“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
January 18, 2022
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Governor Hochul’s 2022-23 State Budget Proposal
Brooklyn, NY – “More than 200 nations around the world have budgets smaller than the $216 billion state budget behemoth Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed today. Her budget is more than those of Texas and Florida combined — each state with significantly higher populations than ours. New York is narrowly competing only with California, a state with twice our population, for the most expensive state government in America. The Hochul budget is almost half the size of Russia’s — Russia’s!
“Meanwhile, the moving trucks keep arriving. Boy, do we need a change of direction in Albany.”
I have joined a lawsuit brought by New York Republicans against the City of New York in an attempt to block their new law that gives voting rights to 800,000 non-residents. I am a plaintiff as both a resident of Kings County and Chairman of the State Conservative Party.
This outrageous new law is almost certainly unconstitutional, and it cannot stand. Voting in modern America is properly reserved for U.S. citizens — and U.S citizens alone — and attempts by the Democrat Party to erase all distinctions between citizen and non-citizen are dangerous and wrong.
One almost misses the days when the City Council was simply an object of humor: (Q. What’s the difference between the New York City Council and a rubber stamp? A. A rubber stamp leaves an impression.)
There’s nothing funny, whatsoever, about the City Council now. Its radicalism knows no bounds.
Supreme Court Split Mandate Decision
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled Thursday blocking the Biden administration from mandating vaccines for large employers, but allowing a separate rule that applies to health care workers who work at facilities that receive federal funding.
While we are in complete agreement that the federal government does not have the right to impose mandates on private businesses with over 100 employees, their ruling that the right to mandate vaccinations on healthcare workers and federal employees is upsetting and certainly does not make those impositions the right thing to do.
The ruling falls short of resolving local business mandates which will continue to hurt small businesses and those whom they employ.
Petition to Remove Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg
Newly elected Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released his “Day One’ memo in which he instructs his staff not to prosecute serious crimes, including armed robbery.
The Conservative Party, through a petition that we hope to obtain thousands of signatures on, is calling on Governor Hochul to use her constitutional authority to remove DA Bragg for malfeasance in office.
Bragg’s memo detailed the following instructions for prosecutors to reduce charges filed by cops in various cases:
Armed robbers who use guns or other deadly weapons to stick up stores and other businesses will be prosecuted only for petty larceny, a misdemeanor, provided no victims were seriously injured and there’s no “genuine risk of physical harm” to anyone. Armed robbery, a class B felony, would typically be punishable by a maximum of 25 years in prison, while petty larceny subjects offenders to up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Convicted criminals caught with weapons other than guns will have those felony charges downgraded to misdemeanors unless they’re also charged with more serious offenses. Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony, is punishable by up to 7 years behind bars.
Burglars who steal from residential storage areas, parts of homes that aren’t “accessible to a living area” and businesses located in mixed-use buildings will be prosecuted for a low-level class D felony that only covers break-ins instead of for more serious crimes. Those more serious crimes, class B and class C felonies would be punishable by up to 25 and up to 15 years in prison respectively.
Drug dealers believed to be “acting as a low-level agent of a seller” will be prosecuted only for misdemeanor possession. Also, suspected dealers will only be prosecuted on felony charges if they’re also accused of more serious crimes or are actually caught in the act of selling drugs. That felony would mean facing up to seven years behind bars.
To read Bragg’s memo in its entirety and to sign the petition please visit our website here.
54th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference
I am pleased with how our annual conference is coming along and look forward to being with you all once again in Latham for two days where we will hear from guest speakers, candidates, consultants, and more Conservative thought leaders.
I am pleased to announce our current list of speakers that includes: Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero, Betsy McCaughey, Joseph Burns, Joe Mahoney, Brittany Grome Antonacci, John Faso, Karen Cross, Claudia Tenney, Mark Fonte, Louis Gelormino, Inna Vernikov, Tom O’Mara, and John McLaughlin.
We look forward to seeing you all there for what is shaping up to be a great conference.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 10, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “I’m proud to join with Republican officials in signing onto litigation to prevent voting by up to 800,000 non-U.S.-citizens in future New York City municipal elections.
“This outrageous new law is almost certainly unconstitutional, and it cannot stand. Voting in modern America is properly reserved for U.S. citizens — and U.S citizens alone — and attempts by the Democrat Party to erase all distinctions between citizen and non-citizen are dangerous and wrong.
“One almost misses the days when the City Council was simply an object of humor: (Q. What’s the difference between the New York City Council and a rubber stamp? A. A rubber stamp leaves an impression.)
“There’s nothing funny, whatsoever, about the City Council now. It’s radicalism knows no bounds.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her first State of the State Address Wednesday, her first since taking over the reins from disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Though it was just a different voice delivering the same empty promises.
It’s amazing how little substance a 237-page State of the State report can contain. Governor Kathy Hochul’s mercifully abbreviated address said even less — which tells us everything.
Six months after taking office as governor, and seven years after becoming lt. governor, Mrs. Hochul showed today that she has almost no helpful ideas for New York. Her State-of-the-State announcements were simply retreads of old, unaffordable proposals, and double-downs on failed policies implemented by her former partner Governor Andrew Cuomo.
We hoped Governor Hochul would address rising crime rates caused by no-cash-bail. We hoped she’d push back against deluded progressives like Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg who just announced that he’s forgoing prison sentences for crimes including Armed Robbery.
We hoped Mrs. Hochul would apologize for firing healthcare workers in the middle of a pandemic; that she’d speak out about racial preferences for life-saving medical care, and finally address New York’s counterproductive tax burden that’s chased a million and a half former New Yorkers, and jobs, out of state.
Instead, we got more of the same, and more of the same isn’t good enough.
New Yorkers looking for change — actual, hopeful change — learned today that it isn’t coming under this administration. Fortunately for them, this is an election year.
Listen to Congressman and Gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin deliver his rebuttal to Gov. Hochul here.
Manhattan D.A.
Insanity, that’s the only word to describe the actions of new Manhattan District Attorney.
Alvin Bragg released a memo his third day in office, ordering Manhattan prosecutors not to seek prison sentences for a number of crimes and to downgrade charges for robberies, commercial burglaries, trespassing, resisting arrest and more.
Bragg’s memo included the following instructions for prosecutors to reduce charges filed by police officers:
Armed robbers who use guns or other deadly weapons to stick up stores and other businesses will be prosecuted only for petty larceny, a misdemeanor, provided no victims were seriously injured and there’s no “genuine risk of physical harm” to anyone. Armed robbery, a class B felony, would typically be punishable by a maximum of 25 years in prison, while petty larceny subjects offenders to up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Convicted criminals caught with weapons other than guns will have those felony charges downgraded to misdemeanors unless they’re also charged with more serious offenses. Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony, is punishable by up to 7 years behind bars.
Burglars who steal from residential storage areas, parts of homes that aren’t “accessible to a living area” and businesses located in mixed-use buildings will be prosecuted for a low-level class D felony that only covers break-ins instead of for more serious crimes. Those more serious crimes, class B and class C felonies, would be punishable by up to 25 and up to 15 years in prison respectively.
Drug dealers believed to be “acting as a low-level agent of a seller” will be prosecuted only for misdemeanor possession. Also, suspected dealers will only be prosecuted on felony charges if they’re also accused of more serious crimes or are actually caught in the act of selling drugs. That felony would mean facing up to seven years behind bars.
There is a cautionary note here for all New Yorkers who choose not to vote. Sometimes the danger is not simply electing someone who disagrees with you. On occasion the failure to participate can result in an actual unqualified person being elected, one who is a danger to you and your family.
Depending on how he implements his demented view, Governor Hochul possess the authority to remove him from office for malfeasance. I very much doubt she has the strength or leadership ability to take on any NYC Progressive. But I can hope.
54th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference Sunday, January 30 and Monday, January 31, 2022 in Albany
Come meet Conservative Party leaders and conservative thinking activists from throughout the state for a two-day series of seminars and panels on issues and political techniques designed to enhance your ability to deal with the key problems facing the state and nation.
Our growing list of speakers includes Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, National Pollster John McLaughlin, Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Antonacci, Journalist Joe Mahoney, newly elected NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, National Right to Life PAC Chairwoman Karen Cross, Senior Republican Member of the Senate Finance Committee Tom O’Mara, Elections Attorney Joe Burns, and other conservative leaders, legislators, and candidates.
Our gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin as well as other members of our statewide ticket will be in attendance.
Registration begins at Noon on Sunday, January 30, 2022 and the last session will end at approximately 6:00 PM. Monday, January 31, 2022 registration begins at 8:30 AM with Sessions beginning at 9:00 AM, and lunch is scheduled for 12:30 PM. The evening concludes with a festive Cocktail Reception and Dinner beginning at 6:00 PM with invited conservative endorsed legislators. At the dinner, we will present our 2021 Legislator of the Year awards and we release our 2022 Legislative Program.
For more information and event registration click here. Or call 518-356-7882 for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
January 5, 2022
Brooklyn, NY – “It’s amazing how little substance a 237-page State of the State report can contain. Governor Kathy Hochul’s mercifully abbreviated address said even less — which tells us everything.
“Six months after taking office as governor, and seven years after becoming lt. governor, Mrs. Hochul showed today that she has almost no helpful ideas for New York. Her State-of-the-State announcements were simply retreads of old, unaffordable proposals, and double-downs on failed policies implemented by her former partner Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“We hoped Governor Hochul would address rising crime rates caused by no-cash-bail. We hoped she’d push back against deluded progressives like Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg who just announced that he’s forgoing prison sentences for crimes including Armed Robbery.
“We hoped Mrs. Hochul would apologize for firing healthcare workers in the middle of a pandemic; that she’d speak out about racial preferences for life-saving medical care, and finally address New York’s counterproductive tax burden that’s chased a million and a half former New Yorkers, and jobs, out of state.
“Instead, we got more of the same, and more of the same isn’t good enough.
“New Yorkers looking for change — actual, hopeful change — learned today that it isn’t coming under this administration. Fortunately for them, this is an election year.”
Allow me to wish all a very Happy, Safe and Productive New Year. The past year was a broadly successful year for the Conservative Party. There were countless local victories which turned the tide in our favor in county after county, town after town. Even in NYC gains were made in the Council. Considering the terrible polices the radical left has attempted to impose on us I am not surprised.
The sound defeat of propositions one, three and four that came about through our VOTENONY project received national attention by Sen. Mitch McConnell and national news organizations. This victory against forces that were more interested in partisan politics then secure elections and fair reapportionment required the party to raise and expend significant resources. The Party, supported by friends like yourself and significant allies, was able to meet the challenge.
The new year, despite continued political shenanigans by the radical left, looks to be a strong one for our party. In Lee Zeldin we have an outstanding candidate for Governor. Our entire statewide slate will be announced in the near future and I think you will be impressed. The entire Congress and State Legislature are up for election in a Democratic created environment of out-of-control inflation, a failed foreign policy, anti-policing laws and rhetoric as well as one of the greatest over reaches of government authority ever seen in our nation during peacetime.
As always, the Conservative Party will advocate in the new year for individual freedom, personal responsibility and smaller government.
Thank you for supporting the Conservative Party. Happy New Year!
On behalf of the New York State Conservative Party, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday season is filled with warmth, love and laughter as you visit with your family and friends.
“To the American People: Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. If we think on these things, there will be born in us a Savior and over us will shine a star sending its gleam of hope to the world.” – Calvin Coolidge, 1927
Governor Hochul’s mask mandate has been met with significant resistance as more than thirty counties have announced they will not enforce the Governor’s order. Noticeably absent from the Governor’s announcement was her Health Commissioner and Senior Advisors.
I believe Governor Hochul sets state policy on likely personal benefits miscalculated with her new mask mandate. As her popularity continues to trend southward, Hochul is attempting to play both sides and get underneath any negative pushback by indicating the state will not penalize any counties that are refusing to enforce.
Cuomo Ordered to return ill-gotten book profits.
Disgraced former Governor Cuomo’s $5 million book deal was buttressed on lies, falsified official records, coverups and deliberate delays in reporting. To add insult to injury many state employees, mostly against their will, were used to research, write, and edit the book. A clear misallocation of Government funds and time.
JCOPE was correct in ordering the Governor to repay profits from his book. Read my complete statement here.
Biden, Schumer Fail to Move Build Back Better Bill
Thanks to Senator Joe Manchin the “Build Back Better” Bill, is shelved in the United States Senate.
BBB, passed the U.S. House on a party line vote minus one Republican defector, Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Thanks to the Senate and the Senator from West Virginia, 2021 will end with no more fiscal carnage at the hands of the Democrats.
The truth is Build Back Better is just Build Back Broke. The inflationary bill would add significant debt that our country under no circumstance can afford. BBB has been the cornerstone of the Biden domestic agenda, but clearly even a member of his own party cannot fathom the financial consequences the bill would have on the taxpayers.
GOP Senators Wrong to Support Lifting Debt Cap
The best way to keep government from growing is to stop uncontrolled spending, but this week the GOP Senators allowed the Democrats to raise the debt ceiling doing all taxpaying Americans a massive disservice.
Though the idea of the debt ceiling may feel distant from the lives of ordinary Americans, how it’s handled by politicians and bureaucrats in Washington can easily wade into your own financial situation.
Many Senate Republicans are frustrated with a deal Senate Minority Leader McConnell reached, on a party-line vote, to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling. Republicans first said they would refuse it, but a deal was struck and the debt ceiling was raised.
While we are not yet aware of the deal Minority Leader McConnell made, I can assure you Republicans, and the taxpayers, are getting the raw end of the deal.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
December 14, 2021
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on JCOPE Ordering that Cuomo Return $5.1 Million From Controversial Book Deal
Brooklyn, NY – “Gov. Andrew Cuomo never should have profited from the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is right to demand the return of the illicit $5.1 million windfall he received from his book publisher.
“JCOPE must now rule on whether Mr. Cuomo can use campaign dollars to fight this decision in court. He should be precluded from doing so; the book deal was entered into for personal profit and had nothing to do with the duties of his office.
“The Conservative Party urges the continued investigation into whether Mr. Cuomo falsified nursing home death numbers to land the lucrative book contract. Only then will the public fully understand what was going on behind the doors of the State Capitol during the early days of the pandemic.
“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do in fact turn.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 26, 2021
Statement from New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar on Gov. Hochul’s Politicization of Redistricting Process
Brooklyn, NY – “As millions of New Yorkers prepared for the Thanksgiving holiday Wednesday afternoon, Governor Kathy Hochul surreptitiously signed into law legislation that would overrule the will of New York voters by giving the Democrat-led State Legislature complete control over New York’s redistricting process.
“New York voters overwhelmingly rejected a November ballot initiative that would have gutted independent redistricting; now Governor Hochul is attempting to subvert their wishes. The New York State Conservative Party will not allow Governor Hochul’s blatant politicization of redistricting to stand.
“One hopes that her machinations will be vigorously reported in the news media and criticized by good government organizations. Had a Republican governor tried to pull this off, one suspects it would be bigger news by now.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
November 22, 2021
Brooklyn, NY – “The deeper one looks at former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s abuses of power during his tenure in the Executive Mansion, the more one wonders how Mr. Cuomo was allowed to misbehave for so long.
“His constant bullying and sexual harassment of state employees was no secret among top advisors, evidently, and virtually nothing was done to stop him or to protect his victims. This raises serious questions about then Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s possible complicity in looking the other way. Clearly, she knew about her boss’s reputation. Did she ever speak to him about it? If not, why not?
“The release of the Assembly investigative report Monday also brought forward additional evidence that Mr. Cuomo personally tampered with nursing home death numbers at the very same time he was negotiating a $5.1 million contract for a book extolling his Covid-19 leadership skills. This remains a matter for serious criminal investigation, as does his use of state employees in the writing of the book. We trust that the various district attorneys looking into Mr. Cuomo will continue their efforts. As Mr. Cuomo’s brother, Chris, so said often of President Donald Trump on CNN, ‘no man is above the law.’”
On behalf of the New York State Conservative Party, I would like to wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving full of love and reflection. The freedom of this great country in which we live, its opportunity for achievement, and your friendship and confidence in the Party and my leadership is humbling. For all these things and more, I am forever grateful.
Though these last two years have been tough for many, it has reminded us of the need to slow down and take in all the beauty that this life has provided. This Thanksgiving it is my sincere wish you take the time to look back on all the great memories with your family and friends, while working to make more.
“In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks.”
