New York State Senator Pete Harckham: Honoring 81-Year Veteran of South Salem FD.

 

It was an honor to award John Waldie Gullen a Senate Proclamation and thank him for his 81 years as a volunteer firefighter in the South Salem Fire Department. I took the opportunity to present the award during the department’s annual Inspection Dinner.

New York State Insider: State Senator Pete Harckham: Thornwood FD Gets New Emergency Equipment.

 

I visited the Thornwood Fire Department recently to inspect the new air compressor fill and workstation used to replenish the air cylinders for the self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) worn by the firefighters. The equipment was acquired through a $77,000 state grant that I secured for the department. Thank you to Fire Commissioner Jim Finn (left) and Asst. Chief Ryan Rodgers (right) for demonstrating this great new device.

New York State Insider: State Senator Pete Harckham: Exceptional Leaders Honored for Black Women's History Month.

 

I presented special Senate Proclamations to Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie and Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) Board Chair Dr. Valya Dessaure to commemorate Black Women’s History Month. Throughout their careers, these two women have benefited our communities in many ways and in doing so they exemplify a model of remarkable achievement and ready willingness to help others.

New York State Insider: State Senator Pete Harckham: Blood Drive Scheduled to Help Address Blood Shortage.

 

I will be partnering with the New York Blood Center to hold my fifth blood drive at the Ossining Public Library, on on Thursday, May 11 from 1-7 p.m.  Sadly, there is still a blood shortage in the Hudson Valley region. Someone needs blood every two seconds, and the donated blood can help not only accident victims, but also those undergoing cancer treatment, certain surgeries and treatment blood disorders. 

https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/304997?emci=e9578e26-ede5-ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&emdi=b744d42e-96e6-ed11-8e8b-00224832eb73&ceid=5849510

New York State Insider: State Senator Pete Harckham: Korean War Veterans Visit the State Capitol.

 

I welcomed more than 20 Korean War Veterans to the New York State Capitol recently and thanked them personally for their service to our country in what some wrongly have called the “forgotten war.” We are eternally grateful to the men and women who fought in this war, which Korean Veterans will tell you was unlike any other war. The trip was arranged by the Westchester County State Senate delegation.

New York State Insider: Pete Harckham: Life Saving Narcan Training in North Salem.

 

More than 30 first responders and interested residents took part in my ninth Narcan training, this time co-sponsored by Westchester Legislator Erika Pierce and hosted by the North Salem Ambulance Corps. A person equipped with naloxone a.k.a. Narcan and the training to use it properly can save someone’s life and give them an opportunity to enter recovery. Thanks to NSVAC Emergency Coordinator Kurt Gulden and Mandee Nann from the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for making the event possible. (Pictured with Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce and Kurt Guldan from NSVAC).

New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham: Important Substance Use Disorder Bill Passes Senate.

 

Thanks are due to my Senate colleagues for passing my legislation (S.5163) that designates substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, peer-led recovery support and transition programs as essential medical services inside the state’s correctional facilities. We know how effective these modes for substance use disorder are, and our top priority needs to be the healthfulness of our residents, no matter where they are.

New York State Insider: State Senator Pete Harckham: Senate Passes Two of My Environmental Bills on Earth Day.

 

Two environmental bills that I sponsored passed in the state Senate’s “Earth Day” legislation package. One bill (S.1725A) protects Class C streams and waterways, and another bill (S.5331) expands food scraps recycling. The streams bill is designed to ensure the quality of drinking water and permits residents to enjoy activities on certain waterways; and the food bill is good for the environment and will help feed many residents. I am pictured making the announcement about the legislation.

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 26, 2023

 

STATEMENT ON PASSING OF JEFF BULEY.

Brooklyn-NY…“Jeff Buley was a friend of the Conservative Party, and a personal friend of mine. He was a brilliant attorney who contributed immeasurably to the many political causes he served over a period of decades, and you’ll never find a kinder or gentler man. 

“The loss of Jeff Buley is a profound loss to his friends, and to the state he long served. He will be missed.”  - Gerard Kassar, Chairman New York State Conservative Party 

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2023

 

NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN’S MUTED REELECTION RUN ANNOUNCEMENT.

Brooklyn-NY…“If President Biden was hoping to quell excitement over his planned reelection bid, he has succeeded magnificently. His announcement hardly caused a ripple in the news media, and, even in political circles, it’s being met with lethargy. 

“This totally unremarkable President appears to have no agenda — other than to borrow and spend money — and he has no rationale whatsoever for another term."

“The good news is that crickets sound a lot nicer than gaffes.” - Gerard Kassar, Chairman New York State Conservative Party

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2023

 

CONSERVATIVE PARTY CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF ASSEMBLYMAN SLATER BILL TO PROTECT NEW YORKERS FROM FOREIGN ENEMIES AT HOME.

Brooklyn-NY…The New York State Conservative Party is calling for immediate passage of legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-C, Putnam/Westchester) that would prohibit China, Russia, and other nations of concern from purchasing real property throughout the Empire State. 

The bill, A. 5301, follows the alarming arrests of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intelligence officers who have been operating spy centers in New York City and across the nation. (These are CCP spy centers, not Chinese “police stations,” as they’ve been carelessly described.) 

“Whether its spy balloons, cyber attacks or the recent arrest of Chinese Communist Party agents in New York City, America is constantly under attack by foreign enemies,” Assemblyman Slater said.  “This legislation will prohibit China, Russia and any other nation of concern from owning property in the Empire State.  New York must take action to protect its citizens and safeguard our property and natural resources from foreign influence.”

“The New York State Legislature has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard its citizens from foreign threats on U.S. soil,” said State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “The Party urges every elected legislator to place the long term safety of New Yorkers (and all Americans) above the acquisition of real property by foreign countries and entities that the Department of State identifies as places of particular concern. We commend Assemblyman Slater for stepping forward with bold legislation that, if passed, will send a message around the world: New York will proactively defend itself against foreign transgressions.” 

New York State Insider: Press Release: Senator Shelley B. Mayer is joined by State Assemblymembers, Local Elected Officials, and Supporters to Urge for Raise the Wage.

 

Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblymembers Chris Burdick, Steve Otis, Dana Levenberg, and MaryJane Shimsky, Local Elected Officials, and Supporters Urge that the Final State Budget Include the “Raise the Wage” Act.  Over 80 Lawmakers, 30 Labor Unions, and 160 Organizations Support a $21.25 Minimum Wage.

(Westchester, NY) – New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer was joined by Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Assemblyman Steve Otis, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, Westchester County Legislators, and supporters of “Raise the Wage” to urge that the final state budget includes proposed legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $21.25 by January 1, 2026 and index it to inflation thereafter. With the ever-increasing cost of living, especially housing and a minimum wage in most of New York stalled at $15 an hour, wages are now worth 15 percent less than in 2019. Working families are left to make hard choices to make ends meet. The Raise the Wage Act has earned support from over 80 Albany lawmakers, 30 labor unions, 300 businesses, and 160 advocacy organizations. The legislation is also extremely popular among New Yorkers, with recent polling showing that 80% of New Yorkers – including 65% of Republican voters – support raising the minimum wage to $21.25 before indexing it. The press conference comes after over 15 Westchester organizations and individuals sent a letter to state leadership urging them to pass a $21.25 minimum wage. Signatories include the Westchester Library Service, YWCA, Westchester Women’s Agenda, Westchester Children’s Association, Hope’s Door, Neighbors Link, and more. These organizations have seen first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis is forcing Westchester families to make difficult decisions–like deciding between paying rent or buying groceries. Indexing New York’s minimum wage without a catch-up first would lock in poverty wages for minimum wage workers, and would be futile for low-wage workers who make slightly above minimum wage. New York State is not alone in grappling with a dire affordability crisis – many states and cities are working to raise their minimum wages by 2027. High cost regions of the country, including Washington, D.C., Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle have set minimum wages in the $17 to $18 range and are projected to reach $20 to $21 by 2027. High cost states like Massachusetts are proposing to raise their wages to $20 by 2027 in response to the sky-rocketing cost of living. The Raise the Wage Act would deliver a meaningful raise similar in scale to the $15 minimum wage—which delivered large raises to one in three New Yorkers without causing any job loss.  Five independent studies have found that New York’s 2016 legislation, which raised the minimum wage to $15, led to historic reductions in poverty and earnings inequality in New York and did not hurt job growth. In fact, both upstate and down, jobs in New York grew as fast, and in many cases faster, as similar counties in states that didn’t raise the minimum wage during that period. Raising the minimum wage also boosted sales at local businesses across New York and helped businesses keep their employees, saving them recruitment and retention costs. Westchester County Legislators Terry Clements, David Imamura, Damon R. Maher, Catherine Parker, and Erika Pierce were also present; along with representatives from the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, 32BJ SEIU, the Westchester Library System, Westchester Women’s Agenda Board, Hope’s Door, Neighbor’s Link, Bloomy Cheese & Provisions, Don Bosco Workers, and the Community Resource Center, were all present to show their support for the Raise the Wage Act.  Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am proud to stand with my colleagues, workers, business owners, and supporters of the Raise the Wage Act. With the ever-increasing cost of living, the minimum wage of $15 an hour, which was an important achievement, is no longer acceptable. Full-time employees earning the minimum wage in the New York suburbs simply cannot sustain  themselves and their families. It is far too difficult to rent a one or two bedroom apartment, pay for utilities and other necessities at the current wage. Other states have demonstrated that raising the minimum wage brings greater prosperity to the state, businesses, and most importantly, people. It's time to raise the wage to 21.25 by 2026, and index it going forward, so that all New Yorkers can afford the basic necessities and allow their families to thrive and live with dignity.” “We must include the Raise the Wage Act in our state budget. We need to have a livable wage. People shouldn’t have to work more than one full-time job just to put a roof over their heads and food on the table. This simply can’t wait,” said Assemblyman Chris Burdick.  Assemblyman Steve Otis said, "With the rising cost of living and high inflation, it is important that the State take action to protect some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers by raising the minimum wage annually and providing for its enforcement. The minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation over the decades. I advocate for inclusion of this proposal in the state budget." Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg said, "There are people in our state working full-time hours and facing housing insecurity.  We cannot expect people to continue to work for wages that don't help them meet their basic needs. To retain the workers that power so much of our economy, we must raise New York's minimum wage and peg it to inflation." “Our workers are suffering what amounts to a pay cut, simply by earning the same minimum wage that they earned in 2019. We therefore need to index the minimum wage to inflation, so that our working families don't fall behind again. For New Yorkers living near or below the poverty line, these changes cannot come soon enough,” said Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimksy.  Senator Pete Harckham said, “I support the legislation that will raise the minimum wage to $21.25 an hour and then index it to inflation for one simple reason: too many hardworking New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet because of increased costs. New Yorkers should be able to provide support and basic sustenance for themselves and their families without having to work two or three jobs. Raising the minimum wage will help the state’s workers pay their bills and also help build careers while strengthening our communities for the challenges ahead.” "Every worker has a fundamental right to a livable, dignified wage. As the cost of living and basic necessities continue to soar, working people across New York state are struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck on stagnant wages that have fallen behind many other states across the nation. This disparity is unacceptable and compounds systemic inequalities that disproportionately hurt communities of color and prevent families from achieving economic stability and upward mobility,” said Senator Jamaal Bailey. “Passing the Raise the Wage Act is not only a moral imperative, but smart policy that will bring countless individuals out of poverty and make a meaningful investment in the long-term economic future of our state. I want to thank bill sponsors Senator Ramos and Assemblymember Joyner, Senator Mayer, and all of the co-sponsors in the legislature for supporting this important piece of legislation and their commitment to economic justice for the hardworking individuals who are the backbone of our communities." “New York’s minimum wage has serious impacts for many families, making it difficult to earn enough to put food on the table, make rent, and pay for utilities. These New Yorkers are the backbone of our communities, and raising the minimum wage affects all of us,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “With higher wages, workers would gain access to better childcare, healthcare, and education, allowing their families, and in turn our economy, to thrive. Now is the moment to pass the Raise the Wage Act to increase the minimum wage and lift up workers throughout New York State.” “New Yorkers are facing a cost-of-living crisis. With record high costs families are not earning enough to meet their basic needs of food and housing. In Westchester County 20% of families are low income or in poverty. Forty percent of our neighbors live paycheck to paycheck.  Families need the Raise the Wage Act to restore the minimum wage to $21.25 and then index it going forward. We know what works; in these final days of budget negotiations, we are counting on our State leaders to get it done for our children and their families,” said Allison Lake, Executive Director, Westchester Children’s Association, Member New York State’s Child Poverty Reduction Act Advisory Council. “As the CEO of YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, I stand with low-wage workers in stressing the importance of raising the minimum wage. No full-time worker should have to struggle to afford basic necessities like housing. This issue affects not only low-income individuals but also many women of color who are often forced to choose between their family's economic security and their health. Let us not forget the rising income inequality among Asians and other minoritized groups in this country, which highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions, beginning with raising the minimum wage. It's time for us to take bold steps toward economic justice and equity for all,” said Tiffany Hamilton, CEO of the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester. “Paying employees a living wage is essential to ensuring that an organization can not only attract and retain qualified people, but that those people can also live in the communities where they work. In 2023, Westchester Library System chose to lead by example and implemented an internal minimum wage to ensure that all our employees could thrive in the communities in which they serve the public good. WLS is proud to support the millions of workers making between $16 and $20 an hour that would have a better opportunity to thrive, and live where they work with a $21.25 minimum wage,” said Rob Caluori, Chief Financial Officer, Westchester Library System (WLS). “I’ve been listening to trickle down economic theories for more decades than I care to count – it’s time we increased efforts to move the bottom up. And who’s at the bottom and would benefit from the increase? Not surprisingly, 55% of those benefiting would be women and 61% would be persons of color. Let me be very clear, increasing the minimum wage to $21.25  is essential to reducing poverty while advancing gender and racial equity,” said CarlLa Horton, Executive Director of Hope’s Door. “Throughout Westchester County, low income families are facing a cost-of-living crisis. People often cannot afford to live anywhere near where they work, but then also struggle to pay for the cost of transportation. Many families are facing stark choices between paying rent or buying groceries. It is critically important that we recognize the value of all workers by raising New York’s minimum wage and indexing it to inflation. We should stand with workers who are the backbone of New York’s economy,” said Robert Zumba, Worker Center Coordinator, Neighbors Link.

New York State Insider: New York State Attorney General James: Attorney General James Releases Statement on Supreme Court’s Order on Medication Abortion.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

April 21, 2023

Attorney General James Releases Statement
on Supreme Court’s Order on Medication Abortion.

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court granted a stay pending appeal in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, meaning that the lower court orders placing restrictions on access to the abortion medication, mifepristone, will not take effect while the appeals process continues:   

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a major relief for millions of Americans who have been worried about access to their reproductive health care. As the appeals process moves forward, I will use the full force of my office to help ensure that medication abortion options, including mifepristone, remain available and protected in New York. It’s your body, and it should always be your choice.” 

Attorney General James has been a national leader in protecting access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion. In April, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging the Court to temporarily block the lower court ruling restricting medication abortion access. This brief was part of Attorney General James’ leadership on this issue, as she also led a coalition in February to submit an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court case challenging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of mifepristone, and last week, she submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to support efforts to maintain FDA-approval of mifepristone. In March, Attorney General James, together with Governor Hochul, sent a letter to the CEOs of Walgreens (owner of Duane Reade), Rite Aid, and CVS to demand answers about the companies’ plans to make the abortion medication mifepristone available in New York state. Following the Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, Attorney General James launched a pro bono legal hotline to provide legal support to patients and health care providers nationwide. To get legal assistance, call the New York abortion rights legal hotline at (212) 899-5567 to know your rights. 

New York State Insider: TOMORROW @ 11 AM: Senator Mayer, Assemblyman Burdick, Local Officials, and Supporters Urge that the Final State Budget includes the “Raise the Wage” Act.

 

Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Local Elected Officials, and Supporters Urge that the Final State Budget Include the “Raise the Wage” Act. Over 80 Lawmakers, 30 Labor Unions, and 160 Organizations Support the Raise the Wage Act.

(WESTCHESTER, NY) – Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblyman Chris Burdick, local elected officials, and supporters of “Raise the Wage” legislation will gather to urge that the final state budget includes proposed legislation to raise the state minimum wage to $21.25 by January 1, 2026 and index it to inflation after that. With the ever-increasing cost of living, especially housing and a minimum wage in most of New York stalled at $15 an hour, wages are now worth 15 percent less than in 2019. Working families are left to make hard choices to make ends meet. The Raise the Wage Act has earned support from over 80 Albany lawmakers, 30 labor unions, 300 businesses, and 160 advocacy organizations. The legislation is also extremely popular among New Yorkers, with recent polling showing that 80% of New Yorkers – including 65% of Republican voters – support raising the minimum wage to $21.25 before indexing it. The press conference will take place in the Lower Lounge of the YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester, located at 515 North Street, White Plains.  Event: Press Conference to Urge that the Final State Budget includes the “Raise the Wage” Act. Who: Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Assemblyman Chris Burdick, Local Elected Officials, Westchester Library Service, YWCA, Westchester Women’s Agenda, Westchester Children’s Association, Hope’s Door, Neighbors Link, 32BJ, and more. Date: Friday, April 21 Time: 11:00 am Location: YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester 515 North Street, White Plains, NY 10605

New York State Insider: Statement from Senator Shelley Mayer on the Confirmations of Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Associate Judge Caitlin Halligan.

 

Statement from Senator Shelley Mayer on the Confirmations of Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Associate Judge Caitlin Halligan.

(ALBANY, NY) - "I want to congratulate Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Associate Judge Caitlin Halligan on their confirmation to the Court of Appeals. I had the opportunity to speak with both judges, review their records, and participate in two thorough Judiciary Committee hearings over the last two weeks. I am confident that under Judge Wilson’s leadership, and with Judge Halligan’s appointment, the Court will once again be a national leader in jurisprudence and a strong check on our regressive Supreme Court.  "Throughout the process of confirming the next Chief Judge, I have sought a leader who will take a broad and inclusive view of the law and prioritize making our court system work for all New Yorkers, especially those who are without attorneys or who have no familiarity with the process. Since becoming an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals in 2015, Judge Wilson’s record demonstrates a penchant for independent thinking and deep respect for the rights of New Yorkers, especially those who are most vulnerable. I am confident from our conversations that he takes seriously the challenge of making our court system work better for all New Yorkers. "Caitlin Halligan has an extremely impressive resume and diverse experience, which I am sure will serve her well on the Court. While her decision to represent certain private clients may raise concern for some, I am encouraged by her extensive record of pro-bono work, including multiple amicus curiae briefs on behalf of important policy issues before the courts that have required her exceptional advocacy. I have confidence she will be a strong addition to the Court of Appeals."

New York State Insider: New York State Attorney General James: Statement from Attorney General James and Governor Hochul on Supreme Court Ruling in New York v. New Jersey.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:      April 18, 2023 Statement from Attorney General James and Governor Hochul on Supreme Court Ruling in New York v. New Jersey. “We are disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision to allow New Jersey to unilaterally withdraw from the Waterfront Commission. For decades, the Waterfront Commission has been a vital law enforcement agency, protecting essential industries at the port and cracking down on organized crime. We will continue to do everything in our power to combat corruption and crime, protect the health of our economy, and ensure the safety of New Yorkers.”

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2023

 

STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY ON HOCHUL BAIL REFORM FIASCO.

Brooklyn-NY…“Governor Kathy Hochul sought almost nothing on bail reform and got even less. This was a complete capitulation to radical elements in the State Legislature. 

“The hands of judges remain tied in sentencing criminals, and there is no change whatsoever to the cashless bail law that has driven the ongoing violent crime wave across the state.

“Governor Hochul whiffed as well, fortunately, on her senseless attempt to force  new zoning laws on suburban communities, the lynchpin of her annual agenda. This is without question the weakest governorship in modern memory. We shudder to think what’s coming.” -- State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN KASSAR.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

April 14, 2023

 

REMARKS FROM NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CHAIRMAN GERARD KASSAR ON BIDEN ADMINISTRATION BANNING CATHOLIC PRIESTS AT WALTER REED.

Brooklyn-NY…“We almost couldn't believe what we were reading: How could the administration of an ostensibly Catholic President ban Catholic priests, through a ‘cease-and-desist’ letter, from providing pastoral care, during Holy Week no less, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where they’ve been serving patients for the past 20 years? Does President Biden really not understand the right of Americans to worship as they see fit? Has his administration really become that radicalized?

“The Conservative Party finds this Biden Administration action downright inexplicable. This has nothing to do with an expired contract and everything to do with the right of Walter Reed patients to seek religious comfort as they see fit, in this case through the good works of the Holy Name College Friary.

“We are hopeful that President Biden will feel the burn of embarrassment and  immediately reverse course in this matter. This cannot stand.”