CONSERVATIVE RATINGS REFLECT

LEFTWARD DRIFT SLOWED

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Fort Hamilton Station, NY (08/30/05) -- The Conservative Party released its ratings for the 2005 legislative session today and noted that the ratings indicate that leftward drift of the Legislature seems to have slowed in both Houses.   The New York State Senate scored 18% higher than last year, while the Assembly’s overall rating was up 6%.

In releasing the ratings the Conservative Party informs the public of the voting record of the Legislature on certain key bills which include spending, crime, education and various other items that affect the lives of New Yorkers.  "We believe that it is necessary to keep the public informed of these key votes and let the taxpayers be aware of  how elected officials spend our money, not only directly in budget bills, but how other legislation effects school budgets and health coverage among other things," said Mike Long, State Chairman.

"A review of the twenty-five bills used will show voters where the legislature is wrong on the issues and some show where they have helped New Yorkers", said Long.  "The ratings give voters a scorecard on how their individual legislator voted and how many times they force local governments, already reeling from previous unfunded mandates from the Legislature, to raise taxes because to cut spending is something that most politicians will not consider." 

"New York voters face serious long term fiscal problems," Long stated.  "And while the Members gave some tax-relief to the overburdened taxpayers, far more is necessary and should be addressed upon their return in January because delay only forces more business to close, thereby increasing unemployment and forcing more residents to flee to states with less tax burdens."

"The 64% overall rating of the New York State Senate and the 35% overall rating of the New York State Assembly indicate that the Leaders of both houses are beginning to listen to those who complain about  how the major parties have become big spenders and almost indistinguishable.  In the Senate, the Conservative endorsed legislators averaged a 71.24% up from 48.97% last year, and slightly better than the overall Senate rating.  In the Assembly, Conservative endorsed legislators averaged a 52.73% rating, up 5.18% from last year and considerably better than the 35% rating but still a long way from the 80% that former President Reagan considered acceptable", concluded Long.

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(Please call 718-921-2158 or 518-356-7882 for a copy of the Ratings.  Thank you.)