Larry Cowden, Schoharie County

A new piece of gun control legislation is now working its’ way through the legislature that on the face promises to reduce gun violence. Legislation Act 2857-A introduced by Sen. Parker will force all firearm owners to purchase a $1 million insurance policy. But will it and what are the hidden costs to New Yorkers and should the state pass this?

Only the law-abiding citizens will follow or attempt to follow the rules of this law. The criminal elements of society will not. New York needs gun owners to support the state programs boasted of as being the reason to come to New York to enjoy the state’s fishing, hunting, wildlife, and support local businesses.

As reported by democratandchronicle.com, dated March 21, 2018, New York hunters and anglers are responsible for generating more than $28 million in funding for state conservation and outdoor projects, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced Tuesday.

New York was awarded $28,682,525 in the annual funding to state wildlife agencies from revenue generated by the historic Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration acts, $20.8 million in wildlife restoration funds and another $7.8 million in sport fish restoration funds.

New York hunters contributed $41,780,328.00 dollars in hunting license fees to the state budget for funding wildlife and preservation programs as specified by the Pittman-Roberts act. New York will gain an additional $971,461,000.00 in revenues from hunters not including sales taxes for that year. Many hunters in state, will spend more. Out of state hunters could be expected to spend  three times that on transportation and lodging coming from other states. Will they have to have a $1 million insurance policy? If so, they won’t come, losing more revenue.

The non-hunting shooters easily exceed 2.5 million shooters spending an additional $500.00 each year. That brings in another $1.3 billion to the state economy, and with hunting revenues we are talking about $2.5 billion in funds generated for the state and business owners Hunting, fishing and trapping license sales (1.5 million per year) generate approximately $47 million dollars per year deposited into the Conservation Fund. Those funds leverage millions more in federal aid as a direct result of the license sale revenue. This doesn't even include the estimated $2 billion generated to the state economy on a yearly basis by residents and visitors coming to New York to hunt, fish and trap.

Because of this the invasive species program eliminating and preventing the spread of 18 invasive species that threaten marine and terrestrial ecology, and humans could end. All state, and national recreational areas will suffer. The loss of these funds to the state wildlife programs and business owners will be catastrophic and dangerous.

Time and again, the democrats, liberals, and Governor Cuomo rush to pass what they call the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation. No consideration is given to those hurt most are the law-abiding citizens, gun owners, or the financial impact on state programs and business owners.

Last year he threatened any businesses that deal with the NRA reputational ruin. As reported in the Washington Times last year: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’s discovered a way to kneecap the NRA by outlawing its gun-liability insurance program and is urging other states to follow his lead, saying they have a chance to exploit the gun-rights group’s admitted dire financial situation.

“I believe this insurance product is going to be illegal from a public policy point of view in most states,” Mr. Cuomo said on MSNBC. “Now that the NRA has said this is a major source of revenue, I’m going to pursue it nationwide.”

The liability insurance, Carry Guard, covers damages and court costs associated with defending against civil or criminal accusations of misuse of a firearm.

But under pressure from New York, which warned of “reputational risks” of doing business with the NRA, some insurers have backed away from underwriting the program.

My own research of major insurance companies such as GEICO and Allstate in NY discovered there are no insurance policies available meeting the requirements of the proposed legislation. How convenient. Governor Cuomo knowingly eliminated the major organization offering the insurance coverage required and by threats forced other companies in this state to refuse to provide such coverage. This assured Gov. Cuomo no law abiding gun owners will find insurance.

Every future purchase of a firearm in the state will be subjected to a new 10 day waiting period, proof of insurance, and a 3-year media background search. The controlling powers in Albany will look for every and any reason to deny a firearm purchase or permit renewal without restraint. This will drive fire arm owners to purchase out of state for ammunition, firearms and accessories. Citizens and businesses will move out of state. Can’t blame the weather as Governor Cuomo claims. New York’s official state motto is Excelsior, often translated as “ever upward”, but if Governor Andrew Cuomo had his way, he’s prefer it to say “ever liberal”. He recently told conservative Republicans – specifically anyone who is pro-traditional marriage, pro-life or pro-guns – they “have no place in the state of New York“. More lost revenue for state wildlife and businesses.

That defines his hatred for all gun owners, the 2A and the NRA regardless of cost to the state, businesses or citizens.

“It’s not about ending “gun violence”. This is about Gov. Cuomo’s agenda to end all gun ownership in New York. Disarm the public, control the media, and you will control the citizens! Our rights to firearms, hunting, protection of our lives, our family and home will be terminated!