“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
David Kennedy, a professor of history at Stanford University, had this to say about our current economic crisis: “I’m cautiously optimistic that the economic effects will be severe but not nearly as long-lasting as the Great Depression…” and I am certain every American is praying that he is right. Read the rest of the article here.
Desperate New Yorkers struggle to file for unemployment. How NY is trying to fix it. For the last few weeks numerous news outlets have reported on the failure of the Department of Labor to process unemployment insurance claims. Governor Cuomo asks for patience and understanding as the system is overloaded and they are working with Google to “fix” the problems. Question for Governor Cuomo – as a self-proclaimed micromanager, couldn’t you have foreseen this when you used your executive powers to close non-essential businesses? Seriously, what did you thing would happen when you told people they couldn’t go to work, couldn’t open their small businesses, that essentially, they would have no income. Did it ever occur to the micromanager-in-chief that the Dept. of Labor, wouldn’t be able to handle the overwhelming flood of requests? Did he even inquire if it could? If not, why not? Had he simply asked the question, Gov. Cuomo, could have asked New Yorkers to hold off applying for 2 weeks, while explaining why (system upgrade) and reassure the public that the applicants would be eligible from the first day of his Executive Order to stay home. People would understand that a system upgrade is necessary; and it would not have taken as long to do, because people would not be trying to access it. Gov. Andrew Cuomo may be getting high marks from the press, but does he really deserve them since he dropped the ball when it comes to really helping people. Granted, Gov. Cuomo has a lot to juggle; a little thought about how an antiquated system would serve the needs of those he forced to be unemployed would have gone a long way to alleviate the frustration and fear of being without any income.
Empire Center’s E. J. McMahon is reporting that Gov. Cuomo is freezing state employees pay increases at this time. With the economy tanking and the budget deficit growing every day, it is a necessary step that I’m sure most employees understand.
This headline explains, in part, why the country is so divided. Think of the good that $20 million could do during the coronavirus crisis: research, distributing medicine to clinics in poor neighborhoods, filling food pantries, providing tablets to students, distributing masks, helping the homeless, helping those who lost their jobs, there are so many ways to help, but they would rather attack than help. Thankfully there a hundreds of thousand others who remember the real American spirit.
The most solemn Christian Holydays began today. Easter, the most joyous day in the Christian calendar reminds us all that no matter how dark our journey may be at times, it is God’s footprints in the sand. He is the one carrying us…all we have to do is ask Him.
May the peace and hope of the Easter Joy carrying you through this current crisis as He carried you through the sand.
Ken Girardin exposes the truth – State knew of UI shortcoming – if you have been furloughed from your job, you, unfortunately, have experienced the shortcomings; your stress level is increased due to this inability to access the unemployment insurance you have been promised. This article will only add to your stress level, but it is important for all to know, how big government has never been about helping the everyday citizen; progressive governments’ empty promises are only made to gain their votes, then they are quickly tossed aside while they serve their master.
Social media is normally a wonderful way to get yours and our messages out to the general public. Our Facebook page is a great way to communicate with others and gives the Conservative Party a way to let you know what we are doing. If you haven’t stopped by the Party’s Facebook Page recently, please do so today and click on our Video section where you will find how our Conservative endorsed candidates for Congress are helping out during the current coronavirus crisis.
(As I noted, social media is normally a wonderful way to communicate with others, until a bump in the road prevents you to access your account. Three weeks ago, we were locked out of Twitter (@cpnys) with no explanation. I have tried my best to contact Twitter; the only response is an auto response telling me to access the code sent to my smart phone and/or email address. It has been 3 very long weeks with no code being sent to either place. If anyone knows how to resolve this, it would be appreciated. BTW their phone # 415-222-9670 only refers you to the website, that I have been contacting for 3 weeks. Thanks for any suggestions.)
Speaking of things not working properly – while I certainly do understand that the number of applications are overwhelming – and no one ever anticipated government closing most non-essential businesses – it really is unbelievable that their technology is so outdated. Government is not spending wisely, but there is nothing new about that fact.
New York’s new budget is all about denial. Note the last sentence of the last paragraph: “The one saving grace is that Cuomo & Co. didn’t raise taxes as New York heads into recession. But if the same crew is running the Legislature after this fall’s elections, you can bet it’ll be their first resort next year.” (emphasis added.)
Joe Mahoney writes in Politico how Albany’s balance of power tilts back to the governor. “Every major bill legislators have passed this session increased the powers of New York’s governor, an office that political scientists already considered to be one of the country’s most powerful.” Based on that observation by Mr. Mahoney, I think the taxpayers of New York could save the entire costs of the Legislature and just elect the Governor since they willingly ceded their obligations to him.
New York Passes ‘Political Budget’ at Exactly the Wrong Time
The state budget passed with less public and legislative input than at any other time in New York State history. Governor Andrew Cuomo should have pigeonholed controversial items in his budget and moved them into the regular legislative session where they belong and could be vigorously debated.
In times of crisis, politics has to take a backseat to pragmatism, and that sadly didn’t occur in Albany this week. While members were away from the chamber and reform advocates were sequestered in their homes, billions of dollars of new borrowing was green-lighted; some small political parties were all but eradicated in New York; a taxpayer-paid campaign system was created; new financial burdens were placed on small business owners, and a massive $3-billion bond issue was approved for the November ballot, among other things. What else the governor stuffed into this budget we will soon find out.
Thankfully, the Conservative Party of New York State is strong, in good standing, and will survive the recommendations suggested by the Public Financing Commission. Our party will continue to operate as normal, our candidates will be on the ballot, and we will far surpass the vote threshold needed to maintain our spot on row C.
Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, virtually no budget debate took place in Albany in the days leading up to the budget’s passage. Senators and assembly members were not present in their respective chambers and votes were taken remotely.
I am also disappointed that judges were deprived of the right to use discretion in determining whether to require cash bail from those arrested for crimes. Law enforcement leaders and prosecutors begged the governor and state legislature to give judges that discretion. Governor Cuomo’s budget further deprived localities of the right to require approval for certain energy development projects, making a mockery of local zoning laws and effectively eliminating “home rule.”
We are looking at a policy-driven budget of misstarts and overreaches, and New Yorkers will pay dearly for it.
Conservative Party Candidates
We are proud to be running a full slate of candidates this November for Congress, State Senate, and State Assembly. The pandemic has interfered with seemingly every aspect of life, including campaigns. While we must suspend all person-to-person campaigning for the safety of our residents, these tough times will pass, and we will be dependent on you more than ever for support.
This year’s budget is yet another example of why we must continue to remember our Congressional, Senate and Assembly candidates, and promote them the best we can.
I ask that you continue to use social media to share some of the great things our candidates are doing for their community, as well as highlight their policies and platforms that would be a vast improvement to what continues to come out of Albany; wasteful spending, dangerous bail reform, and pick pocketing tax payers.
When our quarantine is lifted and we return to life as normal, I ask you to support through volunteering, financial support, and most importantly, your vote.
Chairman’s Note
I want to continue to remember and thank all our essential frontline workers. I believe I speak for everyone when I say we are proud of our medical professionals, our first responders those continuing to supply medications, groceries, and other essential items every day.
I would also like to thank our United States military and National Guard who have mobilized in New York to provide much needed relief. The USNS Comfort arrived this week in New York City providing 1,000 additional beds, and Samaritans Purse has constructed hospital facilities in the Upper East Side in partnership with Mt. Sinai Hospital.
I am extremely grateful for all the organizations that have come together to care for our sick and help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Continue to practice social distancing and maintain sanitary conditions so that we can flatten the curve and return to normal routines.
E. J, McMahon honest assessment of this year’s budget crisis: NY lawmakers letting Cuomo make all tough budget decisions — when he gets to it. Governor Cuomo is a micromanager, a blessing and a curse, and while the legislators have given him the ability to do so expand his control over the budget, albeit, for this year only, Governor Cuomo does not like to cede control once it is handed to him on even if on a tarnished silver platter. And has been proven through the years, the legislators, continue to abdicate their responsibilities by allowing major issues that should stand alone (for example the Criminal Justice Reform adopted in last year’s budget – see related article below) to be passed after a floor debate and vote and not rushed through in budget bills that have little or no time to be methodically reviewed.
With so much on Governor Cuomo’s tarnished silver platter, he still tries to silence those who do not agree with him: Previously Struck Down in Court, New State Campaign Finance System and Political Party Ballot Thresholds Passed in Budget. Flashback: Andrew Cuomo, who said conservatives aren’t welcome in his state, lectures on need to tone down rhetoric. Again, buried in a budget bill, Governor Cuomo places limits on New Yorker’s freedom of association and speech. The Commission he created last year to quash minor parties, was struck down by a Supreme Court Judge, but that hasn’t deterred his quest to silent his critics. Governor, you may be riding high now, but the higher you ride, the deeper you fall. The Conservative Party came before you and will continue long after you are gone. Quick question Governor: if you are so certain you are right about everything, why the need to suppress the First Amendment? Obviously, Gov. Cuomo is not a student of Sir Francis Bacon who said,” This is certain, that a man that studieth revenge, keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal, and do well.”
Tammy Bruce reminds us when you are the best at what you do; both sides want, respect and listen to your expertise and that blind resentment even in a time of crisis sometimes colors the opposition’s judgment.
This is one of the rare times that I indicate a must read column: A Nation’s True Test Comes After the Crisis. Kudos to Lawrence W. Reed for reminding some of us what we may have forgotten and others who were never taught of why we are so very blessed to be Americans.
It is safe to say that Governor Andrew Cuomo should read Mr. Reed’s column.
We seldom, if ever, agree with editorials in the New York Times, however we will admit that today’s editorial, Keep It Simple, Albany. This Is No Time for Budget Games, makes some good points. (Did anyone really think we would agree with all of it?) We, like others, believe that important policy decisions should not be rolled into the budget.
Joe Mahoney, writes in the Lockport Union -Sun and Journal that Cuomo vows to swing ax at state spending. The article explains how the progressives and fiscal hawks are all making their voices heard for their own agendas. One thing is certain, New York was facing a $6 billion deficit prior to the economic catastrophe caused by the closing of businesses and requiring non-essential employees to work at home. Simply put, the NYS Budget cannot add one additional penny to its budget, as it faces a loss of up to $15 billion due to the loss of income caused by government shutting down “non-essential” businesses. The fiscal hawks must win this budget battle; if it doesn’t, New York will see an exodus that exceeds tenfold the one we have experienced in the last ten years.
Here is another comprehensive article on the NYS Budget crisis written by another longtime Albany reporter, Joseph Spector for the Democrat & Chronical today. Needless to say, while NY is in dire financial straits, to pass the recreational use of marijuana in the budget, would be an unconscionable action by the Legislature. Instead of seeing the sale of recreational marijuana as a partial panacea for its financial woes, the Members of the Legislature must consider the severe pitfalls of this Schedule 1 drug.
I want to first start this week’s wrap up by thanking doctors, nurses, EMT’S, medical professionals, first responders, truck drivers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyone else across New York State who has been on the front lines of this fight. I am eternally grateful for your perseverance. We are all, in one way or another, touched by this epidemic. My thoughts and prayers are with our great state.
Coronavirus and What It Means for Candidates
We are living through unprecedented times. Schools have been suspended, businesses across the state have been forced to close, and the Governor has ordered 100% of the non-essential workforce to remain at home in order to help “flatten the curve”, further preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Politically, it has disrupted our calendar, as well as the petition period, which was cut 16 days short. The good news is, the Conservative Party, and county leaders, did everything they needed to do to ensure the party runs a full slate of candidates for federal, state, and local offices. We are excited about our candidates statewide and want to reaffirm our commitment to them, and you, that once we have beaten the virus, we will be doing everything we can to help them get elected.
Discussions to postpone the April 28th Democratic primary to a date in June are ongoing as Board of Election Commissioners statewide are encouraging the Governor to act fast on pushing back the date.
“We have election workers who don’t want to work. We have polling places who don’t want us to be there. We have this stay at home order that we don’t know when that’s going to be lifted,” Onondaga BOE Democratic Deputy Commissioner Dustin Czarny said.
De Blasio Sputters as Trump, Cuomo Shine
In the midst of a public health crisis in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has once again proven his detractors right, he is not up to the job. At a time when the city needs a steady, calming voice to lead the way, the Mayor has fallen short and left NYC residents scrambling to President Trump and Governor Cuomo for answers.
The Mayor continues his attempt to lay blame at the feet of the President, but a recent NY Post article confirms what we already knew, de Blasio himself botched the city’s response to the Coronavirus epidemic from the very beginning, waiting until March 6 to begin ordering the essential supplies needed to fight the virus. Now, according to the article, his administration is in disarray, and not sure where to go.
There are a series of blunders the Mayor wishes he could have back, including this March 2 tweet, “Since I’m encouraging New Yorkers to go on with your lives + get out on the town despite Coronavirus, I thought I would offer some suggestions” de Blasio says, before going on to suggest going to the theatre to see a movie.
Meanwhile, President Trump and Governor Cuomo dominate the headlines. 60% of American’s approve of the President’s response to the health crisis, while Governor Cuomo is being touted as a potential Vice President pick of Joe Biden. Some going as far to suggest that the Governor should be the Democrats nominee for President this November. The President and Governor have often praised each other for their work on behalf of New Yorker’s, while both contradicting and minimizing the Mayor. I guess we can credit de Blasio with one thing; he has managed to bring President Trump and Governor Cuomo into thinking he is in over his head.
We are grateful for the excellent coordination that is being shown between the President and Governor. Their combined efforts are likely saving lives, and will hopefully shorten the duration of the virus. The Mayor, however, has been a miserable failure with his daily hysterical rantings, lack of leadership, and desire to politicize the crisis whenever he gets the chance.
Crisis and the Economy
This crisis has presented a complicated scenario in which the economy cannot be allowed to crash, but cannot be allowed to operate as usual in the interest of Americans and their safety. That, alone, can have long term consequences that could compete with the dangers of the Coronavirus.
A much-needed boost was provided when the United States Senate and House passed the CARES Act, a relief bill – headed to the President for his signature – that will provide Americans, small businesses and large corporations who have been hurt, at no fault of their own, with much needed relief. The package includes $1,200 for Americans who make $75,000 or less, $2,400 per married couple, and $500 per child.
While I am no fan of the entire bill, which Democrats used as a slush fund for many other non-Coronavirus related items, I do realize there is a significant need to provide aid for the millions of Americans who have, and will continue, to lose their jobs.
The President has voiced his interest in re-opening many aspects of the economy on April 12 in areas that have not been greatly affected by the virus, but insists he will do so at the advice and consultation of White House Coronavirus task force experts, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx, and others.
Yesterday’s daily update included this article Cuomo: ‘Numbers don’t work’ in ‘terrible’ Senate stimulus package, in which Gov. Cuomo complained that New York was not getting enough money in the $2T “Coronavirus Bill.” E.J. McMahon, writes in the Empire Center about how the stimulus bill treats NY. While the rest of the nation swoons over Governor Cuomo’s handling of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Mr. McMahon, rightfully points out the WSJ editorial (subscription required) on the Bill and that Governor Cuomo’s “beef arises from his own more direct concern: a state government revenue shortfall he now estimates at $10 billion to $15 billion.”
The exodus from New York continues. (In the above article where Gov. Cuomo says the numbers don’t work, Gov. Cuomo states “We’re not a big-spending state. I cut taxes every year,” Cuomo added. “I have the lowest growth rate of the state budget in modern political history. We are frugal and we are efficient,” which begs the question, why are New Yorkers still moving out of New York?)
Most government employees will not face the same economic problems that private employees will face as New York battles the coronavirus. They have generous vacation and sick time that can be used during this medical emergency, with that being understood, it seems to be reasonable to postpone their 2% pay increase until New York regains its financial footing.
While everyone complains about the ever-increasing costs of prescription drugs, after learning about that many of our prescription drugs are manufactured in China, would people be willing to pay more knowing they are manufactured in America. I certainly would. Is US Too Dependent on China for Medical Supplies?
For Immediate Release
March 25, 2020
Contact: Shaun Marie
518-356-7882
cpnys.org @cpnys
Statement by State Chairman Gerard Kassar on Senator John Flanagan’s retirement.
Brooklyn, NY — “John Flanagan has been a dedicated public servant for more than thirty years, as an assemblyman, senator, and senate leader. I have worked closely with him during those years and consider him a friend. The New York State Conservative Party thanks Senator Flanagan for his long service, and wishes him the best in all future endeavors.”
