Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program - FEBRUARY 20, 2021

As of 11 AM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 93% of First Doses  

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker; Dashboard Now Includes Demographic Data  

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. As of 11AM today, New York's health care distribution sites have administered 93 percent of first doses. The week 10 allocation from the federal government has been delayed due to winter storms impacting much of the country - New York continues to monitor the situation and work with providers and federal partners to address these shipping issues. New York's health care distribution sites have administered 90 percent of doses so far delivered.  

"From the very beginning of the vaccination process, there has been one guiding principle to our efforts - get as many shots in arms as quickly, fairly and equitably as possible, and that is exactly what we have continued to do," Governor Cuomo said. "Through our expansive network of vaccination sites and community-based 'pop up' sites, the resources are in place to vaccinate up to 100,000 New Yorkers every day, but as has been the case, the only thing standing in our way of making that a reality is the supply. With the weather clearing up, we are working closely with the federal government, local governments, and health care providers to administer shots as quickly as we can. As New Yorkers have shown throughout this entire pandemic, if we stay tough and stay united, we will get through this and finally reach the light at the end of the tunnel."

Approximately 10 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by more than 20 percent over the next three weeks, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.   

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. Starting next week, local health departments will also receive vaccine allocations for these individuals. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:  

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification 

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11AM today is as follows. Beginning week 9, allocation totals are inclusive of some excess vaccine doses that have been reallocated from the federal Long Term Care Facility program. The allocation totals below include 40 percent of the week 10 allocation which is expected to finish being distributed to New York provider sites on Sunday.  

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

First Doses Received - 2,335,250

First Doses Administered - 2,173,322; 93%

Second Doses Received - 1,284,300

Second Doses Administered - 1,081,917 

Council Votes to Pass the “Renewable Rikers” Act, and Two Other Items

 

The New York City Council voted on legislation to transfer the land, buildings and facilities of Rikers Island from the Department of Correction (DOC) to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). This legislation comes ahead of the August 31, 2027 deadline that prohibits Rikers Island from being used for incarceration. The Council also voted on a bill to require a feasibility study to determine whether different types of renewable energy sources, combined with battery storage, are feasible on Rikers Island.  Int 1592-2019

This local law would establish a process for the transferring of the land, buildings and facilities of Rikers Island from the Department of Correction to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services In biannual evaluations, any portion not in active use for the housing of persons, or providing of services for such persons, would be so transferred, with the entirety being transferred no later than August 31, 2027. Additionally, a Rikers Island Advisory Committee would be established, consisting of relevant commissioners, persons impacted by Rikers, and experts in environmental justice and sustainability. The advisory committee would evaluate and provide recommendations on potential uses of the island for sustainability and resiliency purposes. This local law would require that a feasibility study be conducted as an appendix to the long-term energy plan, to ascertain whether different types of renewable energy sources, combined with battery storage, are feasible on Rikers Island.

The Council also voted to create a pilot program to test sewage for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Wastewater samples are an underutilized early detection tool for this virus. Early detection of the virus early can help to track circulation or re-emergence in the community. This legislation will include a plan for increased testing at each City wastewater treatment plant if deemed appropriate and offers recommendations for making the program permanent. Int 1966-2020

This bill would require the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene to create a pilot program to test the city’s wastewater treatment plants for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and submit a report with the results of the program.

Additionally, the Council voted on legislation that disqualifies people who have been convicted of certain felonies that relate to public corruption and depriving the public of honest services from holding local elected office. The bill would apply to the offices of Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough President, and Council Member. Int 0374-2018

This bill would disqualify any person that has been convicted of certain felonies, in relation to public corruption and depriving the public of honest services, from holding the office of Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President or Council Member.

Governor Cuomo Announces Lowest Single-Day COVID-19 Positivity Rate Since November 23 - FEBRUARY 20, 2021

 

Statewide Positivity Rate Drops to 3.06%

Hospitalizations Drop to 5,977—Below 6,000 for First Time Since December 14

7-Day Average Positivity Rate Has Declined for 43 Straight Days

1,162 Patients in the ICU; 801 Intubated

97 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the COVID-19 positivity rate yesterday was 3.06 percent, the lowest since November 23. Hospitalizations dropped below 6,000 for the first time since December 14. The 7-day average positivity rate has declined for 43 straight days.

"Our ability to beat back COVID is entirely dependent on our actions, and the post-holiday reduction in positivity and hospitalizations demonstrates that New Yorkers are continuing to do the right things to stay safe. As these numbers go down, vaccinations are going up, and that means we're making real progress toward the light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Cuomo said. "We have the capacity and distribution network to get even more vaccines in arms, but because of limited supply this will continue to be a marathon, not a sprint. In the meantime, we must continue masking up and practicing good social distancing—actions that we know will tame the COVID beast."  

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 251,645
• Total Positive - 7,692
• Percent Positive - 3.06%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.53%
• Patient Hospitalization - 5,977 (-178)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -911
• Patients Newly Admitted - 563
• Hospital Counties - 55
• Number ICU - 1,162 (-37)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 801 (-33)
• Total Discharges - 141,592 (+624)
• Deaths - 97 
• Total Deaths - 37,776

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Local Sales Tax Collections Down 5.9% in January

DiNapoli: January Local Sales Tax Collections Down 5.9 Percent

Local government sales tax collections statewide were down 5.9 percent in January compared to the same time last year, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced. Collections totaled $1.5 billion, down $95 million from January 2020.

The decline was less than the 8.4 percent drop in December and the double-digit declines in the earlier months of the pandemic (April-June).

More Than 1.7 Million New York Adults
Suffer from Food Scarcity

New York ranks seventh among all the states in the percentage of adults who are experiencing food scarcity, at 14 percent compared to the 11 percent national rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest Household Pulse Survey.

More than 1.7 million New York adults live in households that sometimes or often in the past week did not have enough to eat, according to the Census survey in late January and early February. (The Census Bureau refers to either “food scarcity” or “food insufficiency” to characterize these findings.) Children are not counted in the Census data. Including them would add substantially to the total.

For more current highlights on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the State’s finances and economy, visit our web page. This office is committed to keeping New Yorkers regularly updated on the State’s economy and finances.

New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Flies to Houston Texas to Help in Relief Effort

 New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined with Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia of Texas to volunteer at the Houston Food Bank. These Fierce Latina Leaders joined forces to motivate local Houston community leaders, elected officials, local business owners, citizens, and neighbors to step-up and take action to help during this still unraveling crisis. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez traveled across the country to volunteer alongside Houston Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, both Latina members of Congress are dedicated to sticking together to uplift their communities and do the work that must be done to recover. 

Tomorrow they invite everyone who can to give back to those still struggling to survive past this devastating event. A few photos are below.

Above- Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez helps unload much needed supplies.

Below - Congress members Ocasio-Cortez and Garcia help fill bags with groceries to give out. 

Above - Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez checks to see what supplies are needed.

Below - She carries a case of bottled water to the trunk of this car.

315 Days and Counting

Let's see if Governor Andrew Cuomo leaves office before me. I still have 315 days left in office.

Governor Cuomo Announces Nursing Home Visitations to Resume in Accordance with CMS and CDC Guidelines - and COVID-19 Indicators - FEBRUARY 19, 2021

 

DOH Recommends Nursing Home Visitors Take a Rapid Test Before Entry; DOH Will Provide Rapid Tests to Nursing Homes at No Cost

New York City Indoor Dining Can Expand to 35 Percent Capacity on February 26; Reopening Subject to Strict State Guidance

Hospitalizations Drop to 6,155—Lowest Since December 17

7-Day Average Positivity Rate Drops to 3.60%-42 Straight Days of Decline

6,155 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,199 Patients in the ICU; 834 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.49%

116 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the New York State Department of Health will allow visitation of residents in nursing home facilities in accordance with CMS and CDC guidelines. The Department of Health recommends that visitors take a rapid test before entry into the facility, and DOH will provide rapid tests to nursing homes at no cost. Guidance on visitations will be available beginning Monday, February 22.

The Governor also announced that New York City indoor dining can expand to 35 percent capacity next Friday, February 26. The reopening is subject to strict state guidance and aligns with New Jersey's 35 percent limit.

Governor Cuomo also announced that the FDA has allocated 4,610 doses of the therapeutic bamlanivimab to New York. Bamlanivimab was shown in trials to reduce COVID hospitalization or ER visits in high-risk patients within 28 days after treatment when compared to a placebo.

COVID-19 hospitalizations dropped to 6,155, the lowest level since December 17. The 7-day average positivity rate has declined for 42 straight days.

"New Yorkers should be commended for how they have continued to beat back this invisible enemy and as we continue that progress, we're working to reopen parts of our lives that we've had to give up because of COVID," Governor Cuomo said. "One of the most devastating aspects of this virus has been how it separated families from their loved ones, making an already difficult situation even harder to bear. Thanks to the dedication of New Yorkers, we're now at a point where we can begin to resume nursing home visitations under strict guidelines to protect the health and safety of residents. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer, but we are not out of the woods yet. New Yorkers have been through so much this past year and as long as we continue to follow the science and remain united, we will finally win this war."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 249,248
• Total Positive - 8,710
• Percent Positive - 3.49%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.60%
• Patient Hospitalization - 6,155 (-279)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -913
• Patients Newly Admitted - 664
• Hospital Counties - 56
• Number ICU - 1,199 (-59)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 834 (-29)
• Total Discharges - 140,968 (+753)
• Deaths - 116
• Total Deaths - 37,675

Governor Cuomo Announces 12 Percent of New Yorkers Have Received at Least One Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine

 

As of 11 AM today, New York's Health Care Distribution Sites Have Administered 98% of First Doses Received Week 1-9

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker; Dashboard Now Includes Demographic Data

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced 12.1 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of 11AM today, New York's health care distribution sites have administered 98 percent of first doses received for week 1-9 first doses. The week 10 allocation from the federal government has been delayed due to winter storms impacting much of the country - New York continues to monitor the situation and work with providers and federal partners to address these shipping issues. New York's health care distribution sites have administered 88 percent of doses so far delivered.

"We've bounced back from the post-holiday surge and our infection rate is at the lowest rate since before the holiday season - that's great news, but we must remain vigilant because this war isn't won until every New Yorker has been inoculated and New York is COVID-free," Governor Cuomo said. "Despite the limited weekly supply, New York's vast distribution network and community efforts have been working to get shots in arms as quickly and fairly as possible, we've administered over 3.5 million shots, but we simply need more doses. We're now also seeing delays in the week 10 shipment of vaccines due to extreme weather conditions and are working with the federal government and our distribution sites on the ground to minimize the impact this has on New Yorkers."

Approximately 10 million New Yorkers are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. The federal government has increased the weekly supply by more than 20 percent over the next three weeks, but New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. Starting next week, local health departments will also receive vaccine allocations for these individuals. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11AM today is as follows. Beginning week 9, allocation totals are inclusive of some excess vaccine doses that have been reallocated from the federal Long Term Care Facility program. The allocation totals below include 40 percent of the week 10 allocation which is expected to finish being distributed to New York provider sites on Sunday.

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

First Doses Received - 2,335,250

First Doses Administered - 2,147,076

Second Doses Received - 1,284,300

Second Doses Administered - 1,033,367

Senator Alessandra Biaggi's Week in Review: 2/15/21 - 2/19/21

 

Dear Community,

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has accumulated an outsized level of power that is no longer appropriate or necessary. In early March 2020, the Legislature voted to expand the Governor's powers under an emergency declaration right before a state of emergency was first declared. The COVID-19 health and economic crises have necessitated certain expedited directives by the Executive, but these powers have been overused and now threaten our co-equal branches of government  

In the first 6 months of the Governor’s expanded powers, he issued 65 executive orders and suspended more than 250 laws. The number and nature of these directives demonstrate an overreach of power, and the lack of oversight of the Governor threatens the health of our representative democracy. There are three branches of government for a reason. The duty of law-making should belong to the Legislative branch as it continues to serve as the strongest connection to New Yorkers and our local communities. Yet many of the Governor’s directives have disregarded the legislative process all together and undermined the power of the Legislature – and the voices of the people. 

The Governor’s handling of nursing homes throughout the pandemic illustrates his dangerous overreach. In March 2020, the Executive issued guidance requiring nursing homes to re-admit COVID-19 positive patients. The Governor’s office further failed to provide nursing homes with the support they needed in the early days of the pandemic. According to a report issued by the Attorney General, this guidance may have put nursing home residents in harm's way. During the summer, the Legislature demanded that the Health Commissioner provide us with full and accurate data on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. But only after Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation reported that the Department of Health had undercounted as much as 50% of nursing home deaths, did the Governor’s office provide those details to the Legislature and the public. 

The Administration's decision to withhold the accurate number of people who died of COVID-19 in nursing homes demonstrates their lack of transparency and unwillingness to hold themselves accountable. If this is how the Governor chooses to use his expanded powers, it is no longer in the public’s best interest to allow his emergency powers to remain unchecked. 

This week I introduced legislation (S4888) to revoke Governor Cuomo’s expanded emergency powers. With the growing support to roll back the Governor’s expanded emergency powers, I am hopeful we will restore the Legislature's role in our democracy and deliver New Yorkers the relief they so desperately need.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE WILLIAMS LEADS RENEWED CALL FOR DOJ CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION OF STATE, CITY COVID-19 RESPONSE

 

 Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams called on the United States Department of Justice today to open a civil rights investigation into the city and state's handling of  the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to deep racial disparities - first in rates of infection and death, and now in access to vaccination. The two elected leaders first made this call with a group of local officials from across the country in 2020, but it was largely ignored by the Department of Justice under Donald Trump. This new ask renews the original request, now calling for the Biden administration to take action.

This week, it was revealed that the FBI and US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn are currently probing the Cuomo administration's policies and practices concerning nursing homes during the first months of the pandemic. The Public Advocate and Borough President's request is for an additional investigation, or an expansion in its scope, to probe actions by city and state leaders that may constitute civil rights violations, including "the failed decisions and systemic inequities that led to the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color." He further discussed the renewed request in a Wednesday press conference with Council Members Adrienne Adams and I. Daneek Miller, co-Chairs of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus in the City Council. Video is available here.

"We are asking the Department of Justice, under new leadership and with new mandate, to investigate the systemic failures and misguided decisions that have led to disparate harm in communities of more color throughout the city and state," said Public Advocate Williams. "We make this new call with the same moral obligation and with renewed moral outrage at the arrogance that leaders like Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio  continue to show in making dangerous, misguided decisions and refusing to face the consequences."

Across the country, communities of more color are seeing a disproportionate and deadly impact of the coronavirus outbreak, a result of policy decisions and longstanding systemic inequities. Nationwide, Black and Hispanic individuals are roughly 3x as likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than white persons, and twice as likely to be killed.

Now, the rollout of vaccinations in New York has seen similarly egregious and inexcusable levels of disparity, with preliminary data showing Black and Brown New Yorkers vaccinated at a rate roughly half their population share. Newly released data by zip code shows that in New York City, wealthier and whiter communities have a much greater percentage of adults vaccinated than communities of more color.

Wednesday, new data revealed that life expectancy in the United States in the first half of 2020 dropped by a year overall, but by 2.7 years for Black Americans, driven by these inequities in COVID-19 impact.

In a letter, Public Advocate Williams and Borough President Adams implored the Department of Justice to investigate these issues, find any wrongdoing, and "show our constituents and the American public that awareness of inequities is not enough. We must act and bring those accountable for these inequities to justice."

The original submission to the Department of Justice further detailing the request can be found here.

OCASIO-CORTEZ CALLS FOR FULL INVESTIGATION OF CUOMO ADMINISTRATION’S HANDLING OF NURSING HOMES DURING COVID-19

 

Today, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued the following statement in solidarity with elected officials asking for a full investigation of the State’s handling of the nursing homes during the pandemic.

“I support our state's return to co-equal governance and stand with our local officials calling for a full investigation of the Cuomo administration's handling of nursing homes during COVID-19. Thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers lost their lives in nursing homes throughout the pandemic. Their loved ones and the public deserve answers and transparency from their elected leadership, and the Secretary to the Governor's remarks warrant a full investigation.”

 

Serial Con Artist Charged With Embezzlement Scheme

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Kathy A. Michalko, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“USSS”), and New York Police Department (“NYPD”) Commissioner Dermot Shea, announced the arrest today of TRACII SHOW-HUTSONA on wire fraud and identity theft charges.  Specifically, SHOW-HUTSONA is charged with embezzling more than one million dollars as part of a confidence scheme.  SHOW-HUTSONA used her position as a personal assistant to funnel money from her victim’s financial accounts, including the victim’s children’s college savings accounts, into her own spending account in order to fund a lavish lifestyle.   SHOW HUTSONA was arrested on February 17, 2021, and was presented in federal court in the District of Arizona before United States Magistrate Judge Michelle H. Burns.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss stated:  “Traccii Show-Hutsona, a personal assistant and founding partner of Elite Lux Life, branded her concierge service as the ‘VIP Concierge Company (SPECIALIZING IN THE GOOD LIFE) Jets-Yachts-Vacation Rentals-Exotic Vehicles.’ As alleged, Show-Hutsona afforded herself the same swanky accommodations she promised her clientele – only she did so with their money.  Thanks to our partners at the NYPD and U.S. Secret Service, Tracii Show-Hutsona’s alleged high-flying confidence scheme has now been grounded, and she faces embezzlement charges in federal court.”

USSS Special Agent-in-Charge Kathy A. Michalko stated:  “The U.S. Secret Service remains focused on bringing those who commit financial crimes to justice.  The accused was employed by the victim and allegedly used her position to embezzle over one million dollars for her own personal gain.  Due to the tireless investigative efforts of the Secret Service and the New York City Police Department, the accused will answer the charges against her in the Southern District of New YorNYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea stated:  “As alleged in this federal complaint, Tracii Show-Hutsona turned her clients into victims, betraying their trust to carry out her own embezzlement scheme. I applaud the work done in this case by our NYPD investigators and our partners in the United States Secret Service and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York to make sure this individual would be brought to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today[1]:

TRACII SHOW HUTSONA, a/k/a “Tracii Show,” a/k/a “Tracii Show Vician,” was the “founding partner” of Elite Lux Life, a full-service concierge firm that “accommodates the most discerning traveler” and is the “go-to service for wanting to enjoy the very best life has to offer.” In its social media posts, Elite Lux Life markets itself as a “VIP Concierge Company (SPECIALIZING IN THE GOOD LIFE) Jets-Yachts-Vacation Rentals-Exotic Vehicles.”

From in or around 2015 until late 2019, SHOW HUTSONA engaged in a long-running confidence scheme to embezzle money.  SHOW HUTSONA used the confidence she gained from her position as a personal assistant to gain access to financial accounts.  In connection with one victim of the scheme (“Victim-1”), SHOW HUTSONA stole and spent over $1 million of Victim-1’s money in order to finance her own luxury lifestyle.  When Victim-1 confronted her about the scheme, SHOW HUTSONA promised to make amends.  In fact and in reality, SHOW HUTSONA continued to spend Victim-1’s money without permission or authorization, including transferring money from the college savings accounts of Victim-1’s children.  

SHOW HUTSONA was previously convicted in federal court in 2008 for committing fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with the submission of fraudulent invoices for a staffing agency in Japan, in another fraud scheme.  See United States v. Show Vician, 08 Cr. 0058 (C.D. Cal. Oct. 16, 2008).

SHOW HUTSONA, 52, of Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.  The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

Ms. Strauss praised USSS and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this case and noted that the investigation is ongoing.  

This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy V. Capozzi and Michael C. McGinnis are in charge of the prosecution.

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

Attorney General James Co-Leads Coalition Calling for Cancellation of Federal Student Loan Debt

 

AG James and Multistate Coalition Support Congressional Resolutions

Calling for Cancellation of Up to $50,000 in Debt Per Student Borrower

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today co-led a multistate coalition of 17 attorneys general from around the nation in urging the adoption of U.S. House and U.S. Senate resolutions that call for the cancellation of up to $50,000 in federal student debt owed by each and every federal student loan borrower across the country. In their letter to Congress, Attorney General James and the coalition stress the immediate relief needed for borrowers struggling with unmanageable student loan debt, which has only been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting financial crisis. The resolutions — Senate Resolution 46 and House Resolution 100 — call on President Joseph Biden to exercise his authority to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt per borrower.

“Student loan debt holds too many struggling borrowers down and prevents them from achieving financial stability,” said Attorney General James. “Many fall behind on their payments or enter default, leading to a downward spiral of ruined credit and dashed dreams. Cancelling up to $50,000 in student loan debt will not only free these borrowers to move forward with their lives, but will simultaneously help close the racial wealth gap and move our economy to new heights. This is about creating equal footing among all students and giving every borrower the opportunity to succeed.”

In their letter, the coalition lays out how the existing repayment system for federal student loans provides insufficient opportunity for struggling borrowers to manage their debts. As many as one in five federal student loan borrowers are in default. Options for student borrowers to obtain relief have also proven to be inadequate. Only two-percent of borrowers who applied for loan discharges under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program have been granted a discharge, and efforts by state attorneys general to obtain student loan discharges for students defrauded by for-profit schools have been stymied by the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump Administration.

Today’s letter specifically highlights misconduct by for-profit schools, and how the industry’s predatory practices have disproportionately harmed people of color. The attorneys general state that cancelling federal student loan debt can substantially increase Black and Latinx household wealth and help close the racial wealth gap.

Today’s letter is the latest action Attorney General James has taken to help student loan borrowers. In July, Attorney General James and a multistate coalition sued the Trump Administration’s U.S. Department of Education and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to block their efforts to repeal critical protections for student-borrowers who have been misled or defrauded by predatory for-profit schools.

In June 2020, Attorney General James filed a multistate lawsuit to stop the Department of Education and former Education Secretary DeVos from repealing the “Gainful Employment” rule, which provides critical protections to students considering enrolling in for-profit colleges and vocational schools that promise students “gainful employment in a recognized occupation” after graduation.

Additionally, Attorney General James obtained multistate agreements to provide more than $7.5 million in debt relief to nearly 900 former ITT Tech students in New York after investigations found that ITT Tech, Student CU Connect CUSO, and PEAKS Trust preyed on students by deceiving them into taking out student loans.

Joining Attorney General James in co-leading today’s letter is Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. The two are joined by the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Statement From Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Updating New Yorkers on Vaccine Shipping Delays

 

 "The federal government previously informed New York that the winter storms impacting much of the country have delayed nearly all shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine, and since then we have been in constant contact with our federal partners to track any incoming shipments and make the necessary adjustments to our operations.

"We have now been informed that shipments of the Pfizer vaccine that should have been delivered already but were delayed due to weather are scheduled to arrive by Monday, and orders placed within the last 48 hours will be sent after, with expected arrival on Tuesday and Wednesday. Delayed shipments of the Moderna vaccine should arrive by the middle of next week, with orders placed within the last 48 hours expected to arrive next Thursday and Friday.

"We will continue to track these shipments closely over the coming days and keep New Yorkers informed about any changes in existing appointments. At this time, no appointments at state-run sites have been rescheduled due to these shipping issues. In the meantime, we are doing everything we can to get shots into arms as quickly and fairly as possible so we can defeat this beast once and for all."

Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Vaccine Shipping Delays

 

 "The Federal government has informed New York that nearly all COVID-19 vaccine doses allocated for Week 10 — which were scheduled to be delivered between February 12th and February 21st — are delayed due to the winter storms continuing to impact much of the country. Every dose that should have shipped on Monday was held back, and only a limited number of Pfizer vaccines left shipping facilities on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"This delay will undoubtedly pose a logistical challenge for New York — but as we have shown over the last 350-plus days, we are New York Tough, and we are up to the challenge. The Department of Health is working closely with all providers, including local health departments, hospitals, pharmacies, and FQHCs to minimize the impact on their operations and reduce the number of appointments that must be rescheduled. The vaccine is the weapon that will win the war against COVID, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to expedite the delayed shipments and will keep New Yorkers updated over the coming days."

316 Days and Counting

 

I still have 316 days left as Mayor of New York City. Should I run for Governor of New York State next year now that Governor Cuomo is being investigated for the COVID-19 nursing home deaths?

CONSUMER ALERT: NEW YORK DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ALERTS CONSUMERS ABOUT LOYALTY PROGRAMS

 

Loyalty Programs Can Offer Benefits, But Are Not Always What You Bargain For Consumers Can Always Opt Out of Loyalty Programs

 The Division of Consumer Protection reminds consumers of their rights when engaging in the many loyalty programs available in the marketplace. When consumers sign up for loyalty programs, their information is captured and used by the company to contact the consumer – how and when the company wants. Consumers should know they have options to limit or stop any unwanted emails, texts and phone calls.

“Consumers complain about phone calls from companies and sometimes these calls are legal – because the consumer ‘signed up’ when they started a loyalty program,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection’s Do Not Call program. “Consumers need to know the law empowers them to stop these unwanted communications.”

Loyalty programs come in a variety of packages, including points (credit cards), rewards for purchases (clothing and other retail stores), tiered based on use (airlines), paid program (Amazon Prime and other subscription memberships), value-based (marketing), and partner programs (fly with us and get deals with other companies). Businesses across the marketplace use loyalty programs to market their products. Benefits include “free” products, services and sometimes cash, but the programs are not without cost. Companies gain your permission to reach out with email, social media, texts and phone calls, whenever and however they want.  This is true, for example, even if your phone number is registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.

Below are key tips consumers should keep in mind when signing up for loyalty programs:

• Phone calls. Before starting a loyalty program, ask about automatic phone opt-out. If you are already a member, search the company website or your loyalty card for the loyalty program phone number. Call them and say you no longer want to receive calls and/or text messages. Under NYS law, once you opt-out of receiving calls from that provider, the calls need to stop immediately, regardless if you registered your phone number with the National Do Not Call registry.
• Any company marketing emails require opt-out options, under the federal CAN-SPAM Act. Find the link and click through the opt-out and unsubscribe options. If you are a business, please check out FTC’s recommendations here: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/can-spam-act-compliance-guide-business.
• Text messages. Company text messages also have opt-out requirements under the federal Telecommunication Consumer Protection Act. Scammers also send text messages that mimic legitimate companies. When opting out of text messages, make sure the text is a legitimate text from the company’s loyalty program, as claimed. If you are unsure, delete the message, rather than responding to text opt-out option and go to the company’s website directly to opt-out of text messages.
• Privacy Warning. Did you join a loyalty program years ago that you no longer use? Loyalty programs are often managed by third party companies and the information stored in their systems is not protected the same way the company might protect other information. Consumers and businesses lose billions of dollars a year due to loyalty program security breaches. Consumers should close out old loyalty programs they are no longer using and request the company remove their personal information. 

If a consumer has opted out of communications and continues to receive unwanted communication from a company, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection enforces Do Not Call violations and provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.