Our society is simply inexplicable lately.  How does one cosponsor a bill designed to put an end to animal testing using kittens, when one voted against protecting newborns?

Far too many of today’s elected officials see their positions as one to enrich themselves and/or family members. 

And too many of today’s elected officials cannot admit that their policies are responsible for the problems they face: De Blasio rants that feds are to blame for NYC’s problems. 

It’s sad to see 2020 Dems kissing Sharpton’s … ring. 

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko believes that the bill the House passed today, will actually hurt women more.  Here is her assessment of the democrats’ bill:  I Survived Domestic Violence. Here’s Why I’m Voting No on Violence Against Women Act.

The Daily Signal’s Daniel Davis sits down with President-elect of El Salvador Nayib Bukele to discuss his recent election, migration, crime, and ways the US and El Salvador can work together in the coming years.

Do you ever wonder why countries are giving only token efforts to stem the tide of migrants to the United States?  The answer is probably in this article. 

U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to 49-Year Low, Below All Forecasts. 

Ken Girardin writes about Albany’s other big raise.  

The Beat takes another look at congestion pricing. 

Governor Cuomo was criticized for cutting funds to the Special Olympics , at the very last minutes of the legislative session, the Legislature authorized a substantial raise for the Governor.  Governor Cuomo did the right thing and restored the cut to the Special Olympics; however, he has also kept his raise.  Can’t help but wonder where the money for his raise is coming from.    

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise has a short description of some of the key items in the budget .  Can anyone explain to the taxpayers of New York, why the Legislature now requires “Employers throughout the state … to offer their workers three hours of paid time off to cast a ballot on election day” when earlier in the session they passed early voting whose provisions require that all early voting sites are open for at least eight hours on weekdays, including two days a week with evening hours, and for at least five hours on weekends and holidays.”  Do they have absolutely no regard for the tax burdens they place on New Yorkers?  No need to answer this rhetorical question, we all know they don’t. 

 If you have any doubts, read Michael Goodwin’s Op-Ed in today’s NY Post. 

 Kyle Smith writes about Governor Cuomo’s outrageous budget deal in the National Review. 

 E. J. McMahon takes a somber look at the state of NY’s finances with his Op-Ed in today’s NY Post: New York is looking at an ocean of red ink. 

 WalletHub ranks New York No. 1 for highest tax burden (and this is before the effect of this year’s budget have been implemented.)

 Karen Dewitt interviews Chairman Kassar and others on the NY Commission to Look at Ending Fusion Voting. With regard to the Governor’s concerns on the cost of public financing of cross-endorsed candidates, the answer is simple:  NO public financing of campaigns. 

 Are plastic bags as bad for the environment as some say?  Maybe not. 

 Wow!  Rather presumptuous thinking that state-asset forfeiture funds can be used for his travel: HIGH-FLYING CY: HOW MANHATTAN DA VANCE SPENT $250K ON TRAVEL AND FOOD. 

If the city doesn’t fight farebeating, everyone’s in trouble. 

 Sometimes the truth (the NY Post Editorial) makes you laugh when it is so evident to everyone but the person pontificating.  What AOC doesn’t get about wages and human worth. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Lawmakers just gave Cuomo even more power. 

Gov. Cuomo is not done with his progressive agenda:  Cuomo vows to pass legal marijuana law by June. 

The debate on congestion pricing begins:  WHAT WILL BE THE RIGHT PRICE TO CUT CONGESTION IN NEW YORK?

Can anyone blame them:  Residents in congestion-pricing zones are fuming over new taxes. 

Manhattan real estate sales fall for sixth straight quarter — longest losing streak in 30 years.  And, sad to say, after the NYS Budget, it is only to get worse.  

Nicole Gelinas writes that beating the fare-beaters is vital to the MTA and public safety. 

Trump Really Does Have a Plan That’s Better Than Obamacare. 

Rich Lowry writes that the border crisis is Congress’ fault.  

Jim Jordan:  Democrats are Freaking Out Over Citizenship on the Census Because They Want Non-Citizens Voting 

We are so fortunate that we live in America!  Top Venezuela court tightens noose on opposition chief Guaido. 

Pro-Life movie, Unplanned , debuts at # 4 overcoming social-media obstacles and dismissive film critics.  

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, the budget that was just passed by the Members of the Legislature is not an April Fools joke.  The taxes, fees  and criminal justice reforms enacted , along with the last minute 39% raise for Governor Cuomo, will only encourage more New Yorkers to leave New York   It is rather pathetic that so many of the progressive politicians speak out when families are separated at our borders, yet gleefully increase the cost of living in New York that forces families to be separated.  Some grandparents will not know the joy of being near their grandchildren because they can’t afford to move and their children can’t afford to stay.

These same progressives believe they have a moral obligation to take from the “rich” and give to the poor as they did with the budget they just passed.    They believe that although you work hard for your money they – the elected officials – know best how to spend the money you worked for , while they give themselves raises at your expense. 

Many of the legislators are true progressive believers, other like our Governor only believe what those with a vested interest are willing to contribute to the conversation. 

The new budget gives illegal immigrants a break by breaking with federal laws.

Tom Precious wraps up the budget here. 

The Beat writes about Budget Bluster. 

I am still looking for the pot of money that was set aside for our roads.  Isn’t some of the gasoline tax money collected supposed to fix our roads?  Or does it go to the MTA also so they can keep their inflated staff?

Betsy McCaughey writes about how republicans should replace ObamaCare. 

Robert Knight writes how democrats try to make elections obsolete. 

Rebecca Hagelin asks the question: Who will save millennials from socialism, themselves?

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 29, 2019!

“THE COLLUSION DELUSION”

“After three years of lies and smears and slander, the Russia hoax is finally dead. The collusion delusion is over,” President Trump declared last night at a Michigan rally.

Will the hoaxers be held accountable? Some of New York’s members of Congress want to set the record straight, with Rep. Elise Stefanik calling for the resignation of Rep. Adam Schiff from the House Committee on Intelligence, and Rep. Peter King pulling no punches with former CIA chief John Brennan.

As Newt Gingrich points out, this debacle unfolded under President Obama’s watch – what did he know, and when did he know it? The Clinton campaign deserves scrutiny as well – that side was home to the only real collusion in 2016.

Meanwhile the media certainly owes the country an apology, but let’s not hold our breath. And we may be seeing expanded investigations of the FBI and Department of Justice. Time will tell – hopefully.

I want you to tell me how you think we can prevent such a spectacle in the future. What’s the best way to hold the hoaxers accountable right now? That’s the question for our new Weekly Poll, and I look forward to the responses.

ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ

As usual, Rep. Alexandria-Cortez has been in the news this week. Clearly she is “obsessed” with her national image which has apparently come at the expense of her constituents who have complained about inadequate representation.

I have argued that conservatives should ignore her. In my opinion it is the best way to send her and the left wing media that glorifies her message that she, like her favorable to unfavorable opinion numbers, has peaked.

What I believe we cannot ignore is the extreme dangers that are presented by the policies she advocates, the socialistic approach to government she represents. These failed methods of governing like a fire beginning to burn out of control need to be confronted and extinguished before they burn our way of life.

If you ask me any and all public officials and candidates who espouse blatant socialism deserve careful scrutiny.

As much as I believe we should limit the attention we pay to Ocasio-Cortez, we must keep our guard up, our vision focused and our pencils sharpened to respond to these crazy ideas that are emerging from a larger misinformed group of activists. Additionally as Party Chairman I commit to you that Conservative Party candidates will be pressed to be active in response. And we as a Party will organize a more effective grassroots approach to pushing back.

QUICK HITS

New York to Ban Plastic Bags

Proposed New York City Real Estate Tax Threatens Already Lagging Market

Cuomo Called Out for Hypocrisy – His Team Responds as Expected

“Unplanned” is a must-see pro-life film

Have a great weekend!

As the legislators consider the budget, they should also consider the costs of prevailing wages.  E. J. McMahon calls it NY’s ‘prevailing’ protection racket in today’s Newsday.  E. J. McMahon is not the only pushback on prevailing wages. 

When government overtaxes our citizens, the result is too much money for people to create a public policy program that does not achieve its stated purpose. 

Today’s NY Post editorial tries to shine a light on New York’s mysterious new-tax rush.  But you can’t shine a lite on it, when no one really knows what it is.  This much is certain, New York is overtaxed already and one more grab for our hard-earned dollars will only increase New York’s exodus.

Tom Precious gives a pretty good recap of what we think is agreed to at this time.  New deals emerge in state budget talks as big-ticket items await resolution.  This extension will only encourage New York’s exodus to continue:  • Authorization of a five-year extension of what’s known as the “millionaires’ tax,’’ an income tax rate surcharge on high-earners. 

Here Are 4 Egregious Ways the Left Wants to Transform American Politics. 

The Daily Signal: Here’s the Conservative Plan to Improve Health Care

Oh no, AOC may have another meltdown.

Seriously, AG Holder?  You want to know “Exactly when did you think America was great” .  Every moment of her existence.  We are the only country that has faced our dark side and corrected it!  That makes us great.  We believe all men are created equal – and when we didn’t fully practice that belief – we corrected it!  America has raised the standard of living throughout the world; we ended two world wars and we will continue the ideals that our Founding Fathers knew would provide this new country with the blueprint necessary to be the most productive, free nation ever established.  Shame on you for not understanding the greatness of America.   Former AG Holder is just one of 85 (82 men and 3 women) who have held the office of Attorney General since our history began.  I would think that would be a great accomplishment, despite the fact that I disagree with almost all that he stood for. 

Democrats need a lesson in math; when a bill loses 57-0 , and the sponsor only votes “present” there is no way they can claim a victory.  But they did:  Democrats claim victory even after Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal loses big in Senate.  Not surprisingly, the cable news networks hardly reported the resounding defeat. 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is letting her thin-skin get the better of her on the House Floor.  Congresswoman, America has risen to overcome every challenge ever laid at her feet and we will continue to do so…without destroying the very fiber that has made our exceptionalism the reason we, not only survive, but come back even stronger.  The Green New Deal may be your solution, but it certainly is not the American solution. 

BTW Congresswoman, shouldn’t you be paying your fair share of taxes especially since you have a steady income paid to you by taxpayers.  Another question for you…did you pay the $695 penalty for not having health care in 2017?  You mentioned that you just got your healthcare a month ago while passionately defending your Green New Deal. 

This article will just make you shake your head in bewilderment.  Unfortunately, rest assured, this is not the only person who thinks this way…in fact, I would venture to say, most democrats think she is right. 

Tom Precious has the latest insight on the ongoing talks regarding the recreational use of marijuana in New York State.

That minimum wage increase isn’t looking so good right now, is it? 

The Beat examines Thrive Jive.

Steve Malanga examines the costs to taxpayers that government places on them by providing benefits that are unsustainable. 

Lance Morrow writes in City Journal that Journalism Dies in Self-Importance. 

Wow…this is getting really ugly.   ‘As If It Never Existed:’ Cook County Clerk’s Office Stunned as Smollett Case File Vanishes from Records System. 

Wednesday’s with Walter E. Williams. 

Tom Precious has covered state government for the Buffalo News since 1997 and has a keen understanding of the dynamics of the budget season.  Unlike many other reporters, Tom Precious, reports the facts, not his interpretation of the facts.  Here are two articles, by Mr. Precious, that you should be aware of:  School funding. Higher taxes. Legalized pot. It must be budget time in Albany.  and Counties: State is looking at localities to finance its fiscal jam. 

Sources: Albany reconsidering pied-à-terre tax. 

Newsday is reporting that the Nassau County legislature voted to borrow $3.7 million implement early voting as required by legislation passed earlier this year by the Democratic controlled Assembly and Senate.   Early voting is not the only item Nassau County is borrowing money for; when you read the article, you have to ask yourselves why do they need to borrow so much?  Nassau must cut spending as it certainly cannot afford to continue to borrow to meet the needs of her residents.

Rowan Scarborough writes in the Washington Times about the things Trump and his associates didn’t do. 

Adam Weiss writes in Daily Caller:  Can Beto Win the Democratic primary by apologizing often enough to the SJW mob? 

How do these people sleep at night? 

As usual, Mayor de Blasio, has it all wrong when it comes to specialized schools. 

Prosecutors just made it far more difficult for real victims of crime to get justice. 

The Beat examines the marijuana issue again. 

Cheryl K. Chumley has a great article in the Washington Times, one that should be circulated to your list of email readers and post on your social media:    Socialism is rooted in godlessness. 

How does a person with such a closed mind refusing to admit even a semblance of truth regarding the thorough Mueller investigation, remain the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee?   One is incapable of preforming the important duties of the Intelligence Committee (charged with the oversight of the United States Intelligence Community) when one’s mind is consumed by a vise of hatred simply because their candidate did not become president.   

In case you missed Chairman Jerry Kassar on Cats Roundtable you can listen to the interview here. 

 The late breaking news on Friday was the release of the long- awaited Mueller Report.  Naturally, the majority of democratic candidates, pundits and anchors demanded that an unredacted report be made public…immediately.  One democratic pundit, Doug Schoen, has good advice if Democrats want to win the White House in 2020: it’s time to stop investigating Trump. They are so blind and angry, they won’t take his advice.  Kimberly Strassel also has very good advice for our nation; Mueller’s investigation is done. Now dig into the real scandal — missteps of Comey, FBI.    We are a nation that has always trusted and believed that the FBI’s reputation was sterling and above board.   That trust was violated for political reasons, the repercussions will be long lasting and may never recover.  The majority of Americans are tired and would like all of the continuing investigations to end; however, this is one that really needs to be pursued; the FBI must take the necessary steps that prevent any further abuse of its powers.  The full Kimberly Strassel column is behind the WSJ paywall, if you have access to the WSJ, read it here.  Gregg Jarrett, who has reported on the “collusion issue” from the very beginning, calls it the dirtiest political trick in modern US history. 

 Zero, zilch, nada: That’s the bottom line on ‘collusion’ 

 Here is Attorney General William P. Barr’s letter to the members and ranking members of the Committees on the Judiciary in the House and Senate. 

 Guy Benson on the Mueller Report.  Thorough and Comprehensive: Trump Critics Must Accept Mueller’s Russia Probe as the Final Verdict on ‘Russiagate’ 

 ‘Collusion’ now exposed as nothing more than Trump haters’ opioid dream. 

WGRZ has an overview of what the NYS Budget contains.  With one week left, things can change quickly,  so by the time this is posted, the overview could be incomplete or just plain wrong.  WSKG also have an overview of the proposed budget, but it points out that the Governor has the upper hand.  If the Budget is not passed by the March 31 deadline, both Houses only have one choice:  pass it with no amendments or reject it and shut down government.  The state’s highest court gave this ability to the Governor when then Speaker Sheldon Silver sued then Governor George E. Pataki.  This is a powerful incentive for both houses.  However, this year, there is an additional incentive, perhaps even a coercive method to pass the budget:  The Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation requires an on-time budget.  By the way, 3 of the 7 members of the commission are appointed by the Governor, one each by the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House and 2 by Chief Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals.  The Governor, never one to shy away from using hard-ball tactics to get his way, had the majority of votes on the commission.  Anyone want to call it, what it really is… blackmail.  

Welcome to my Weekly Wrap-Up for March 22, 2019!

TAXES

It’s hard to pick a favorite Ronald Reagan quote on taxes.

“For our opponents, every day is April 15 – Tax Day. For us every day is the Fourth of July.” – that’s one of my favorite quips from our 40th president.

“The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.” – talk about a statement that has stood the test of time!

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.” – that’s a Reagan quote that would get the crowd going at a Trump rally.

This week, once again, New York’s Democrats showed themselves to be the party of big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy… the party that thinks New Yorkers are taxed too little… the party that sees every day as Tax Day.

As this New York Post editorial puts it, “It seems the only sure thing about this year’s state budget is that it will sock taxpayers yet again” – AGAIN being the operative word, because New Yorkers are already among the highest taxed citizens in the country… which is why many of our most productive people are moving to other parts of the country.

“Freedom is the right to question and change the established way of doing things.” – that’s another Reagan quote I love, and soaking taxpayers is an “established way of doing things” in New York that needs to be questioned and changed.

In fact, Tax Freedom Day in New York – the day you stop working for the government and are working for yourself – was May 15th in 2018… the latest in the nation. This year with the craziness in Albany we can expect it to be even later.

There are many ways for the Conservative Party to tackle this issue – we can emphasize that high taxes hurt the state overall; that families are among the hardest hit; that high taxes feed Albany’s spending addiction; that well-connected interests get special breaks while normal folks pay through the nose; or that “soak the rich” tax policies don’t work (as even Andrew Cuomo acknowledges).

What do you think is the Conservative Party’s BEST strategy for showing the negative impact of the Cuomo Democrats’ high taxes? That’s our new Weekly Poll question, and I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

QUICK HITS

Leftist dogma can’t fix what ails New York City’s public schools.

Get ready for the Mueller Report.

Democrats are now embracing gun confiscation.

President Trump makes a stand for free speech on campus.