in the crowd.
Crime Continues to Rise
Thursday, the NYPD announced 482 were rearrested after being released due to the new bail reform laws.
Albany Republicans continue to call on bail reform to be revisited. While Governor Cuomo has tip toed around the situation, his office has said they are open to reform, but as a part of the state budget, which is exactly how we got into this mess in the first place.
The state budget is no place for legislation to be slipped in and passed. New laws should be debated on the floor of the State Senate and Assembly. Not hidden within the wording of a state budget.
While there has been talk about giving judges back the discretion to decide which criminal offenders should be held on bail, there has been no talk regarding discovery rules.
Previously, state law required the defense to request discovery information. Now, prosecutors must automatically hand over information to the defense within 15 days.
These new laws endanger the witnesses and prevent those who have witnessed a crime to come forward in fear of retaliation. Democrats must uphold their duty to, first and foremost, protect the citizens of New York and our visitors. If they don’t, we must elect new representatives that will.
