New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Photo Caption: Gina Arena Voting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

Hudson Valley-Oct. 28…State Senate candidate Gina Arena (SD-40) fills out her ballot at an early-voting polling center on Sunday, October 27 at the Somers Townhouse in Somers, NY. Ms. Arena, a long-time children and families advocate who garnered 47 percent of the vote in 2022, is running in a rematch to make New York safer, more affordable, and commonsensical. Ms. Arena is challenging liberal incumbent State Senator Peter Harckham. Ms. Arena is also a statewide leader in safeguarding Girls Sports from political interference. 

New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District: Early Voting Starts Today!

 

Westchester County: Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27—10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 30—8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 31 – 12 p.m. (noon) until 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 – 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 – 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.    Rockland and Putnam Counties: Saturday, Oct. 26 until Monday, Oct. 28, and Wednesday, Oct. 30 – 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 31 – 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Friday, Nov. 1 until Sunday, Nov. 3 – 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.    For Putnam County Early Voting Polling Locations, click here or visit https://putnamboe.com/early-voting/   For Rockland County Early Voting Polling Locations, click here or visit https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/departments/board-of-elections/early-voting-extended-hours   For Westchester County Early Voting Polling Locations, click here or visit https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/voting/early-voting-2024   Thank you! Sincerely, New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District.

New York State Insider: PRESS RELEASE: Two Stewart-Cousins/Shimsky Traffic Safety Bills Enacted Today by Governor Hochul.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2024

 

Two Stewart-Cousins/Shimsky Traffic Safety Bills Enacted Today by Governor Hochul.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed two bills sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky to permit the use of red light cameras for the first time in the Town of Greenburgh and to permanently extend Dobbs Ferry’s downtown parking permit system. The signing event, held this morning at the Governor’s Manhattan office, included a slate of legislation to expand red light cameras and promote road safety throughout New York State.¹

 

The first bill will allow for the operation of two red light cameras at historically hazardous intersections on East Hartsdale Avenue, in Hartsdale, and Old Army Road, in Edgemont (A.8960B/S.9305). The bill took on additional urgency following the pedestrian death of Stephanie Kavourias, retired Executive Director of the Hartsdale Parking Authority, on East Hartsdale Avenue in August 2023. The State approved the use of red light cameras in Westchester County in 2023, but this is the first approval for their use by the Town of Greenburgh.² Red light running was the cause of 1,149 deaths and 107,000 injuries in the United States in 2022.³

 

The second bill will permanently extend the Village of Dobbs Ferry’s residential parking permit system, which was due to sunset on January 1, 2025 (A.10034/S.9122). The permit system was first enacted in 2015 (Chapter 329, Section 3), and has been successful in alleviating parking and congestion issues for Village residents living near the Dobbs Ferry Metro-North station and commuter lot.

 

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Red light camera programs save lives by enhancing road safety and reducing traffic violations. They are being used more and more throughout the state. Greenburgh officials came to me with a clear need in the Town for the Ardsley and Old Army Road intersection in Edgemont, where red light incidents have occurred, and for the heavily populated East Hartsdale Avenue, where a car out of control killed Stephanie Kavourias, a leader in the community. I hope this action will protect pedestrians and promote responsible driving. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation into law and for her commitment to making our streets safer.”

 

Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for signing these laws to improve local pedestrian and vehicle safety. In our suburbs, roads are becoming ever more crowded and dangerous, and for that reason our local governments need authorization from the State to try new ways to protect the public. The two bills that I sponsored in the Assembly, along with Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins on the Senate side, will allow the Town of Greenburgh to install red light cameras at two hazardous intersections on East Hartsdale Avenue and Old Army Road, and will permanently authorize a Dobbs Ferry parking permit system that has helped to minimize parking problems for residents living near the Village's train station. Road congestion and safety are persistent issues in our suburban downtowns, and these bills give our municipalities the tools they need to address them.”

 

Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said, “I would like to thank Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and the Governor for their actions that will make Greenburgh a safer place for pedestrians and motorists. The red light cameras that have been approved on East Hartsdale Avenue and Old Army Road/Fort Hill Road will encourage motorists to be more careful and will reassure pedestrians that we’re doing everything possible to make our community pedestrian friendly. I believe that red light cameras will save lives.”

 

Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo said, “The passage of the bill for Dobbs Ferry provides relief to neighborhood residents who were unduly burdened by the demand for parking by commuters to New York City. These residents live near the train station and their neighborhood has been inundated by commuters from other states and counties who preferred to park in Dobbs Ferry and take the train to NYC. This bill will reduce traffic, ease the wear and tear on the roads, and make life more bearable for neighborhood residents. The Village is grateful to Assemblymember Shimsky and Senator Stewart-Cousins for their assistance.”

 

As Home Rule legislation, these bills enable local governments to carry out their day-to-day operations pursuant to State law. Home Rule bills are introduced by members of the Legislature in support of resolutions passed by local governments. The authorizations they grant are limited to each municipality.

 

¹ https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-legislation-expand-red-light-camera-programs-and-protect-new-yorkers

² https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-takes-action-improve-traffic-safety-and-protect-new-yorkers#:~:text=This%20included%20signing%20legislation%20that,protect%20drivers%20across%20the%20state

³ https://www.iihs.org/topics/red-light-running#:~:text=By%20the%20numbers,by%20the%20red%20light%20runners

 

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District: NEXT TUESDAY: Our final fundraising event!

 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/phoctober29

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District: Oct. 29th: Our final fundraising event!

 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/phoctober29

New York State Insider: Political AD: Supreme Courts Candidates for New York State Supreme Court Justice, 9th Judicial District.

 

If Justice Matters - Judges Matter.

Re-Elect Justice Colleen D. Duffy

Elect Judge Kyle C. McGovern

Elect Attorney Brett Broge

Elect Judge Mary Anne Scattaretico Naber

For NYS Supreme Court, 9th JD

Early Voting: Saturday, October 26th till Sunday, November 3rd.

Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th.

Check out their Facebook Campaign Page: https://www.facebook.com/nyssupremecourt2024

For More Info, Check out the Campaign Website: https://votesupremejudges.com/

New York State Insider: New York State Conservative Party: Politifact Confirms that Prop 1 Will Threaten Girls Sports in New York.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

October 16, 2024

 

Politifact Confirms that Prop 1 Will Threaten Girls Sports in New York; Statement by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.

 

“The Conservative Party has been warning for months that the carelessly written Prop 1 Ballot Amendment would lead to boys and biological males gaining a Constitutional right to play on girls sports teams in New York. Respected independent media fact checker Politifact confirmed that today - https://buffalonews.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/politifact-new-york-proposition-1-transgender-athletes/article_e9bc7dae-8a5c-11ef-82dd-7ba1ca7dc06e.html. 

 

“For months the political Left has been gaslighting New Yorkers who could see plain as day where this radical amendment would lead. The facts are now on the table. If you care about girls athletics, you must vote ‘no.’ This amendment would set back 50 years of progress.”

 

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

October 15, 2024

NEW YORK STATE CONSERVATIVE PARTY RELEASES STATEWIDE DIGITAL AD — ‘ELECT DONALD J. TRUMP ON ROW C’.

Brooklyn, NY - The New York State Conservative Party today announced that it is running a statewide 30-second digital advertisement urging New York voters to support Donald J. Trump for President on Row C - the Conservative Party line. The Conservative Party line has attracted significant numbers of voters and cross-over voters since its founding in 1962, providing the margin of victory for countless candidates.

“New York is ready for a new direction, and a second Trump Presidency will restore sanity to our streets, put more money in our pockets, and make the world a safer place,” said New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. “We are asking New Yorkers to vote for President Trump on Row C to send a clear message across the state that progressivism has run its course here, and that it’s left the state in tatters. It’s time to bring common sense back to New York and back to America.”

The ad, available above, reads:

New York is ready for a new direction.

It's time to vote conservative and support Donald Trump.

As a businessman, Trump created jobs and built a thriving New York economy.

As president, he cut taxes, backed law enforcement, and strengthened our national security.

Trump is ready to secure our borders, rebuild the economy, and restore America's leadership.

Vote conservative for real change.

Look for Row C. on your ballot. Early voting starts soon.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Make your voice heard.

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Gina Arena GOP Candidate for NYS Senate 40th District: SD-40: New Yorkers Worked 682 Million Hours* Just to Pay for Migrant Housing to Date.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ARENA OFFERS FINANCIAL REALITY CHECK:

----

NEW YORKERS WORKED 682 MILLION HOURS* JUST TO 

PAY COST OF MIGRANT HOUSING TO DATE.

----

More Money Than Total Personal Income Tax Revenue from

Entire 40th Senate District. 

 

Hudson Valley-Oct. 15…New Yorkers had to work approximately 682 million hours to raise enough state tax revenue just to cover the cost of migrant housing to date. In fact, the total annual state personal income tax yield from more than 328,000 New Yorkers would be required to foot the bill for the $2.3 billion spent on New York migrant housing thus far. That’s more people than live in the entire 40th Senate District, State Senate candidate Gina Arena today noted. New York is now seeking an additional 14,000 hotel rooms.

 

Ms. Arena, who opposes Sanctuary State policies, made these back-of-a-napkin calculations to offer a reality check of just how much tax revenue New York is spending on the self-inflicted migrant crisis. Ms. Arena noted that funding for migrant services comes from multiple sources so there’s no simple apples-to-apples calculation, but with all tax dollars being fungible, these calculations roughly capture how many hours New Yorkers need to work to raise $2.3 billion in state personal income tax revenue. The figure was calculated based on a $7,000 average annual state income tax bill and a 40-hour work week (40 hours per week multiplied by 52 weeks equals 2,080 work hours per year per worker. $2.3 billion divided by $7,000 equals 328,571 individual taxpayers. 328,000 taxpayers multiplied by 2,080 annual work hours comes to 682 million work hours. The average New York State Senate district has around 320,000 people. A lower average annual tax payment would require even more taxpayers to cover costs.)

 

“New York desperately needs a reality check,” Ms. Arena, a longtime advocate for children and families, said. “When the annual state income tax revenue from an entire state senate district isn’t enough to cover a portion of migrant housing costs, something is seriously wrong with this state. It’s time to wake up to what we’re doing to taxpayers.”

 

Ms. Arena, who has children with disabilities, has argued throughout her campaign that the State Legislature has forgotten its priorities: “New Yorkers have enormous hearts,” she said, “but we have real needs of our own. Our road infrastructure is a mess, special needs families aren’t getting enough help, senior centers need rebuilding, and vital school projects go unfunded. At the same time, our taxes are through the roof; healthcare, energy, and insurance costs are some of the most expensive in the nation, and the price of everyday goods remains stubbornly high. To New York progressives this is just another $2.3 billion, but for hundreds of thousands of hardworking New Yorkers it’s the fruit of their annual labor squandered.”

 

*Approximated

 

New York State Insider: *For Immediate Release* Governor Signs Senator Mayer Bill to Authorize Business Interruption Insurance.

 

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** October 14, 2024  Governor Signs Bill Sponsored by Senator Shelley Mayer to  Authorize Business Interruption Insurance.

ALBANY, NY –  Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation by Senator Shelley B. Mayer and former Assembly Member Kenny Burgos (S.9481/A.10342) to authorize insurance providers to offer stand-alone business interruption insurance that does not require physical damage to the property.  Before this legislation, business interruption insurance typically only covered loss of net profits when a peril causes direct physical loss of or damage to insured property, causing the business to close or face a reduction in business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were forced to close in compliance with public health measures. However, because the businesses or properties did not suffer physical damage, these businesses could not take advantage of their insurance policies.  By signing this legislation into law, business interruption insurance will be an authorized kind of insurance that does not require physical property damage and which can be purchased in the event of future pandemics or other events that may result in loss of business without physical damage. State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am pleased that my bill to authorize insurance companies to offer business interruption insurance without physical damage to property has been signed into law by Governor Hochul. As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses struggled due to limitations on their insurance coverage. This legislation will ensure we are providing the necessary support to businesses, particularly small family owned businesses, during times when they suffer loss, but not physical damage to their property. I want to thank former Assembly Member Burgos for sponsoring this legislation in the Assembly and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law.” This bill will go into effect on October 27, 2024.

New York State Insider: New York State Conservative Party: 2024 Fall Reception- October 29th in New Rochelle.

Please join us for the NYS Conservative Party's Fall Reception, on October 29th, at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle! We will have an array of fantastic speakers, Legislators, and Conservative activists in attendance that will be announced in the coming days. This will be a great Pre Election Event you won't want to miss! 

To Get Tickets: https://secure.anedot.com/nyscp/2024fallreception

New York State Insider: SD-40 Photo Cap: Westchester High School Girls Protest Board of Regents Threat to Girls Sports.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

Hudson Valley-Oct. 11…Westchester high school athletes alarmed by a Board of Regents plan to merge Girls and Boys Sports in New York State demonstrate outside a League of Women’s Voters debate Wednesday night in Chappaqua between State Senator Peter Harckham and challenger Gina Arena. Ms. Arena, a pro-choice mother of six girls, has made saving girls-only sports a rallying cry in her campaign for State Senate. Said Ms. Arena: “After 52 years of Title IX progress, New York has shamefully become the national leader in discriminating against women and girls in sports, and that’s intolerable. Sixty-six percent of New Yorkers recently surveyed said they want Girls Sports left alone, but radical progressives, like my opponent State Senator Pete Harckham, think they know better than the rest of us. Girls work hard to get on sports teams, and many dream of earning athletic scholarships to college, but that will all be jeopardized if they are forced to compete against boys and other biological males. This is a clear issue of common sense and fairness; there is nothing logical or fair about what New York State is planning.”

 

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2024

 

Statement on Major, Local-Election Court Victory by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.

Brooklyn, NY...“The New York State Conservative Party salutes Onondaga County and other local officials who won a major New York State Supreme Court victory today for local elections across the state. The suit was filed in response to a cynical attempt by New York Democrats to abolish off-year elections by moving them to even years when federal and state elections are held. State Supreme Court Justice Gerard Neri ruled that the Democrats’ ‘Even Year Election Law’ is unconstitutional.

“The Conservative Party has always maintained that government closest to the people is the best form of government. That’s why it’s so important to have specially designated local elections that focus on town, village, and county issues. Democrats seemingly want those issues paved over by high-spending state and local races.

“Today’s court victory is a victory for democracy in New York State. Voters owe the plaintiffs a tremendous debt of thanks.”

New York State Insider: Election Desk 2024: Fundraiser for New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District: Oct. 29th: Join Sen. Harckham in New Castle!

 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/phoctober29

New York State Insider: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2024

 

Commemoration of October 7 Massacre of Israelis: Statement from New York State Conservative Party.

Brooklyn, NY...“A year ago today, evil crossed into Israel and took the lives of more than 1,200 innocent civilians. What occurred in the space of a few hours was unspeakable. More than 250 civilian hostages were taken following the attacks, many were murdered, and more than 100, including Americans, remain in Hamas captivity today.

“In the days that followed the October 7 slaughter, Israel came under attack by Iranian proxies from seven different directions. Since then, Israel has forcefully responded to protect its borders and citizens, making notable progress in downgrading the leadership of terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah in the process. Thousands of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians have been used as human shields by the terrorist groups.

“The New York State Conservative Party only wants peace in the Middle East, but it recognizes, as President Ronald Reagan did, that peace and surrender are very different things. Our Israeli ally has every right to continue to defend herself from external threats.

“We pray for those lost on October 7, 2023, just as we pray for lasting peace one day.” -Chairman Gerard Kassar

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District - Democrat: My Campaign Commercial is Now on the Air!

My campaign commercial is now on the air!

 

Perhaps you have already seen it on television.

 

In the commercial, I talk about how I have been helping the Hudson Valley’s working families make it in these tough economic times and the work I’ve been doing to keep New York affordable.

 

Cutting middle-class taxes five times and doubling the senior property tax exemption. Making utility companies accountable for their skyrocketing rates. And allocating an historic $350 million for supplemental child tax credit.

Campaign Commerical Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8kv4S-TD1E

Sincerely Yours,

New York State Senator Peter Harckham 40th District - Democrat.

 

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: New York State Senator Pete Harckham 40th District: Early Voting: Just 24 Days Away!

 

A new month, a new page on the calendar and here we are: early voting is just 24 days away!

 

Yes, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 3.

 

We are in high-gear now—canvassing, phone banking, talking to voters throughout the district—but time is running short.

 

The next weeks are critical. We need volunteers. And we need to get our message out.

 

My opponent and her MAGA Republican supporters want to win this Senate seat back—and turn back all our accomplishments. On reproductive healthcare freedom, middle-class tax breaks, education funding, gun safety laws, environmental protections—you name it.

Sincerely Yours,

New York State Senator Pete Harckham Democrat 40th District.

 

New York State Insider: 2024 Election Desk: STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2024

 

Statement on Vance Victory in Vice Presidential Debate by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.

“We saw last night why former President Trump picked Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential running mate. Senator Vance was poised, meticulously prepared, and persuasive throughout the night. Governor Tim Walz struggled to explain away false biographical claims. This was a clear victory for the Trump-Vance team.”