The Albany Update

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

Thank you for joining me for this week’s edition of the Albany Update.

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.

Let’s get started.

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.