Saturday, August 22, 2020

Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Statewide Crackdown on Speeding

 

21,428 Speeding Tickets Issued Statewide During Speed Awareness Week

30,273 Tickets Issued for Other Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations

 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding during Speed Awareness Week, which ran from August 6 through August 12. During that time, officers also issued 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as impaired and distracted driving.


"Speeding can have grave consequences and lead to avoidable and needless tragedy" Governor Cuomo said. "We have zero tolerance for reckless driving in New York and make no mistake: dangerous drivers will be caught and will be held accountable."

The following tickets were issued during this year's enforcement campaign:

Violation                    Number of tickets

Speeding                    21,428

Other Violations         26,141

Seatbelt Violation        1,984

Impaired Driving             995

Distracted Driving           662

Lane Change Violation   491

Total                           51,701

This year, speeding appears to be on the rise in New York State. Preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College shows that unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 34 percent of all fatal crashes from January to May this year, compared to 30 percent of fatal crashes during the same period in 2019. Speed Week is held each August, when fatal crashes involving unsafe speed are typically more prevalent. Data shows that most fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor occur between June and September. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers who speed are also more likely to commit other traffic violations. 

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "There's no excuse for speeding. New York State will continue to educate motorists and enforce the law through these specialized campaigns to help ensure safety on our roadways."

New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, "I commend our State Troopers and the members of all law enforcement agencies for the work they do each day to improve safety on our roadways by targeting speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding is a leading factor in fatal crashes and we urge all drivers to obey posted speed limits and put safety first."

In addition to "Speed Awareness Week," the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

Senator Jamaal Bailey - Grab & Go Meals and Back to School Giveaway


Senator Jamaal T. Bailey

Join us on Friday, September 4th for our Back to School and Food Giveaway! We will be providing “to-go” hot food meals, boxes of food, and book bags with supplies! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you MUST RSVP and arrive within your designated time frame wearing a mask/ face covering. Please do not arrive before or after your time slot. If you arrive before, you will have to wait until your designated time, and if you arrive after, we cannot guarantee your requests. Additionally, you will be given a confirmation number upon RSVP, please ensure that you have this confirmation number at hand on the day of the event. My number one priority is your safety and this why we have set up these strict guidelines. To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate in contacting my office at the same number and email address previously stated. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

Grab & Go Meals and Back to School Giveaway

Date: Friday, September 4th, 2020

Time: 3:00pm-7:00pm 

Location: 959 E. 233rd Street Bronx, NY 10466

To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov.

Why is U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer So Interested in the North Country? How About the Rest of New York State and New York City?

 

AFTER SECURING + $87,000 FOR NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, SCHUMER CALLS FOR MORE NBRC FUNDINGTO FUEL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH COUNTRY

Schumer: The Federal Government Needs to Step Up And Invest In Our Rural Communities Across The North Country and Upstate New York.


SCHUMER: AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO IMPACT THE NORTH COUNTRY ECONOMY, SMALL BUSINESSES NEED SECOND PPP FORGIVABLE LOAN & MORE EIDL LOANS & GRANTS TO STAY AFLOAT; FLANKED BY PLATTSBURGH BUSINESS OWNERS, SENATOR ANNOUNCES TWO-PRONGED PLAN TO GIVE LOCAL SMALL BIZ OWNERS ADDITIONAL FEDERAL RELIEF

Schumer Pushes Vital Two-Pronged Legislation To Provide Economic Relief To Capital Region’s Small Businesses By 1) Extending PPP Program To 2021 & Offering New Second Round of Forgivable PPP Assistance, And 2) Adding $180 Billion To National Pot For EIDL Grants And Loans, & Lifting Cap From $150K To $2M For Loans & Guaranteeing $10K Grants For Each Loan Applicant


SCHUMER: USPS STILL IN CHAOS; PUSHES NEW TWO-PRONG PLAN TO REVERSE DESTRUCTIVE CHANGES TO THE POSTAL SERVICE IMPACTING COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT NORTH COUNTRY; LEGISLATION WOULD IMMEDIATELY UNDO RECENT CRIPPLING CHANGES, CEMENT MAIL-IN BALLOTS AS FIRST CLASS PRIORITY & PROTECT USPS FROM FURTHER DEVASTATION


Senator Has Warned Postmaster’s Actions Have Jeopardized North Country Delivery Of Medications, VA Benefits, Paychecks & Sanctity Of The Nov. Election & Now Plans New Fight To Reverse Damage 

Schumer: Postal Service Pandemonium That Hit North Country Needs To Be Packed Up and Shipped Out

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Above are three press releases from Senator Chuck Schumer dated 8-21-2020. These were the only items listed. Senator Schumer represents the entire state of New York including New York City, yet there is never anything listed that he is doing for New York City. 

Maybe in 2022 Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for U.S. Senate against the current U.S. senator since that will be the year after redistricting, and rumor has it that the current 14th Congressional District will be eliminated. 


Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Join Us For a Community Clean Up Event on Wednesday 8/26

 

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Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, NYC Parks, Council Member Andrew Cohen, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz to clean up Van Cortlandt Park on Wednesday, August 26th from 5pm to 7pm! We will meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House at 5pm.

All supplies including bags, masks, and gloves will be provided. Hope you can join us! 

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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
www.vancortlandt.org

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Leaders Of ‘We Build The Wall’ Online Fundraising Campaign Charged With Defrauding Hundreds Of Thousands Of Donors

 

Brian Kolfage, Stephen Bannon, and Two Others Alleged to Have Funneled Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars From the Organization to Kolfage; All Four Defendants Allegedly Profited From Their Roles in the Scheme

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced the unsealing of an indictment charging BRIAN KOLFAGE, STEPHEN BANNON, ANDREW BADOLATO, and TIMOTHY SHEA for their roles in defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as “We Build the Wall” that raised more than $25 million.  The defendants were arrested this morning.  KOLFAGE will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in the Northern District of Florida.  BANNON will be presented today in the Southern District of New York.  BADOLATO will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson in the Middle District of Florida.  SHEA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kristen L. Mix in the District of Colorado.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in the Southern District of New York.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, the defendants defrauded hundreds of thousands of donors, capitalizing on their interest in funding a border wall to raise millions of dollars, under the false pretense that all of that money would be spent on construction.  While repeatedly assuring donors that Brian Kolfage, the founder and public face of We Build the Wall, would not be paid a cent, the defendants secretly schemed to pass hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kolfage, which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle.  We thank the USPIS for their partnership in investigating this case, and we remain dedicated to rooting out and prosecuting fraud wherever we find it.”

Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said:  “The defendants allegedly engaged in fraud when they misrepresented the true use of donated funds.  As alleged, not only did they lie to donors, they schemed to hide their misappropriation of funds by creating sham invoices and accounts to launder donations and cover up their crimes, showing no regard for the law or the truth.   This case should serve as a warning to other fraudsters that no one is above the law, not even a disabled war veteran or a millionaire political strategist.”

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

Starting in approximately December 2018, BRIAN KOLFAGE, STEPHEN BANNON, ANDREW BADOLATO, and TIMOTHY SHEA, and others, orchestrated a scheme to defraud hundreds of thousands of donors, including donors in the Southern District of New York, in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign ultimately known as “We Build The Wall” that raised more than $25 million to build a wall along the southern border of the United States.  In particular, to induce donors to donate to the campaign, KOLFAGE repeatedly and falsely assured the public that he would “not take a penny in salary or compensation” and that “100% of the funds raised . . . will be used in the execution of our mission and purpose” because, as BANNON publicly stated, “we’re a volunteer organization.”

Those representations were false.  In truth, KOLFAGE, BANNON, BADOLATO, and SHEA received hundreds of thousands of dollars in donor funds from We Build the Wall, which they each used in a manner inconsistent with the organization’s public representations.  In particular, KOLFAGE covertly took for his personal use more than $350,000 in funds that donors had given to We Build the Wall, while BANNON, through a non-profit organization under his control (“Non-Profit-1”), received over $1 million from We Build the Wall, at least some of which BANNON used to cover hundreds of thousands of dollars in BANNON’s personal expenses.  To conceal the payments to KOLFAGE from We Build the Wall, KOLFAGE, BANNON, BADOLATO, and SHEA devised a scheme to route those payments from We Build the Wall to KOLFAGE indirectly through Non-Profit-1 and a shell company under SHEA’s control, among other avenues.  They did so by using fake invoices and sham “vendor” arrangements, among other ways, to ensure, as KOLFAGE noted in a text message to BADOLATO, that his pay arrangement remained “confidential” and kept on a “need to know” basis.  

KOLFAGE, 38, of Miramar Beach, Florida, BANNON, 66, of Washington, D.C., BADOLATO, 56, of Sarasota, Florida, and SHEA, 49, of Castle Rock, Colorado, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  She also thanked the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida for their assistance.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Cuomo Signs into Law Sweeping Election Reforms

 

New Laws Will Make It Easier for New Yorkers to Vote and Be Counted in November

S.8015-D/A.10833 Authorizes Voters to Request an Absentee Ballot Due to Risk of Illness, Including COVID

S.8783A/A.10807 Authorizes Voters to Request Absentee Ballots Starting Today

S.8799A/A.10808-A Allows Ballots to Be Postmarked On the Day of the Election, November 3, 2020

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed into law sweeping election reforms that will make it easier for New Yorkers to vote and be counted in November. The three-part package includes new measures allowing absentee ballot applications to be submitted to the Board of Elections immediately, expanding the necessary protections to allow a voter to get an absentee ballot due to risk or fear of illness including COVID-19 and ensuring all absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day or received by the Board of Elections without a postmark on the day after the Election will be counted. Ballots with a postmark demonstrating that they were mailed on or before Election Day will be counted if received by November 10.   

"The federal administration has ordered an unprecedented attack on the U.S. Postal Service and with COVID-19 threatening our ability to have safe, in-person voting, these measures are critical to ensuring a successful and fair election at one of the most important moments in our nation's history," Governor Cuomo said. "These actions will further break down barriers to democracy and will make it easier for all New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote this November." 

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "Voting access is one of the core foundations of our democracy. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we must ensure that no New Yorkers feel pressured to put their health and well-being at risk to exercise their Constitutional right to vote. I thank the bill sponsors for advancing this legislation, and my Senate Democratic Majority colleagues for their ongoing commitment to empower New York voters and Governor Cuomo for signing these bills."

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "The Assembly Majority knows that democracy is best served when it is easier, not harder for Americans to vote. But the administration in Washington is once again proving that they do not value these critical democratic institutions, going as far as attacking the U.S. Postal Service to limit access to voting by mail. Here in New York, we will not stand for that. Earlier this year, we passed legislation to expand voters access to mail in voting, and we will continue to fight to make it easier and safer for New Yorkers to exercise their constitutional right to vote, and protect the integrity of our elections."

NYS Economy Added 244,200 Private Sector Jobs in July 2020

 

State’s Private Sector Job Count Grew Faster Than Nation’s

  In July 2020, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 244,200, or 3.6%, to 7,116,200, according to preliminary figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor. By way of comparison, the U.S. private sector job count grew by 1.3% in July 2020.

New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 15.6% to 15.9% in July 2020. In July 2020, the number of unemployed New York State residents increased by 60,000, while labor force levels increased by 204,800. The increase in the unemployment rate — despite New York State adding 244,200 private sector jobs — may be explained by a combination of the use of different data sources for the two figures, the use of statistical regression models to determine the unemployment rate, a growing labor force, and the impact of out-of-state workers, among other factors.

The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of 18,000 New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data are used to provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, July 2019 versus July 2020.

See State and Area Job Data (opens in new window)
See Labor Market Overview (opens in new window)
See Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet (opens in new window)

STATEMENT FROM NYS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION COMMISSIONER BASIL SEGGOS on the Decision in the Case brought by Poly-Pak Industries, Inc., et al

 

  The Court’s decision is a victory and a vindication of New York State’s efforts to end the scourge of single-use plastic bags and a direct rebuke to the plastic bag manufacturers who tried to stop our law. DEC encourages New Yorkers to transition to reusable bags whenever and wherever they shop and to use common-sense precautions to keep reusable bags clean.


Governor Cuomo Announces New York's COVID-19 Hospitalizations Drop to Lowest Number Since March 18

 

518 Hospitalizations Yesterday

13th Straight Day with Infection Rate Below 1 Percent—0.74 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

ICU Patients Match Previous Low of 120—Lowest Since March 16

5 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Observes Violations of State Requirements at 3 Establishments

Confirms 601 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 427,803; New Cases in 44 Counties


  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State's COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped to 518—the lowest number since March 18. Yesterday's infection rate of 0.74 percent marked the 13th straight day with an infection rate below 1 percent. The number of COVID-19 patients in ICUs dropped to 120, matching the state's previous low since March 16. The governor also updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.


"Our state's continuing fight against COVID-19 has taken tremendous hard work and discipline from all New Yorkers, and we're seeing results—a new low for hospitalizations, 13 straight days of an infection rate below 1 percent and a match of a previous low for patients in ICUs," Governor Cuomo said. "I want to commend New Yorkers for practicing the basic daily behaviors—social distancing, washing hands and wearing masks—that make an enormous difference in our capacity to slow the spread, save lives and bring the state's infection rate from one of the nation's highest to one of its lowest. But now isn't the time to get complacent, and local governments must continue to enforce state guidance and New Yorkers must stay vigilant in the face of a continuing crisis throughout this country and around the world."

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,230 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 3 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

  • Brooklyn - 1
  • Manhattan - 2

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Patient Hospitalization - 518 (-30)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 62
  • Hospital Counties - 28
  • Number ICU - 120 (-11)
  • Number ICU with Intubation - 62 (+2)
  • Total Discharges - 74,406 (+78)
  • Deaths - 5
  • Total Deaths - 25,275

Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Extending Moratorium on COVID-Related Commercial Evictions Until September 20

 

   Builds on Governor's Actions to Protect Both Residential and Commercial Tenants from Eviction and Late Rent Fees amid COVID-19 Pandemic 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order extending the state's moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures an additional month, until September 20th. This measure extends protections already in place for commercial tenants and mortgagors in recognition of the financial toll the pandemic has taken on business owners, including retail establishments and restaurants. The extension of this protection gives commercial tenants and mortgagors additional time to get back on their feet and catch up on rent or renegotiate their leasing terms to avoid eviction proceedings and foreclosures moving forward. 

"While we have made great progress in keeping New York's infection rate low, this pandemic is not over and as we continue to fight the virus, we are continuing to protect New York businesses and residential tenants who face financial hardship due to COVID," Governor Cuomo said. "I am extending the State's moratorium on commercial evictions to ensure business owners across New York will not be forced to close as a result of the pandemic."  

Governor Cuomo first announced a State moratorium on residential and commercial evictions on March 20 to ensure no tenant was evicted during the height of the public health emergency. The commercial eviction and foreclosure moratorium was extended through August 20 by Executive Order, and the Governor signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act and additional legislation to protect residential renters and homeowners from foreclosure or eviction due to a COVID-19 financial hardship. Governor Cuomo also ordered additional protection for residential renters from charges for late payment of rent and allowing tenants to use security deposits to pay rent for residential tenants.

Virtual Wave Hill

 

 It's been so great to have visitors back in the gardens. For those who haven't visited yet, reserve a ticket here. Weekly reservations open Monday, and the previous Friday for Wave Hill Members. And familiarize yourself with our safety guidelines before you go! To stay connected to Wave Hill virtually, check out what's new this week with our virtual programs:

Saturday, August 22, 10AM
“Throw it away” they say. And we say, “where is this place, ‘away?’” It’s been 100 years since women were given the right to vote in the United States, and since then women continue to shift culture in remarkable ways. Join Family Art Project as we look forward and beyond borders to learn from ecofeminism and women like Isatou Ceesay and Wangari Maathai who have used the resources around them to claim their place on earth and bring love and care to the land. Create bags to carry your own ecofeminist toolkit from upcycled materials that would otherwise be thrown ‘away’.

Sundays, through November 8, 9:30AM-10:00AM
Join mindful outdoor guide Cindy Olsen or dosha healer Sara Hart for the healing practice of “sit spot” nature meditation. This experience is open to all who wish to learn simple meditation activities, nature lovers or anyone with an ongoing practice. Your “sit spot” can be anywhere—outdoors in your favorite spot, or your favorite spot at home.

This event is brought to you digitally—and onsite, we hope, one day this fall—as we move through Wave Hill’s planned phases of reopening.

Tuesday, August 25, NOON
Join us for our final Eco-Urgency feature! Artist Alison Moritsugu discusses two of her paintings, We are the ash (Remnant) and We are the ash (Vestige), with Curator, Eileen Jeng Lynch. Both paintings were made in response to the presence of the invasive emerald ash borer, an insect destroying North America’s ash tree forests. They will also explore some of the linguistic and logistical parallels between the invasive ash borer and the current pandemic.

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS: Special restricted hours as New York City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic: NOON–5:30PM, Thursday–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR CARRANZA RELEASE REOPENING PLEDGE

 

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza today announced the City’s Back to School Pledge. The pledge, available here, outlines the City’s safety and health commitments to students, parents, and the school community prior to the start of the school year.
 
“With our record-low infection rate, New York City is the safest major city in America,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our plan to reopen our schools is the most rigorous in the country, and I want parents to know that we are taking absolutely every precaution to keep their children healthy and safe.”
 
Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza: “We’re a few weeks away from the first day of school, and PPE deliveries are happening every day, families are getting their schedules, and schools are organizing their classrooms. Parents deserve to know our commitment to them, and that means health, safety, and a high-quality education, no matter what.”
 
Health and safety always come first:
 
  • PPE and cleaning supplies will be supplied to all schools, and DOE will have a 30-day supply on hand at all times—with a hotline for principals to call for immediate resupply for their schools
  • There will be a full-time nurse in every public school building
  • Any school building or room found to have inadequate ventilation will not be used by students or staff
  • Students and staff will practice physical distancing in all school buildings
  • Students and staff will wear face coverings throughout the school day; if they do not have them, they will be provided for free
  • Students will remain in pods for as much of the day as possible
  • We will place hand sanitizer in every classroom
  • City-run testing sites will prioritize free COVID testing and expedited results for school staff; free testing is also available to all students, families, and New Yorkers citywide
  • We are encouraging all DOE employees to be tested monthly
  • NYC Department of Health and Test + Trace Corps will immediately investigate confirmed cases to prevent spread of the virus
  • Schools will communicate with all students and families when there are confirmed cases in schools
  • When necessary, classrooms or school buildings will temporarily close to maintain safety of school communities and prevent spread of the virus
  • School buildings will close if the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in New York City is 3% or more using a 7-day average—the most aggressive threshold in the nation
 
NYC Public Schools will be cleaned and disinfected, day and night:
 
  • All school buildings will be disinfected overnight, every night
  • High-touch zones will be cleaned multiple times throughout each day
  • Electrostatic disinfectors will clean surfaces daily with zero physical contact
 
Students will be learning five days a week, no matter what:
 
  • Whether in-person or online, students will study in supportive environments with rigorous academic standards
  • Remote students will interact with their teachers every day
  • Student schedules—both remote and in-person—will be preset and consistent to allow families to plan
  • Academic instruction will integrate social-emotional learning and trauma-informed care to support students holistically
  • Teachers will have time each day to engage one-on-one with students and families
 

ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION MODERNIZING UTILITY CONSUMER BILL OF RIGHTS

 

The legislation will build on existing customer protections with a focus on rights during service outages and increased transparency.


  With parts of New York State, including the Bronx, still in the process of recovering from widespread power outages after Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz announced plans to introduce legislation modernizing consumer protections for utility consumers. It supplements existing legislation from Assemblyman Dinowitz to create a statewide, independent Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate (A9572) as well as legislation to reform complaint procedures against utility providers by the Public Service Commission (A10682).

 

The modernized Utility Consumer Bill of Rights will propose reforms to utility provider procedure during service outages, such as what has frequently occurred in New York City during recent storms and heat waves. The legislation is intended to be part of a broader discussion about how to better regulate power companies to serve the interests of consumers, and proposed reforms will include:

 

1.     CLAIM REIMBURSEMENTS: Establish minimum standards for utility providers statewide with respect to length or scope of an outage triggering automatic financial compensation, limiting the length of processing time before a claim is paid to the consumer, acceptable forms of documentation when filing a claim for spoiled food or medication, and more.

2.     EMERGENCY SUPPORT LOCATIONS: Strengthen requirements for utility providers to offer cold storage alternatives, battery charging capability, and other necessary support services by increasing the minimum quantity and geographic distribution of emergency support locations          during a major outage.

3.     LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT: Codify core temporary services that utility providers must offer to people with medical equipment that relies on electricity, such as alternate living accommodations or use of a backup generator.

4.     COMMERCIAL LOSSES: Expand an outdated definition of commercial services that are eligible for claim reimbursement by codifying language that addresses people who work from home and commercial activities beyond those involving perishable merchandise.

5.     TRANSPARENCY: Ensure all utility consumers are aware of their rights and what their obligations as a consumer are, such as reminding consumers on a regular basis to register any life-sustaining equipment and promptly report any outages to their utility provider.

 

The proposed legislation is still being drafted and will incorporate feedback received at the August 20 state legislative joint hearing on “Power and communication failures from Tropical Storm Isaias.” The scope of the proposal is expected to grow as the bill is discussed among legislators in coming weeks.

 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “New Yorkers should not feel powerless even if their power is out. Utility providers have gotten more than their fair share of rate increases over the years, but consumers have only gotten worse and worse service in return. It’s time we demand more from the utility providers who hold exclusive rights to profit from the provision of essential services to our communities. I look forward to discussing my proposal for a modernized Utility Consumer Bill of Rights with my colleagues and am optimistic that we will be able to make tangible and impactful change that benefits working people in New York State.”


EDITOR'S NOTE:


We would like to know why this was not done after Hurricane Sandy, and why did it take another major storm causing such widespread damage for this to happen?