2024 NYS Equal Rights Amendment 

THE ISSUE: The NYS State Legislature has adopted a proposed constitutional amendment — the Equal  Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA will appear as Proposition 1 this November 2024 on our statewide  ballot. 

New York’s ERA is the first proposed state constitutional amendment in the United States to include transgender and abortion rights. Specifically, the ERA expands existing state constitutional  protections to include, among other things, rights of all persons, including minors, regarding sexual  orientation, gender identity, gender expression and reproductive healthcare. Appendix I contains the  language of the ERA.  

Proponents portray this amendment as required to protect abortion rights in New York. Abortion was  legalized in New York in 1970 and this law is not under any genuine threat of modification or repeal.  Further, the 2019 Reproductive Health Act greatly expanded abortion rights in state law. Moreover, New  York’s Constitution and numerous state laws already protect all persons from discrimination.  

So why is the ERA being placed before the voters this year? Simple: Partisan policymakers think by  falsely portraying abortion rights as under threat they will inspire enhanced voter turnout for their side.  It is a cynical move, but one with alarming implications.  

The broad and ambiguous language of the ERA would create new constitutional rights and likely become  the subject of litigation by activist groups seeking to create new “rights” inconsistent with the views of  most New Yorkers. Serious unintended consequences are likely to result. Among these new “rights” are  “gender identity” and “gender expression” covering “all persons” including minor children. The ERA would grant minors the right to medical transgender procedures without parental consent or  notification. As a new constitutional “right”, the ERA would override any existing statutes limiting  medical interventions to minors. Schools would likely be banned from disclosing students becoming  transgender to their parents. Indeed, parental non-disclosure is current State Education Department  policy. Passage of this amendment would also prohibit schools from barring biological males from  participation on female sports teams, jeopardizing the fairness of such contests.  

The ERA bars “discrimination” based on “age.” Without clarity this provision could also be construed as overriding specific statutory provisions protecting minors against rape or sexual abuse by those over 18  years of age. Laws which enhance penalties for committing crimes against those over the age of 64 may  be challenged as illegal age-based distinctions under interpretations of this amendment. The ERA will  also have a chilling effect on free speech for religious organizations or charitable groups providing  medical, educational, or other services including adoptions and foster care.  

Amplifying these concerns, the legislature will likely consider the following bills – all placing further  limits on parental rights: 

• S.352 /A.6761 : Allows minors to make their own medical decisions without parental knowledge or  consent.  
• S.762-A / A.276-B : Provides treatment for sexually transmitted diseases to minors without a parent’s  or guardian’s consent.  
• A.4604: Requires comprehensive “sexuality instruction” for grades K-12.

New York’s Department of Education released a legal update in 2023 entitled “Creating a Safe,  Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students” setting  up an adversarial relationship between parents and children whereby children of any age can determine  if their parents should be involved with their decision to transition. The Education Department advises  school administrators to inform parents of their child’s purported desire to change genders but only if  the child grants permission for the school to do so. 

The ERA is not what its sponsors would have you believe. All the new “protections” contained in the  amendment are now contained in current state law. The amendment is unnecessarily vague and subject  to judicial interpretation. One thing is clear however: the sponsors intend to dramatically curtail rights of  parents over their minor children in their efforts to enhance transgender rights. 

WHAT VOTERS SHOULD KNOW: Concerned New Yorkers formed a Ballot Proposition Committee to  oppose Proposition 1. The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY (CTPK) aims to educate voters on the  unintended consequences of the ERA. See www.protectkidsny.com for additional information. 

CTPK conducted a poll in October 2023 and found that without being fully informed there is 63%  support and 24% opposition against the amendment, with 13% undecided. However once informed,  support plummeted to 29% with 49% against with 22% undecided.  

THE STRATEGY: 

1-Litigation: On October 30, 2023, Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes filed a civil action against New  York’s Senate and Assembly leadership and the state Board of Elections. The claim was grounded in the  fact that the legislature failed to follow the New York State Constitution’s deliberate and clear process  designed for the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution. Oral arguments will be held in  Rochester in mid-April.  

2- This ballot initiative will be up for popular vote on November 5th and proponents are effectively  mobilizing across New York State to characterize the Amendment as a right to abortion. CTPK seeks to  educate voters — and especially parents — through communications and political outreach utilizing a  strong team of seasoned political and communications professionals as well as grass roots community  leaders and organizations. CTPK has a fundraising team and is developing a diverse grassroots network  of policy influencers across New York State. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP 

Spread the Word: Please circulate the messaging contained in Appendix II. More information can be  found in CTPK’s website www.protectkidsny.com. 

APPENDIX I – TEXT OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PROPOSITION 1 ON 2024 November ballot) 

The text in BOLD capital letters is new; the text in yellow highlight (strike through in brackets [ ] ) is old  law and will be omitted. 

• 11. A. No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, creed [or], religion, OR SEX, INCLUDING SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, PREGNANCY, PREGNANCY OUTCOMES, AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE AND AUTONOMY, be subjected to any discrimination in [his or her] THEIR civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state, PURSUANT TO LAW. 

1. NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL INVALIDATE OR PREVENT THE ADOPTION OF ANY LAW, REGULATION, PROGRAM, OR PRACTICE THAT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT OR DISMANTLE DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF A CHARACTERISTIC LISTED IN THIS SECTION, NOR SHALL ANY CHARACTERISTIC LISTED IN THIS SECTION BE INTERPRETED TO INTERFERE WITH, LIMIT, OR DENY THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF ANY PERSON BASED UPON ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC IDENTIFIED IN THIS SECTION.

Appendix II Messaging: Proposed NYS State Constitutional Amendment: Equal Rights Amendment 

• New York State’s government seeks more authority than parents in making medical decisions for  their children.  
• The State Legislature has adopted a proposed constitutional amendment dubbed the “Equal Rights  Amendment” which will appear as Proposition 1 this November 2024 on our statewide ballot. 
• Partisan policymakers will portray this amendment as necessary to protect the right to abortion in  New York. Abortion was legalized in New York in 1970 and this law is not under any genuine threat of  modification or repeal. Further, the 2019 Reproductive Health Act further enshrines into state law  the right to abortion. 
• New York’s Constitution and numerous state laws already protect all persons from discrimination.  However, the broad language contained in the amendment would create new constitutional rights  which will be the subject of litigation and efforts by activists groups to create new “rights” not  consistent with the views of most New Yorkers.  
• Among these new “rights” are “gender identity” and “gender expression” and language would cover  “all persons” including minor children. If adopted by the voters, the ERA would grant minor children  the right to medical transgender interventions without parental consent or even notification. The  amendment makes no provision to protect specific statutory provisions which protect minors against  rape or sexual abuse by those over 18 years of age or laws which enhance penalties for committing  crimes against those over the age of 64. All such age-based distinctions could be considered  “discriminatory” under interpretations of this amendment.  
• The ERA will have a chilling effect on free speech for religious organizations or charitable groups  providing medical, educational, or other services including adoptions and foster care.  
• Amplifying this, the Albany legislature will be ideally positioned to pass the following bills sitting in  committee – all placing further limits on parental rights: 

o S.352 /A.6761 : Allows minors to make their own medical decisions without parental  knowledge or consent.  

o S.762-A / A.276-B : Provides treatment for sexually transmitted diseases to minors without a  parent’s or guardian’s consent.  

o A.4604: Requires comprehensive “sexuality instruction” for grades K-12. 

• The NYS Department of Education released a legal update in 2023 entitled “Creating a Safe,  Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students”  which essentially sets up an adversarial relationship between parents and children whereby children  of any age can determine if their parents should be involved with their decision to transition. The  Education Department advises school administrators to not inform parents of their child’s purported  desire to change genders.  
• A ballot proposition committee has been formed to oppose Proposition 1. The group – www.protectkidsny.com – is seeking to organize grass-roots opposition to this proposal. Please  circulate their website among all your social media channels so that voters may be informed as to  this dangerous proposal. 

Click the YouTube Link below for a short explainer Video “Vote No To Stop The Parent Replacement Act”

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: 

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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:

STATE BUDGET

The Conservative Party has been clear that we oppose the State Budget submitted by the Governor as being way too expensive, and once again filled with woke ideas, lacking in a realistic understanding of the problems the state is encountering as a result of illegal immigration and inept criminal justice reforms.

The two one-house budgets submitted by the Assembly and Senate Democrats were somehow even worse. Costing more overall, with new taxes, and even more out of touch programs and restorations that do nothing for New Yorkers who continue to flee.

Now, the Empire Foundation has brought to our attention an effort to retroactively change pension retirement tier 6 which has been in effect since April of 2012. Changing an existing retirement tier has never happened in the history of our state with good reason. It by definition would be retroactive affecting 54% of current state employees, costing the state billions of dollars and the city hundreds of millions in addition. Of course, those who choose state employment, with its array of benefits since the creation of tier 6, knew exactly what they were eligible to receive. 

It is nothing more than a state pension giveaway in a legislative body that often values organized labor support over the taxpayers as a whole.

As of this writing, the Governor has not offered an opinion. Exploding her budget and future budgets should in itself be good enough reasons for her to threaten a veto.

The Conservative Party is strongly opposed and urges the many legislators we endorse to join with us in opposing this effort.

THE STAGE IS SET

Yesterday, April 4th, was the final day to submit nominating petitions for public office, as well as party office. Literally thousands of individuals have submitted the appropriate number of petition signatures to run for everything from Congress to County Committee.

In many cases, the state or local party organization was required to authorize a candidate for public office who is a member of a political party other than the Conservative Party. 

Due mostly to weather related problems, this was a particularly difficult petition season for all political parties and candidates.

I would like to thank all those who have chosen to run for office and the many party activists who went out to collect signatures over the last five weeks. Let us not forget the many party leaders who organize the petition efforts, their work has not gone unnoticed. If it wasn’t for you all, candidates would not be on the ballot this November, and for that we thank you! 

Greg Abbott in NYC

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the New York GOP Gala with featured speaker Governor Greg Abbott in Manhattan. The Governor gave a fascinating speech covering an array of issues impacting Texas, the Nation, and of course New York. The differences in policy between the Honorable Greg Abbott and our very own Kathy Hochul was beyond astonishing. Governor Hochul has done nothing to put a stop to the migrant crisis facing New York. In fact, her policies have only exacerbated the scope of the problem, and with the help of a Democratic Legislature, they are not interested in fighting to fix it. In stark contrast, Governor Abbott has done everything in his power to fight for his State. Whether it’s building more wall, installing buoy systems, razor wire, or busing migrants to sanctuary cities. How do the Democrats and Joe Biden respond? They sue and challenge every move Abbott makes that would assist in securing the border. The Democrats public relation teams can say they want to secure the border all they want, but the American people are siding with the facts, and not buying into their falsehoods. 

The Holiest of Times

Spring has arrived, and with spring comes the Easter season. The holidays of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan converge in this joyous and holy time of year. No matter what our faith, this holiday season is a time for relatives and friends to share good feelings and warm wishes. Our modern world can be very cold and complex. That is why when we open our hearts, we remake the world in a small but important way.

Spring is also a political season. Volunteers have been going door-to-door petitioning for candidates running for local, state, and national offices. Our nation’s democracy only thrives when individual citizens put in the effort to support candidates who reflect their views. Without the hard work of these activists, our nation would not be the great land that it is. 

The Conservative Party believes in the importance of the individual. Whether one is native born or a recent immigrant to our shores, each person has the right to express his or her opinions on the issues of the day. Our party believes in the importance of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion. These freedoms are the bedrock of our democracy. We recognize the importance of freedom of religion especially during these weeks of piety and celebration. No matter what one’s creed, each American recognizes the importance of worship. It is why the Pilgrims came to America in the 1600s. It is the reason many new immigrants come here today.

The American Dream lives in the hearts of every New Yorker. Although many members of the Democrat supermajority in Albany show little respect for basic American beliefs, the members of our Conservative Party, and the majority of the citizens of New York, from Suffolk County to Chautauqua County, still believe in honesty, thrift, and patriotism. I know that you do too.

I wish you a safe and Happy Easter, Passover, and Ramadan. I urge you to keep a sharp eye on all that is taking place in our state and our nation. Remember to vote in November for a strong, confident, conservative New York!

Last Call for Albany Legislative Reception

Last call to get your tickets for the Conservative Party’s Legislative Reception where we present the J. Daniel Mahoney Awards. This year, we will be honoring Chung Dick and Ronald Greenleaf with the prestigious honor. Their tireless work over the years has not gone unnoticed. The reception will be held on Monday, March 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the historic Fort Orange Club in Albany located at 110 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12210. You can purchase your ticket here:

Ron Greenleaf is the longtime Chairman of the Oswego County organization. Under his leadership, the Party has a solid track record of victories with an expanding membership and vote tally.  Ron, a decorated Vietnam War Veteran, has, in addition to his Party responsibilities, held numerous local public offices. Chung Dick, who hails from Kings County, joined the Party’s State leadership while playing key roles in several Brooklyn Party victories. Chung, a commercial movie producer and successful NYC businessman, brought the Party’s message of secure borders, a strong national defense, and anti-communist values to New York State’s fast-growing Asian American communities.

We hope you can join us for the occasion!

Patriots Podium Featuring Senator George Borrello 

For episode number 21 of Patriots Podium we were delighted to have on NYS Senator, George Borrello (R/C) who covers the 57th Senatorial District. George is also the Chairman of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee (SRCC) which is one of the driving forces that helps recruit, guide, and fundraise for Republican/Conservative candidates statewide. The Conservative Party shares the same goals as the Senate GOP in working to overcome the left wing state senate democratic majority. George is a former County Executive and local official who hails from Chautauqua County. In this episode we discuss the ins and outs of Albany, Hochuls Budget, public safety, and much more. Tune in on any of the links below to watch:

Youtube            BuzzSprout            Spotify               Apple Music

State Party in the News

Over the past week, the Conservative Party has had a heavy presence in media reaching across the state. Everybody who receives these weekly wrap ups understands our State is in severe trouble and we need change. Now, and come this November 5th, more and more common sense voters will appeal to the Conservative Party. Why you may ask? The answers are simple, Democrat Policies are making NY uninhabitable. 

Instead of fixing the evident issues facing our State and City, two representatives appointed to a committee considering paying reparations claimed whites were responsible for climate change, slammed Israel and pushed to defund the police. I stated “The commission on reparations was ridiculous from the start. This proves it,”…“These sound like people who have preconceived notions of what they view as white privilege. Unbelievable. There’s no way these appointees should serve on the commission given their comments.” You can read the full article here:

Another clear example would be Mayor Adams recent escapade, which entails planning to install “life alert” devices in apartments to help drug users avoid overdosing. And yes, you guessed it, it will be tax-payer funded. In addition to increasing usage among addicts. City health officials should be helping addicts kick the habit completely rather than condoning or enabling drug use. I stated “Can you imagine Alcoholic Anonymous coming up with a program that allowed you to drink booze? This is using taxpayer resources to allow drug use. It’s a continuation of drug injection sites.” You can read the full article here:

Recently, I went on the Dominic Carter Show on WABC to discuss congestion pricing, which is one of the disastrous policies being forced upon NYC residents by Governor Hochul and Democrats. You can listen to our discussion here: I have never seen a tax or a toll the Democrats haven’t tried to raise over the years, this is only the beginning. 

Combine just a few of these issues facing New York State residents, and one would understand why people are fleeing the state in droves and contributing to our population decline. “New York City lost six percent of its population between 2020 and 2023, and the State as a whole has shed hundreds of thousands of residents over the same period of time. One would think that Democrats running the city and state would realize there’s a problem, and a massive one at that. But one would be wrong. Read the full press release here: 

Lastly, to no one’s surprise, NYS is still holding a Presidential Primary despite Donald J. Trump being the Republican/Conservative presumptive nominee and Joe Biden being the Democrat’s presumptive nominee. I stated “It’s a waste of money. There should be a way to cancel the election. There should be an escape clause to make the primary go away. The Conservative Party would support such a change. Trump and Biden have clinched the nomination and other candidates have withdrawn. Twenty five million dollars, the amount New York City is spending to hold the presidential primary, is a lot of money. You can double that total to $50 million statewide.” You can read the full article here: