Press Releases

Brabenec’s Thoughts on Governor’s Budget Presentation

“Any optimism I had that New York was preparing to turn itself around from the fiscal irresponsibility of its past was dashed after hearing our governor’s official budget proposal. I’m never one to immediately shut down conversations about boosting...

Brabenec Calls for a Repeal of Congestion Pricing in New York City

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark) has partnered with colleagues in the state Assembly to push a proposal forward that would bring an end to congestion pricing, full stop, for all travelers and commuters going in and out of New York City. The proposal...

Brabenec Reacts to 2024 State of The State Presentation

"As the governor teased her state of the state proposals throughout last week, I was optimistic about the direction she seemed to be taking. Having listened to the full presentation, I am less than enthused. While previously-mentioned initiatives, such...

Delivering For New Yorkers in 2024

Albany is alive with political activity once again. Having concluded our ceremonial start of the 2024 session last week, and at the time of writing, eagerly anticipating the governor’s 2024 State of the State address, the wheels of action in our state’s...

Brabenec Statement on 2024 Legislative Session Plans

"There’s an excitement to returning to Albany, despite the many shortcomings of this state government’s leadership. My partners and I in the legislature have returned for another year of serving the people, and I plan to do just that; we want to ensure...

The New Year: Time for Reflection and Growth

By the time you’re reading this column, Christmas will have come and gone, meaning New Year’s Day is around the corner, and the holiday lull has officially arrived. Gifts will have been opened, food will have been shared, and it was hopefully a very...

Christmas Has Arrived

The most wonderful time of the year, indeed! Like many other Americans, Christmas is a truly special time for me and my family. It’s a time for us to put away our other endeavors, gather in the living room and celebrate each other in a season of glad...

Congestion Pricing is Not a Solution to NYC Gridlock

Congestion pricing is a term we’ve heard coming out of New York City and the Metro Transit Authority (MTA) for a couple of years now, but it’s never been as real a problem as it just became this week. The MTA board has unilaterally voted to approve...

Remembering The Attack On Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941—a pivotal historical moment that reshaped the world. Beyond being a mere date, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past and the invaluable lessons it imparts. The devastating attacks on Pearl Harbor propelled the...

Saving Energy This Winter Season

Now that Thanksgiving has ended, the real winter starts. We’ll continue to get colder weather, tougher conditions and higher energy costs to keep our homes warm. But don’t worry, there are alternative ways to help keep the house comfortable while...

Thanksgiving: An American Tradition

Because the holiday is later in the week, you’d think I’d want to save my thoughts on this year’s Thanksgiving for next week as a wrap-up to what we’ve enjoyed. But the Brabenecs have long enjoyed lively and exciting Thanksgivings in our family,...

Honoring Our Men and Women of The Armed Forces

This past weekend, Americans worldwide honored our men and women who served with Veterans Day. I, myself, consider Veterans Day to be very important, not only because my father was a Navy veteran and the day gives me an opportunity to remember him intentionally...

On This Day in History: Abraham Lincoln Became President

As a political representative, I feel comfortable saying that for many of us in this line of work, Abraham Lincoln is a figure we stride ourselves to live up to. His poise, his confidence, his command of the English language, was the right combination...

Halloween Is Here!

Fall is in full swing, and it’s been a pleasure to see it in the Hudson Valley. We’re uniquely situated in one of the most gorgeous areas of the state and blessed to see the changing seasons unfold around us. The beautiful fall colors have exploded...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo as described in caption
Throughout the month of October, non-for-profits and the people who make them up have been spreading awareness and providing resources in the continuing fight against breast cancer in New York. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second-most common...

Brabenec: No Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

Throughout the chaos engulfing New York during the migrant crisis, numerous pressing issues demand resolution. These challenges, from the mismanagement of the registration system to the shortage of housing for migrants, have been exacerbated by political...

Brabenec: ‘We Must Stand Up For Israel Today’

“Let’s not mince words: Israel and her people are under siege from an army of terrorists that are hellbent on removing Jewish people from the face of the earth. It is the responsibility of every person to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel...

Rescuing Charlotte: The Lifesaving Impact of Amber Alerts

Over the past week, New Yorkers, and indeed the entire nation, were gripped by a whirlwind 48 hours of anxiety as we awaited news of Charlotte Sena's rescue from her apparent abduction and her safe return home. When our State Police issued an early morning...

Tips To Save Energy This Fall

The cooler days of autumn have finally arrived, which means that for many of us, we’re shifting our habits to accommodate the new season. Warmer clothes, warmer houses and warmer beverages are back on the forefront of many of our minds, I’m sure,...

Brabenec: “Let’s Defend, Not Defund, The Police”

There's a slogan within certain political circles advocating for a policy known as "Defund the Police." This policy seeks to move resources away from law enforcement agencies and towards various social programs. While this proposal has garnered attention...