“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: Andrew Davis, 845-522-1915
andrew@cpnys.org
June 20, 2023
STATEMENT BY NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON CHINESE MILITARY TRAINING CAMP IN CUBA
Brooklyn-NY…“Biden Administration Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke of a ‘reset’ on U.S.-China relations following his trip this week to Beijing. China clearly has other ideas. The American public is now learning that China and Cuba are planning to jointly build a military training outpost on the Marxist Caribbean island, just 100 miles south of the continental U.S. Presumably, this is not what the Biden Administration had in mind.
“Real progress from Communist China would come in the form of a guarantee not to invade free Taiwan, the cessation of mass intellectual property theft from Western nations, and a halt to its dramatic military buildup and intimidation tactics throughout eastern Asia.
“The last time a Marxist power threatened to put a large military installation on Cuban soil, the U.S. swiftly acted to protect its territorial integrity from naked Soviet aggression. The Biden Administration must similarly put in place measures to stop this planned facility in its tracks. That should begin by halting all U.S.-Cuba tourism, the dollars from which almost certainly will be used to help build the military training outpost. Doing nothing wouldn’t just be unacceptable; it would be dangerous to the long-term security of the American people.”
An amazing crowd gathered last night at the New York Athletic Club to honor retiring longtime Party Executive Director Shaun Marie. The festivities were highlighted by a Congressional Resolution presented by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Shaun received the first annual Mike Long Award. It was great to see the Long family there in force led by matriarch Eileen Long. Shaun Marie served as Mike’s Executive Director from 1995 to 2019. Former State Chairman and State Senator Serf Maltese, who Shaun Marie assisted in both the Party and in the Senate, made heartfelt remarks about their long association. Chris Long, Mike’s son, spoke on behalf of the Long family.
I have known Shaun Marie for many years and was delighted that she stayed on these past four years as my Executive Director and continues to serve as the Executive Vice Chairwoman, the Party’s number two spot.
Her work ethic and commitment to the conservative movement is stellar. I certainly learned a great deal from Shaun Marie. Now, I wish her a happy and healthy retirement.
The Mike Long Award reads:
“For many years of loyalty, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the Conservative movement and the New York State Conservative Party.”
“You Have Kept the Faith Alive and the Torch Aflame.”
Daniel Penny Indicted by Grand Jury
I said it before and will say it again. Self Defense is not a crime! If anything, Daniel Penny is a hero who intervened to stop an erratic, threatening individual with a long criminal record confined within a moving subway car from violently assaulting riders.
The many eye witnesses and videos should have been enough to prove his innocence, but this is Alvin Bragg’s Manhattan. I feel confident that Penny will be found innocent, but this former Marine continues to need our help both in terms of moral support as well as financial support for what will be an exceedingly expensive legal defense.
I urge you to consider contributing to his defense fund and speaking out on his behalf.
When Will New Yorkers be Safe Again?
The short answer is when the New York State Legislature finally adjourns next week. The State Senate and Assembly could hardly be more out of touch with the average New Yorker these past six months.
They ended last year giving themselves enormous pay raises making them the highest paid legislative body in the nation. They burst into 2023 going after our gas hook ups, creating enormous and growing deficits, and ignoring meaningful criminal justice reform.
The proposals they put off until the very end involved election changes that have been portrayed as the big steal by the Democratic Party. This includes unconstitutional changes in early voting by paper, limitations on bringing election litigation in local courts, and eliminating off year local elections.
The local election bill will result in important local races playing second fiddle to Presidential and statewide races as well as Congressional and State Legislative races. As usual the philosophy in Albany is if it’s not broken let’s break it. And of course, we await the Governor’s decision on the “Clean Slate Act,” which in our increasingly dangerous criminal justice environment, seals records making it more difficult for an employer or District Attorney to make informed decisions on convicted felons.
Take a Governor who cannot lead and mix it with a Legislature that cannot represent half the State and you have a recipe for disaster.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
June 10, 2023
STATEMENT ON END OF 2023 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BY NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…“New York State’s leftward march under one-party rule sadly continued in 2023. The punishing cost of living here got more punishing; nothing was done to reverse cashless bail, despite the clear will of the public to repeal it; the pro-criminal clean slate bill will deprive employers of the right to know who has a dangerous criminal record before hiring; unprepared communities were inundated with illegal immigrants that will need school seats, housing, and medical care. The Democrats also set April 2nd as Presidential primary day, resulting in early voting being on several of the most solemn days on the Christian calendar, including Good Friday, Holy Thursday, and Palm Sunday. The New York State Conservative Party takes great exception when the legislature puts politics over faith.
“Democrat politicians didn’t forget themselves — they expanded taxpayer-funded political campaigns to an eight-to-one match on donations over $250 — adding an even larger public cost to an already bad spending program, and changed the local election calendar to even years, depriving voters of the full attention that local, off-year elections deserve. Democrats also created a special slavery reparations committee, 195 years after slavery ended in New York, that is certain to create racial tensions throughout the state. And they did all this in the name of ‘progress.’
“What we are seeing is a state legislature, far to the political left of the average New Yorker, plowing forward with the radical fads of the day at the expense of families who can barely make it here. The only true winners from this legislative session are Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, all of which will grow in population as the alarming New York exodus continues.”
NYC Pushes for Private Residences to House Migrants
Struggling with inflation? Have an extra room? The City of New York will pay you $125 a night to house migrants. This is Mayor Adams’ latest attempt to put a band-aid on what needs a tourniquet.
In New York, a foster parent is given a daily allowance of $40 to raise a child, more than 3 times less than what they’re proposing to offer those willing to house an illegal migrant. And while New Yorkers struggle to pay bills due to inflation and increasing taxes, Mayor Adams aims to provide migrants with a free ride on the back of taxpayers.
The simple truth is the Biden Administration has bitten off far more than it can chew, and New York City’s sanctuary city status only elevates the crisis.
We must, at once, close the southern border and reverse Biden’s border policies; if not, the City and State of New York are in for a long and expensive summer.
Democratic Assembly And Senate Pass Reparations Bill
The Democrat-controlled New York State Assembly passed a bill on Thursday that would establish a commission to assess how complicit the state of New York was in slavery. Yes, you read that right.
This nine-member commission would be appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders.
The State of New York passed legislation nearly 200 years ago that granted enslaved Africans their freedom. While we can all agree the idea of slavery is certainly deplorable, New York took the necessary action in 1827 to provide freedom to all.
This bill is nothing more than an attempt to further divide us using race as bait. Now, the bill goes to the desk of Governor Hochul who will decide its fate.
One Week Away from Spring Reception
We are just a week away from celebrating the career of longtime party Executive Director Shaun Marie Levine. We’re expecting a great evening at the New York City Athletic Club and have already received more than 100 RSVPs for the June 15th reception.
I look forward to presenting Shaun Marie with the first annual Michael R. Long award.
I cannot think of someone who deserves the inaugural award more than the person who spent decades in service to the Conservative Party under the great leadership of Mike Long.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
June 9, 2023
STATEMENT ON TRUMP INDICTMENT BY NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR
Brooklyn-NY…“The Conservative Party adamantly opposes selective law enforcement, which is exactly what we’re seeing with the indictment of former President and current GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. Both Trump and President Joe Biden were found to have classified documents in their homes, but only the Republican challenger is being prosecuted. How can that be viewed as anything other than weaponization of the federal government for electoral advantage?
“Americans are quickly losing faith in their government, and the glaring discrepancy in the treatment of the two presidents will only make things worse. Politics should be left up to the voters, not partisan officials in Washington. The precedent that these indictments set will drag the country into truly dangerous territory. President Biden should call off his dogs and let the voters decide.”
It was far from perfect & frankly we would have liked to have seen a few more of our priorities contained within the final version. Nevertheless, it was the product of a compromise that is a result of divided government. To do better, we need to widen our house majority, take back the Senate and most important of all win the White House.
Speaker McCarthy was able to bring home some important wins. There will be $2.1 trillion in savings over the next few years, the President’s ability to rule by executive order has been curtailed, a 1% budgetary increase which will translate into a functioning cap on budget increases will be in statute, and work requirements for able bodied individuals under the age of 55 receiving public assistance and/or food stamps was implemented. Additionally, the bill contained no new taxes, which we can all agree is a win considering leadership in the White House and Senate.
We clawed back much of the unused COVID funds and had a partial win on the increase in IRS agents, although much was left to be desired in regard to the IRS. The agreement also cut down on the lengthy red tape that increases costs while slowing down critical infrastructure projects.
Finally, the legislation did take off the table the possibility of the United States defaulting on its obligations which could have resulted in a collapse of the world economy.
Our ten Conservative Party endorsed Congressional members, albeit with reservations, voted yes on the legislation. As disappointed as some of you maybe, it was the responsible thing to do considering we did get the aforementioned work requirements, no new taxes and $2.1 trillion in savings over the next few years.
As I said earlier, to do better in Washington, we must do better at home by winning more Congressional seats and most important of all winning back the White House.
Patriots Podium with Alison Esposito
To join the conversation, we encourage you to subscribe and listen to “Patriots Podium” on: Youtube, Buzzsprout, Spotify, and Apple Music. Episodes can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and our website CPNYS; Follow us for daily news, events, and much more!
The inaugural episode of “Patriots Podium” featuring Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo can be found here. Our latest episode, featuring former candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Alison Esposito can be found early at Youtube, Buzzsprout. Alison discusses her race for Lt. Governor, her thoughts on the current state of events and gives us a look into her future plans.
We’re happy to have Allen Roth, President of Secure America, as our next guest to discuss border security and the illegal migrant crisis.
Upcoming Events
Our annual reception honoring longtime Conservative Party Executive Director Shaun Marie Levine is right around the corner. For decades, Shaun Marie kept the Conservative Party moving and candidates on the ballot. I look forward to seeing all of you as we celebrate the career of Shaun Marie June 15 in Manhattan.
To register, please visit our website here. We are expecting a great night and hope you will be a part of it.
Young Professionals Night
The NYS Conservative Party will be hosting a Young Professionals Mixer Event. The mixer will be held on June 21st, from 6-8 pm at Delancy’s Restaurant, located at 40 Park PL, Goshen, NY, 10924. This event is *free* for all! We encourage you to come hear about the Conservative Party and our values from some amazing speakers. This is a great opportunity to bring people that may be interested in the party, or that are completely new to politics. The young generation is the future of our party and we are working to spread our values, history, and boost voter registration! Invite your kids, grandkids, and come enjoy free food, networking, and lots more!
Kindly RSVP to andew@cpnys.org, or call our Newburgh office at 845-564-7413
On this Memorial Day weekend, let us pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who have given their lives to protect our cherished freedoms. As conservatives, we hold dear the principles of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness that our nation was built upon. It is a day to honor those who paid the ultimate price for these ideals and to express our gratitude for their selfless service.
Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg Address, reminded us that “from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.” These words resonate deeply, reminding us that we must carry forward the torch of freedom for which our fallen heroes fought and died.
Looking ahead to Memorial Day, I am grateful to participate in the Brooklyn Conservative Party’s 41st annual POW/MIA ceremony. This event holds a special place in my heart, as it allows us to honor and remember those courageous individuals who have been prisoners of war or remain missing in action. By coming together in unity and solidarity, we not only show our unwavering support for these brave heroes but also raise awareness about their sacrifices and the ongoing efforts to bring them home.
Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” His words remind us of the responsibility we have to preserve the liberty that so many have fought to protect.
This Memorial Day, I urge you to make a plan that aligns with your belief in the greatness of America. Bring along your children and grandchildren, for they are the future of our nation’s legacy. Let us seize this chance to educate and inspire them, igniting within them a passion for our country and an appreciation for those who have safeguarded our cherished way of life.
By sharing our love for our nation and the sacrifices made by our heroes, we contribute to the preservation of our American spirit, ensuring that the flame of liberty burns brightly for generations to come.
Let us end with a short poem, “On This Memorial Day” by Emily Toma.
Remember those who served before. Remember those who are no more.
Remember those who serve today. Remember them as we eat and play.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
May 25, 2023
CONSERVATIVE PARTY BLASTS BILL TO CREATE SPECIAl TAX BENEFITS FOR ABORTION, SEX-CHANGE OPERATIONS FOR NEW STATE RESIDENTS
“Move to New York and get paid to have an abortion or sex-change operation at the expense of your new neighbors; that’s this bill in a nutshell.”
Brooklyn-NY…The New York State Conservative Party adamantly opposes legislation (S6637) just submitted by Senator Michele Hinchey (D-Hudson Valley) that would provide a personal income tax credit to new New Yorkers who have an abortion or sex change operation within the state. The bill would effectively subsidize the procedures with money provided by existing New York State taxpayers.
“Move to New York and get paid to have an abortion or sex-change operation at the expense of your new neighbors; that’s this bill in a nutshell,” said New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “New York is losing population faster than any state in America. God help us if this is our new recruitment plan.
“Bills like Senator Hinchey’s demonstrate just how frighteningly left-wing Democrat-led New York has become,” Mr. Kassar continued. “New Yorkers, who pay some of the highest taxes in America, expect their tax dollars to go to true public services like education, public safety, and infrastructure repair — not to people moving to the state to have an abortion or to change genders. It’s remarkable that this even needs to be said. The Conservative Party opposes this legislation in the strongest possible terms.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
May 23, 2023
Statement on Machete-Wielding Hunter College Professor by Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar
Brooklyn-NY…“Hunter Professor Shellyne Rodriguez has no business teaching young minds, and CUNY is right to dismiss her. New York City and State must ensure that Ms. Rodriguez is not rehired by any other public college or university in the state.
“In verbally attacking a pro-life student group — and holding a machete to the neck of a New York Post reporter — Ms. Rodriguez is demonstrating just how deranged and ideological strident some on the academic left have become. The right to life is a legitimate public policy debate, and students have every right to express their opinions on the matter. But in academia today, any dissension of progressive orthodoxy comes at a price. Sadly, many moderate to conservative students now hold their tongues rather than risk the wrath of professors and administrators.
“Ms. Rodriguez’s actions are an embarrassment to a CUNY system that seems to move farther and farther to the political left each year. Demanding that students agree with progressive positions is not education, it’s indoctrination. How far CUNY has fallen.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Bill O’Reilly, 212-396-9117
Bill@NovemberTeam.com
May 22, 2023
CONSERVATIVE PARTY: ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL ‘SLIPPERY SLOPE THAT MUST NOT BE BREACHED’
Brooklyn-NY…“The so-called Medical Aid in Dying Act (S.2445) would let New York doctors prescribe fatal chemicals to terminally ill patients for self-administration, providing that the patients are mentally competent.
“This legislation represents the slipperiest of slopes, and it must not be made law. Who can truly determine one’s mental competence at such a time? How would patients be protected from subtle coercion from health providers, insurance companies, and distraught family members? Who can assess whether a patent is making a decision based on clear thinking and not situational depression?
“Canada allowed eligible Canadian adults to request medical assistance in dying starting in 2016. In just seven years, Canada’s MAiD law degenerated into euthanasia for the sick and poor. Indeed, every state and nation that has adopted pro-suicide legislation has loosened its original requirements.
“Some may think this bill makes perfect sense. We ask that they think more deeply. This is not the path for a society that values life.” –
CONSERVATIVE PARTY of NEW YORK STATE
486 78th Street, BROOKLYN, NY 11209
(718) 921-2158 Voice * (718) 921-5268 Fax
2023 Legislative Memo…IN OPPOSITION TO… Medical Aid in Dying Act
S. 2445 Hoylman-SigalA. 995 Paulin
Bill Purpose: To provide that a mentally competent, terminally ill patient may request medication to be self-administered for the purpose of hastening the patient’s death provided the requirements set forth in the act are met; provides certain protections and immunities to health care providers and other persons, including a physician who prescribes medication in compliance with the provisions of the article to the terminally ill patient to be self-administered by the patient.
Party Position: Nothing is more heart wrenching than knowing your loved one will suffer unbearable pain when they are diagnosed with a disease that medical experts cannot cure. Your loved one does not want to reach the point where the debilitating effects leave them with little dignity.
The Medical Aid in Dying Act seeks to change New York’s law to allow health care providers to prescribe medication for your loved one to self-administer said drugs if they are terminally ill and mentally competent. Who decides if the patient is mentally competent? It is a crucial component of the proposed bill.
When any one is given a diagnosis that implies death is imminent, it is natural to be terrified of the future. It is also natural for one to want to control as much of what is left of their lives as possible. However, some people become so depressed at the thought of dying they are not mentally competent to decide. The proposed bill does not ensure that the health care providers provide the best care to their patients to keep them comfortable, with as little pain as possible, rather it allows health care providers to provide medicine to die.
Medicine has changed. The Hippocratic Oath is obsolete. While most health care providers enter the medical field to help patients, there are far too many who have an agenda, Jack Kevorkian, the infamous euthanasia proponent, has many followers.
The Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) Act is today’s Pandora’s Box. Canada’s Supreme Court gave the government until June 6, 2016, to create a new law. In June 2016, the Parliament of Canada passed federal legislation that allows eligible Canadian adults to request medical assistance in dying.
Life is precious, and every effort must be made to protect patients from choosing to end it on their terms. The choice to refuse treatment is always theirs and with palliative care, one will be as comfortable as possible.
CPNYS strongly opposes the Medical Aid in Dying Act’ and urges a NO vote on the pending legislation.
New York City Democrats have successfully created an environment where looking over your shoulder in the city is not just smart, it is required.
Everyday residents and guests do not want to play “what if”, they want a city that will protect and prioritize law abiding citizens. Instead, we’re plagued with D A’s and a Democratic City Council Majority who bend to the ultra-woke crowd and put our safety in jeopardy.
Daniel Penny could have been any one of us and now DA Bragg is looking to make an example out of him sending a clear message—you do not have the right to defend yourself.
So, what do we have the right to do?
Daniel Penny did not get on the train looking for trouble or confrontation. Instead, he is the victim of a city which has failed to uphold the rule of law and provide the most basic of services—keeping its residents and guests safe.
Please read a release from the New York City Conservative Party county organizations here which includes statements from all of our New York City organizations.
To support Marine Corp veteran Daniel Penny, please click the link here.
NYS Communist Party Led by Former Ocasio-Cortez Campaign Staffer
I do believe Americans who value our way of life should be concerned when Congressional campaign staff members move on in their careers to become senior members of the Communist Party.
Justine Medina was hired by Ocasio-Cortez as a campaign organizer despite proudly proclaiming her affiliation. Today she is the Chairwoman of the New York State Communist Party.
Medina likes to brag about her close association with AOC, and AOC, for her part, only has the nicest things to say about Medina. Imagine the head of the State Communist Party being able to use a member of the United States Congress as a reference.
Queens Conservative Party-endorsed NYC Councilman Bob Holden commented, “It’s frightening. They’re coming out of the woodwork. Communism has failed in so many places that it is mind-boggling that AOC’s constituents keep electing her. This is kind of like a smoking gun that these elected officials and congress people are out-and-out communists.”
Read my statement on AOC building her handpicked communist party here.
House GOP Stands its Ground
Speaker McCarthy and his Majority are standing their ground against Biden threats that the nation will default on its debt if the debt ceiling is not raised.
The Biden Administration, if not forced by the GOP in the House with concurrence of Republicans and a few Democrats in the Senate, would once again simply be raising the debt limit without the spending side being addressed. Just more of the same with new threats of default two or three years away and our nation’s future, which is already mortgaged many times over, being mortgaged again.
Speaker McCarthy’s line in the sand is simple—spending cuts that amount to hundreds of billions of dollars resulting from new work requirements makes sense to most Americans.
New York’s Congressional delegation, responsible for securing the House majority, are doing their part in ensuring a secure financial future for the next generation.
