Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 10/25/21-10/29/21

 

Dear Community,

Election Day is almost here! This year, the Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, and a number of other important city and municipal offices are up for election. Additionally, voters across the state will also have the opportunity to vote on five ballot proposals to amend the state constitution. Don’t forget to turn your ballot over and vote on these important proposals! The ballot questions are as follows: 

• Ballot Question #1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process: This proposed amendment would freeze the number of state senators at 63, amend the process for counting the state’s population, delete certain provisions that violate the U.S. Constitution, amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission, and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices.
• Ballot Question #2: The Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment: The proposed amendment to Article I of the NYS Constitution would establish the right of each person to clean air, water, and a healthful environment. 
• Ballot Question #3: Eliminating 10-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement: The proposed amendment would delete the current requirement in Article II, § 5 that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election and would allow the legislature to enact laws permitting a citizen to register to vote less than 10 days before the election.
• Ballot Question #4: Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting: The proposed amendment would delete from the current provision on absentee ballots the requirement that an absentee voter must be unable to appear at the polls by reason of absence from the country or illness or physical disability.
• Ballot Question #5: Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court: The proposed amendment would increase the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction by allowing it to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000.

In-person early voting has already begun, and will continue until October 31st. If you are unable to cast your ballot during the early voting period, head to the polls on Election Day on November 2nd. Consult the New York State elections website to look up your voter registration status and find your polling locations. 

Voting in the general election is an important way to participate in the democratic process, and with key races on the ballot this year, it is even more crucial that everyone’s voices are heard. I hope to see you all at the polls!

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Governor Hochul Signs Animal Welfare Legislative Package

 

Legislation S.4254/A.4075 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing to Issue or Renew, Cancel, or Charge or Impose an Increased Premium for Certain Policies Based Solely on the Breed of Dog Owned

Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A Requires Veterinarians to Report Suspected Animal Cruelty

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package relating to animal welfare. Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned. Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.

"To own a pet is a blessing and we owe it to the animals of New York to keep them safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Dogs of all breeds deserve loving homes and no one should have to fear losing their insurance coverage based on the dog they own. In the same vein, veterinarians who see signs of abuse in their patients should be safeguarded so they can report said abuse to the proper authorities. I am proud to sign these bills into law to ensure the wellbeing of pets across the state."

Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prevents insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of the dog that they own by prohibiting insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or charging higher premiums for homeowners' insurance based on the breed of their dog. 

Legislation S.5023A/S.5823-A mandates that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty to appropriate authorities to investigate. This legislation also protects the identity of such veterinarians and allows veterinarians to receive a copy of any report generated.  This legislation will ensure that those most likely to encounter animal cruelty and recognize its signs make timely reports to protect abused animals.  At the same time, the new law will provide protection to these veterinarians by ensuring they can make reports confidentially and maintain records of these incidents.

TAXI MEDALLION RELIEF PROGRAM SURPASSES $20 MILLION IN DEBT FORGIVENESS

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the City’s Taxi Medallion Relief Program (MRP) has now achieved $21.4 million in debt forgiveness for 173 individual medallion owners.

More than 1,100 medallion owners have already completed appointments with the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) Owner/Driver Resource Center, and will progress through the restructuring process in the coming weeks and months.

 

“The Medallion Relief Program is delivering justice for workers who have served our city tirelessly,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This program has achieved extraordinary results so far – and with nearly 1,000 more drivers in the pipeline, we look froward to celebrating even more debt relief in the weeks to come. The yellow taxi sector is a part of this City’s essential fabric, and our investment in their present and future will help ensure they remain strong and whole for years to come.”

 

“The TLC is grateful for all its Licensees and that the MRP has yielded success for the first 173 Medallion Owners. We are ensuring all possible resources to complete restructured loans and/or settlements for the remaining MRP applicant pool,” said TLC Commissioner and Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. “Each case requires individual attention and multiple meetings, therefore, we strongly encourage all Medallion Owners in need to come forth and schedule an appointment with the TLC Driver/Owner Resource Center. We very much look forward to bringing financial relief to our deserving individual Medallion Owners in partnership with Industry stakeholders, advocates and elected officials.”

 

“What makes New York City so familiar and unique is our iconic cabs that run across our busy streets every day. These driver/owners are truly the heart of our city,” said Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Peter A. Hatch. “We are determined, along with our partners TLC and NYLAG, to connect these driver/owners with the right tools to reach financial stability. New York City isn’t the same without their resilience, tenacity, and spirit.”

 

“NYLAG is pleased to continue in these efforts to aid medallion owners/drivers in restructuring their loans and saving their medallions,” said Rose Marie Cantanno, Associate Director of Consumer Protection Unit, New York Legal Assistance Group. “We will continue the critical work of aiding yellow taxicab medallion owner/drivers as they work to save their livelihoods.”

63 Days and Counting

 I have only two months to go, and now my friends in the media are asking me when am I going back to live in person media briefings. I have my moderator choose which eight reporters I want to ask me questions, an now even they are asking me the wrong questions.

Moderator, on Monday no more questions from that reporter from 1010 WINS. Here I let her ask me questions two times a week, and she asks me when am I going back to live in person media briefings. Add her to the do not call on list I have of reporters whom I do not want to take any questions from. What's that? I now have half the media on my do not call on for a question list.

Rally for Climate, Jobs, and Justice in New York State, at Fordham Plaza

 

The late Thursday afternoon rally had over two hundred people either participating or supporting the event for Climate, Jobs, and Justice. Dozens of organizations from all over the Bronx joined forces with current or future elected officials to demand a stop to pollution, and that the government do something now to protect the environment.

Former City Council candidate Jessica Haller who ran unsuccessfully on a platform of Climate and Community Investment put this event together. The Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) is expected to raise Fifteen Billion Dollars per year from corporate polluters using it to create good green jobs, invest in frontline communities, and build a renewable economy for New York State. All who spoke were in favor of the CCIA, which has passed both houses of the state legislature awaiting Governor Hochul to sign it into law.

State Senator Luis Sepulveda addresses the crowd why the CCIA is so important, and why it needs to be signed into law.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez speaks, as Senator Sepulveda speaks to future Bronx Borough President Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson.

Assemblywoman Karines Reyes speaks as one of the sponsors of the CCIA bill in the assembly. 

Soon to be Bronx Borough President Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson speaks on the importance of passing the CCIA. In the background are assemblyman Kenny Burgos, and Future 14th City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, both who spoke and support the CCIA. 

A view of the crowd from behind the speakers.

Just a few of the organizations on hand for this rally.

Our Bronx People's Festival Recap

 

On behalf of the Bronx-wide Coalition, we’d like to thank everyone who was able to join us last Saturday, October 23rd for our first in-person coalition event this year, The Bronx People’s Festival. We absolutely couldn't have done it without you!

The day began with all coalition hands on deck despite some morning rain that eventually cleared and made way for plenty of sunshine and engaged Bronxites at the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center courtyard.

Attendees and onlookers could see, hear, and feel the excitement in the air as our coalition members and partners prepared planning, learning, healing, and civic stations for community members, along with an activity hub for children and youth.

Coalition organizations and partners were present to engage an inspiringly diverse group of Bronx residents coming together under a shared vision of advancing racial justice and economic democracy, and building community power.

The coalition also unveiled a beta version of the Bronx People's Budget Survey, an opportunity to reflect on and decide how public resources should be allocated for our borough and city. We believe that the City budget reflects a set of priorities, and we want to hear how you would allocate those resources in line with what’s important to you. Check out the survey here.   Last, but certainly not least, is that we didn’t forget all of the food, music, and culture that comes along with a festival. Amarilis Medina and Al-Aqsa Restaurant prepared our complimentary meals, the Bronx's own DJ KayKay47 provided our tunes, and a handful of local emcees, poets, performers, and speakers shared the communal microphone for the day. All while freebies and raffle prizes added further cheer throughout the celebration.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 29, 2021

 

99,746 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours  

33 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"New Yorkers are doing a fantastic job of getting themselves and their loved ones vaccinated, but we can't stop now," Governor Hochul said. "As the weather gets colder and friends and family start to gather indoors it will become easier for the virus to spread and we risk losing much of the progress we've made so far. Don't hesitate - getting the shot is safe, easy, and more effective than anything else at stopping the spread and finally overcoming this virus." 

  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 235,693
• Total Positive - 5,064 
• Percent Positive - 2.15%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.14% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,913 (-39) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 262 
• Patients in ICU - 469 (0) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 256 (-12) 
• Total Discharges - 207,925 (+276) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 33 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 45,509 

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only. 

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 57,913 

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 27,029,827 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 99,746 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 502,222 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 84.1% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 76.4% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 87.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 78.5% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 71.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 64.7% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 74.0% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 66.4% 

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Holds Halloween Giveaway

There was a threat of rain and winds beginning to gust, but the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association with the help of the Albanian American Open Hands Association Inc. gave out almost three-hundred bags of candy, apples, and cookies to area residents. 

A table was set up outside of 2141 Holland Avenue so passing children from the nearby school and residents of Holland Avenue could receive a bag of candy, an apple, and a package of delicious cookies, while supplies lasted. A special guest showed up to help give out some Reses candy she had in her pumpkin, as Assemblywoman Fernandez joined with the PPNA for a group photo. 

(L-R) PPNA President Edith Blitzer, Volunteer Dila, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, PPNA Executive Board members Robert Press and Christian Amato, and Volunteer Adalina.

Candy, apples, and cookies are handed out to the children.

More Children receive candy from Christian as the other volunteers give out apples and cookies.

As it got colder PPNA President Edith Blitzer put on a warmer coat. Christian Amato and the volunteers continued to give out the bags of candy, and apples, but the cookies had run out.

Leader Of International Burglary Crew Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison

 

Burglary Crew Conducted Over a Dozen Heists and Attempted Heists in the United States and Europe Between 2006 and 2017, Stole Over $13 Million in Jewelry

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DAMIR PEJCINOVIC was sentenced today to eight years in prison in connection with his participation and management of a criminal organization that committed a series of sophisticated burglaries and engaged in the interstate transportation of stolen goods between 2006 and 2017.  On November 19, 2020, PEJCINOVIC pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox to participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  PEJCINOVIC was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For over a decade, the defendant supervised a sophisticated burglary crew that carried out multimillion-dollar heists all over the United States and on both sides of the Atlantic.  Today’s lengthy sentence sends an important message to members of criminal organizations that they will face justice for their crimes.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:

Between 2006 and April 2017, DAMIR PEJCINOVIC, a/k/a “Damian,” a/k/a “CoCo,” Gzimi Bojkovic, a/k/a Jimmy,” Adrian Fiseku, and Elvis Cirikovic, a/k/a “Gorilla,” participated in a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in, among other things, the commission of burglaries and the interstate transportation and sale of stolen goods.  The criminal organization operated principally in New York City, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, and Europe.  Members and associates of the organization committed, conspired to commit, and attempted to commit numerous burglaries of jewelry stores and banks, as well as the interstate transportation and sale of stolen property from the burglaries.  PEJCINOVIC, Bojkovic, Fiseku, Cirikovic, and other members and associates of the criminal organization committed the following burglaries and attempted burglaries:

Between February 2006 and March 2006, PEJCINOVIC participated in a burglary of a restaurant and an attempted burglary of a jewelry store in Portland, Oregon.

On March 29, 2008, PEJCINOVIC, Bojkovic, and Cirikovic participated in a burglary of a jewelry store in New York, New York, that resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at over $2.5 million.

On October 11, 2008, PEJCINOVIC and Cirikovic participated in an attempted burglary of a jewelry store in Germany, attempting to steal gold valued at more than €10 million.

On July 26, 2009, PEJCINOVIC and Bojkovic participated in a burglary of a Manhattan jewelry store that resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at over $850,000.

On August 25, 2010, PEJCINOVIC participated in an attempted burglary of a jewelry store in Manhattan.

On August 28, 2010, PEJCINOVIC and Bojkovic participated in a burglary of a jewelry store in Beverly Hills that resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at over $70,000.

On September 5, 2010, PEJCINOVIC participated in a burglary of a jewelry store in Kansas City that resulted in the theft, interstate transportation, and sale of jewelry valued at over $1 million.

On February 19, 2011, PEJCINOVIC, Cirikovic, and Fiseku participated in a jewelry store in Los Angeles that resulted in the theft, interstate transportation, and sale of jewelry valued at over $3 million.

In the summer of 2011, PEJCINOVIC participated in an attempted burglary of a jewelry store in Brooklyn.

On September 16, 2011, PEJCINOVIC and Cirikovic participated in a burglary of a jewelry store in Los Angeles that resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at over $150,000.

In the fall of 2012, PEJCINOVIC and Bojkovic participated in an attempted burglary of a bank in Philadelphia.

On June 30, 2012, PEJCINOVIC and Cirikovic participated in an attempted burglary of a bank in Scarsdale, New York.

On July 22, 2012, PEJCINOVIC participated in an attempted burglary of a jewelry store in Manhattan.

In the fall of 2013, PEJCINOVIC, Bojkovic, and Cirikovic participated in the burglary of a jewelry store in New Jersey.

On December 31, 2016, PEJCINOVIC, Bojkovic, and Fiseku participated in the burglary of a jewelry store in Manhattan that resulted in the theft, interstate transportation, and sale of jewelry valued at over $3 million.

On March 20, 2017, PEJCINOVIC, Bojkovic, and Fiseku participated in the burglary of a jewelry store in Los Angeles that resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at over $2 million.               

In addition to his prison term, DAMIR PEJCINOVIC, 47, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  PEJCINOVIC was also ordered to pay restitution of $13,020,000.

Bojkovic, 39, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty on October 7, 2019, to participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  He was sentenced on November 17, 2020, to 36 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $9,020,000.00.

Fiseku, 38, of Staten Island, New York, pled guilty on March 13, 2020, to participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  He was sentenced on January 22, 2021, to 30 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $8,600,000.00.

Cirikovic, 38, of Woodhaven, New York, pled guilty on August 26, 2019, to participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  He was sentenced on January 13, 2020, to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $2,505,500.00. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Los Angeles Police Department, Beverly Hills Police Department, Kansas City Police Department, Portland Police Department, German Federal Police, Interpol, Europol, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.

Attorney General James Secures $4.4 Million in Refunds for Customers Who Had Events Cancelled Due to COVID-19

 

TFS and Affiliate Websites Denied Refunds to Thousands of New York Consumers and Out-of-State Purchasers

TFS and Affiliate Websites Will Guarantee Refunds Going Forward for Cancelled Events

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement with Ticket Fulfillment Services, L.P. (TFS) and five ticket resale websites for failing to provide legally-mandated refunds to more than 11,000 affected consumers who purchased tickets — through one of TFS’s affiliate marketers — to events that were cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Under New York law, companies that facilitate ticket resales must guarantee refunds for cancelled events. However, collectively, these companies denied approximately $4.4 million in refunds that they were required to return to consumers.

“As New Yorkers were suffering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, TFS and its affiliates illegally denied refunds to thousands of consumers for events that were cancelled — all while pocketing millions of dollars in the process,” said Attorney General James. “Today, I’m proud to announce that we’ve helped secure $4.4 million in refunds for any consumer who purchased tickets for events in New York that wants one, and that we’ve forced TFS and its affiliates to change their cancellation process going forward. If an event is cancelled, consumers can rest assured that they will have a right to a refund. My office is committed to delivering justice, which is why we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the welfare and wallets of New Yorkers.”

TFS — a subsidiary of Vivid Seats, LLC, which operates one of the nation’s largest ticket resale marketplaces — licenses the use of Vivid’s platform to independent affiliate marketers nationwide. These affiliate marketers host the online platform on their own websites and seek to convince consumers — through internet advertising — to use the Vivid platform on their websites to purchase tickets. The affiliates are paid a commission for each sale completed on their websites, while TFS retains operational control over the platform under a licensing agreement. Specifically, TFS provides the ticket listings, processes orders and refunds, verifies order details and confirms validity of payment information, charges buyers’ credit and debit cards, coordinates delivery of purchased tickets, and handles customer service. The affiliates were contractually obligated to post Terms of Service on their websites that met with TFS’s approval. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these Terms of Service prominently informed consumers that they would receive a full refund if their event were cancelled.

Beginning in April 2020, TFS approved requests from five affiliate marketers to abandon refunds in favor of a policy that would only provide credits for future ticket purchases. TFS also drafted or authorized revisions to the various websites’ Terms of Service, where references to revisions to refunds were fully removed. TFS then drafted or approved, and then subsequently sent out tens of thousands of cancellation notices to consumers, informing them that they were subject to the new credit policy, notwithstanding New York law requiring companies that facilitate ticket resales to guarantee refunds for cancelled events. Employees of TFS even refused to provide refunds to many consumers who contacted customer service. 

Eventually, and only after Attorney General James began an inquiry and urged the companies to do so, TFS and its affiliates sent emails offering refunds to all New York consumers and out-of-state purchasers to New York venues whose events had been cancelled.

As part of the agreement, TFS will guarantee refunds to New York consumers and to out-of-state buyers to New York venues who purchased their tickets through an affiliate’s website — regardless of the affiliate marketer’s ability or willingness to refund its commission — if the event for which the tickets were purchased was cancelled. TFS will also discontinue an affiliate’s right to sell tickets through its platform if the affiliate fails to offer or intends to deny a refund to any such consumer. In additional agreements with the five marketing affiliates — Denver Media Holdings LLC; Event Ticket Sales, LLC; Internet Referral Services, LLC; RYADD, Inc.; and Theatreland Ltd. — each has authorized refunds for any affected New York consumer or out-of-state buyer to a New York venue, and will inform all future consumers of their legal right to a refund if their event is cancelled.

New Yorkers may be eligible for a refund if their event was cancelled, and if they are either a New York consumer or a consumer who bought a ticket to a New York venue, through any of the following companies’ websites: Albany Theater, Austin Theater, Bold Ticket, Boston Theater, Buffalo Theatre, Chicago Theater, Cincinnati Theater, Denver Theater, Durham Theater, Fort Myers Theater, Grand Rapids Theater, Hershey Harrisburg Theatre, Las Vegas Theater, Nashville Theatre, New York City Theatre, Norfolk Theater, Online City Tickets, Orlando Theatre, Philadelphia Theater, Pittsburgh Theater, Portland Theater, Rochester Theater, Salt Lake City Theater, San Francisco Theater, Sarasota Theater, Seats, Seattle Theatre, Secure Box Office, Syracuse Theater, Theatre Land America, Tickets Center, Tickets on Sale, Toronto Theatre, or West Palm Theater.

To claim a refund, consumers are encouraged to contact customer support for the website they used to purchase their ticket.

Today’s agreement is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New Yorkers from unlawful business practices in the event ticket marketplace. Separately, but related to her work protecting ticket buyers, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General James has negotiated for New Yorkers to receive more than $78,000 in refunds for cancelled event tickets.

Also, at the start of the pandemic, Attorney General James worked alongside Ticketmaster to ensure all ticketholders with events that were cancelled due to COVID-19 were offered either refunds or tickets to a later event.

Additionally, in July 2019, Attorney General James announced an agreement with TicketNetwork, Inc., Ticket Galaxy, and their owner that forced the defendants to pay $1.55 million and make numerous reforms after the three unlawfully charged tens of thousands of unsuspecting customers for tickets to concerts, shows, and other live events that the sellers did not actually own.

The Office of the Attorney General reminds consumers that those who purchase tickets on the secondary market for events in New York state that have been cancelled are guaranteed a refund by the reseller of the tickets and/or anyone that facilitates the resale of the tickets.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Second Circuit Ruling on Vaccine Mandate

 

"On Day One, I pledged as Governor to battle this pandemic and take bold action to protect the health of all New Yorkers. I commend the Second Circuit's findings affirming our first-in-the-nation vaccine mandate, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe."

64 Days and Counting

 

What's worse than getting another shot from Doctor Chakshi? Hearing that New York State Attorney General Letitia James will be running for Governor of New York. The only other pain in the neck would be to hear that Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has announced that he is running for governor. 

They should know that if all three of us run they are almost making sure that current placeholder for me, is re-elected as governor. The majority of the votes are downstate, but if the three of us run we will split that vote three ways. I don't know if I can get enough votes upstate to counter my other two opponents, or anyone else who thinks they can get elected governor. 

Attorney General James Releases Statement After Criminal Charges Are Brought Against Former Governor Andrew Cuomo

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after criminal charges were brought against former Governor Andrew Cuomo:

“From the moment my office received the referral to investigate allegations that former Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, we proceeded without fear or favor. The criminal charges brought today against Mr. Cuomo for forcible touching further validate the findings in our report.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO NAMES TOM FOLEY AS ACTING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSIONER

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Tom Foley as the Acting Commissioner of New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer, who has served in the role since March, will depart the agency on November 12^th. Foley, a 23-year veteran of DDC who helped lead the post 9/11 cleanup effort and has been integral the agency’s COVID-19 response, has served as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner for Public Buildings since 2017. 

“Tom Foley has delivered decades of tireless leadership to our city – including in some of our darkest hours. His expertise and creativity make him the perfect choice to lead this agency as it fuels our city’s recovery,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Tom will build on Commissioner Torres-Springer’s record of success, and I’m looking forward to seeing him manage the exciting projects this city needs.”

 

“I’m very excited to lead a group of superior designers and project managers as we tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the City,” said incoming Acting DDC Commissioner Tom Foley. “DDC already has the great people – my goal is to support them any way I can so they can do the best job for the people of New York.”

 

“Tom Foley is a tremendous professional who gets results, who knows how the agency works down to the finest details and who has the full respect of the staff,” said DDC Commissioner Jamie Torres-Springer. “Leading DDC has been the honor of my professional career and I am heartened to know that Tom Foley will take the reins.”

 

Outgoing Commissioner Torres-Springer departs the agency to become the President of Construction and Development at the MTA.

 

Tom Foley received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College and is a licensed professional engineer. He is also a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and an Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP). Foley joined the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as a Resident Engineer in 1992, supervising capital water and sewer projects and working with DEP’s Bluebelt Unit on streambank remediation and erosion and sediment control.

 

Foley started at DDC as an Engineer-in-Charge in 1998, supervising a team of Resident Engineers and evaluating and approving design modifications of engineering structures and systems. After 9/11, he became a Project Manager for DDC’s World Trade Center Disaster Recovery and Debris Removal Project, reviewing staffing and procedures, analyzing labor and equipment utilization, and identifying and correcting inefficiencies in the $500 million project.

 

Foley has held a variety of roles at the agency, including Deputy Director, Director, and Assistant Commissioner in the agency’s Division of Infrastructure. In January 2014, he became Associate Commissioner in the Division of Infrastructure, while helping to spearhead the activation of Water Tunnel 3. In January 2017 he became Deputy Commissioner of the Public Buildings Division, establishing short and long-term plans for the division to best align with the goals of the agency and provide executive leadership on divisional/agency initiatives, and was responsible for managing the design and construction of a large range of civic buildings for the City of New York. Tom has a managing an engineering and administrative staff of over 400 DDC professionals and 600 consultants.

 

Foley also led the DDC project teams that built field hospitals, community clinics, testing sites and vaccination sites at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He is the recipient of several professional awards, including the 2013 Outstanding Contribution Award from Professional Archeologists of New York City (PANYC); the 2008 Recognition Award from the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner for his work at the World Trade Center site; and 2004 and 2007 Exceptional Service Awards from the Alliance for Downtown New York. Tom serves on the national board of Design Build and was recently inducted into the National Academy of Construction (NAC).

 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - OCTOBER 28, 2021

 

94,060 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

27 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"New Yorkers are resilient and strong and they have proven that repeatedly throughout this pandemic - by wearing their masks, socially distancing, and getting their vaccine, they have helped keep their communities safe and their loved ones healthy," Governor Hochul said. "While we continue to progress, we need to remain mindful as we head into the holiday season. If you haven't already, get your vaccine today. It's the best defense we have against COVID-19 and it's safe, effective, and free."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 225,695
• Total Positive - 4,285
• Percent Positive - 1.90%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.08%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,952 (-44)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 231
• Patients in ICU - 469 (+15)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 268 (+6)
• Total Discharges - 207,649 (+241)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 27
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 45,476

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 57,889

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

•  Total vaccine doses administered - 26,930,081
•  Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 94,060
•  Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 458,878
•  Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 83.9%
•  Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 76.3%
•  Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 87.0%
•  Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 78.3%
•  Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 71.1%
•  Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 64.6%
•  Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 73.8%
•  Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 66.3%