Thursday, December 29, 2022
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OVERSIGHT’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 117TH CONGRESS: On Dec. 23, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, released the following statement regarding the Committee’s activity for the 117th Congress:
“As the first woman to chair the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I am extremely proud of what the Committee has accomplished in the 117th Congress to improve the lives of everyday Americans. Throughout my time as Chair, I’ve held landmark hearings to give a voice to real people who have experienced gun violence, been denied health care, and sought protections to speak out about abuse in the workplace. Their testimony helped to change the hearts and minds of people across the country and led to real, meaningful legislative change.
“In addition, I’ve spearheaded investigations that have shined a light on corruption in the private sector – from how pharmaceutical companies are raising the costs of prescription drugs to how consulting firms’ conflicts of interest are compromising their federal government contracts. Under my leadership, the Committee has continued to serve as a check on the Executive Branch and our work has exposed how former President Trump used the Presidency for his personal gain. I am hopeful that the findings from these investigations will inspire future legislation to set guardrails on those in power, prioritize public health, and protect our democracy.
“As I’ve said since I began my tenure as Chair, Congress is a legislative body and passing laws are how we can ensure the most lasting impact. I am proud that legislation I introduced – including a bipartisan bill to save the Postal Service – was able to do just that.
“I hope these accomplishments will show how much the Committee can achieve with hard work, a dedicated staff, and a commitment to improving the lives of all Americans in the 118th Congress and beyond.”
To review the Oversight Committee’s recap of accomplishments during the 117th Congress, visit oversight.house.gov/sites/democrats.oversight.house.gov/files/2022-12-23. To watch the video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ae_VF-NXb8.
9/11 HEALTH FUNDING GAP REMAINS: On Dec 20, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand expressed deep disappointment that her bipartisan 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act was omitted from the FY2023 omnibus funding package, but recommitted herself to passing the bill. The legislation would close a $3.6 billion funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides health benefits to 9/11 first responders and survivors.
“I am deeply disappointed that my bipartisan bill to close the funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program did not make it into this funding package,” said Gillibrand. “This program was established and reauthorized with bipartisan support—the opposition it now faces is unconscionable. Unless Congress passes this fix, funding for the WTCHP will soon run short and force health benefit cutbacks for first responders, survivors and their families. I want to thank Senator Schumer for his strong advocacy for this bill and I intend on working with him to pass this fix in the future, either as a standalone bill or as part of a larger package. We have never failed our 9/11 heroes and we don’t intend to start now.”
In August 2021, Senator Gillibrand introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act. The bill would deliver approximately $3.6 billion in supplemental funding to close the impending funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program, which stems from the formula not keeping pace with the costs of health care inflation and increased participation in the program.
In September 2021, Gillibrand, Schumer, and bipartisan members of the New York congressional delegation held a press conference in New York City calling for passage of the bill ahead of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
In July 2022, Gillibrand held a press conference calling on Congress to include the bill in a future spending package.
In November 2022, Gillibrand sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership calling on them to include the bill in the FY2023 omnibus.
About the World Trade Center Health Program: Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for over 120,000 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed, including responders and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Shanksville crash site, children who were in schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during clean-up, and those who have since experienced, or are expected to experience, adverse health effects that are linked to the attacks in the coming years. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support.
Gillibrand’s work on 9/11 health benefits: Senator Gillibrand has been a forefront advocate for 9/11 first responders and led the effort to pass the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act in 2019, which fully funded and extended the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. In 2010 she authored and passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act that both created the World Trade Center Health Program and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. In October of 2018, following the announcement that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was set to run out of funding before its expiration date in 2020, Senator Gillibrand, joined by Senators Gardner and Schumer and Representatives Maloney, Nadler, and King introduced a bipartisan bill to permanently reauthorize and fund the VCF for 9/11 heroes and their families.
NY’S SENATORS SECURE $1B FOR 9/11 HEALTH PROGRAM: On Dec. 22, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced that they’d secured $1 billion for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides health benefits to 9/11 first responders and survivors. The WTCHP would have had to start denying new enrollments and cutting services to sick responders and survivors starting October 2024 without the crucial funding provided by Senator Gillibrand’s amendment to the end-of-year spending bill. This funding will enable the program to continue providing uninterrupted service until 2027. After the funding was initially left out of the FY23 omnibus funding package, the senators worked across the aisle to introduce a revised version of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act as an amendment to secure the funding in the final omnibus package. The amendment passed 90-6.
“This $1 billion in funding will ensure that more than 120,000 9/11 first responders and survivors can continue receiving medical treatment and monitoring,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am grateful to Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell for working with me to add this amendment, which continues the tradition of bipartisan support for our 9/11 heroes. There is more work to be done in the future and I look forward to working across the aisle and with advocates to strengthen this program.”
“Before the smoke even cleared on 9/11—and before the rubble even quit burning—our first responders were on the scene at Ground Zero: firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and volunteers of all kinds just trying to do their part,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “For their sacrifice, many first responders developed serious health complications from their time working the pile, from lifelong injuries to cancer. Many sadly are no longer with us. Too many. We created the World Trade Center Health Program so that 9/11 responders could afford to treat their ailments. We’ve funded and fought for it from day one. With the passing of this amendment, Senator Gillibrand and I can say that the health fund will not face its expected funding shortfall in approximately two years, and that more certainty and consistency of treatment for all those sick now – and all those who might become sick from their exposure— will be delivered.”
In August 2021, Senator Gillibrand introduced the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act. The bill would deliver approximately $3.6 billion in supplemental funding to close the impending funding gap in the World Trade Center Health Program, which stems from the formula not keeping pace with the costs of health care inflation and increased participation in the program.
HOCHUL PROTECTS ENERGY GRID FROM CYBER THREATS: Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (A.3904B/S.5579A) that will create strongest-in-the-nation cybersecurity protections for the state’s energy grid. This action, taken during a global surge in cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, will ensure New York’s grid, the backbone of the state’s economy, remains reliable and secure.
“The first modern electric grid was built in New York State, and 140 years later, we continue to take nation-leading steps to keep the lights on for all New Yorkers by strengthening our cybersecurity,” Governor Hochul said. “We understand that as the financial capital of the world and a leader in clean energy, New York is a target for hackers. This critical legislation will help protect millions of New Yorkers who depend on reliable electric service and ensure a smooth transition to clean energy.”
Legislation A.3904B/S.5579A, which passed unanimously in both the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate, strengthens protections for the local distribution system and requires utilities to secure critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. The legislation will require utilities to prepare for cyberattacks in their annual emergency response plans – similar to what utilities do to prepare for storms. The new protections will provide the Public Service Commission enhanced auditing powers to ensure that critical infrastructure and customer data is secured.
This action comes following guidance from President Joe Biden requesting that state’s set minimum cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure, including the energy system. In several instances over the past decade, cyberattacks have proven capable of shutting down electric grids.
State Senator Kevin S. Parker said, “This legislation is a critical step in protecting New York’s energy infrastructure from cyberattacks and ensuring our state has a reliable power source. That’s why I’m pleased to see the Governor sign this into law today. We are setting an example for states across the country as New York continues to lead the nation on this important issue.”
Assemblymember Michael Cusick said, “This bill signing represents a sea change in the protection of critical energy infrastructure in New York State, one that I believe will become a model for other states across the country. I want to thank the Governor and my partners in the State Legislature for their support in protecting New York’s grid against hackers. This is a proud moment for New York, proving again that the Empire State leads from the front.”
SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND SECURE FUNDS FOR ADA: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced over $256 million in funding to make upgrades that will improve accessibility throughout the New York City Subway and Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) systems to meet or exceed new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) construction standards.
The two grants secured by the senators will provide more than a quarter of a billion dollars for accessibility improvements through the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators fought to pass last year. The MTA will receive $254.5 million and the Port Authority will receive $1.6 million for enhancements to ensure the systems are accessible to people with disabilities.
“Upgrading New York City’s infrastructure has been a key focus of mine. These funds will improve New Yorkers’ quality of life and provide greater public transportation access for all,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our public transportation system is the backbone of New York City, and all New Yorkers, no matter their age, ability, or attributes, deserve an accessible, inclusive transportation network. I’m proud to have worked to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing these critical grants and continues to pay dividends for our state.”
“I’m proud to support and deliver this critical funding that is key to modernizing the subway and PATH systems so they are more accessible for the riding public, including New York’s disabled community, which has long suffered from poor access to our region’s mass transit system,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I worked hard to secure funds in the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the All Stations Accessibility Program so New York transit agencies can take on more projects to help keep New Yorkers moving and keep our economy going strong. These much-needed accessibility upgrades will drive the local economy forward, create opportunities for good paying jobs, and increase access to critical services.”
The $254.5 million the MTA is receiving from the ASAP program would address repairs needed at stations throughout the city. The Port Authority will receive $1.6 million to upgrade wheelchair accessibility.
BP RICHARDS’ KWANZAA CELEBRATION: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced the Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, co-sponsored by the African American Heritage Committee will be held today. “Join us as we celebrate Kwanzaa with cultural performances, words of wisdom, refreshments and more.” Per public health guidance, all attendees are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at this indoor public event on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 5-8 pm (doors open at 4:30 pm). There will be a screening of The Black Candle at 5-6 pm; and the Kwanzaa ceremony & program will start at 6 pm, at Queens Borough Hall. In partnership with Greater Jamaica Development Corp. and EMU Health. RSVP at queensbp.org/RSVP.
VAN BRAMER CONFIRMED TO PUBLIC DESIGN COMMISSION: New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after the New York City Council voted to confirm Jimmy Van Bramer and Isabel Castilla — both nominated by Mayor Adams — to the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC):
“Vibrant public spaces are essential to our city’s recovery, and Jimmy Van Bramer and Isabel Castilla will be creative and responsible stewards of our public realm. Public space is infrastructure — it is a key factor in economic opportunity, public health, and quality of life. And Jimmy and Isabel’s combined experience advocating for New Yorkers and designing high-quality, accessible urban spaces make them exceptional candidates for the Public Design Commission.
“I want to thank the City Council for their prompt consideration of these highly qualified nominees. I look forward to working with them, the entire commission, and the City Council to re-envision our city’s streetscapes.”
MALONEY VOTES TO PASS FINAL OMNIBUS SPENDING AGREEMENT: On Dec. 23, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) voted for the omnibus spending package, which passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 225-201-1. Within the $1.7 trillion omnibus are many crucial provisions and legislative priorities for which Rep. Maloney advocated. These provisions include over $14 million in funding for local projects, $1 billion for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), final passage of Rep. Maloney’s Pump for Nursing Mothers Act, and final passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
“I am thrilled that Congress has passed this critical omnibus bill, which will keep our government operating,” said Rep. Maloney. “Within this legislation, I am thankful to have secured over $14 million in Community Project Funding, which will meet long overdue community needs in New York’s 12th District. These investments will create jobs with better pay, make us safer, strengthen our communities, and start to tackle climate change. I am also grateful that this legislation includes $1 billion to keep the World Trade Center Health Program funded. I consider it a sacred obligation to make certain no 9/11 responder or survivor goes without the care and compensation they need and deserve.”
“I am proud that critical legislation I have introduced and co-sponsored to address longstanding inequities that women face in the workplace are included in the omnibus. This includes my PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, which will provide breastfeeding protections to the nearly nine million employees that are not currently covered by current federal law. Additionally, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which I have long championed, has been included, and will provide pregnant workers with much needed workplace protections and accommodations. No nursing mother or pregnant worker in America should have to choose between their health and their job.”
Background
Rep. Maloney championed funding for 15 projects that will directly benefit New York’s 12th District residents which include:
The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act strengthens and expand the 2010 Break Time law by:
Additional Funding for WTCHP:
After the attack on September 11, 2001, thousands of responders rushed to the scenes and spent months combing through the wreckage looking for remains. In New York, the residents and workers were urged by the government to return to their homes and business and reopen the Financial District. The federal government assured them that the air they were breathing was safe, when in fact it was filled with toxic pollutants that continue to kill and disable 9/11 responders and survivors to this day.
In 2010, Congress finally responded to this health crisis with bipartisan action by passing the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which created the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and reopened the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. In subsequent years, Congress, with bipartisan support in 2015 and 2019, moved to expand both programs’ funding and extend their authorizations to ensure that both those injured, and their families would get the help they need and deserve.
The omnibus contains $1 billion to address the projected budget shortfall in the WTCHP, which provides necessary medical treatment and monitoring for more than 120,000 responders and survivors of the 9/11 attacks who live in every state and in 434 out of 435 Congressional Districts.
The omnibus also authorizes the WTCHP to develop a research cohort to study the impact of the toxic exposures and psychological trauma on the more than 35,000 people who were children at the time of the attack and resided or attended school or daycare in the NYC disaster area in the aftermath of the attack.
PAY TRANSPARENCY LAW SIGNED: Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.9427-A/A.10477) on Dec. 21 establishing a statewide pay transparency law in New York State, requiring employers to list salary ranges for all advertised jobs and promotions.
“In order for New York to continue being the best place to work, we must create the best protections for our workers — and this legislation will help do exactly that,” Governor Hochul said. ”This historic measure will usher in a new era of fairness and transparency for New York’s workforce and will be a critical tool in our efforts to end pervasive pay gaps for women and people of color.”
Legislation S.9427-A/A.10477 establishes a pay transparency law in New York State, requiring employers to list salary ranges in advertisements or postings for job opportunities and promotions. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women made 83 cents for every dollar made by men in 2020; these disparities are even greater among Black women (64 cents) and Hispanic women (57 cents). The disclosures required by this law will empower workers with critical information, reduce discriminatory wage-setting and hiring practices, and help level the playing field for all workers.
State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “With today’s bill signing, New York’s first woman governor is implementing a statewide structural fix to the racial and gender-based wealth gaps that leave women in the workforce far behind their peers. Equal pay for equal work is how we build up women as the economic anchors of their communities. As this law goes into effect, I encourage all New Yorkers to talk about your pay, demand transparency and use this law to ensure you are earning what you are worth.”
Assemblymember Latoya Joyner said, “Changing the culture and leveling the playing field at workplaces through New York, the Salary Range Disclosure Act will make sure that workers benefit from greater transparency when it comes to wages and benefits. When employers provide much needed clarity to pay structures and make that information available to employees and job seekers, we can reduce gender pay inequities by encouraging employers to update antiquated practices that have reinforced patterns of wage discrimination.”
President of PowHer New York Beverly Neufeld said, “By signing S.9427A /A.10477 into law, Governor Hochul reaffirms New York’s longstanding commitment to ending gender and racial wage inequality. Identifying the expected wage range for jobs will provide applicants with the information necessary to negotiate fairer salaries, and thus help to end the pernicious wage gap that continues to rob some workers, particularly women of color, of fair pay and economic well-being. It is fitting that New York’s first female governor institutes this salary transparency law which will create a much needed shift in practice and in culture and keep New York at the forefront of the national pay equity movement.”
Senior Attorney, Legal Momentum, Seher Khawaja said, “Today, New York State delivered on its promise to advance pay equity for women and people of color, extending vital protections across the state and leading a national movement to dismantle our harmful culture of pay secrecy. At a time when Black and Brown women face heightened disparities and businesses struggle to retain workers, this new law empowers even the most vulnerable worker to seek and advocate for fair pay while creating incentives for employers to adopt better pay practices known to drive retention and productivity. This is an important win for New York State.”
Chair of the Legislative Committee of NELA/NY Miriam Clark said, “The Salary Transparency Act signed into law today will provide fundamental information for all New York workers and takes an important first step toward pay equity for women and people of color.”
WAREHOUSE WORKER PROTECTION NOW LAW: Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Warehouse Worker Protection Act (S. 8922/A. 10020) on Dec. 21 into law. This legislation will protect warehouse distribution workers from undisclosed or unlawful work speed quotas, and includes protections for workers who fail to meet unlawful quotas.
“Every worker in New York State deserves to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect,” Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate the holidays with gifts and packages, I’m proud to sign the Warehouse Worker Protection Act into law to expand protections for hardworking warehouse employees.”
The Warehouse Worker Protection Act (S.8922A/A.10020A) aims to protect warehouse workers from unreasonably demanding work quotas. This new law will institute new requirements for distribution centers to disclose work speed data to current and former employees to inform workers about their performance and their rights in the workplace. The legislation also protects workers from adverse employment actions, such as disciplinary action or firing, exclusively because of a failure to meet undisclosed speed quotes or quotas that do not allow for proper breaks.
State Senator Jessica Ramos said, “By bringing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act across the finish line, we have made sure that corporations like Amazon and UPS can’t wring all the profits they can out of their employees, leaving the workers to deal with their injuries. Every warehouse worker has a community relying on them, relying on their ability to come home from work whole. I would like to thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for meeting with the Amazon Labor Union as we built support for this legislation, and Governor Hochul for affirming her commitment to strong worker protections. This is the first step in addressing rampant injury in a quickly growing job sector, and I look forward to continuing the work with my partners in the labor movement next session.”
Assemblymember Latoya Joyner said, “The Warehouse Worker Protection Act enacts critical workplace safety measures and removes incentives for e-commerce giants like Amazon to engage in unsafe workplace practices. This legislation brings much needed transparency of the use of burdensome quotas and enhances worker protection. I truly appreciate Governor Hochul signing it into law. “
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum said, “The RWDSU has long prioritized protecting warehouse workers from stress induced injuries and illness from limitless quotas and it’s why we pushed for the introduction of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act (WWPA – A.10020/S.8922). Warehouse facilities are popping up across New York at staggering numbers; Amazon alone has opened more than 70 facilities in the state and over half of those facilities have been built since January 2021. At the same time, we have seen increased injury rates for warehouse workers. Due to extreme work quotas, warehouse workers have suffered heart attacks, strokes, repetitive motion injuries, and irreparable lifelong joint and back pain. Today, we’ve achieved a big win for workers’ safety. Thank you Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill into law. The WWPA can start helping workers who need it now more than ever.”
Teamsters Joint Council 16 President Thomas Gesualdi said, “Teamster members have spent decades fighting for strong safety standards in the warehouse industry, but Amazon’s growth is again putting workers in danger. We thank Governor Hochul, bill sponsors Senator Ramos and Assemblymember Joyner, and legislative leaders for setting a safety baseline for all warehouse companies with the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. This is a real victory in our continuing fight for rights and collective bargaining for all warehouse workers so they have a voice on the job and can protect themselves.”
RAPE KIT TRACKING SYSTEM: Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.7867-A/A.9596-A) to establish a statewide electronic tracking system for sexual offense evidence collection kits, commonly known as rape kits. This tracking system will ensure that all survivors of sexual assault have access to information about the status and location of their kits.
“Survivors of sexual assault deserve support, compassion, agency, and justice, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to deliver the accountability they deserve,” Governor Hochul said. “This new tracking system will be a critical tool to empower survivors with the ability to track these kits, and supports our overall efforts to make New York State safer and more supportive for all.”
Legislation (S7867-A/A9596-A) directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to create a tracking system for kits in the custody of law enforcement agencies. This tracking system will allow survivors to access information about the status of their rape kit and will be critical to ensure accountability for timely processing.
The DCJS system will track kits from the point they are collected by law enforcement and their subsequent testing by crime labs as evidence. This tracking system complements the tracking system which will be available to survivors who choose not to submit to law enforcement, but whose kits are to be stored by OVS for a 20 year period.
OVS is responsible for storing sexual offense evidence collection kits that have not been released to law enforcement. Public Health Law requires the state to store kits for 20 years and a victim of crime may request certain information about their kit or personal items in storage. OVS is currently developing a consent form, which will be available on the agency’s website, allowing victims of crime to complete and submit a request to OVS via email at soeck@ovs.ny.gov. This helps give victims and survivors of sexual assault time they may need to decide whether to report the crime and release their kit to law enforcement for testing.
Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced nearly $373.2 million in federal and state funding over three years to 219 nonprofit organizations and coalitions, hospitals and government agencies to support 239 victim assistance programs that provide crisis counseling, therapy, emergency shelter, civil legal assistance, case management and advocacy. This is the single largest investment of funding ever administered by OVS and nearly half of the funding, 47 percent, will support programs serving victims and survivors of domestic violence and their families while 13 percent will provide funding for programs serving victims and survivors of sexual assault.
Financial assistance administered by OVS provides a critical safety net and helps victims, survivors and family members with medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, in addition to other assistance. New York is the only state in the nation with no cap on medical or counseling costs, which means individuals can receive assistance as long as they need it.
Victim assistance programs also help individuals file claims with OVS to obtain compensation or reimbursement for expenses directly resulting from the crime. While eligibility for compensation or reimbursement is determined by an individual’s income and access to other resources, such as health insurance, victim assistance programs provide services and support at no cost to anyone who needs them. OVS Resource Connect allows New Yorkers to easily search for programs by specific concerns or issues they are facing. Visit the Office of Victim Services’ website for more information and follow the agency on Twitter and Facebook. For more information about services offered by the agency, including eligibility guidelines, visit ovs.ny.gov or call 1-800-247-8035.
DETERIORATING CONDITIONS AT RIKERS ISLAND: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sent a letter to Deanna Logan, Director for New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, requesting information and documents from the federal monitor’s review of conditions at Rikers Island. The letter follows public reporting that data regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis at Rikers will not be made public in a timely manner due to an agreement between the Rikers federal monitor team and the New York City Law Department.
“By shielding highly relevant information from public view about violence, mismanagement, chronic staffing issues, security lapses, and other factors contributing to unsafe and inhumane conditions at Rikers, the agreement will deprive stakeholders of valuable and timely information about the true state of affairs at Rikers, thwarting public accountability and efforts to correct urgent problems and prevent more unnecessary deaths. We request the immediate production of this information to the Committee,” the Members wrote.
More than a decade ago, horrific abuse by correctional officers at Rikers spurred public outcry and a class-action lawsuit, which resulted in a 2015 consent decree that placed the jail under federal monitorship. The court-appointed monitor, Steve Martin, has since filed scathing reports that have provided much-needed transparency into the untenable conditions at the jail complex and highlighted the urgent need for additional action by the New York City Department of Corrections.
In their letter, the Members urged the City to publish a forthcoming “confidential report” by the federal monitor and provide underlying data to the Committee in light of recent press reports detailing efforts to manipulate official death counts at Rikers.
“Despite reassurances that the City is working to improve conditions at Rikers, more than a year later those improvements have not materialized. Nineteen people have died in City custody or shortly after release this year—the most since 2013, when the jail population was twice as high as it is today,” wrote the Members.
On September 27, 2021, Chairwoman Maloney, Chairman Raskin, and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez launched an investigation into deteriorating conditions at Rikers Island.
On November 22, 2021, the Members wrote to the five New York City District Attorneys requesting briefings on prosecutors’ use of excessive bail in the New York City court system.
On April 8, 2022, the Members wrote to Mayor Adams to urge him to support the needs of the detainees at Rikers Island experiencing mental illness and ensure they are able to access the treatment services they need.
On June 27, 2022, the Members wrote to the Rikers Task Force requesting a briefing from them on the conditions at Rikers Island.
HOCHUL EXPANDS TIME FOR VOTER REGISTRATION: Governor Hochul today signed legislation (S.2951A/A.8858A) that increases access to the ballot by allowing voters more time to register and vote ahead of an election. The new legislation allows voters to cast a ballot in an election if their registration forms are received by the board of elections by the tenth day ahead of an election, as compared to the twenty-five days ahead of an election currently mandated by law. Governor Hochul called for this important update to our state election laws as part of her 2022 State of the State agenda.
“Too often, there are unnecessary obstacles for voters to pass through just to participate in the democratic process,” Governor Hochul said. “By removing these hurdles, more New Yorkers can bring their representation to the ballot box. By shortening this time period, more New Yorkers can be flexible with their voter registration and exercise their right to vote.”
The New York State Constitution stipulates that voters must register to vote at least 10 days prior to an election in which they wish to cast a ballot. However, New York’s current election law unnecessarily extends this minimum deadline, requiring that voter registration forms be submitted in person at least twenty-five days prior to an election or postmarked at least twenty-five days in advance and received by the board of elections by 20 days prior to an election. This shrinks by more than two weeks the amount of time that eligible New Yorkers have to submit their registration forms and make their voices heard in an election.
Under the legislation signed by Governor Hochul today, this overly restrictive timeline will be addressed and voter registration deadlines will be moved closer to Election Day and into alignment with the standard set by the State Constitution. Voters will be eligible to vote in an election if they register in person by 10 days prior to an election; voters submitting registration forms by mail will be eligible to vote in an election if their forms are postmarked by 15 days prior to the election and received by the board of elections by 10 days prior to an election.
State Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “In recent years, we’ve taken many significant steps to change our laws and make elections more voter friendly. We know that many New Yorkers, with busy lives and many competing priorities, may choose to engage with the election process within the final weeks before an election. With the registration deadline set nearly a month before elections, new voters are routinely excluded from participating. This law changes the deadline to the constitutional minimum of 10 days before any election, making it that much easier for New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this important legislation, Assemblymember Robert Carroll for his sponsorship in the Assembly, and all New Yorkers who have joined our efforts to protect and strengthen our democracy. I will continue to work toward the goal of permitting registration up to and including election day.”
Assemblymember Robert C. Carroll said, “New York State must ensure that New Yorkers don’t face unnecessary obstacles in exercising their right to vote and this legislation, which reduces the voter registration deadline from 25 to the constitutional minimum of 10 days before an election, is a good step. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and voting rights and election reform advocates in making New York State a true model when it comes to fair, transparent, and well administered elections.”
PACKAGE TO PREVENT AND TREAT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: Governor Hochul signed a legislative package that will help New Yorkers prevent and treat substance use disorder.
“My Administration is committed to working every day to fight substance use disorder and providing New Yorkers with further access to lifesaving resources, services, and care,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to sign this legislative package into law which will support countless New Yorkers struggling with addiction and save lives.”
Legislation S.5690/A.372 prohibits copay from being added to opioid treatment programs. Opioid treatment programs require treatment up to 6 times a week for up for 90 days, with frequent visits afterwards. Often times, a co-pay is required by many offices for these almost-daily visits, and this becomes a prohibitively expensive treatment as those costs add up. Prohibiting these costs will make the lifesaving service more accessible to New Yorkers who need it.
Legislation S.7378/A.8339 requires the Department of Health to publish reports on the department’s website detailing sales of opioids sold in the state. This increased transparency will be used by support programs operated by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Programs operated by OASAS include opioid treatment, recovery, prevention, education, and the I-STOP program. This legislation will provide information to the public regarding the budget’s “Opioid Stewardship Fund” in combating the opioid overdose crisis, by requiring the data collected to be publically available on the Department of Health’s website.
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Every opioid related death in New York is a policy failure. The Opioid Stewardship Act of 2019, which requires drug makers and distributors to cover costs for treatment, prevention, and recovery related to the opioid crisis, was an important step toward addressing this public health emergency. To ensure these drug makers and distributors meet their legal obligations, however, the State must report out data on opioid sales across New York. We need these reports to be made public. This is why New York needs A8339/S7378. Data transparency is fundamental to effective policy implementation, and with this law, New York can better hold private companies accountable. I thank Senator Harckham for his partnership on this legislation and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
Legislation S.345/A.8419 will require the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to develop training materials for screening for alcoholism and chemical dependency. This will require the agency to utilize the evidence-based practice model known as Screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to identify behavioral patterns with at-risk substance users and in identifying those who are in need of more extensive, specialized treatment. The SBIRT model is used in many primary health care settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics and private physician offices. This legislation will allow SBIRT to be used beyond the emergency room. By developing training materials, qualified health professionals can help to prepare health professionals to better respond to the challenges faced by substance users.
Legislation S.4640/A.273 requires doctors to consider non-opioid alternative treatments for patients experiencing pain before prescribing an opioid for pain relief. This will require both parties to discuss the alternatives before choosing an opioid prescription. Because opioids have become a common solution to pain treatment, one in four primary care patients experience some form of an opioid use disorder. By exploring all the options such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, or occupational therapy, the risks of opioid prescription, dependence, and overdose can be avoided.
Legislation S.8633-A/A.9697-A will create a program that allows nightlife establishments to carry opioid antagonists and receive training. This will include bars, clubs, and restaurants and require specific guidelines for nightlife establishments to make narcan, naloxone, and other FDA-recognized opioid overdose treatments available for use free of charge and provide training for the use of these antagonists and how to address those situations.
State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “We all have a responsibility to keep one another safe. By signing S 8633 into law, Governor Hochul upgrades nightlife establishments’ ability to keep New Yorkers safe. Opioid antagonists are life-saving treatment tools – by putting training and treatments in the hands of nightlife employees, we act to combat the menace of overdose deaths in New York. Thanks to Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the legislature, and all those working to advance care, treatment, and put more New Yorkers in a position to intervene in preventing an overdose from becoming fatal.”
AG: DON’T PRICE GOUGE KIDS’S MEDS: New York Attorney General Letitia James cautioned consumers and businesses of price gouging of children’s painkillers and fever reducers as demand increases for those medications due to this year’s “tripledemic” of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is aware of reports of children’s medication being sold online and in stores at prices two or three times their retail value. Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to be on alert for potential price gouging of children’s painkillers and fever reducers, including Tylenol, Motrin, and acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin sold under other brand names, and to report any dramatic price increases to her office.
“This year’s tripledemic is keeping many kids and babies sick at home, and families trying to care for them are confronting the national shortage of children’s Tylenol and other medication,” said Attorney General James. “The last thing any family needs when a child spikes a fever or is in pain is to be price gouged on the medication they need. I am putting profiteers seeking to take advantage of this shortage on notice. If New Yorkers see big price increases for children’s medication, I encourage them to report it to my office immediately.”
New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety, or welfare for an unconscionably excessive price. Due to the nationwide shortage, OAG advises consumers to buy only as much children’s medication as they need and not to unnecessarily stock up as such panic buying may intensify the shortage and could encourage sellers to engage in illegal price gouging. The OAG also reminds consumers that it is not price gouging for retailers to limit the amount of medication they sell to individual consumers.
When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:
New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-771-7755.
HEARING ON SERVICES FOR MIGRANTS: With an expected increase of people seeking asylum arriving in New York City due to the end of Title 42, and the Council convening on Dec. 19 the Committee of the Whole to hold a historic two-day hearing on the City’s response, Speaker Adrienne Adams released the following statement:
“Over the past several months, New York City has worked to pool its resources and accommodate the arrival of tens of thousands of new migrants. As a sanctuary city, we welcome our recent arrivals with open arms and will continue to utilize every tool at our disposal to ensure they can build safe, productive, and dignified lives. This requires improving coordination and support services in a sustained way that helps all New Yorkers, which is the focus of the Council’s two-day special hearing. With the imminent end of Title 42, we also must urgently prepare to meet the needs of more people seeking asylum who will likely arrive in our city over the coming days and weeks. New York City cannot do this alone and needs the full partnership and support of our state and federal government partners. The Council will continue to advocate that greater resources be provided to our city for this national and international humanitarian crisis, while prioritizing improved services and support for all New Yorkers, including newly-arrived migrants.”
Speaker Adams delivered opening remarks at the Council’s Committee of the Whole oversight hearing to examine the City’s response and delivery of services to migrants. A “Committee of the Whole” represents the entire Council and all of its committees.
The Speaker’s full remarks as prepared for delivery from that day’s hearing are available at council.nyc.gov/press/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2022/12/12.19.22-Speaker-Adrienne-Adams-COW-Asylum-Seekers-Committee-Hearing-Day-1-Remarks-as-Prepared-for-Delivery.pdf/
HOCHUL EXPANDS ACCESS TO PrEP AND PEP TO HELP PREVENT HIV: Governor Hochul signed legislation (S.688/A.807) on Dec. 21 requiring insurance companies to cover pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to help prevent against HIV infection.
“New York was once the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and we have a moral obligation to keep up the fight to end the epidemic once and for all,” Governor Hochul said. ”PrEP and PEP are critical tools that help prevent new HIV infections and every eligible New Yorker should have access to these vital medications.”
Legislation S.688/A.807 requires that any insurance policy that provides coverage for prescription drugs includes coverage for the cost of PrEP and PEP — two important tools for preventing the spread of HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people at high risk of contracting HIV by up to 92 percent, when taken consistently. New York State continues to have the highest PrEP coverage in the nation, and has more people receiving it than almost any other jurisdiction. PEP regimens are antiretroviral drugs taken to stop the spread of HIV after a single high-risk event. PEP can be used to treat health care workers who have been exposed to the blood or bodily fluids of HIV-positive patients, as well as people who have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sex, needle sharing, or sexual assault. This new law will help ensure that more New Yorkers can access these lifesaving tools, which are an important part of the fight to end the HIV epidemic in New York.
State Senator Brad Hoylman said, “New York has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS since committing to end the epidemic in 2014, but the rate of new infections still rose between 2020 and 2021 with over 2,100 cases last year. Widening access to PrEP and PEP, which prevent new infections, will help stop the spread. With this bill signing, New York is renewing its commitment to public health, especially in the LGBTQ community. Thank you to Assembly Member O’Donnell for championing this bill in the Assembly, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for bringing it to the Senate floor, and Governor Hochul for signing it into law.”
Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And access to preventative medicine is essential in our fight against HIV. The epidemic isn’t over. But PEP and PrEP are proven to prevent the transmission of HIV, and no one should be denied access to these revolutionary medications due to cost or lack of insurance coverage. This is a bill that helps LGBTQ people, communities of color, and anyone at higher risk of HIV exposure by ensuring that lack of insurance coverage will never be the barrier to accessing PEP or PrEP. Thank you to my colleagues, Governor Hochul, Senator Hoylman, and the advocates who worked to pass this important legislation.”
Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “PrEP and PEP medications are vital resources that are proven to be highly effective in preventing transmission and curbing the spread of HIV. These medications must be available, accessible, and above all, affordable to all New Yorkers. I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and bringing New York another step closer to ending the epidemic.”
CITY TO CUT FUNDING OF NON-PROFIT SERVICES: In response to Mayor Adams’ letter calling for cuts to City Council grants to providers, Women’s Caucus Co-Chairs Amanda Farías and Farah Louis released the following statement: “At a time when access to abortion and reproductive health care are under attack, we cannot afford attempts to cut funding from the organizations that provide these essential services. Women still make a fraction of the wages men receive, and we know the non-profit service providers that support women and families are the backbone of healthy and safe communities. Community Based organizations are filling the gaps in critical services that the government is failing to provide for all New Yorkers. Any suggestion to strip vital resources from the Council’s women’s initiatives is insulting and dangerous, especially after we took action to provide access to abortion health care through this funding. If we are serious about promoting maternal health care, protecting access to abortion and doula services, supporting survivors of domestic violence, and fostering leadership among young women, the City must honor its commitments to support service providers. Drastic and shortsighted cuts to committed investments will only harm and undermine our communities and their recovery, which we ardently oppose.”
In response to Mayor Adams’ intention to cut funds from non-profit service providers, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus released the following statement from Co-Chairs Tiffany Cabán and Crystal Hudson:
“The Council has historically supported New York City’s LGBTQIA+ community and recently made immense strides to meaningfully improve the material conditions of our queer neighbors across the City, a commitment we intend to uphold by maintaining critical investments to community-based partners providing vital services. The Council’s historic funding for non-profit service providers in the LGBTQIA+ community has ensured support for mental health services, programs for runaway homeless youth, and services specifically for transgender New Yorkers. We have fought to strengthen this support through budget initiatives, like Pride at Work, to help more New Yorkers access union jobs. At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is facing more homophobic and transphobic attacks, insufficient access to services, and the lack of basic safety, the City should not be seeking to gut the organizations our communities rely upon. The Administration’s decision to target community-based organizations for draconian cuts is dangerous and cruel. The LGBTQIA+ Caucus will not allow this mayor to shortchange our communities, and we will not waiver from our commitment to their health and safety.”
ADDABBO SHELTER PET BILL ENACTED: As a way to better protect animals that are held in, or being transported by animal shelters, Governor Kathy Hochul signed State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.’s bill (S.6870) into law.
This legislation will provide comprehensive standards of care for municipal shelters, not-for-profit humane societies, and not-for-profit animal rescues. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry will oversee implementation, maintenance and compliance with these comprehensive facility standards.
“With the signing of this bill into law, we are looking to strengthen the standards of care at all shelters across the state, while also eliminating unenforceable laws to have a comprehensive set of laws that all shelters will have to adhere to,” Addabbo explained. “The animals in these shelters have already had a difficult life, and they deserve the highest care and conditions as they await to be adopted to their new homes. I want to thank the Hochul administration for signing my bill and for protecting these animals.”
Additionally, earlier this month Governor Hochul also signed a piece of legislation into law that would prohibit retail pet shops from selling dogs, cats and rabbits from what are known as puppy mills, and instead offer these animals up for adoption.
Addabbo supported the bill (S.1130) and was a co-sponsor on the legislation.
“This bill — which is now law — will prevent retail pet shops across New York State from selling cats, dogs and rabbits from puppy mills,” Addabbo said. “Large-scale puppy mills often mistreat the animals they are responsible for and force them to live in deplorable conditions where they face cruelty and abuse. Instead of selling pets, retail shops can charge animal shelters or rescue organizations rent to use their retail space for the adoption of these pets.”
While this legislation will take effect in 2024, Addabbo says that it is vital that they monitor how this law is implemented to ensure it done correctly.
“We want to make sure that no animals are subject to the deplorable conditions of puppy mills that maximize their profits at the expense of the wellbeing of these animals,” Addabbo added. “But we also want to protect local credible pet shops and keep them in business. If these pet shops are doing the right thing and partnering with rescues and not the puppy mills, they have nothing to worry about. We will monitor the situation once the law goes into effect in 2024.”
INDICTED IN CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBERIES: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Reginald Williams, Calvin Scantlebury and Dewkwan Cooper were indicted by a grand jury and arraigned on robbery and other charges for allegedly holding up at gunpoint two people at two different retail establishments in Queens on November 20. Defendant Williams was also indicted and arraigned on robbery and other charges for allegedly holding up at gunpoint 13 people at eight different stores in a robbery spree across Queens.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, these are predators on our small businesses. We cannot stand by and watch our lives and communities be targeted. I thank the NYPD for their steadfast investigation on these robberies. There will be accountability.”
Scantlebury, 39, Williams, 23, and Cooper, 22, all from Brooklyn, were arraigned on a 10-count indictment charging them with robbery in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. Defendant Williams is additionally charged with robbery in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Defendant Williams was also arraigned separately on a 28-count indictment charging him with robbery in the first degree, robbery in the second degree, attempted robbery in the second degree and assault in the third degree. Justice Gia Morris ordered the defendants to return to court on January 5, 2023. If convicted, Williams faces up to 350 years in prison, Scantlebury up to 30 years and Cooper up to 15 years in prison.
According to the criminal charges, defendant Williams admitted that he along with other males entered several locations at gunpoint and removed money and additional items from behind the cash register. The dates, locations and items are as follows:
November 8, between 12:48 am & 12:50 am at 135-28 Rockaway Blvd., approximately $900-$1000
November 8, between 10:53pm & 10:56 pm at 79-09 Rockaway Blvd., approximately $600 and a quantity of checks
November 9, between 1:30 am & 1:55 am at 66-10 Grand Avenue, approximately $3900
November 11, between 1:10 am & 1:15 am at 87-74 168th Street, approximately $1115 and a chain from the complainants’ neck
November 11, between 1:45 am and 1:55 am at 793 Wyckoff Avenue, approximately $2000, a sum of money from the wallet of one employee and 10 boxes of Newport cigarettes
November 15, between 1:55 am and 2:00 am, at 66-20 Fresh Pond Road, approximately $1000 from the cash register, multiple cigarette boxes and the cellphone of a customer
November 16, between 11:53 pm & 11:55 pm, at 44-33 Kissena Blvd. the defendant, along with another male, entered the location and demanded money. The complainant immediately ran to the back of the location and closed the door and the defendants fled empty handed.
November 17, between 12:50 am & 12:55 am, at 17-55 Francis Lewis Blvd, approximately $2400 and 8 Metro cards.
In addition, all three defendants have been indicted for taking part of the following incidents:
November 20, between 12:20 am & 12:30 am, at 92-22 Astoria Blvd. approximately $4000 from inside and underneath the cash register along with rolling papers
November 20, between 12:57 am & 1:00 am, at 39-04 Skillman Ave, approximately $1700 from two registers and multiple boxes of Newport cigarettes
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the criminal charges, defendants Williams and Cooper admitted that they entered the latter two locations at gunpoint and removed money and additional items from behind the cash register.
Furthermore, said DA Katz, each incident was captured on video surveillance and shows three perpetrators wearing distinctive clothing and facemasks. Defendant Williams was arrested wearing the clothing from some of the robberies.
Police Officer Michael Garvey of the 110th Police Precinct who was conducting a routine patrol overheard a call into the NYPD’s “City-Wide 4 Channel” after the two incidents on November 20. The call indicated that the suspects could be in a blue or black Nissan Maxima. Officer Garvey observed that vehicle with 3 males inside opposite 79-01 Broadway at approximately 2:28 a.m. and followed the vehicle for approximately 5 blocks. The officer pulled the vehicle over after they committed a traffic infraction and observed the 3 males inside along with multiple boxes of Newport cigarettes.
At the time of arrest, officers recovered $1,151 from defendant Scantlebury’s sweatshirt pocket, $908 from defendant Cooper’s sweatshirt and pant pockets. Inside defendant Williams’ sweatshirt pocket, officers recovered a black facemask and a pair of gloves. An additional mask, rolling papers, Newport cigarettes and a loaded 40 caliber pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, as well as defendant Williams’ black jacket with a rabbit emblem on the back was recovered from inside the vehicle.
MENG SECURES MILLIONS FOR AANHPI COMMUNITY: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced that she helped secure millions for several projects and programs that are crucial to the AANHPI community.
“I am delighted to have directed millions of dollars in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget to strengthen and advance the interests of the AANHPI community across our country,” said Congresswoman Meng, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “Our priorities are reflected in what programs we are willing to spend our budget on. As the only Asian American member of the House Appropriations Committee, I consider it the highest honor to advocate for our AANHPI community throughout the appropriations process. The federal directives in this bill will go a long way to empowering and uplifting our community toward a brighter tomorrow. I extend my deepest gratitude to my colleagues for their support of these programs and I look forward to continuing the fight for AANHPI priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations cycle.”
These critical projects and programs were included in the new government spending package for fiscal year 2023, which passed the House after being approved by the Senate on Thursday. The legislation is now expected to be signed into law by President Biden. The items that Meng helped obtain include:
UNG DISCUSSING PUBLIC SAFETY WITH PBQN: Councilwoman Sandra Ung announced: “This week, I sat down with the new commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North, Deputy Chief Christine Bastedenbeck and Lieutenant Kevin Donnelly to discuss, what else, the rising crime rates in Flushing. It was a productive conversation, and we brainstormed a number of ways we can begin to improve public safety across my district and the rest of the 109th Precinct. I know robbery has been an ongoing issue for our small business owners, and I discussed with Deputy Chief Bastedenbeck ways we can educate them on the best practices to prevent theft. We also discussed the safety of our students and making sure they feel secure, not only inside their schools but on the way to and from them; and the congestion on our sidewalks, which I feel is a contributor to some of the thefts in downtown Flushing. Thank you to Deputy Chief Bastedenbeck for reaching out, and I look forward to a productive working relationship as we head into the new year!
“Last week, I sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams that was co-signed by my fellow elected officials calling on the mayor to address the spike in crime in my district, specifically the need for more officers to patrol one of the largest precincts by geography in the city. On Friday, I joined a number of government and business leaders, including the city’s five district attorneys, Attorney General Letitia James, and NYPD officials, for a summit the mayor hosted to address the ongoing problem of robberies in retail establishments. The two-hour summit discussed how to employ tech to curb robberies and improving relationships between the NYPD and the business community. It was a productive meeting, and hopefully the city acts on some of the ideas the summit produced.”
COMMON SENSE CAUCUS ON RETIREE HEALTHCARE: Councilwoman Vickie Paladino jointly released a statement with members of the Common Sense Caucus, Council Members Joann Ariola, Joe Borelli, David Carr, Bob Holden, Kalman Yeger, Ari Kagan, and Inna Vernikov, on the decision made by an independent arbitrator in the dispute between the city and retirees on the state of their healthcare. “This decision is not a representation of what hard working New Yorkers want and the Councilwoman will continue fighting against this until the retirees get the results they deserve,” said Paladino’s rep.
SCHOOL CAFETERIA ENHANCEMENT: New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks announced the expansion of the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience (CEE), as part of the city’s reimagining of the student dining experience and city’s ongoing commitment to health and nutrition. With an additional $50 million in capital funding in Fiscal Year 2023, the CEE initiative will transform more than 80 cafeterias into warm and welcoming spaces for students to enjoy nutritious meals.
The announcement also included a doubling down of the city’s commitment to expanding access to halal options to schools across New York City, fulfilling a key commitment of Mayor Adams. If any school communities are interested in an extended halal menu, their school principal will work with the entire school community and the Islamic Leadership Council of New York to add the service to the respective site.
“The classroom isn’t the only place in a school building where a child learns. After two years of the pandemic, we realize how important it is for students to be able to socialize and interact with each other in a comfortable setting over a healthy, culturally appropriate meal,” said Mayor Adams. “That’s why we are proud to announce a $50 million investment this school year to upgrade more than 80 lunchrooms under the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience and double down on our commitment to providing halal options for all schools who want them. This is just another step we’re taking to ensure our schools are places where every child feels seen and heard — where all children, no matter their background or ability, can learn inside and outside of the classroom, and grow into well-rounded and emotionally secure adults. I’m grateful to our school communities, food service workers, and all the New Yorkers working to feed, nurture, and take care of every one of our kids.”
The Cafeteria Enhancement Experience initiative is centered around four core pillars:
Student choice: Enhanced cafeterias feature a variety of ways to consume whole fruits, vegetables, snacks, or fresh-cut produce from salad bars.
Fast service: Students won’t have to wait on line for meals, leaving more time to relax and unwind with classmates.
Modern style: The CEE initiative redesigns cafeteria with an emphasis on creating a warm and welcoming environment.
New furniture: Comfortable tables and chairs welcome students to their new space.
Middle and high schools that receive a cafeteria enhancement are identified by a range of factors, including enrollment and participation at that site, with an emphasis on schools in neighborhoods disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and older school buildings. Design decisions regarding the cafeteria redesigns are made in partnership with individual school leadership.
“The expansion of the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience is a great effort to enrich our students’ school lunch experience, and I thank the mayor and chancellor for their continued work to improve our kids’ health and nutrition,” said U.S. Representative Grace Meng. “I am particularly excited about the city’s commitment to expand halal options as part of this initiative. In Congress, I have worked to champion efforts that would provide increased access to halal food. It is critical for students to have lunch options that adhere to their dietary restrictions to ensure that no child goes hungry, and I will continue to keep up the fight to make it more readily available here in my home city and across the country.”
“I’m very pleased to see this $50 million investment in the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience CEE, as well as the expansion of access to halal food options in our schools,” said New York State Assemblymember David Weprin. “Quality nutrition is closely linked to a quality learning environment — our students must have the food they need to ensure they can focus and learn in school. Fast, nutritious school meals are a crucial lifeline for many families who struggle financially, and we must continue to invest in our cafeterias. My district is home to people of many faiths, including many who practice Islam, and these expanded halal options will mean even more access to food and better learning for these students. I want to thank the mayor’s office and the Department of Education for their commitment to this path.”
“Our city’s food policies must be inclusive of all New Yorkers. Today, we advance that goal by expanding halal dining options in our school cafeterias,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “For years, Muslim-American advocates have called for this expansion, and I applaud Mayor Adams for getting it done. Now, over 100,000 Muslim-American children in our school system will receive a nutritious lunch that meets their dietary requirements. I hold halal food distributions regularly, and each time, hundreds of people turn out for food relief that conforms to their faith. I am proud to partner with the mayor and Muslim-American leaders to ensure that the food offerings in our cafeterias reflect the diversity of our city. In addition, today’s $50 million investment in the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience initiative will give our children a cafeteria that is warm and welcoming. I look forward to working with the mayor to continue to build a city that honors our ‘gorgeous mosaic,’ nurtures our children, and ensures New Yorkers of every faith are food secure.”
“All our kids — regardless of their socioeconomic status, ZIP code, or background — deserve not only the best possible dining experience in school, but also access to appropriate meals that match their religious or cultural beliefs,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “It’s well past time our city achieves those goals by enhancing our cafeterias and adding halal food to the menu, which many Muslim families across Queens have sought for years. I look forward to working with the mayor and chancellor to expand this program even further.”
GIANARIS ANNOUNCES $1.7M IN ARTS FUNDING: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced more than $1.7 million in funding from the New York State Council on the Arts to benefit artists and arts organizations in western Queens. This funding is part of a record $140 million investment made by the state legislature into arts funding this year.
“The arts are the soul of western Queens and supporting this community is critical to our economic vitality,” said Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris. ”I am pleased so many groups are receiving support, and that the New York State Council on the Arts is using the Legislature’s investment thoughtfully in our community and across New York.”
“A giant round of applause to all of our NYSCA grantees,” said Mara Manus, Executive Director of NYSCA. “The incredible breadth of world-class arts organizations in western Queens reflects its position as an international crossroads of language and culture. We are immensely grateful for the work of western Queens’ artists and arts organizations, activating the health, vitality, and economy of this spectacular community.”
YEAR-END STATEMENT FROM LIU: State Senator John Liu released the following Year-End Statement: “As 2022 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year and joyous holiday season!
“This past year saw New Yorkers finally begin to get back on track after two years of pandemic difficulties. Our children are now back in school and more and more workers are heading back to work.
“In 2022, boundaries of congressional and state senate districts changed significantly. Beginning 2023, I will represent Senate District 16 where my house of 30 years is now located. I am happy and excited to return to the district I grew up and lived in almost my entire life, and represented in the City Council, which includes Flushing, Bayside, Fresh Meadows, Auburndale, and Oakland Gardens.
“As we enter 2023, we look forward to a year of continued recovery, and we look to chart a path forward so that we emerge a stronger community and a better New York for all. We will continue to remain vigilant and mindful of our responsibilities as New Yorkers and citizens of the world. As your New York State legislator, and the Chair of the Committee on NYC Education, I will continue to push for public policies that improve the quality of our public education system, and commit to supporting programs and services that uplift our diverse communities in the New Year and beyond.
“Wishing you and your loved ones all the best in 2023!”
PRESERVE AMERICAN IRISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a plan to revitalize the American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) and preserve the organization’s historic townhouse headquarters in New York City. The AIHS had fallen into financial hardship which was only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and beginning in March 2021, the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Charities Bureau worked with AIHS to develop a financial plan to preserve the nonprofit organization. As part of that plan, a new interim Executive Director and interim Board of Directors were appointed to guide AIHS through a six-month period of transition. In addition, the Consulate General of Ireland in New York (Consulate General of Ireland) has agreed to support the transition to a new governance structure during this period.
The new interim leadership will work with OAG and members of the American Irish community, supported by the Consulate General of Ireland, to revitalize AIHS and provide a transparent process for the selection of a new permanent board.
“Irish Americans have contributed so much to New York’s past and present,” said Attorney General James. “For decades, the American Irish Historical Society has been a home for the Irish American community to celebrate and honor their culture and traditions. The new interim Executive Director and Board of Directors will bring critical oversight to help restore this important organization and ensure it thrives for generations to come.”
The AIHS was founded in 1897. In 1940, AIHS purchased a townhouse on Fifth Avenue, which has since served as the organization’s headquarters and represents its primary asset.
In the spring of 2021, AIHS was in poor financial and operational condition that had been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior leadership had listed the townhouse headquarters for sale, intending to use the proceeds to address the organization’s financial obligations. As the regulatory body overseeing charities in New York, OAG is responsible for reviewing the sale of any property owned by a charity. Following the news that the townhouse was up for sale, OAG received a petition with more than 40,000 signatures opposing the sale, many citing the townhouse’s central importance to both the organization and the community. The OAG and AIHS then began working together on a restructuring plan to allow AIHS to keep the townhouse headquarters and continue serving the Irish and Irish American communities.
Under the leadership of the new interim Executive Director and Board of Directors and with oversight from OAG, AIHS will enter a six-month period of transition and revitalization. This period will include an open and transparent selection process to appoint a permanent board, which will stabilize the organization and safeguard its assets. Once selected, the permanent board will work with OAG and other stakeholders, including the Consulate General of Ireland, to develop a strategic plan for the future of AIHS.
“From working in the grain mills to building the Erie Canal, Irish immigrants made New York their home in pursuit of the ‘American Dream’ and played a significant role in shaping the state’s future,” said U.S. Representative Brian Higgins, member of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus. ”Thanks go out to Attorney General Letitia James and her team for their commitment to maintaining the American Irish Historical Society, an effort that will help preserve these stories and continue to carry Irish cultural contributions forward.”
“Attorney General James’ intervention has preserved the headquarters of the American Irish Historical Society, and ultimately safeguarded critical components of Irish heritage and culture,” said State Senator Tim Kennedy. “Through her dedicated efforts, we’re seeing new hope for the society’s future and a clear commitment to strengthen the organization from the ground up.”
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts
This column was originated by John A. Toscano
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