The Albany Update with Jason McGuire: Recent Episodes
New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms
Jason McGuire serves as the executive director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF). Founded in April 1982, NYCF has spent decades serving as a statewide lobbying organization on behalf of the Empire State's evangelical Christian community. The Albany Update podcasts offer weekly insight and information pertaining to the New York State Legislature from a distinctly Christian perspective. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/albanyupdate/support
Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.
We start the program by looking at a split in the United Methodist Church over the issue of same-sex “marriage.” Then, we look at a swiftly approaching special election in one of New York’s congressional districts. Following that, we’ve got a good veto from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Believe it or not, she did something right in the realm of parental rights. Next up, we cast our vision toward 2024.
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Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.
This week, we look back at the 2023 legislative session and take a brief look at what we may soon see in the 2024 session.
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Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.
At a time when most New Yorkers still haven’t figured out who their member of Congress is after the last round of redistricting, the New York Court of Appeals has decided that another round of redistricting is in order.
Meanwhile, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, but it isn’t without its issues, particularly for those who consider themselves social conservatives.
Then, we’ll turn our attention to three updates from the U.S. Supreme Court that should be of interest to listeners.
Finally, we’ll have an update regarding church security to tell you about.
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Congress was roiled last week when two New York House Representatives faced discipline. One was expelled and the other was censured.
Then, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had a standup moment when he spoke loudly and with clarity against antisemitism, including the anti-Jewish sentiment within segments of the Democratic party.
Next, did you know that there is a New Yorker that has been held hostage by the Taliban for the last year and a half? Today, we’ll tell you how to help bring him home.
After that, how about an encouraging school choice story? Did you know that homsechooling is growing more in New York than almost anywhere else?
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In this week's episode of the Albany Update, we note that many Americans wonder whether the American Dream is still possible.
Then, we look at a troubling story of how the agency charged with protecting New York City children often initiates home inspections and child examinations based on an anonymous call. Almost all these home inspections occur without a search warrant.
While we’re in New York City, let’s talk about a riot at a Queens high school, a riot whose roots may be found in antisemitism and social media.
Then, in a case of out-of-whack priorities, New York felt it necessary to require that the law no longer refer to “feminine hygiene products,” but rather “menstrual products.” We’ll explain why some legislators felt this was a necessary priority.
Finally, Rosalynn Carter, President Jimmy Carter’s wife, passed away. The Carters chose to promote hospice care in their final days. Following his wife's passing, President Carter remains in hospice care himself. As we battle assisted suicide in our state, we appreciate this noble gesture.
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In this week’s episode of the Albany Update, we start with good news regarding the fight to protect pro-life people from government harassment.
Pivoting to other pro-life work, we note that November is National Adoption Month.
Then, we must address a troubling ruling regarding New York’s involuntary quarantine rule.
Next, on the heels of New York’s effort to legalize recreational marijuana, some legislators are now hoping to decriminalize hard drugs. Perhaps they should heed the warning that Oregon’s bad drug deal gives the nation.
Finally, our state is considering new high school graduation requirements that would make standardized testing for students nearly obsolete. Can the Excelsior State’s educational results fall much lower than they already are? Without testing, we may never know.
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Thank you for giving this week’s episode of the Albany Update a listen. In this week’s program we report on a children’s book distributor that is selling pornographic materials to kids at school book fairs.
Second, the crazy continues. Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that conceals a convict’s record from people like employers and landlords who might want to know about it.
Next up, the state is considering legalizing casino gambling on mobile devices.
Then, how about some good news? The American Medical Association is holding the line against physician-assisted suicide.
Finally, let’s reflect on that first Thanksgiving and learn a lesson for this week’s holiday in the process.
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In November, Americans set aside a day to honor our veterans, but Governor Kathy Hochul declared thirty days to honor transgenderism. This comes at a time when gender surgeries are already surging in the United States. Our politicians should not be normalizing this dangerous and devastating lie.
Another troubling trend that needs to be discussed is the fact that despite the overturning of Roe, abortions are increasing across America.
After that, we’ll explore where New York’s congressional delegation stands on school choice.
With much to cover in this week’s episode, let’s get started.
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It’s hard to miss the antisemitism cropping up on college campuses across the country, but in this week’s episode of the Albany Update, we look at the antisemitism occurring on some New York campuses.
Then, despite a marked increase in New Yorkers reaching out for help with gambling addiction since the state legalized mobile sports betting, some legislators are looking to expand mobile gambling to allow for casino table gaming on tablets and other mobile devices.
Next up, legislation that would aid women experiencing a fetal demise has been signed into law. Soon, there will be protocols in hospitals across the state for situations where women lose a child in utero.
Finally, this year’s early voting is over, but Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Please don’t miss the opportunity to make your choice on this year’s ballot.
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Following an embarrassing and frustrating 22-day impasse, the U.S. House of Representatives has elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the 56th speaker of the House. What do we know about Speaker Johnson?
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In this episode of the Albany Update, we’re focused on the fight over the next Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The situation is volatile and could change at any moment, but we think it is safe to say that by the time you hear this we still do not have a permanent speaker in the House.
After that, there are a couple of ballot proposals that voters should be aware of prior to early voting starting on Saturday, October 28. We’ll fill you in on the details.
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In this episode of the Albany Update, we discuss the story that has dominated international news, the Israel-Hamas War. Even with Israel still grieving terrorist attacks, it did not take long for antisemites to appear. Sadly, we have seen anti-Jewish demonstrations even here in New York.
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In this week’s episode of the Albany Update, we discuss New York City’s plan to provide chemical abortion pills without even requiring an in-person meeting with a medical professional. With priorities like that, it’s no wonder that a recent report shows that half of City kids can’t even proficiently read or do simple math.
In state news, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a series of human-trafficking bills into law.
Then, in federal news, we take note of the fact that too many of New York’s congressional delegation voted to continue funding for LGBT pride celebrations in the U.S. military. Hey, more funding for drag queens and less funding for special forces, who says the Department of Defense has lost its way?
Finally, a western New York family is suing the state over the death of their disabled relative. If their account is accurate, it’s a tragic story of how the state failed to protect one of the most vulnerable among us.
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Thank you for giving this week’s edition of the Albany Update a listen.
In this week’s episode, we look at a Staten Island judge who is putting a stop to a NYC effort to house asylum-seeking migrants from being housed in a closed Catholic School. Then, New York is poised to expand marijuana operations exponentially, while NYC’s Department of Health is proposing new guidelines for supervised injection sites for those choosing to use harder drugs. After that, it’s good news out of Missouri where some hospitals, following a change in the law, are ending “gender-affirming” mutilating surgeries on minors. Finally, we note that second Republican Presidential Primary Debate.
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In this week’s episode, we cover controversial remarks made by former President Donald Trump regarding what he would do with the abortion issue, should he be reelected. Then, Gov. Kathy Hochul made some controversial remarks of her own while addressing the Clinton Global Initiative.
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In this week’s episode, we talk about the migrant crisis and some legislative proposals to address it. Next up, New York officially has a new chief judge. Then, Democrats prevailed in a Queens special election for the State Assembly. Finally, we’ll look at how U.S. Senate Republicans are looking to converse about the abortion debate with the current electorate.
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Over the past several years, the phrase “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” or DEI, has become a commonly-used catchphrase in academia, in government, and in corporate America. But what does it mean? In today’s program, we’ll break it down and then tell you about a push by the New York State Education Department to incorporate DEI into every aspect of a student’s educational experience.
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On August 30, 2023, while speaking at a press conference in Kentucky, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) froze for 30 seconds and appeared unable to speak. After being approached by two aides, Sen. McConnell was able to begin talking again. The Senator’s office later stated that he had become lightheaded. Sen. McConnell’s health situation is only one of several that prompt a larger question: How should the nation respond to the problem of high-level government leaders suffering serious health problems or displaying signs of age-related decline? In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss that very topic.
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In this episode, we’ll analyze the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. Then, we’ll look at a recent court decision that may impact the availability of chemical abortion pills in the United States. Finally, students are soon returning to school and parents need to be aware of new State Education Department guidance that eliminates parental rights and endangers children.
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In this week’s episode of the Albany Update podcast, we’ll explain more about what we believe and what motivates us to do the work that we do.
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In this week’s episode, we discuss how age-verification laws are causing a decline in pornography viewing in several states.
Then, as if we needed one more reason not to indulge in cannabis use, we note that marijuana is now being linked to mental illness.
Next, we’ll cover two culture stories, one looking at the reasons for declining church attendance and the other celebrating the institution of marriage.
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In this week’s episode, Governor Kathy Hochul is extending free (as in read taxpayer-funded) healthcare to prostitutes.
Then, the rights of churches to oversee their security have been recognized once again in state law. Our organization is chalking this one up in the win column.
After that, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is throwing its support behind a federal school choice initiative.
Next up, a young woman who struggled with gender dysphoria recently courageously offered congressional testimony speaking against so-called “gender-affirming” care.
Finally, and sadly, child trafficking is a reality not just in the United States of America, but in our backyard. We need to keep attention on this horrific tragedy and do everything we can to end it.
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In this week’s episode, Governor Kathy Hochul continues her pro-abortion extremism, but this time she travelled to California to do it.
While the Democratic Party is lurching ever more left on abortion, sadly, so are many of New York’s Republican congressional delegation. Today, we’ll name names.
On a more positive note, though, some members of the GOP here are proposing a ban on smoking recreational weed in public spaces.
Also, many states are passing laws to protect kids from devastating and permanent transgender treatment. Louisiana is the latest.
Finally, we’ll tell you about a conference members of our team participated in with allies from across America.
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In today’s episode of the Albany Update, we’ll examine the push for single-payer healthcare in the Empire State. Socializing medicine in our state would be a costly measure.
Next, the Republican edge in the U.S. House of representatives is tight. Now, a recent court decision could mean another round of congressional districting in New York and play a major role in handing more congressional seats to the Democratic Party.
Then, many people are wondering how to handle simple conversations about transgenderism. We’ve got some helpful counsel for those looking to wisely handle the matter.
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In today’s episode, we’ll look at Democrat efforts to use the National Defense Authorization Act as a vehicle to advance abortion and transgenderism. Thankfully, Republicans are rejecting this affront.
Then, looking at state politics, there’s a dicey primary potentially coming together that pits an incumbent Assemblyman accused of sexual assault against an openly transgender challenger.
In state legislation, Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering whether to sign a bill that would ban deep-fake pornography.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
Nationally, the trend appears to be moving toward socially conservative issues. In today’s program, we discuss what may be the cause behind this return to traditional values.
Then, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that directly impacts a Christian postal worker who has a conviction about working on Sundays. The Court’s ruling has wider implications for all employees of faith.
Next up, the state’s bar association, as in New York lawyers, has created a taskforce to consider the weighty issues surrounding the possible legalization of assisted suicide.
Following that, there is a growing and well-financed movement to pass a so-called “Equality Amendment” on next year’s General Election ballot. It’s a horrible idea, but being advanced to encourage Democratic voter turnout in 2024.
Finally, remember that COVID-era phone app to display a New Yorker’s vaccination status. Well, after ballooning in cost the state is finally shelving the app.
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In this week’s program, we’ll discuss a bill passed just before legislators left the Capitol known as “Clean Slate” that would seal criminal records. Conservatives oppose the measure. Will Governor Kathy Hochul sign it into law?
Then, something the governor already signed into law is a bill that offers legal protection to medical professionals who prescribe dangerous hormone treatments or even mutilating surgery to minors futilely attempting to alter their biological sex. Arkansas, however, is a state taking a very different approach to this issue.
Also, New York’s legalization of marijuana is being challenged in court.
Finally, the hard work of changing hearts and minds around the issue of abortion and the sanctity of human life isn’t over. Let’s discuss the need to continue making a persuasive case for life.
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On June 24, 2023, America notes the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Our organization celebrates the historic moment in which we stand and recognizes that there is much work yet to be done in protecting life in New York and the nation.
Others, however, are digging in their pro-abortion heels. Governor Kathy Hochul quickly signed a bill into law that shelters New York abortionists who offer telehealth abortions to women in states where abortion is restricted.
Also, on the life front, I’ll tell you more about our recent win over assisted suicide in the now-concluded 2023 legislative session.
And, in other news, we’re grateful for the New York State Republican Party that is speaking out against the new State Education Department guidance that incredibly denies parents the right to know about what is going on in their children’s lives.
If that isn’t enough, New York City is now giving taxpayer-funded crack pipes, but in Syracuse a local school district is facing scrutiny for allowing its facilities to be used by a church for weekend worship services. Sometimes the world seems especially upside down.
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New York parents, please take notice: The government and the educational establishment in the state of New York have fully embraced left-wing gender ideology and have taken drastic steps to impose it upon students, faculty, staff, and administrators in schools at all grade levels. In today’s episode of the Albany Update we’ll tell you more about this latest threat to parental rights and childhood innocence in the Empire State.
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By the time you listen to this program, the 2023 legislative session will have concluded (sort of). It’s been numerous late nights and early mornings. Mercifully, the State Legislature is no longer in Albany and unable to pass anymore legislation than the hundreds of bills it moved in just the final days of session. (Although there is the expectation that the State Assembly will return to the Capitol perhaps as soon as June 20, 2023 to address some unfinished business.) Now that legislators have exited the statehouse our office will begin the work of analyzing the results of this year’s session. While there are many bad bills that cleared the Legislature this year, there is one that didn’t. In today’s program, we’ll tell you about the defeat of assisted suicide legislation.
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We’re in the final week of the 2023 legislative session in Albany. In today’s program, we'll tell you about a couple of bills our organization is trying to stop and three bills that we’re working to get passed before legislators leave the statehouse.
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The 2024 Presidential Primaries are less than a year away. The entrance of Gov. Ron DeSantis is certainly shaking up the GOP side of things. It’s early, but we’re curious who you’re supporting in next year’s primary.
Then, we’ll discuss developments at Houghton University, where this small, Christian college, is taking a stand for the historic and orthodox view of human sexuality.
Next up, we’ll look at state legislation that would force many private, Christian schools throughout New York to choose between compromise or closure.
Finally, I’ll tell you about yet another abortion-friendly bill in Albany. This one would offer grants for training abortionists.
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Let’s face it. We live in a politically challenging state, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing we can accomplish. When government overextends its constitutional authority, thankfully there is a balance of power in the judicial branch to keep it in check.
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We’ve entered the final weeks of the 2023 legislative session, and that has many New Yorkers wondering what the State Legislature may try to pass in the final days of this year’s session.
Specifically, there are two bills concerning to the pro-life community that are garnering our organization’s attention. One involves additional funding for out-of-state abortions and the second would require abortifacient availability in vending machines on college campuses.
Finally, activists were in Albany this week using Mother’s Day as an opportunity to advocate for assisted suicide for mom. It was sickening.
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It was more than a month late, but New York finally has a state budget. In today’s program we’ll tell you what made it in and what didn’t make it into this year’s fiscal plan. We’ll also place a special emphasis on budget-related items that pertain to our organization’s key priorities.
Next, we’ll update you on a couple of pieces of state legislation, the Clean Slate Act, and a proposed ban on funding for out-of-state abortions.
Finally, new data from the CDC suggests something disturbing regarding sexual confusion among American adolescents.
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One would think that before a minor undergoes a medical procedure that the child’s parents should have to consent to the procedure or at least be notified. However, state Democrats on the Senate Women’s Issues Committee rejected a bill that would have required at least one parent be notified before their daughter receives an abortion.
Then looking to the courts, a new lawsuit has been filed in California that challenges the constitutionality of assisted suicide.
On the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
Also, the House is beginning to turn toward appropriations or spending conversations. As members head into negotiations, our organization is encouraging every member of New York’s congressional delegation to remember that federal tax dollars should not be used to fund abortions.
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This week, we’ll be discussing the confirmation of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s latest picks for the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court. We’ll also be noting some of Hochul’s hijinks in promoting recreational weed and offering even more sloppy money for Planned Parenthood and other abortion facilities throughout the state.
Also, on the state level we’ll note the passage of a bill that requires SUNY campuses to provide its student body with abortifacients or refer them to those who can.
Then, at the federal level we need to discuss President Joe Biden’s latest proposed transgender rule. This one targets your daughters and granddaughters who are involved in athletics.
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The Legislature was not in session last week, due to the Easter and Passover holidays, as well as a planned Spring break, but that doesn’t mean it was a quiet week. The nation is roiled over court rulings affecting abortion-by-pill.
Additionally, the transgender issue is only being pushed harder into our American psyche. Thankfully, there is also a growing effort to resist this kind of sexual confusion.
And before we’re done, I’ll offer the latest on the status of state budget negotiations, and Governor Kathy Hochul’s newest nominations to the Court of Appeals.
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The stalemate at the statehouse is the lead story of the week. The State Budget was due April 1, but the Governor and the Legislature aren’t anywhere close to passing a fiscal plan.
Then, when we speak of out-of-state abortion funding, a recent NPR article highlights what that looks like. It’s truly disturbing that Empire State politicians are packing millions of abortion travel dollars into budget proposals. Abortion shouldn’t be a New York import—let alone lucrative industry.
Next, on the parental rights and school choice front, there was an important ruling that affirms parents as being the responsibly party of their child’s education.
We also have news of another scheduled speaker for our May 23 Legislative Day event in Albany.
Finally, we offer a few thoughts regarding the tragic school shooting in Nashville. It’s one more reason why churches across the state are demanding the right to appoint armed, volunteer security teams for their services.
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Today, we want to offer an update on the U.S. House of Representatives passage of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act.
Then, we’ll discuss a piece of New York state legislation that solidifies the sad way in which our state addresses issues surrounding gender dysphoria.
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About a week ago, New York State Attorney General Letitia James hosted an event that featured drag queens. Oh, and did we mention that it was geared toward children?
Next, state funding for abortion isn’t making a lot of news these days, but there is a quiet effort to expand funding for abortion access in this year’s budget. We’ll tell you more about it.
Finally, how about some good news? A bill has been introduced that would formally recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Day in the state of New York.
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Last week, news broke that the New York City Council voted to remove one of its own from a key committee? Why? This member dared to speak out against Drag Queen Story Hours. It’s strange, because a recent guest on a liberal talk show alluded to the “murder” of pro-life Americans, but there is no pressure from the Left to cancel her. We’ll discuss.
Then, there are some troubling signs that pandemic measures that created distance between elected officials and their constituents are being allowed to continue in Albany.
Next up, there was a court victory for pregnancy resource centers and other pro-life organizations who don’t want to hire supporters of Planned Parenthood.
Finally, I’ve got a big announcement concerning the return of an in-person Legislative Day.
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Controversy erupted on the University at Buffalo campus last week when a student group welcomed a speaker who has been critical of the transgender movement. Campus liberals wouldn’t have it. Did UB stand up for free speech or cave to the pressure? We’ll tell you what happened.
Then, the saga over the religious liberty rights of a Syracuse, faith-based adoption agency has ended. It comes with a slap down of the state and a settlement for the adoption agency.
Next, our pro-abortion Governor and her radical sidekick Attorney General are at it again. They’re demanding that pharmacy chains make abortion-inducing pills widely available. These two will not tolerate any deviation from their pro-abortion dogma.
On the gambling front, New York is poised to license even more casinos in our state. This time, they’ll be downstate, though. In fact, it could be as many as three more coming to the Metropolitan area. Shameful.
Finally, the annual State Budget is due by April 1. The Governor and the State Legislature don’t always hit that mark, but the state’s fiscal plan is usually completed somewhere around that time. Today, we’ll tell you about five things that our organization believes should be included in this year’s budget.
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Faith in public life is a frequent topic on this program, but rarely do we see such a bold defense of it as we saw last week from the Mayor of New York City. Stay tuned. We’ll tell you more in just a moment.
Meanwhile, Albany progressives are advancing legislation that would require confusing gender neutral and preferred personal pronoun use in state laws. The legislation should be rejected.
On Long Island, two parents are suing a school district where a tenured teacher pressured their daughter into using a male name and male pronouns during the school day.
Maybe that is just one of the reasons we are seeing new polling that indicates New Yorkers favor school choice.
Finally, there is a federal effort underfoot to reverse a Biden Administration retirement plan regulation that pushes a progressive agenda.
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When I interact with colleagues involved in government affairs work around the country, the conversation often turns to comparing legislative processes in our respective home states. Undoubtedly, we begin talking about legislative hearings. Hearings are a staple of government affairs work, but not in New York. In the Empire State, hearings are rare and invitation only. This week, we’ll discuss how one Democrat district attorney was disinvited from testifying when it became known that he would testify against his party’s changes to the bail system.
In other news, and for obvious reasons, afterschool Satanic clubs are back in the news, but Christians need to think carefully about how they react to these reports lest they unwittingly help to remove Christian afterschool programs, like Good New Clubs, from also being banned from campus.
Next, you may have seen the news of a creepy, pro-abortion statue that has been placed atop a New York City courthouse. It’s eerily reminiscent of ancient Baal worship or perhaps a tribute to a Roman god. Abortion is the god of many in this modern age.
Finally in this episode, the testimony of one Sam Brinton regrettably helped pass a ban on counseling for those experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction in New York and nineteen other states. Brinton’s story is unravelling. It appears to have been a complete fabrication. It is doubtful that any of these states will reverse its stance on counseling individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction, though.
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The drama surrounding Justice Hector LaSalle, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s pick for Chief Judge, came to a conclusion as the State Senate allowed a floor vote for the nominee. Nevertheless, the Senate’s move was underhanded and a sneak attack on a well-qualified individual. We’ll discuss.
In other state news, there is a growing effort to eliminate private health insurance and shift to socialized medicine for all.
Then, a New York Congressman is suggesting that there should be a ban on sports gambling advertisements, like what we see regarding tobacco ads.
Finally, we’ll discuss a whistleblower’s effort to expose what is happening regarding so-called gender transition treatments. These types of medical interventions are not normal and should not be treated as such.
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Tensions in the State Senate are still running high over the Hector LaSalle nomination, and now one state senator is filing suit to force a vote on Governor Kathy Hochul’s pick for chief judge.
Then, over in the State Assembly, a recent rules change would curtail the ability of the Assembly Minority to force consideration of legislation.
Pulling out of the innerworkings of Albany, we’ll look at some of the real impacts of public policy, particularly the problem with commercial pot.
Next, we’ll peek at two stories out of NYC. One involves Mayor Eric Adams and the impact an influx of migrants is having on his city. The second highlights a NYC councilmember’s effort to direct some public dollars toward a pro-life pregnancy center.
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Today, we bring you five different stories. Some are from New York, others are not. However, the biggest news of the week is an Empire State win for churches who would like to provide armed security for services.
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Last week was a rough one for pro-life people in New York. The State Legislature speedily moved to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in our state constitution. In addition, a handful of other pro-abortion bills aggressively passed the State Senate and are on their way to the State Assembly.
The anti-life agenda is ironically alive and well in New York City as well, though. Mayor Adams announced plans to dole out chemical-abortion pills through the City’s public health clinics.
Next, we’ll look at the latest in a Jewish university’s fight for its religious liberty.
Finally, I’ll highlight our organization’s 2023-2024 Legislative Agenda.
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Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nomination for Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. Progressives in the State Senate were not happy with the pick, and unsurprisingly the Judiciary Committee failed to recommend the candidate for a full floor vote in the Senate.
We’ll discuss.
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In this week’s program, we’ll take a closer a look at the abortion proposals promoted by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her State of the State Address.
Next up, we’ll note that the State Senate is positioning itself to fund even more out-of-state abortions.
Then, turning to national issues, we’ll more positively point to the fact that the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives is already passing pro-life measures.
Finally, staying with news out of D.C., the U.S. Supreme Court is allowing Gov. Hochul’s gun control law to stay in effect while various cases play out at lower levels.
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The Democratic supermajorities in Albany proposed and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an exorbitant $32,000 pay raise for each legislator. They’re counting on the fact that voters will forget before the 2024 primary and general elections.
Next up, it’s time to start discussing the new legislative session. Last week, was the first week of the new session and today we’ll introduce you to 14 new members of the State Senate.
Finally, turning our attention to what is happening in Washington, D.C, Rep-elect Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is still trying to secure the 218 needed votes to become Speaker McCarthy, but so far he’s coming up short.
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The story that has dominated the headlines last week was that of Rep.-elect George Santos, a man quickly becoming known as the Long Island Poser. We’ll explain.
Then, we have a little cleanup to do as we revisit two stories that didn’t get nearly enough attention from Americans during the busy holiday season. Let’s take a closer look at the federal omnibus bill and that appalling state legislative pay raise.
Then, while we’re discussing state news, Gov. Kathy Hochul has made her pick for Chief Judge and progressives are not happy.
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Three days before Christmas, when most people were tuned out of politics, the State Legislature snuck back into Albany and gave themselves a massive pay raise. Then, we’ll look back at some of the state political occurrences that marked 2022.
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In today’s program, we’ll look at how media basis toward the pro-life movement cripples the conversation. Then, we’ll note Republican gains in the last election, and postulate as to how it might affect future elections. Next up, President Joe Biden maddingly signed the [Dis]Respect for Marriage Act into law. Continuing with the Biden Administration we’ll discuss the departure of one of his non-binary deputy assistants and what some pro-life organizations are doing to push back against federally funded abortions at Veterans’ health facilities. Finally, as unbelievable as it sounds, the New York State Legislature may go into a lame duck session to give itself a pay raise.
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Today's program shares the disappointing news that the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote on the so-called Respect for Marriage Act sends the measure to the President’s desk for his signature.
Then, we’ll look at a U.S. Supreme Court case known as 303 Creative v. Elenis that whichever way it’s decided will have a major impact on religious liberty rights in America.
Next up, it’s Brian Benjamin. Remember him—New York’s former Lt. Gov. that resigned following multiple criminal charges, including bribery? Most of the charges have been dropped, but a few are still sticking.
Then, as we begin to turn toward the 2023 legislative session, we’re ramping up for another fight against assisted suicide.
Finally, it’s time our culture considers the cost of transgenderism. It’s taking a terrible toll on particularly our youth.
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Today's podcast provides the latest regarding the so-called Respect for Marriage Act. The measure passed the U.S. Senate and is headed to the House.
Following that, we’ll discuss the elevation of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a Brooklyn Democrat, to Minority Leader in the next session of Congress. He’s replacing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as the Democratic leader after announcing that she would not seek another leadership role.
Then, while we know that we’ve barely passed the midterm elections, the conversation surrounding 2024 is already heating up.
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Today, we’ll catch you up on the latest regarding the [Dis]Respect for Marriage Act. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is pushing hard for an amendment that would strengthen religious liberty protections should the bill become law.
Then, in another example of political correctness run amok, New York State Attorney General Letitia James is using the powers of her office to try to pressure the state of Indiana to allow biological males to play on women’s sport teams.
Next, New York has begun issuing licenses for legal sale of recreational marijuana. More marijuana will lead to nothing good for our state.
Following that, the NYT ran an expose looking at the underhandedness of the gambling industry and how quickly gambling has been growing not only in New York, but across America.
Finally, we’ll wrap up our post-election coverage by reviewing the balance of power in the State Assembly now that the races have (mostly) been settled.
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In this week’s program, we’ll look at where the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the State Senate stand now that most of the races have been called.
Then, we need to talk about that [Dis]Respect for Marriage Act cloture vote in the U.S. Senate last week.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
In this week’s program we’ll offer a review of last week’s election results. We’ll look at not only the statewide races, but also what we know about the congressional races across the Empire State.
Also, there were multiple pro-life ballot proposals in various states. Sadly, none fared well. The pro-life community needs to ask themselves why and recalibrate to our current reality before we forge ahead.
Finally, there is some news on court challenges to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s gun control law. Churches will be particularly interested in what these rulings will mean for their security teams.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
As we record this program, we are only a few days away from the General Election. Much of today’s program will revolve around that event.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
In today’s program we’ll look at the latest court action regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s new gun control law and a recent win for houses of worship across the state.
Next up, we’ll review that lone gubernatorial debate between Gov. Hochul (D) and Congressman Lee Zeldin (R).
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Today’s program is going to feel a little different than other episodes.
The Regional Transformation Initiative is a gathering of Christian leaders in the greater Rochester region who have a common vision to use biblical principles to equip and activate people to bring transformation and reformation to their spheres of influence. Recently, the Regional Transformation Initiative invited Jason to sit down with five of its members and discuss topics pertinent to the Body of Christ, particularly at election season.
Those leaders are Pastor David Branch of Faith Chapel (Churchville, NY), Bob Grant a local businessman and entrepreneur, Pastor Phil Harlow of Bridge Builders Ministries (Rochester, NY), Pastor Al Hauck of Friend of God Ministries and Shepherd’s Heart Christian Fellowship (Rochester, NY) and Pastor Emelio Sebastian of Jubilee Christian Church (Brockport, NY).
Today, we’ll be sharing those discussions. Topics discussed, include:
- Should the Christian be involved with the politics of this world?
- What should the Church’s response be to the cultural chaos around us?
- How should the Christian view political parties?
- What is the Christian to do when the candidates on the ballot don’t reflect their values?
- In a pivotal moment, where societal foundations seem to be crumbling, what can the Christian do?
Each of these discussions are also available via video on RTI's YouTube channel.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
This week, we were floored by the arrogance and blasphemy that flowed from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s lips when she declared that God was on her pro-abortion side.
Next in Kathy Hochul’s New York, pro-marijuana policies led to at least one police officer’s death and a gang turf war in the Rochester region. The Flower City isn’t the only place where shootings are happening in our state, though. Last week, there was a shooting outside the home of Rep. Lee Zeldin’s Long Island home. Policy matters. The current policies are making out state less safe.
Finally, the Election three weeks away and early voting starts October 29. Today, we’ll look at two races of interest in State Senate District 9 and State Senate District 61.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
In today’s news, we’ll update you about a legal challenge to the state’s new gun control law, particularly as it pertains to houses of worship.
Next, we’ll tell you about potential probe of Gov. Kathy Hochul and her administration regarding a pay-to-play state COVID contract.
Then, the Election is in less than a month and early voting starts earlier than that. We’ll look at two races of interest in State Senate District 5 and State Senate District 43.
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Thank you for joining this week’s episode of the Albany Update.
In today’s news, we tell you about a legal challenge to the state’s new gun control law. There have been other suits filed, but what makes this case different is that it’s filed on behalf of evangelical churches across the state.
Then, the Election is only about a month away. We’ll look at the race for Attorney General, as well as State Comptroller. There’s also a bond act referendum for voters to consider.
Finally, there is disturbing news from Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY. Apparently, the pediatric medical center is offering gender transition services.
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In today’s program we note the fact that New York is ranked last in religious freedom. Then, the U.S. Department of Education has received 349,000 comments concerning a proposed Title IX rule change that would negatively impact and even endanger female students. Also, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is strategically slowing the rush to enshrine gay “marriage” in federal law. And finally, we encourage parents to have the difficult conversations with their kids surrounding issues of sexuality.
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The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived—Gov. Kathy Hochul finally allowed her emergency pandemic powers to lapse. Some see this as a political move only weeks before the General Election, but whatever the reason, we’re thankful for it!
Then, the Board of Regents gave approval to new regulations that will affect private schools across the state. We’ll fill in some of the details.
Next, mobile sports gambling is bringing waves of revenue to New York, but it’s leaving many addicts in its wake. What price is society paying?
Following that, we’ll offer some follow up on contractual surrogacy in our state. New research is showing there is cause for concern.
Finally, we’ll look at a federal effort by Sen. Lindsey Graham to ban abortion after fifteen weeks.
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Thank you for joining this episode of the Albany Update.
Let’s begin today’s program with some good news.
A Syracuse-based Christian adoption agency received a significant court win that assures its right to continue acting in accordance with the faith it was founded upon.
Then, more good news. New York has a new state law that adds protections for children with disabilities and further protects parental rights.
Next up, we’re heading back to the courts where a Jewish university in New York City is taking its fight for freedom of association all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
Then, I’ll tell you about frightening new legislation coming out of California that endangers children experiencing confusion about their sexuality, but also parental rights across America.
Let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Albany Update.
Summer is unofficially over as kids return to the classroom this week. Students, parents, faculty, and administrators are breathing a sigh of relief as the COVID restrictions of the last three school years have largely been lifted.
Then, we’ll discuss Gov. Kathy Hochul’s disappointing, Cuomo-esque comments concerning her more conservative-minded constituents.
Next, we’ll shift gears to a few federal issues starting with President Joe Biden’s plan to transfer college debt from the student borrower to the taxpayers’ back.
Also, when Congress returns after Labor Day, the U.S. Senate is expected to consider the [Dis]Respect for Marriage Act.
Finally, the pro-life position is not seeing much support from many Republican candidates this election cycle, but if the GOP doesn’t get in gear, they’ll risk losing the pro-life voters they need for mid-term success.
Let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Albany Update.
If you’re a new listener, you may not understand who we are or what we’re all about. In today’s program, I’ll tell you more about our organization and our vision for a better New York.
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Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Albany Update.
We have some good news to report today on the freedom of conscience front. Recently, an effort to advance controversial medical ethics language was defeated at the World Medical Association. We’ll tell you more about it.
Then, as students head back to classrooms, we’ll be discussing opting your kids out of controversial sex ed programs. Then, we’ll talk about how to best love kids that are struggling with the sex that God created them.
Then, you know we must put one more plug in for that August primary. Let’s get out and vote!
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Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Albany Update.
On August 23, 2022, the state of New York will hold primaries in congressional races and State Senate races, as well as special elections in two vacant congressional districts. We’ll break it all down in today’s episode.
It’s more than a little confusing this year, but thank you for fulfilling your civic responsibilities in the August primary. You’re being a wise steward of the liberties God has entrusted to our care.
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This week, the story that dominated the news cycle was the defeat of a pro-life amendment in Kansas. It dominated in no small part, because much of the media was gleeful to see this pro-life setback and saw that it received ample coverage. However, for those us in the pro-life movement it is just that a temporary detour, a learning opportunity, as the march toward a pro-life America continues.
Then, in other news, we learned that the FDA has slapped a warning label on certain puberty blockers, substances frequently used in treating gender dysphoria and preparing young people for so-called sex-change surgeries.
Third, there is a legislative effort to recognize stillborn births for families who suffer these tragic losses. It’s a proposal that our organization supports, and one we hope will gain more traction in our statehouse.
Finally, that August 23, 2022, Congressional and State Senate Primary Day is rapidly approaching. We’ll tell you more about the candidates running in NY-22 and NY-24.
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Thank you for joining me for this episode of the Albany Update.
We’ll be exploring the U.S. House of Representatives recent vote to protect the right to contraception. Social conservatives are rightly criticizing the vote for many reasons, but one of them is the lack of religious liberty protections in the proposed legislation.
In this week’s program, we’ll also begin profiling a few of the congressional and state senate primaries occurring on August 23. Today, we’ll look at the coming races in the 19th and 23rd Congressional Districts, as well as a State Senate primary in the 25th District.
Finally, a giant in New York’s conservative movement passed away on July 24. He was a friend to our movement and a strong ally in the fight for life and liberty in this state. I’ll tell you who he is, and more about him momentarily.
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On July 20, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure entitled the “Respect for Marriage Act” (H.R. 8404) (RMA). The title is misleading, though. The legislation is the antithesis of respecting marriage. Only one member of New York’s congressional delegation, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY22), voted against it.
Then, in not much more than a month, millions of New York’s school-aged children will be returning to the classroom. That has parents, kids, faculty, staff, and school administrators wondering what, if any, COVID mandates will continue to be imposed upon schools. We’ll look at what families can expect.
Last week, Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) also signed a package of eight bills into law that hope to improve services for human trafficking victims and survivors. NYCF is supportive of the enacted laws.
Finally, we’ll share some prayer requests for the month of August.
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In this week’s Albany Update, we’ll begin with a profile piece on U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, who authored the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade (1973). With the decision, Justice Alito has cemented his place in American history.
Then turning to a few other matters, we’ll look at President Joe Biden’s big abortion problem. Essentially, his hands are now tied. The President can do very little to appease pro-abortion activists. Governor Kathy Hochul, on the other hand, wields quite a bit of policy authority as abortion has now returned to a states’ rights issue.
In another matter, we’ll analyze how the recent gun control law, passed by New York’s Democratic supermajorities, and signed by Gov. Hochul, impacts houses of worship in our state.
Finally, we’ll celebrate the fact that Gov. Hochul’s Covid quarantine mandate was overturned by a state trial court, but the Hochul administration is appealing the decision.
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In this week’s Albany Update, we’ll breakdown the State Legislature’s recent summer special session, tell you about one NYC Councilmember’s vocal opposition to drag queens in City schools, and report on a disappointing rejection of a vaccine mandate case at the United States Supreme Court.
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Welcome to another week of the Albany Update.
This week, we’ll be looking back at last week’s primary election results, a state court win against noncitizen voting, the tragedy of applauding abortion, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s record on LGBT issues, and a U.S. Supreme Court win for Coach Kennedy and the First Amendment.
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Welcome to another week of the Albany Update.
This week, we’ll be primarily focused on that HUGE pro-life victory at the United State Supreme Court. Roe has fallen.
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Welcome to another week of the Albany Update.
This week, we’ll be covering the recent Republican Gubernatorial Primary Debate.
We’ll also be looking at another verbal assault from a sitting Democratic governor on New York’s pro-life community.
Then, calls are growing (finally) for a federal investigation of the recent string of pro-abortion violence directed at pro-life organizations.
Next up, it’s another controversial LGBT-affirming action taken by the Biden Administration.
Finally, it’s the moment many have been waiting for—the announcement of our much-anticipated Gubernatorial Primary Voting Guide.
Let’s get started.
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Last week, was a troubling one for those of us in the pro-life community. Violence that had been directed at pro-life organizations across the country, suddenly hit close to home. A Buffalo, NY pregnancy center suffered an arsonist attack at the hands of pro-abortion activists. In response, Gov. Kathy Hochul offered only cold comfort to the pro-life community in her milquetoast remarks.
Additionally, there was a Democratic primary debate last week. Though it was the second of the debate series, it was the first in which the incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul participated. Though the debate occurred on the same day as the Buffalo arson, both moderators and candidates failed to address the attack. However, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms did offer some questions that we believe should have been asked at the event.
Finally, an armed man was arrested outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. It’s a reminder that we need to keep the justices of the High Court and their families in our prayers. It’s a tense time in America, and there are those who would usurp and undermine the judicial branch of government by directing violence toward it.
Let’s get started.
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The 2022 legislative session is effectively over. At the time of this recording, the State Senate has adjourned, while the Assembly took a break at 2:36 AM on Friday, June 3, but picked it up again later in the day. If one house has left Albany, we can all breathe a little easier, though. It takes two houses to get a bill to the Governor’s desk before it can become a law.
Speaking of the end of session, we’ll offer an update on a few pieces of lesser-known legislation that passed. Like any year, there were wins and there were losses. Not to sugarcoat anything, though—this year saw more losses than wins. It was a rough ride under the pro-abortion Democratic supermajorities.
Finally, you’ve probably noticed that June is “Gay Pride” Month. It’s hard to escape it. In government, entertainment, and commerce. It can be frustrating for Christians seeking to adhere to biblical standards of human sexuality, but it’s also an opportunity for Christians to shine our light in a dark, cultural moment.
Let’s get started.
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We’ve held off on reporting too much regarding the state’s redistricting process, but we think we can finally stick a fork in it. It appears that the new legislative districts for the next ten years have been finalized.
Then, if your children or grandchildren attend a private school, you’ll want to pay attention to this next part. The state is once again looking at a mechanism for providing greater oversight of faith-based, private education. Why does it matter? Senator Brad Hoylman has a plan to force every public school to adopt transgender-affirming policies. Families of faith need an alternative. Private education should continue to be protected for those families who choose it for their children.
Next, on a more positive front, legislation that we like has passed the Legislature and will be heading to the Governor’s desk for consideration. It’s a simple bill that would promote the needed work of hospice and palliative care in our state.
Let’s get started.
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Two weeks. That’s how many weeks are left in the 2022 regular legislative session. Two weeks. Legislators are a lot like procrastinating college students. Don’t expect them to finish the term paper until the night before it’s due. Similarly, New Yorkers can expect a frantic flurry of legislative activity before the Legislature leaves Albany on or around June 2.
Many of the issues circling the legislative drain revolve around securing and expanding unfettered abortion access in the Empire State. Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York’s abortion extremist cheerleader-in-chief, is leading the Planned Parenthood parade.
However, those aren’t the only topics of discussion in the Capitol. There are also efforts to prohibit discrimination based upon a person’s citizenship or immigration status.
It’s another full week. Let’s get started.
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The recent leak of a draft opinion in the Supreme Court case that could overturn Roe v. Wade is bringing out the worst in pro-abortion activists. We’ll tell you what is going on and how those of us in the pro-life community must prepare, not flinch in the face of stiff opposition.
Then, we’re not out of the state legislative session yet. We’ll tell you about a few pieces of legislation and where they might be headed. One would mandate LGBT training for home health aides and the other is a status update on a proposed COVID vaccine mandate for students.
Finally, Tuesday is Election Day for school board candidates and district budget votes. It’s our next best opportunity to change the trajectory of public education. Let’s get out and vote!
It’s another full week. So, let’s get started.
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There was a leak at the Supreme Court last week. It was a draft opinion of a much-anticipated decision that could overturn Roe v. Wade. It’s only a draft, not a final decision, but it is raising hope in the pro-life community and consternation among the pro-abortion crowd.
We almost hate to put our hopes so high, but if Roe is overturned, the next question is what that means for New York and the rest of the nation. What would a post-Roe America look like? What can we anticipate in the Empire State?
Next, Lee Zeldin, a Republican candidate for governor of New York, recently held a virtual form with New York State Right to Life. That conversation has led the Democratic Party to label Lee as “dangerous”. Who would be more dangerous for the unborn, though—Rep. Lee Zeldin’s pro-life perspective or Gov. Kathy Hochul’s abortion expansion agenda?
Finally, Gov. Hochul’s replacement pick for the indicted former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin is in. She’s going with Rep. Antonio Delgado. We’ll tell you more about him.
It’s another full week. So, let’s get started.
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Planet Albany’s political world was rocked when news broke that the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court, had rejected the Democrat-drawn congressional and Senate maps. It’s causing chaos in the final weeks of the legislative session.
We did say that we’re in the final weeks of the legislative session, though. There are a few things to talk about, such as the latest campaign to legalize assisted suicide, an effort to pass a state “Equality Amendment” that would enshrine abortion and LGBT rights into our state Constitution, and three new, very bad and no good abortion bills.
Finally, we’ll look at a win for religious liberty and commonsense in the case of a Christian college professor who refused to lie by utilizing a student’s preferred gender pronouns.
It’s another full week. So, let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.
A Suffolk County legislator has taken issue with the prayers offered at public meetings and is now proposing censorship of those prayers.
Next, we’ll look at the new State Budget, particularly how it impacts matters pertaining to the LGBT community and explain how pro-life members of the State Assembly sought to pushback against a pro-abortion agenda within the state’s fiscal plan.
Then, looking at a federal issue, President Joe Biden is rolling back a Trump-era rule that was intended to protect medical professionals from participating in procedures they morally oppose. Should pro-life doctors have to perform abortions? Must surgeons perform mastectomies on girls that choose to identify as male?
It’s another full week. So, let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.
Last week, a bombshell dropped. Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin was arrested and later in the same day resigned. Now, political junkies are trying to figure out whether his name can be removed from the ballot or if it will remain alongside Governor Kathy Hochul’s.
As big as that story was, it wasn’t the only news of the week, though. It was nine days after the deadline, but the Governor and the Legislature finally finished the state’s $220 Billion budget.
Third, in what seems like old news already, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court. She likely won’t be seated until the fall after Justice Breyer’s retirement.
Finally in today’s program, there was a recent special election in the 20th Assembly District. Many are saying that this may well be a bellwether for where the suburbs will break in this November’s General Election. If so, it’s a very good sign for Republican candidates.
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Last week, a bill of great concern to pro-life pregnancy centers across the state passed the State Assembly. The battle to block this bad bill shifts to the State Senate.
Then, as New York begins to rollout its marijuana market, there are deliberate efforts to destigmatize its use. New Yorkers should be advised that despite its legality, there are still dangers associated with recreational cannabis.
Third, activists, intent on legalizing prostitution, haven’t stopped. They’ve been consistently chipping away at prostitution prohibitions. The latest comes in a legislative effort to decriminalize illicit massage parlors.
Finally, the Biden Administration recently released some downright scary publications that endanger children struggling with their gender identity.
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In an anticipated move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law protections for parental rights, but New York is working to undermine them. Some legislators want to mandate LGBT-oriented sex ed in public schools. If approved, the propaganda would bring discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity into kindergarten classrooms.
As if that weren’t enough, some of these same Democratic politicians are advocating for an abortion access fund that would establish New York as an abortion tourism state should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade later this year.
Regarding end-of-life concerns, Oregon removed its residency requirement for assisted suicide. The move means pro-suicide activists could be taking their campaign to even more states.
Finally, there is some small progress in the fight against human trafficking. We’ll tell you more about these developments.
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Multiple news reports last week indicated that the transgender deception is spreading throughout America, but the good news is that we’re also witnessing resistance to the lies and a stand for what we know to be biologically and biblically true.
Then, the New York State Court of Appeals, in a narrow decision, found fantasy sport betting constitutional. Dissenters however, see the decision as another case of judicial activism.
Following that, we were physically present in the State Capitol this week after it was recently reopened to the public. While there, we picked up some intel about another abortion bill that may be on the move in the coming days.
Considering the community that our organization represents, you can imagine our surprise when Governor Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, a former governor, both demonstrated support from members of the clergy. The Left certainly has organized within certain segments of the faith community.
Finally, those on Long Island will want to listen up. There’s a special election in a portion of Nassau County that you’ll want to be aware of and engaged in leading up to April 7.
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Today, we’ll begin by looking at the 2022 race for governor of New York.
Then, we’ll discuss a new report from State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that indicates the state intentionally concealed the number of COVID nursing home deaths during the pandemic.
Turning to matters of state legislation, mobile sports gambling operators are already looking for a tax break.
Finally, we'll look at an effort to push the transgender agenda into local and state correctional facilities.
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During this week’s program, we’ll be looking at NYCF’s 2022 Digital Day of Action and the issues covered in the livestream. In regard to the protection of human life, we highlight our opposition to a proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul that would mandate and expand abortion coverage in New York. In the realm of family policy, NYCF focuses on our opposition to requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a prerequisite for school attendance. Regarding religious liberty, NYCF reports on our opposition to a legislative proposal to pass socialized medicine. Regarding issues of justice and mercy, we highlight our support for legislation to require Medicaid coverage for post-childbirth hospitalization.
The 2022 Digital Day of Action is free of charge. The event is held in conjunction with NYCF’s educational affiliate, New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation. You can catch it live on Tuesday, March 15, beginning at 9:00 AM or watch the broadcast on demand at AlbanyUpdate.com/Live.
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A federal bill that had the pro-life community concerned went down to defeat in the U.S. Senate last week. New York’s two U.S. Senators, Schumer and Gillibrand, unsurprisingly voted for the legislation, but one lone Democrat stood with the Republicans to defeat this no good, very bad bill.
Abortion continues to be a state concern as well, though. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget has language that would statutorily require abortion coverage in every healthcare plan. New York’s pro-life community is mobilizing against this measure.
Continuing the theme of healthcare coverage, there’s an effort to socialize medicine in the Empire State. If passed, your private health insurance coverage would disappear, and all healthcare would come via the state. What might this proposal mean for your tax rate?
Then, on the education front we’ll see that parents are pulling their kids out of public education in record numbers. It isn’t all pandemic-induced reactions, either. There’s an opportunity for churches across the state to meet the challenge in starting new private schools. Will New York’s churches rise to the occasion?
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It’s been a wild week in not just state or national politics, but in the global political scene. I’ll tell you more about an extended interview I had with a missionary to the Ukrainian people. He helps us understand how to pray for the Ukrainians and world leaders right now.
Then, turning to national politics, we’ll see that Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has scheduled a vote on a very bad abortion-minded bill.
But on a more positive front, a few Republican House Members have been pulling their names off a piece of legislation that we view as advancing transgender ideology.
Speaking of transgender ideology, there is a disturbing and dangerous trend of young people using the crowdfunding platform, GoFundMe, to raise funds for their hormone treatments and surgical alterations.
Finally, there are two upcoming events that I need to tell you more about.
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Across the country and here in New York, many are growing weary of the COVID restrictions. While mask mandates have long been a point of contention, the effort to end them is gaining momentum. Today, we’ll tell you about the Republican effort to end the school mask mandate across the Empire State.
Then, with the Superbowl in the rear-view mirror, we’ll reflect on the amount of money that New Yorkers spent in the first month of sports betting. The number is staggering!
Next, Albany’s failure to release the regulations for marijuana sales in New York is leaving a loophole. Pot proprietors, who can’t yet legally sell weed, are instead selling pot stickers to cannabis connoisseurs and throwing in the weed for free. It’s a way some are trying to circumvent state law.
We’re not done yet, though. There is a positive development in state government. Governor Kathy Hochul has hired a Chief Disability Officer for the State of New York. This cabinet-level position will help ensure that New Yorkers with disabilities will not be treated as second class citizens.
Finally, it’s almost March, which means that it’s time to share our monthly prayer needs with our listeners.
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On February 9, 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the statewide mask mandate for indoor public places would be lifted effective February 10. In today’s program, we encourage Gov. Hochul to lift the mask mandate for schools as well.
Then, Under the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) is considering adopting several regulations pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed regulations have prompted a great deal of public concern due to their encroachments upon personal and religious liberty. In recent days, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms has issued public comments on four of those proposed regulations.
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Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution requires that a census be taken every ten years. Following the decennial count, the resulting numbers are used to draw legislative district lines corresponding to whatever population shifts may have occurred during the last decade. This redrawing of district maps is referred to as redistricting. Redistricting is a topic that has dominated Albany dialogue in recent days.
Members of Congress, State Senators and Members of Assembly care about redistricting because it has great impact on their political prospects. A district that results in a larger number of Republican voters than Democrat ones, makes it more likely for a Republican candidate to win the seat. If a district has a greater concentration of Democrats, it may encourage more Democratic candidates to run for office, while discouraging GOP challengers. Members of the public should care about the drawing of these political boundary lines because it has great bearing on how they’ll be represented in legislative chambers.
For the first time, the Democratic Majorities in Albany singlehandedly controlled the redistricting process. As a result, good government groups and the GOP are both crying foul at the gerrymandered result.
In today’s program, we’ll examine New York state’s redistricting process.
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Recently, we discussed the annual March for Life and now that the 2022 March for Life is behind us, we'd like to tell you a little more about why this march mattered so much.
Looking at federal news, the biggest story of the week was the announcement that United State Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will be stepping down from the bench. This means that President Joe Biden will likely have his first opportunity to appoint a justice to the nation’s highest court.
Then, turning to state news, we’ll see an effort by Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) to offer preferential treatment to lesbian, gay and bisexual business owners. It’s affirmative action for the LGB community.
Following that we’ll look at how the Democratic Supermajorities in the New York State Legislature are attempting to mute the voice of the Republican Minority in both floor debate and the gerrymandering of legislative districts.
Finally, we’ll take you to Ithaca, NY where grade school students are encouraged to use their preferred personal pronouns and helped their school create a webpage riddled with resources for their LGBTQIA+ classmates. To make matters worse, the school board seems to be fully on board with the agenda. It’s past time for more believers to run for school board and other elected offices in this state.
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At the federal level, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer suffered an unsurprising, but still stinging, defeat when an effort to repeal the filibuster rule was rejected. In today’s program, we’ll explain what this means and why maintaining the filibuster rule matters so much.
Turning to state news, the State Assembly is moving a measure that would likely add a Planned Parenthood representative to a panel that approves applications for abortion facilities in New York. One has to wonder how objective that appointee would be.
Then, on a more positive note, we’re supporting a bill that would make sure new moms and their babies are eligible for at least 48 hours of medical care covered by Medicaid.
Today, we’ll also mark School Choice Week. It’s a great opportunity to highlight the importance of not only educational options, but also parental rights in those choices.
Finally, it’s hard to believe we’re already looking at February, but here we are. Our organization has a new list of suggested prayer requests and some praises that you can be lifting up next month.
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The story that dominated the news cycle last week was the United State Supreme Court’s beat down of President Joe Biden’s OSHA overreach. There was something to celebrate in the decision, but an area for concern as well. We’ll discuss.
In New York, mobile sports betting recently went live and we’re not a fan.
Then, we’ll note the appointment of a new judge to the State Court of Appeals. Every other judge on the state’s highest court has been appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but now Gov. Kathy Hochul has made her mark on the Empire State’s judiciary.
Next, access is limited at the New York State Capitol again this year and it will have an impact on our annual Legislative Day event for a third year.
Finally, I’ll offer an update on our 2021 year-end campaign—and my gratitude to our friends and supporters.
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In Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul offered her inaugural—and unless she wins re-election in November—her only State of the State Address. What will the Governor’s priorities be in the coming months? We’ll discuss.
Mrs. Hochul wasn’t the only laying out her agenda, though. The State of the State Address also serves as the unofficial start of the legislative session. The State Senate Republicans took the opportunity to lay out their “Take Back New York” agenda. In today’s program, we’ll let you what the GOP is proposing for the Empire State.
Then, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, has announced that his office will no longer prosecute certain types of crimes. From our position, that will only encourage more lawlessness.
Next, an intriguing piece of legislation was recently signed into law. It is poised to empower citizen advocates in New York, and frankly, we’re a little surprised that legislators and the Governor even allowed it. Stay tuned, and we’ll fill you in on the details.
Finally, we’d like to stick a pin in the pot proposals that localities were considering late last year. How many municipalities decided to opt out of marijuana shops and pot lounges in their communities?
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In federal news, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Oral arguments will be heard on January 7, 2022. New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is signing onto an amicus brief opposing the mandate on religious liberty grounds. We’ll delve into more detail in today’s program.
In a similar vein, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her intention to seek a mandatory COVID vaccination for students attending school, both public and private. Our organization remains opposed and is urging the Governor and the State Legislature to go slow on this controversial measure.
Then, every January there is a large pro-life event held in Washington, D.C. that celebrates the sanctity of human life. This year’s event is expected to be bigger than ever. We’ll tell you what it is and how you can participate.
Finally, we’ve been noticing a growing trend. Our office has been inundated with requests regarding various social media memes that are circulating. Some well-intentioned individuals are reposting these memes, without first finding out if they are factual. It causes confusion in certain circles and costs conservatives credibility. Today, we’ll gently remind listeners to seek truth in all areas of their lives—even social media interactions.
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Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C. when he announced that he would not be voting for President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Act. The announcement delivered a likely death knell to a signature issue of the President’s agenda.
That isn’t the only federal issue we’ll be discussing on today’s program. The Biden Administration is also permanently removing some limits on abortion pill access. For many in the pro-life community—and the women and unborn babies negatively impacted by this decision—it’s a troubling action.
Next, Gov. Kathy Hochul recently indicated that when the State Legislature returns in 2022, she will seek a mandatory COVID vaccination for students attending school. Plenty of parents will object to this.
Then, we’ll offer a brief lookback on 2021 and let you know how you can receive our “2021 Legislative Session in Review”.
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Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest mask mandate dominated the news cycle this week. I’ll lay out some of the specifics.
Next up, there was a decision from the United States Supreme Court regarding religious exemptions from vaccination for health care workers. It wasn’t an encouraging one for proponents of religious liberty.
Then, we’ll discuss what New York might look like after Roe is struck down. Here’s a hint—an abortion tourism industry could crop up in our state.
Abortion isn’t the only life issue we’re focused on, though. In January, we expect the fight against assisted suicide to resume in full force.
Finally, this is also the week we celebrate Christmas. Despite the political woes of our day, we are grateful for the Savior.
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We’ll begin today’s program looking at two stories out of New York City. Last week, the City Council approved giving voting rights to non-citizens. Additionally, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio is requiring that all non-public or private school employees be vaccinated against COVID. Both these stories constrict liberty for citizens and should be resisted. We’ll go into more detail in today’s program.
Then, looking at state news, many municipalities are opting out of pot dispensaries in their communities. If you’re curious if your town or village has taken any action on this issue, we’ll tell you how you can find out.
In national news, conservatives scored a surprising win when the military draft requirement for women was dropped from the National Defense Authorization Act. We’re celebrating this win.
Finally, our organization in partnership with our Family Policy Alliance friends is preparing for a post-Roe America. We’ll tell you about a new resource recently launched that helps the pro-life community prepare for life after Roe.
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For those of us in the pro-life community, last week was an encouraging one. We were present outside the U.S. Supreme Court when oral arguments were heard in a case that could overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion legal across America. The atmosphere outside the courthouse was jubilant. The pro-life community easily outnumbered the pro-abortion protestors. It was almost as if Planned Parenthood and its allies knew that they were defeated and decided to throw in the towel early. We'll offer analysis of the arguments presented in today’s program.
That wasn’t the only good pro-life news, though. Here in the Empire State, Attorney General Letitia James decided to drop the case against 13 pro-lifers who were bearing witness against abortion outside a Queens abortion clinic in 2017. AG James is a strident abortion supporter, so why would she withdraw this case? We’ll discuss.
Then, in darker developments, New York City is opting to deal with an opioid problem by opening sanctioned injection sites. While supervised injection sites is a horrendous idea, We'll take this opportunity to remind localities that they only have until the end of the year to opt out of pot sales in their community. It’s disturbing to see our state’s public policy drifting toward tacit drug approval.
It’s a packed program. Let’s get started.
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We have some troubling news to share. Despite knowing that its evangelical base is not on board, Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, announced that the GOP was launching an LGBT initiative.
The big state news of the week was the release of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s Cuomo investigation—and it’s damning.
Next, and on a more positive note, Nourish New York, a bill supported by New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, was signed into law.
Then, with the oral arguments in a case that could take an axe to the very root of the 1973 Supreme Court decision known as Roe being heard this week, we’ll spend a few moments talking about life after Roe.
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On Monday, November 22, 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s vaccine mandate for health care workers takes effect. As a result, it appears that those seeking religious exemptions from the mandate will be fired just as they head into the holiday season.
Gov. Hochul isn’t only denying religious liberty, though. She’s also denying basic biology. Last week, she signed into law two bills sought out by transgender activists.
Next, we’re only days away from the Supreme Court hearing a monumental pro-life case. Potentially, it could overturn the 1973 abortion decision known as Roe v. Wade. If you aren’t already, please dedicate prayer to these vital oral arguments, the attorneys making the case for life, and the justices of the United States Supreme Court.
Finally, it’s Thanksgiving week and I’ll offer a few thoughts on what we all can be grateful to the Lord for on this special day.
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This time of year, our organizations’ attention often turns from state to national issues. State legislators aren’t in session, but members of Congress are still in Washington, D.C. Two issues we’ll be reporting on this week include the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act.
Those aren’t the only federal issues we’re dealing with, though. A federal court issued an emergency stay of President Joe Biden’s workplace vaccine mandate.
Then, a little closer to home we’ll be looking at a religious liberty issue in Brooklyn. There, the Catholic Church let one of its parochial schoolteachers go after the teacher ‘married’ his male partner. Some are not happy at the teacher’s release, but doesn’t a church have a right to only employ people consistent with the church’s teaching?
Finally, we’re only about six weeks away from the end of 2021 and our organization still has a lofty goal before the end of the fiscal and calendar year.
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Last week was a tremendously busy week for numerous reasons.
First, the United States Supreme Court showed movement on not one, but two cases, the pro-life and religious liberty communities are watching. We’ll look at both actions and consider what it might mean for the court facing the big case that could overturn Roe v. Wade.
Then, Democrats are reeling from the shellacking their party took at the polls last Tuesday. On today’s program we’ll highlight some of the election results here at home and across the nation. We’ll also report on what happened to those five ballot proposals and discuss the implications of the 2021 Election on the 2022 mid-terms.
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Late last week news broke that former Governor Andrew Cuomo was being charged with a misdemeanor in the alleged groping of a former aide. It’s unlikely that Cuomo will receive any real consequence. It’s a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year behind bars, but as a first-time offender the ex-governor will likely only see a slap on the wrist. However, the larger question is, where is the Assembly Judiciary Committee report regarding the investigations into Andrew Cuomo? The taxpayers paid for it, deserve to see it, and that report might just reveal what was truly going on during Cuomo’s disgraceful tenure.
When Governor Kathy Hochul ascended to the vacancy created by Cuomo’s resignation, she made it clear that she would be seeking a full term. However, State Attorney General Letitia James is inching closer toward an imminent announcement of her own run. When the AG jumps in, life just became a lot more complicated for Kathy Hochul.
Changing topics, we’ll look at the effort to bring sports betting to New York before the Superbowl. Suffice to say, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is not excited about this state scam to deprive its citizens of even more income and enable greater gambling addiction.
Then, we’ll look at what has been happening in Loudon County, VA. In that state, concerned parents are standing up to the elitists in education. Moms and dads have had enough and are going to school board meetings and engaging in ways they haven’t before. 2010 saw the rise of the “Tea Party”, a movement centered around previously politically uninvolved people getting politically involved. Now, could we be seeing the rise of a “Parent Party” movement across America?
Finally, it’s November. A month in which our organization likes to step back and just give thanks for the goodness God has shown to us throughout the year. We’ve got several praises to share with you.
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There is a reason why some Albany insiders refer to JCOPE (the state’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics) as “J-Joke”. What happened last week regarding former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s $5 Million book deal is only the most recent example of why no one takes this ethics commission seriously.
Speaking of ethics, many are calling into question a Virginia campaign ad with Vice President Kamala Harris promoting the Democratic candidate for governor in hundreds of predominantly African American churches.
On the endorsement front, Governor Kathy Hochul has picked up the support of another major pro-abortion political player.
Then, we’ll look at the rise of authoritarian government demonstrated by the continuing COVID mandates.
Finally, we’ll update you on the latest regarding efforts to redistrict our state ahead of next year’s elections.
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On today’s program, we’ll look at the Biden Administration’s plan to rescind something referred to as the Protect Life Rule.
Elsewhere across the nation, a federal court has again allowed the Texas Heartbeat Law to stand. This lifesaving law is likely heading to the United State Supreme Court to determine its constitutionality, but even now it continues to save lives.
Here in our home state, there is an update on vaccine mandates for health care workers and its good news for those seeking a religious exemption from the mandate.
Then something that we haven’t discussed in quite some time is the status of fantasy sports betting in the state. Oral arguments regarding the constitutionality of the Legislature’s action were recently heard and a decision is expected soon.
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On November 2, 2021, New York voters will elect candidates to various judgeships and local offices, including Mayor of New York City. They will also vote on five proposed amendments to the New York State Constitution. While these five ballot measures may not receive as much media attention as political campaigns do, they may have a greater impact on the future of the Empire State. This week's program will provide an overview of the five proposed amendments.
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This week, in national news, we’re noting that the U.S. House of Representatives passed a radical abortion bill, scarily similar to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2019 Abortion Expansion Act. We’ll look at its likely fate in the U.S. Senate.
Then, at the state level, Health Commissioner Howard Zucker is out—or at least soon will be—and Gov. Kathy Hochul has named her pick for his position.
Speaking of Gov. Hochul, she made some odd and what some have billed as blasphemous statements while speaking at a church service last weekend.
Hochul was also in the headlines as news broke that she is considering legalizing prostitution.
The Governor is clearly lurching left to secure the Democratic nomination in next year’s elections, but it may not be enough. Progressive Democrats are starting to make some noise about a primary challenge to the sitting governor.
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This week the Supreme Court of the United States announced that in December oral arguments will be heard in a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade.
Speaking of the courts, a Christian adoption and foster care agency in Central New York finds itself defending its right to serve children in need and their families in a manner consistent with the ministry’s faith. We’ll have more details a little later in today’s program.
Next up, Governor Kathy Hochul continues to make appointments to her administration and one with strong ties to Planned Parenthood is raising eyebrows in the pro-life community.
Then, the presumptive Republican and Conservative Party candidate for New York State Governor in 2022, Lee Zeldin, disclosed that he has been diagnosed with cancer, but thankfully he also announced that he is in full remission.
Last, there is a troubling story out of the Finger Lakes Region. There, a fertility doctor was allegedly and fraudulently serving as the sperm donor for women seeking assisted reproductive services. It’s still the wild west in many ways when it comes to these types of services and at the very least the state needs to start reining in some of these rogue individuals.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul came out swinging against Texas’ new abortion bill. In doing so, she made it clear that she is fully committed to the same abortion-expanding agenda as her predecessor, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Then, in a cost-saving initiative, the state is considering forcing parents of some special needs adults to make a difficult decision—move your kids to a fenced-in, isolated facility in the northern part of the state or lose funding for their care.
Third, in today’s program we’ll provide an update on recent legal action regarding state vaccine and mask mandates.
Finally, state Senator George Borrello is asking the state to offer localities more time to opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries in their neighborhoods.
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While a Texas pro-life bill dominated much of the news last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is promising a vote on a pro-abortion bill when Congress returns from its break. Today, we’ll tell you more about that legislation.
Then, the New York State Department of Health took an action last week that means private businesses will be implementing stronger COVID protocols in their places of employment. It doesn’t seem like we’ll be putting those face masks away anytime soon.
Continuing on the theme of COVID mandates, the beginning of the new school year meant new mandates for schools—and one Western New York school is pushing back.
Speaking of back to school, we’ll tell you about a resource that will help families protect their children from false ideologies and worldviews that are not consistent with a family’s faith.
Finally, the November General Election isn’t that far off. Most aren’t aware, but there will be five proposed amendments on the 2021 ballot. We’ll provide some information on those proposals.
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God bless, Texas! A new law in that state outlawed abortion after a baby’s beating heart can be detected. As the left loses its collective mind over the matter, the politics of abortion has moved front and center again.
Then, last week Albany held an extraordinary session of the State Legislature, that is a session of the Legislature called by the Governor that falls outside of the Legislature’s regularly scheduled legislative session. We’ll tell you what happened.
Following that, we need to speak of the many new vaccine mandates that have arisen over the last several days and a few bills that have dramatically different approaches to personal liberty when it comes to vaccination.
Next, it’s September—which means the kids are back to school. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been back in the classroom in a year and a half. Let’s remember to pray for our students and their schools, as well as several other requests we’ll share in today’s program.
For us, a limited number of in-person events resume this month. We’ll be in Buffalo, Rochester, and Oneonta. In today’s program, we’ll tell you how you can reserve a seat.
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It was a busy week in Albany as Gov. Kathy Hochul took the helm, delivered her first address as Governor, and named State Senator Brian Benjamin (D-Manhattan) as her pick for Lt. Governor. In today’s program we’ll tell you more about both our new Governor and Lt. Governor and discuss the priorities of the new administration.
Then, there are indications that Gov. Hochul will be pushing for a one-size-fits-all approach to school re-openings. Reportedly, this will include universal masking requirements, vaccinations for faculty and staff as soon as she has the authority to legally require it and more COVID testing. We had hoped for local control over these matters. At the time of this recording, the final details are not out, but the outline of her plan is taking shape.
Lastly, our organization has some in-person events starting next month. I’ll be in Buffalo, Rochester, and Oneonta. In today’s program, I’ll tell you how you can reserve a seat.
Let’s get started.
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You’re probably noticing the prominence of transgender ideology in our culture. You’re also no doubt wondering where it’s coming from and why we’re hearing so much more about it. Are there root causes? We’ll discuss.
Then, the NYCLU is demanding that a proposed New York Catholic hospital perform abortions. I thought this branch of the ACLU was supposed to defend liberty, but they conveniently forget that pro-life people have liberties that need protecting as well—namely religious liberty.
In an update from the State Capitol, the state has a new human trafficking law. We’ll tell you how it helps trafficking victims and puts traffickers on notice.
Finally, back in March the state legalized and commercialized marijuana in New York, but localities only have until the end of the year to block sales in their town, and some already are.
Let’s get started.
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He may have already announced his resignation, but we need to talk about Governor Andrew Cuomo. Sure, the media is after him today, but they helped create the man. We’ll reflect on the media’s role in puffing up Andrew Cuomo.
Then, with Andrew Cuomo’s role as governor drawing to a close. What should we know about Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, the woman next in line to finish out Cuomo’s term?
In other state news, it came as a shock when the Cuomo Administration suddenly announced that it would not be providing any COVID guidance this year for schools opening in September. Many are blasting the decision, but the private schools we represent were elated at the news.
Finally, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove a pro-life protection known as the Hyde Amendment from its annual fiscal plan. Will pro-life protections survive in the U.S. Senate?
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Some weeks are just big weeks in the statehouse—and this was one of them. State Attorney General Letitia James released her report regarding Governor Andrew Cuomo. It turns out that the Governor is allegedly a serial sexual harasser. Now, he’s fighting for his political life. Could this be the undoing of Andrew Cuomo?
Then, the U.S Senate Armed Services Committee voted to advance a bill that would require women to register for any future military drafts. What do we think about that?
After that, a recently released book by a former Planned Parenthood head confirms what we’ve known all along—Planned Parenthood is obsessed with abortion.
Following that, a new study indicates that sexual orientation change therapy can reduce the rate of suicide among those who experience unwanted same-sex attraction.
Finally, we’ll look at the growing conflict between transgenderism and parental rights. We’ll see how it’s playing out in the medical circle of influence.
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First up today, we look at the main brief filed in a major abortion case out of Mississippi, known as the Dobbs case.
Then, continuing in the pro-life vein, there is an effort to unify the movement through a new flag representing the pro-life movement.
Third, Governor Andrew Cuomo has escaped a federal probe of the nursing home deaths related to his COVID directive.
Following that, we’ll discuss what is happening in Brooklyn as legislators removed one tool from law enforcement that is leading to an explosion of prostitution activity.
Finally, New York State has a new law that bars anyone under age eighteen from marrying. We’ll discuss.
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No doubt you’ve been hearing more about Democratic Socialism, but what is it and should Christians be concerned about it? We think so, and we’ll explain why in today’s episode.
Then, we’ll get a bit into the weeds of electoral politics as we discuss redistricting and why it matters for not only the next statewide election, but also the next decade.
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Let’s begin today’s program by looking at a federal effort to strip the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life protections from a proposed federal spending bill.
Then, leftists in the State Legislature are opposing a plan by the state to allow Chick-fil-A restaurants to operate at rest stops and travel plazas on the I-90.
Following that, a new documentary has been released challenging the cultural crusade to normalize transgender behavior.
Finally, we’ll look at the state’s Open Meetings Law and what is means for getting back to some governmental normalcy—and good government—following the pandemic restrictions of 2020 and 2021.
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Let’s begin today’s program by looking at two recent Supreme Court decisions, one is widely seen as a refusal to properly recognize religious liberty, while the other was a real win for donor confidentiality—especially in the current cancel culture climate.
Then, the state hasn’t even gotten its recreational weed regulations out and already there is a legislative suggestion to legalize more drugs in the next legislative session.
Before we get to the next legislative session, though, we’ve got to get kids back to school. A group of private school leaders has asked Governor Cuomo to get moving and quickly issue whatever guidance is necessary to get kids back in the classroom—and to do so without a masking requirement.
Finally, we’re going to dive a little deeper into New York City politics and look at the results from the Mayoral Primary and an experiment called rank choice voting.
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The New York State Legislature’s 2021 regular session came to a close on June 11. Christian New Yorkers have cause for both relief and deep concern in regard to the actions taken by the Legislature this year. The damage done by the Legislature during the 2021 session was much less significant than the damage done in 2019, when the Legislature passed a series of morally objectionable and ill-advised laws. In this week’s episode we offer a comprehensive review of the recent session.
There’s a lot to cover this week. Let’s get started.
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Let’s begin today’s program by looking at the recent Supreme Court decision known as Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. What might this decision portend for cases yet to come before the High Court?
Then, last week Gov. Andrew Cuomo commemorated and celebrated the tenth anniversary of New York’s legalization of same-sex “marriage” by signing yet another bill on the LGBT agenda. We’ll tell you more about it.
Speaking of gay “marriage”, that law continues to have an impact on religious liberty. Today, we’ll look at how it’s affecting a Christian photographer in Rochester, NY.
After that, we’ll look at how concerned parents in one Western New York district were able to push Planned Parenthood out of their school.
Frequently we’re asked for updates on the investigations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. Last week, the New York State Bar Association concluded that there was blame to lay at the administration’s feet for the COVID nursing home deaths.
There’s a lot to cover this week. Let’s get started.
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Let’s begin today’s program by looking at the recently concluded legislative session. We’ll fill in a few blanks regarding what did and didn’t pass at the tail end of the 2021 session.
Then, we’ll go more in depth regarding a piece of the progressives’ criminal justice reform agenda known as the “Clean Slate” Act.
Next up, we’ll look at Governor Andrew Cuomo’s latest relaxing of the COVID restrictions.
After that, this week marks ten years since same-sex “marriage” was legalized in the Empire State. We’ll offer a few thoughts as New York marks this sad anniversary.
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Let’s begin today’s program by looking a life issue at the federal level. Legislation that seeks to undermine and invalidate over a thousand pro-life laws across America has been introduced. We’ll tell you more about it.
Then, our office is still receiving many inquiries regarding the status of the investigations against Governor Andrew Cuomo. Today, we’ll discuss the latest.
Continuing the state discussion, we’re pleased to report that before the Legislature concluded this year’s regular session last week it passed a bill that our organization has been advocating for that will benefit not only New York’s farmers, but also those needing the services of food pantries and emergency shelters.
Finally, June is Pride Month. Thirty days dedicated to advancing and celebrating a view of human sexuality that defies not only biology, but also biblical beliefs. We’ll discuss how a Christian can approach this propagandizing.
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Let’s start today’s program with some international news. Last week it was reported that China is again relaxing its policy regarding how many children a family is permitted to have.
Then, a national pro-life organization has launched a major campaign in response to the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will consider a landmark abortion case.
Continuing on the pro-life front, 62 leaders of pro-life organizations, including New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, are urging congressional leadership not to leave federal pro-life protections behind when they pass President Biden’s first budget.
Then, closer to home, we’ll look at what relaxing COVID regulations mean for churches in the Empire State.
Finally, we’re about to enter the last week of the 2021 regular legislative session. We’ll let you know where things stand now.
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Let’s start today’s program with some good news. The pandemic has caused more parents to consider homeschooling and private school options for their families’ educational needs. Fewer parents are relying on public schools for their kids.
Then, because of a swift public backlash, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration is reversing its policy that required children aged two to five to wear face masks in day care and camp settings.
Next, turning to state issues a troubling piece of end-of-life legislation is starting to move in the final seven days of the legislative session. This one could leave dementia patients to starve.
We’re also seeing a legislative effort to force utility companies to use a person’s preferred personal pronouns, rather than those consistent with the person’s sex. It’s the coercive power of government sending even more confusion into the gender identity debate.
Finally, it’s Memorial Day weekend and Gov. Andrew Cuomo is encouraging flags be flown at half-staff in honor of frontline workers lost during the COVID crisis. Republicans are speaking out reminding the Governor that as grateful as we are for those workers, Memorial Day is set aside for those members of the Armed Forces who have died in liberty’s defense.
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Last week, the masks came off the faces of many New Yorkers and it was also the unmasking of Governor Andrew Cuomo. For months, the Governor has been dodging details regarding the contract he signed to publish a book during the height of the pandemic. At the same time, his administration was allegedly fudging the numbers on nursing home deaths. Now, the Governor’s tax returns reveal that he is poised to receive $5.1 Million for his COVID book deal.
Next, we’ll spend a good portion of our program looking at the Supreme Court’s announcement that it will review a decision that will likely have major ramifications for unborn life and abortion rights in America.
Then, faith-based schools will want to pay special attention to a piece of legislation that our organization is concerned about. It deals with the issue of Substantial Equivalency and state oversight of private schools.
And finally, our organization would be appreciative of your prayers on our behalf as we enter the final ten working days of the 2021 regular legislative session.
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In today’s episode we’ll tell you how the Biden Administration has reversed course from the Trump Administration and will resume ghastly research utilizing aborted babies.
Then, we’ll turn to state news and look at an effort one Albany politician is promoting to create a statewide vaccine database.
And on a similar topic, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s pronouncement that all students will need a vaccination to attend state universities and colleges this fall is stirring up a lot of opposition.
At the same time, Republican leaders in the State Senate and Assembly are accusing the Assembly Democratic Majority of dragging its feet on the Cuomo impeachment investigation.
And finally, there is another candidate who has entered the race to challenge Andrew Cuomo or whomever the Democrats put up for governor in 2022.
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We’re down to the final five weeks of the legislative session and today we’ll tell you about five bills we’re watching in the last lap.
First, there was motion last week on the Public University Emergency Contraception Education Act. It has members of the pro-life community concerned.
There are also indicators that Planned Parenthood and their political allies in Albany are preparing to make a push for mandatory public sex ed before the end of session.
Then, there is an effort to raise the age of marriage in New York to eighteen, but leave the age of sexual consent at seventeen. This creates a conundrum that discourages marital monogamy.
And, while not likely to see passage anytime soon, we want to make you aware of a bill that would make it a felony to intentionally injure a pregnant woman.
Finally, last week there was a debate over assisted suicide legislation. We’ll tell you how it went and where you can watch it yourself.
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The Biden Administration is wasting no time in rolling back the pro-life advances made during the Trump presidency. This time, it’s targeting the Title X Protect Life Rule.
Next, a group of pro-life churches and organizations are taking New York’s requirement that employers provide abortion coverage in health insurance plans to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Then, our state has taken another step toward legalization of prostitution. The Manhattan District Attorney has announced that his office would stop prosecuting cases of prostitution and unlicensed massage.
Following that, we’ll see that the progressive effort to redefine the language surrounding the social construct known as gender identity continues. This time, Democrats want to force even utility providers to participate in promoting their agenda.
Finally, new information has emerged regarding Governor Andrew Cuomo’s COVID book deal and the coverup of nursing home deaths.
Let’s get started.
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Last week, the President of Planned Parenthood released an op-ed indicating that the abortion conglomerate would stop apologizing for its racist history under founder Margaret Sanger. Planned Parenthood is finally reckoning with its past, but it’s still failing to reckon with its present, and that is a problem.
Then, in Albany, Planned Parenthood’s political allies continue to target New York’s pro-life pregnancy centers. A bill that would hinder the vital work of pregnancy centers is on the move. Our organization is working to stop it.
Even more troubling, though is an effort to pass the New York Health Act. This legislation would virtually eliminate private health insurance in this state and move everyone to a costly, liberty-infringing, government-run healthcare plan.
Then, if you haven’t been to the State Capitol lately. It’s a dystopian-looking scene with ‘No Trespassing’ signs, fencing, concrete barriers, and other blockades that have been placed around the People’s House, but it’s a metaphor of just how broken state government is. It’s time to re-open the Capitol and restore constitutional rights, like the freedom to assemble, to the people of this state again.
Finally, as a Christian organization, we believe in the power of prayer. There’s a lot to pray about for our state and nation. We’ll be offering some suggested prayer requests for the month of May.
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There is undoubtedly an attempt to remake America in the progressive mold in the modern Democratic Party. Case in point, is the conversation regarding the left’s attempt to pack the Supreme Court with thirteen justices, up four from the present nine.
Then, with an eye toward New York City’s mayoral race, we’ll see that the frontrunner Andrew Yang, an abortion supporter, is coming under attack for simply saying that abortion need not be celebrated. Remember when Democrats used to say that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare? Well, that was then. This is now. Today, they only believe it must always be legal, safety and rarity are secondary concerns.
Next up, there was a little known, but significant court ruling that may help protect people with developmental disabilities.
Then, we’re entering the second half of the 2021 legislative session. Buckle up because things may get a little bumpy for social conservatives.
Finally, we’re announcing the release of a new resource that may help parents, grandparents, and others trying to help young people navigate transgender conversations. I’ll tell you more about it and how you can acquire your own copy of it.
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Last week, Arkansas became the first state in the nation to ban the performance of gender transition procedures upon minors. At New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, we hope this is the first of many states to come.
Then, in Ohio we’ll look at a federal case that protects the free speech rights of faculty at public universities—even when that speech is politically incorrect.
Turning to state news, we’ll put a spotlight on a couple of proposals in the recently passed $212 Billion State Budget.
And while a lot of attention has been on the budget in recent days, we need to revisit the scandal surrounding Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s book deal.
Finally, we have the first formal announcement of a candidate for New York State Governor. Let the games begin.
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For those of you keeping track of the issues surrounding transgender athletes participating in girls’ competitive sports. You might be interested in something strange going on in South Dakota where Gov. Kristi Noem has been practicing the ‘South Dakota Shuffle’.
Then, we’ll bring it back home and look at the New York news story of the week, where we became the latest state to legalize recreational marijuana.
On a more positive note, the Legislature has passed, and the Governor signed into law a protection for nursing home residents that will guarantee their right to have two personal caregivers be allowed to visit them—even in times of declared public health emergency.
Fourth, we’re going to unpack Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan to utilize vaccine passports. It’s raising a number of concerns.
Finally, our Legislative Day livestream was so successful that we’ve decided to launch a new monthly feature we’re calling Albany Update LIVE. I’ll tell you more about it and how you can participate in this new program.
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Our office has been fielding requests about H.R. 1. The measure is being billed as a voter reform proposal, but our organization believes it would the opposite and leave our election process more vulnerable to political corruption.
Then, we’ll take a look at Rep. Tom Reed’s response to an allegation of sexual harassment.
Third, it just doesn’t stop with the scandal surrounding Governor Andrew Cuomo. We’ll discuss the latest.
Following that, thirteen State Senate Republicans are coming to the aid of people living in group homes for the developmentally disabled. New legislation has been introduced that, if adopted, would repeal a dangerous COVID directive.
Finally, it would appear that a deal has been reached to approved recreational marijuana. However, at the time of this recording the bill language hasn’t yet been released or a vote held. It’s not over yet.
Let’s get started.
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Starting at the federal level, last week the U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and passed a resolution to remove the ratification deadline for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the U.S. Constitution. Both of these innocuously named bills sound good at first blush, but leave social conservatives with significant concerns.
Second, much to our organization’s chagrin, recreational weed may see a floor vote as early as this week, but legislative negotiations over bill differences still persist. The pot proposal is far from finished.
Then, state budget conversation revolving around additional casinos and tax breaks for existing ones are underway. In addition, mobile sports betting appears to be moving toward passage.
Fourth, much has been made of the State Health Department’s nursing home directive that led to an increased number of resident deaths, however there is a similar directive regarding state-operated group homes for the developmentally disabled and unlike the nursing home directive—it’s still in effect.
Finally, we believe in the power of prayer and our organization has a number of specific prayer needs to share with you.
Let’s get started.
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Regular listeners know that our organization traditionally holds our largest advocacy day of the year on the third Tuesday of March. It’s not uncommon for us to welcome 1,000 or more attendees to the New York State Capitol. Unfortunately, COVID cancelled last year’s event and it has cancelled an in-person event this year as well. Still, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is holding its first digital day of action on Tuesday, March 16. We'll tell you more about it and how you can participate.
During Legislative Day 2021: A Digital Day of Action we’ll focus on four key pieces of legislation. First, Planned Parenthood’s allies in the State Legislature are coming after pro-life pregnancy centers. we'll explain how. Then, we’re combating a proposal to mandate sex education for every student in grades K-12. We’re also pushing back against a plan to force sexual orientation and gender identity issues into faith-based schools. Finally, on a more positive note, we’re highlighting a piece of legislation that helps not only our farmers, but also those in poverty.
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Recent conversation has revolved around the so-called Equality Act. As previously reported, the (In)Equality Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and has advanced to the U.S. Senate. Allies across the nation are working to make sure the measure falls shorts of the likely ten Republican votes it would need to become law. However, there is a new threat developing. It’s called the Fairness for All Act and unfortunately too many Republicans are falling for this euphemistically named proposal.
Also, on the federal level, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) is taking heat for a line of questioning he directed to President Joe Biden’s nominee for Assistant Secretary of Health. We’ll discuss.
Then, turning our attention back to state issues, there is a lot to cover regarding the troubles coming at Governor Andrew Cuomo—all self-inflicted wounds I might add.
And while the pressure is growing on Andrew Cuomo, he has apparently cut a deal with the Democratic Majorities in the Senate and the Assembly that will not end, but extend, his pandemic superpowers.
And finally, we learned that a national Christian adoption agency has caved to political correctness and will coordinate adoptions for same-sex couples.
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While most of our organization’s attention is focused on the State Legislature, we do engage on key federal issues as well. Last week’s vote regarding the so-called Equality Act was a prime example. We’ll learn more about the bill and which congressional members were for and against this dangerous piece of legislation.
Then, we’ll take a look at the Dignity for All Students Act and how one Manhattan Democrat desires to spread its influence and authority into New York’s faith-based schools.
Third, there is a pro-life piece of legislation that would protect babies born alive after an attempted abortion. Sadly, it’s prospects for passage in the Empire State’s current political climate is unlikely, but it’s still important to promote.
And while we’re talking about pro-life matters, listeners should be aware of a bill that is targeting pro-life pregnancy centers.
And finally, we’ll discuss the life, death and sad scandal that is now engulfing the name and legacy of Ravi Zacharias.
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Early in the pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo was praised for his handling of the Coronavirus crisis, but new facts are emerging and along with the facts—there’s a newly-empowered Legislature emerging as well. No longer cowering in its shell, a legislative turtle that has been slow to take action may—as early as this week—clip Cuomo’s wings.
Then, while tensions couldn’t be higher between the Governor and the Legislature, Cuomo has modified his commercial cannabis bill to appease some in the State Assembly. Will it be enough to bring the pro-pot parties together or will their proposals to legalize weed go up in smoke?
Third, it is now legal in New York to rent a women’s womb and buy the child she has carried to term. That is not an exaggeration. It’s the tragic results of a law that took effect last week.
On so many levels, it is clear that the political left is coming for our children’s innocence, security and privacy, but a new effort has been launched that includes a promise to save America’s children.
And finally, our greatest need is spiritual, not political. There are several ways you can specifically pray during the month of March.
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We’ll begin today’s program by shining a light on the bombshell report that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Administration intentionally covered up the death count numbers in New York’s nursing homes to shield the information from the U.S. Department of Justice. The inadvertent admission is sending shockwaves through the state.
Then, we’ll look at some positive legislation that is moving that would help prevent future nursing home crisis in a time of emergency.
Third, there is a development in the continuing effort to protect religious liberty as it relates to worship service attendance during a pandemic.
Fourth, opioid addiction and overdose is increasing during the year-long Coronavirus crisis. It isn’t only the addicted that are impacted, however. Babies born to opioid-addicted mothers suffer greatly. I’ll tell you about some legislation that aims to help.
And finally, a physician-assisted suicide bill has been reintroduced in the State Assembly. I’ll update you on its status and its prospects this legislative session.
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We’ll begin today’s program by taking a look at the early anti-life actions President Joe Biden’s Administration is taking.
Then, we pivot to discuss Twitter’s hateful policy toward traditional views of human sexuality.
Third, the bulk of today’s program will focus on a more detailed analysis of the news regarding Governor Andrew Cuomo’s underreporting and apparent coverup of COVID-related nursing home deaths.
Finally we’ll offer a deeper dive into Albany’s action to ban loitering for purposes of prostitution and what it might mean for the legalization of prostitution in the Empire State.
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The news has been riddled with Twitter’s attempt to silence voices that are viewed as politically incorrect, but it isn’t just big tech seeking to silence truth. Recently, Pres. Joe Biden issued executive orders that deny basic biological realities and now even the National Association of Realtors has taken troubling action in this regard.
Next up, New York State Attorney General Letitia James released a report that shows the State Health Department has been vastly underreporting the number of nursing home deaths related to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s COVID-19 policies.
On the state legislative front, both the State Senate and the State Assembly took the first steps to decriminalize prostitution—and they’re expected to go even further any day now.
Finally, I’m pleased to announce that our organization is launching a weekly prayer initiative specifically focused on New York’s elected officials and our state and national needs. I’ll tell you more about how you can get involved.
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Last week, we saw the inauguration of President Joe Biden. We’ll take a look at some of the President’s early actions and his stated plans for his first 100 days in office.
Second, cancel culture is strong. There are some who would seek to publicize and doxx donors who give to causes that may not be politically correct. I’ll update you on a court case that seeks to protect your privacy as it pertains to your charitable donations.
Third, it’s not often that our organization comes out in favor of a government program, but there is one being proposed that makes perfect sense. It helps farmers and those in need. I’ll tell you more about it.
Fourth, the changing political climate is troubling. How can we as Christians respond in this moment when there is so much angst in our society?
Finally, I’d like to share some ways in which you can pray for our state and the nation in the coming month.
Let’s get started.
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It is anticipated that President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated this week. Tensions are high across America and Christians should be especially focused on praying for our nation this week.
We also are going to see some changes in the U.S. Senate. We’ll be taking a look at the expected incoming Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
One of the items that the next Congress may take up is something called the Equality Act. I’ll tell you why people who value religious liberty should be concerned.
Then, trying to keep it balanced with some more positive news, churches recently saw another court victory and a cave from the Cuomo Administration.
Finally, this month pro-life Americans will be participating in events like the March for Life and other pro-life witness events. I’ll even tell you about a local win for life in the Rochester region.
Let’s get started.
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We’ll begin reflecting on the events of the past week. It was an ugly one for America.
Then, we’ll let you know what happened with those U.S. Senate races in Georgia.
Next, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms released our 2020-2021 Legislative Agenda. We’ll tell you more about our organization’s legislative priorities for the next two years.
Then, we’ll see that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is looking to become not only your bookie, but also your drug dealer. He wants the state to tax, regulate and in some cases operate what we have previously thought of as criminal enterprises.
Finally, the State Senate has named who will be chairing the various legislative committees. While this may sound very dry, it has great bearing on what legislation will advance or be stymied in this legislative session.
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Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update podcast.
We’ll begin today’s program by looking at President-elect Joe Biden’s bad pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. If Joe Biden is inaugurated and the U.S. Senate approves the nomination, it could strike a blow to many of the pro-life gains made under President Donald Trump’s tenure.
On a more positive development, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that protects women experiencing pre-term labor and their soon-to-be-born babies.
Next, we’ve previously discussed the fact that leadership in the State Assembly was re-elected to their posts, but now we know that the Senate is following suit.
Then, we’ll take a look at 2021 and the challenges that long-distance lobbying will mean for our organization’s efforts to influence legislation and legislators.
Finally, I’ve got a list of prayer requests for the new year that I hope you’ll join me in lifting up.
Let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update podcast.
I’m Jason McGuire. I serve as Executive Director of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF), New York’s evangelical Christian advocacy organization. Our mission is to influence legislation and legislators for the Lord Jesus Christ.
In 2021, with God’s help, NYCF will advocate in Albany, NY and in Washington, DC for four Biblically-based policy goals: The protection of human life, the promotion of strong families, the preservation of religious liberty, and the proclamation of justice and mercy. We’ll discuss in some detail what we pursue in each of these goals.
Then, for many years, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms’ affiliate organization—New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation—has held a weekly Legislative Bible Study during the legislative session in Albany. However, the COVID closure at our State Capitol, is severely hampering that effort. I’ll update you on our plans for 2021.
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Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update podcast.
If you thought the great mask divide of 2020 was contentious, get ready for the vaccine mandate debate of 2021. A New York state lawmaker has introduced a bill that, if passed and signed into law, could lead to a COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
Then, it’s Christmas week. Here at New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, we thank the Lord for sending Jesus Christ into the world to save us from our sins. We also thank the Lord for the churches, families, and individuals whose generosity makes our continuing work possible. We would not be able to influence legislation and legislators for the Lord Jesus Christ without them. NYCF wishes our friends and supporters a blessed Christmas season and a New Year filled with love and joy.
Let’s get started.
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Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update podcast.
Next week, New York’s Electoral College convenes in the State Capitol, but they meet while a Texas lawsuit challenging the election results heads to the Supreme Court. [UPDATE: Since the time of this program’s recording, the Supreme Court rejected this case.]
Then, Albany is preparing for the start of the 2021 legislative session. We’ll take a peek at next year’s calendar.
Finally, the pandemic effect and the current makeup of both our state and national legislative bodies, means that organizationally, we’ll face some challenges in the new year, but New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is preparing to face them head on. We’ll discuss.
Let’s get started.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/albanyupdate/support
Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update podcast.
First, we need to talk about that Supreme Court ruling against Governor Andrew Cuomo’s religious gathering restrictions. What does it mean for churches?
Then, in a sign that the next legislative session is rapidly approaching, we’ll see that legislative conferences in the State Assembly re-elected their leadership.
Third, there is new polling that shows growing support for mobile sports betting. What are the odds of online betting becoming the next form of gambling expansion in Albany?
Finally, State Attorney General Letitia James released a report that asserts nearly thirty percent of all charitable donations is pocketed by professional fundraisers. I’ll tell you why you don’t have to worry about that with our organization.
With much to discuss, let’s get started.
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