New York State Insider: New York State Attorney General: Attorney General James Issues Statement on Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s Retirement.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2022.

Attorney General James Issues Statement on
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s Retirement.

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following statement on the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer from the United States Supreme Court:

“Justice Stephen Breyer has offered this country 27 years of tireless service and unwavering commitment to justice throughout his time on the Supreme Court. During times of great political division and social upheaval, he remained a beacon of legal integrity and a powerful advocate for the rule of law. 

“Justice Breyer oversaw some of the most important legal issues of our time, including decisions on abortions, guns, religion, and race — and he never failed to navigate these issues with pragmatism and great care. This country is lucky to have benefited from his legal wisdom and sensibility, and I thank Justice Breyer for his decades of service and dedication. 

“I would also like to take this time to congratulate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on the start of her service to the Supreme Court. I join millions of Americans throughout the country in celebrating this important and historic moment.”

New York State Insider: [PRESS STATEMENT] Senator Biaggi Introduces Legislation to Target the Sale and Distribution of Semi-Automatic Rifles.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 28th, 2022.

Senator Biaggi Introduces Legislation to Target the Sale and Distribution of Semi-Automatic Rifles.

ALBANY, NY – New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi introduced legislation S9481 to allow a private right of action against individuals, firms, corporations, or associations who manufacture, distribute, or sell semi-automatic rifles in New York State. New Yorkers will be legally permitted to bring cases against those who allow semi-automatic rifles to enter our communities with deadly consequences.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“Our nation’s deadliest shootings, including both Buffalo and Uvalde all possess a common denominator –– the use of an AR-15. If we are to take bold and transformative action to tackle our gun violence epidemic head on, then we must do something to limit the sale and distribution of these deadly weapons. This is why I am proud to introduce S9481, which would allow for a private right of action against a person for manufacturing, distributing, transporting, or importing into the state, selling, giving, or lending a semi-automatic rifle, including AR-15 style semi automatic rifles. After witnessing how other states like California faced legal challenges when attempting to regulate semi-automatic weapons, this legislation offers an alternative approach to tackle the  issue. 

Semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15s, are currently legal under New York State law, despite their innately lethal characteristics. Bullets fired from an AR-15 are shot with exceeding velocity, escalating typically sustainable injuries into immediate fatalities. These dangerous weapons have absolutely no place in our communities, and we must utilize every tool at our disposal to get them off our streets. The California Assembly recently passed similar legislation targeting assault weapons through a private right of action, and I sincerely hope that New York will follow suit in enacting progressive, impactful action against gun violence.” 

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON ZELDIN PRIMARY VICTORY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2022.

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON ZELDIN PRIMARY VICTORY.

 

 

Brooklyn, NY - “Congressman Lee Zeldin’s clear victory tonight gives him a tremendous head of steam leading into November’s general election. With the Republican and Conservative parties united behind Lee, we’re well on our way toward retiring Governor Kathy Hochul and her failed ‘woke’ progressivism.  

 

“The Conservative Party was the first to support Congressman Zeldin for governor, and we will continue campaigning with him in every corner of New York State. Change is long overdue in New York, and tonight’s win is the first step toward a larger victory in November.” 

 

New York State Insider: Election 2022 News: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON DECISION HALTING NON-CITIZEN VOTING IN NEW YORK.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27 2022.

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON DECISION HALTING NON-CITIZEN VOTING IN NEW YORK.

Brooklyn, NY - “As a plaintiff in this case, and as Chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, I congratulate the New York State Supreme Court on today’s wise decision. Voting in this country is a right logically reserved for citizens. 

 

“This decision puts a check on a radical New York City Council that had hoped to establish a precedent for non-citizen voting across New York State. Such an action would have undermined the power of citizens to elect representatives of their choosing. 

 

“In its decision, the Court applied common sense, something New York progressive Democrats have long forgotten how to use. This is a major victory for New York voters of all parties. It’s a victory for reason over a woke ideology that is damaging our state.” 

New York State Insider: New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti 92nd District: Abinanti Pledges State Assistance For Pocantico Lake.

 

ABINANTI CALLS FOR COUNTY TO PURCHASE POCANTICO LAKE PROPERTY.

Pledges Support for State Assistance.

Assemblymember Tom Abinanti (Greenburgh/Mt.Pleasant) is calling for the County of Westchester to purchase the property abutting Pocantico Lake in Mount Pleasant which is proposed for a 31-unit subdivision. 
 
Assemblymember Abinanti said:
 
“Pocantico Lake and its adjoining county park have served as a place of respite for Westchester residents and for wildlife for over three decades.

Developing this property would endanger the beautiful Lake, a backup water supply, and adversely affect the whole region.

We need the Board of Legislators to act now to save this property before the developer gains any development rights from the town which would skyrocket the price.

During my time in office, I have helped save over 400 acres through county purchase and county-state partnerships and helped obtain additional state monies to improve numerous parks. I pledge my support to gain state cooperation and assistance in this county acquisition.”

New York State Insider: New York State Attorney General: Attorney General James Issues Statement on SCOTUS Decision.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2022.

Attorney General James Issues Statement
on U.S. Supreme Court Decision.

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, striking down the fundamental federal right to abortion:

“Today’s ruling is a vicious, dangerous, and deliberate attack on our most basic freedom as humans. Every single person in this country should have the right to make their own decisions about their own bodies. But make no mistake: We will not go back to the inhumane and restrictive pre-Roe era. Regardless of the situation at the national level, New York will always be a safe haven for anyone seeking an abortion. I will work tirelessly to ensure that low-income New Yorkers and people from hostile states have access to the care they need and deserve. I will always fight to protect our right to make decisions about our own bodies and expand access to this critical and lifesaving care.”

New York State Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer: Senator Shelley B. Mayer Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade.

 

Date: June 24, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senator Shelley B. Mayer Statement On SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade.

"This decision is absolutely devastating to millions of American women, and completely inconsistent with the views of the majority of women and men in this country. A constitutional right, granted expressly nearly 50 years ago, has been simply eliminated by this Trump-appointed Supreme Court majority, even though they pledged under oath to respect court precedent. A woman's right to decide her future, to become a parent or not, and to make decisions about her body cannot be relegated to a state-by-state approach that will allow the complete ban on abortions in many states. In New York State, we will continue to do everything we can to protect the right to abortion for New Yorkers and all those from other states who seek care from medical providers here. But at the same time, this decision, and the terrible Supreme Court decision on New York's concealed carry law issued yesterday, make it clearer than ever - elections have consequences and we must use the power of our vote to make sure our voices are heard and respected. Our hearts are heavy today, but we will not be deterred."

New York State Insider: [PRESS STATEMENT] Senator Biaggi Issues Statement on SCOTUS Abortion Ruling.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 24th, 2022.

Senator Biaggi Issues Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Ruling.

NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“I am very rarely at a loss for words, but today I nearly am. Let me be clear: Today is a nightmare for our nation. The Supreme Court has made the barbaric decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark case which upheld the right to an abortion in the U.S. for 50 years. The implications of this decision cannot be overstated –– abortion will be banned effectively in at least 22 states and give others the green light to enact further restrictions on reproductive care –– a ruling that flies in the face of what the public wants, even in the states that will soon move to ban abortion completely. 

We are in this position because of a decades-long, right-wing religious extremist campaign to take away our rights and control women. It is also the result of a failure of Democrats to do what needs to be done to protect abortion access and abortion rights. Today must be a call to action to use every tool possible at the state and federal level to expand and protect access to abortion.

Abortions will not end with this decision, only safe abortions will. Countless women will die as a result of the Court’s actions today. And it is Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, immigrant, young, and poor individuals who will suffer the most.

Congress must codify the right to an abortion and repeal the Hyde Amendment IMMEDIATELY, WITHOUT DELAY –– the legislative provision which bars the use of federal funds to pay for abortion, except in instances of rape or incest. While New York took critical steps to protect and expand abortion rights and access this legislative session, our work is far from complete. New York must provide continued support to people seeking care, abortion providers, and abortion facilitators, and pass the Equality Amendment.

The Supreme Court today no longer represents the interests of the American people nor can it be trusted to protect our civil liberties and fundamental rights. I reiterate my calls for Congress to expand the Supreme Court. 

Abortions are more than just life-saving healthcare — they provide individuals with autonomy and control over their bodies and lives –– the basic American right. We may have known this was coming, and the fight is not over, but as a member of the New York State Senate, as a New Yorker, as a Catholic woman, and as an American, I am horrified and am filled with rage.”

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 24, 2022.

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON

OVERTURNING OF ROE V. WADE.

 

Brooklyn. NY - “Roe v. Wade was a constitutionally flawed decision that never should have been issued. Scholars have known that for decades. Today’s Supreme Court ruling simply returns abortion laws to state’s, which always should have maintained purview over this issue. 

 

“Today’s decision is a great victory for those who value unborn life. It’s been 50 years in the making, and the New York State Conservative Party could not be more pleased.” 

 

New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham: We Will Not Stop Our Fight.

 

It has been a sad and unsettling week, to say the least. But I will not stop fighting for our values.

 

Even though the right-wing majority of the U.S. Supreme Court nullified New York’s public carry law, so any individual can now possess a handgun outside of a residence.

 

I will not stop the fight for safe communities.

 

And even though SCOTUS struck down Roe v. Wade, as expected, thus ending federal protections for a woman’s right to choose.

 

I will not stop the fight for justice and respect.

 

In the New York State Senate, I have passed common sense gun safety laws and legislation protecting women’s reproductive healthcare rights.

 

These are laws that will safeguard our residents, today and tomorrow.

 

Thank you.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Pete

New York State Insider: New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti 92nd District: New Sidewalks for West Hartsdale Avenue.

 

New Sidewalks for West Hartsdale Avenue

I was pleased to meet with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado as he announced the State will pay for new sidewalks.  New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti 92nd District.

New York State Insider: News from New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti 92nd District.

 

Advocates for people with disabilities have filed a federal lawsuit against the State Department of Health (DOH) and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to challenge the State's allowing people to languish in hospitals, nursing homes, and immediate care facilities instead of supporting them in appropriate residences in the community. 

 Assemblymember Abinanti has long protested the State's failure to appropriately meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities. He has intervened on behalf of individuals stuck in hospitals and other inappropriate settings. He recently passed legislation for OPWDD to recognize Innovative Housing Alternatives (The legislation awaits Senate action). 

New York State Insider: News from New York State Assemblyman Tom Abinanti 92nd District.

 

$60M+ State Flood Mitigation Project Temporarily Closes Parkway Entrance.

Marble Avenue (Pleasantville) ramps to the Saw Mill River Parkway are expected to close weeknights June 22- July 1.  The New York State Department of Transportation has initiated a multi-faceted project in Westchester County, which includes the Saw Mill River Parkway bridges over the Saw Mill River. The project, which includes drainage improvements and the reconstruction of roadways prone to flooding, will enhance safety and improve the region's resiliency during storm events.  The State is rebuilding bridges on the SMRP to elevate them to meet 100-year flood projections. A 1.3-mile stretch of roadway is being stabilized  to divert water from the road and mitigate settling. During construction, lane closures will be required on the Parkway.

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON CONCEALED CARRY GUNS.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2022.

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON CONCEALED CARRY GUNS.

 

Brooklyn, NY - “Today’s Supreme Court decision is a step in the right direction for millions of Americans who’ve been arbitrarily denied their Constitutional right to self-protection for decades. This ruling will give law-abiding New Yorkers the option of protecting themselves with a firearm in a state with significant crime issues. Violent criminals have never hesitated to carry guns illegally obtained. Maybe they’ll think twice now before committing additional crimes.” 

 

New York State Insider: [PRESS RELEASE] Senator Biaggi Releases Statement on NYC Rent Guidelines Board Decision to Increase Rents.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 23rd, 2022.

Senator Biaggi Releases Statement on NYC Rent Guidelines Board Decision to Increase Rents.

NEW YORK, NY – This week, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board voted 5 to 4 to allow landlords to raise rents on one-year leases by 3.25 percent in rent-stabilized homes, and by 5 percent on two-year leases– the most significant rent increase since the Bloomberg administration. 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“In the midst of a housing crisis and soaring inflation, the NYC Rent Guidelines Board has made the unconscionable decision to increase rents by 5 percent on 2-year leases and 3.25 percent on 1-year leases for rent stabilized tenants– impacting over 2 million people. Residents across the city are already struggling to make ends meet. This decision will only result in more working class, low-income, and immigrant New Yorkers being displaced and pushed out of the communities they’ve called home for decades. 

It is both shameful and disappointing that this administration has continuously ignored the needs of struggling tenants, instead choosing to side with wealthy landlords and real estate interests. This decision will only exacerbate our state’s homelessness crisis, without providing any real relief or solutions to those at risk of eviction and displacement. 

I would also be remiss not to mention that the State Legislature failed to address our urgent housing crisis this session. Once again, we were unsuccessful in passing crucial legislation such as Good Cause Eviction which would directly benefit our most vulnerable tenants. Both the City and State must prioritize increasing the supply of housing stock-– particularly affordable housing. Addressing our housing crisis must be a top priority for every level of our government. We must do everything in our power to end this crisis. 

Housing is a human right. Until we ensure that for every New Yorker, we have fallen short in our duty as elected officials. New Yorkers need real relief, not rent hikes.” 

New York State Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer: Senator Shelley B. Mayer Statement on Supreme Court Ruling.

 

Date: June 23, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Senator Shelley B. Mayer Statement on Supreme Court Ruling.

“I am saddened and deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court of the United States. How many times must we ask when enough is enough? I continue to engage with families who are truly and rightfully worried about access to guns in our state and country. Now is not the time to ease our laws and make it easier for people to carry guns in public places. I stand ready to return to Albany and do everything in our power to protect New Yorkers from gun violence.”

New York State Insider: [PRESS STATEMENT] Senator Biaggi Issues Statement on SCOTUS Concealed Carry Gun Law Decision.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 23rd, 2022.

Senator Biaggi Issues Statement on SCOTUS Concealed Carry Gun Law Decision.

NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to strike down a New York gun-control law that required individuals to show "proper cause" to get a license to carry a concealed handgun outside the home. 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“In the last month, we have mourned for Buffalo, Uvalde, Philadelphia, Chattanooga, and countless other shootings in communities across our nation. Today, the Supreme Court has made the incredibly dangerous and irresponsible decision to overturn New York’s concealed carry law. This ruling will have disastrous effects nationwide–leaving millions vulnerable in the face of gun violence. Rather than rule in favor of safety for countless Americans, the Supreme Court has callously sided with the gun lobby and corporate interests.  

The Supreme Court’s politicization is undeniable. The Court has continuously ruled to preserve and protect conservative values over the safety and wellbeing of the American public. Democrats must use their full power to counter this politicization and build a Court that prioritizes our civil liberties and fundamental rights. It’s time to expand the Court.

Let me be abundantly clear: while this ruling is both disturbing and terrifying, it is not surprising. We have seen this Court’s political proclivity overshadow their constitutional oath to administer justice. I stand at the ready for a special session of the New York State Legislature to counter this ruling and enact the strongest protections possible to keep our communities safe.”

New York State Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: Astorino Releases 15 Promises to New York Voters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ASTORINO RELEASES 15 PROMISES TO NEW YORK VOTERS.

“A Rare Politician Who Lives up to His Promises” - 

The Journal News, 10-31-17.

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON MAINE SCHOOL FUNDING.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2022.

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON MAINE SCHOOL FUNDING.

Brooklyn, NY - “Government religious discrimination, which for decades has denied school funding to students attending parochial, yeshivas, and other non-public schools, is just that — government sanctioned religious discrimination. Today’s long overdue 6-3 Supreme Court decision finally makes right an egregious wrong that has prevented countless lower-income students from getting the education they need to compete in the 21st Century. That will now thankfully change. The Conservative Party loudly applauds today’s decision.”

 

New York State Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: Endorsement Alert: NY Daily News Endorses Republican Harry Wilson in Republican Party Primary for NYS Governor: Elections 2022.

 

https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-edit-gop-primary-20220618-v4jiwfk65rdudb4efdl4kyxf3q-story.html

New York State Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: Endorsement Alert: Buffalo News Endorses Astorino in Republican Primary for Governor: Elections 2022.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THE BUFFALO NEWS ENDORSES ASTORINO IN 

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR GOVERNOR. 

“Astorino claims to be the most qualified and most electable of the four Republicans running. He’s right.”

New York-June 17…The Buffalo News has endorsed former two-term Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in the June 28 Republican Primary for governor, citing his “successful executive and political experience” and disciplined fiscal stewardship, the Astorino campaign today announced. 

 

“Astorino claims to be the most qualified and most electable of the four Republicans running. He’s right,” the editors wrote. 

“Astorino has shown what a center-right Republican can do in this state. In overwhelmingly Democratic Westchester County, he was elected to two four-year terms as county executive. In that role, he eliminated a budget deficit and left office with a county budget of $1.8 billion – the same size as the one that he started with eight years earlier. In all eight of his years, the county’s Board of Legislators was in Democratic control.

“That should be encouraging to anyone skeptical that a Republican can succeed in blue New York. It takes backbone, skill and a willingness to work with political adversaries. That speaks well of Astorino…”

Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is the strongest Republican candidate for governor. Early voting begins on Saturday and the party primary is on June 28.

Bebeto Matthews/Associated Press

News Editorial Board

Four candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for New York governor. Two are worthy and, of those, one has significant and successful executive political experience. For that reason, we endorse former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

Astorino has shown what a center-right Republican can do in this state. In overwhelmingly Democratic Westchester County, he was elected to two four-year terms as county executive. In that role, he eliminated a budget deficit and left office with a county budget of $1.8 billion – the same size as the one that he started with eight years earlier. In all eight of his years, the county’s Board of Legislators was in Democratic control.

That should be encouraging to anyone skeptical that a Republican can succeed in blue New York. It takes backbone, skill and a willingness to work with political adversaries. That speaks well of Astorino, though we’re not at all sure the overwhelmingly Democratic State Legislature would be as welcoming as Westchester’s Board.

Astorino says he supports enhanced background checks for guns, as well as effective and fair red flag laws, but he played to the right-wing crowd by criticizing politicians who “rushed out to shamefully politicize” the massacre in Uvalde, Texas. Gun control is a political matter, by its nature – it takes no politicizing – and no one is rushing. These issues have been discussed for years. Such is the boilerplate of the Republican Party. 

Unsurprisingly, then, he’s more interested in hardening schools against assault than doing something about access to military-style weapons.

On budgets, he wants to “rein in spending,” and proposes to reduce the number of tax brackets to three from the current 10 and to lower their rates. He touts his environmental record, which is real, but wants to streamline the environmental review process to speed projects.

Equally impressive in his approach is businessman Harry Wilson, running on his history of turning around troubled companies. His bona fides are significant enough that the state Republican Party was practically begging him to run for governor. He initially declined, though, and the party turned to Rep. Lee Zeldin of Suffolk County.

But the outsider as political savior is becoming shopworn. Only former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has succeeded in a high-profile position. Maybe Wilson could be another Bloomberg, but Astorino already has a record of success.

As to the others, Zeldin disqualified himself by voting, in the immediate aftermath of an insurrection, to reject electors pledged to Joe Biden. He defends the action as routine, but an insurrection isn’t routine. It was terrible judgment and, for a governor, judgment is the coin of realm.

Finally, Andrew Giuliani simply has no business in this race. He worked for the Trump administration, but has never led any large organization, let alone one as complex and sprawling as New York. It’s not a job for beginners.

Astorino claims to be the most qualified and most electable of the four Republicans running. He’s right.