Saturday, November 20, 2021

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 20, 2021

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

122,235 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours   

23 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday   


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

"The booster is safe, free and widely available, and a critical way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we head into the colder months," Governor Hochul said. "Both the vaccine and booster are available at pharmacies, doctor's offices, local health departments and other locations across the state - visit vaccines.gov to make an appointment. There is one simple solution to ensure New Yorkers can enjoy a safe holiday season - get vaccinated if you haven't already and get a booster shot if you have."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

  • Test Results Reported - 201,469
  • Total Positive - 7,097 
  • Percent Positive - 3.52% 
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.73% 
  • Patient Hospitalization - 2,249 (+85)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 370 
  • Patients in ICU - 455 (+31) 
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 234 (+15)
  • Total Discharges - 212,864 (+262)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 23
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,189 

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 - 58,789

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 - 28,990,768
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 122,235
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 707,762
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.3% 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.9% 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.7% 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.1% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 73.3% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 66.0% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 76.7% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.9%

Former Law Firm Partner Arrested For Cyberstalking Multiple Victims

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging WILLIE DENNIS with cyberstalking partners of DENNIS’s former law firm.  DENNIS, a U.S. citizen, was arrested this week in the Dominican Republic and will be presented today in Manhattan federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Lorna G. Schofield.

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

From at least in or about 2018, up to and including in or about November 2020, WILLIE DENNIS, a former partner at a prominent national law firm (the “Firm”), engaged in a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats against multiple individuals, including other partners, who worked at the Firm.  As part of that campaign, DENNIS sent the victims thousands of harassing, threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages. 

DENNIS, 59, of New York, New York, is charged with four counts of cyberstalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2)(b).  Each count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. 

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is 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 below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Comptroller Stringer Announces Procurement Reform Plan to Protect Human Service Providers Supporting Children, Families, and Seniors

 

Calls on the Procurement Policy Board (PPB) to address the issues plaguing the City’s procurement process that cause disproportionate harm to human service providers by ensuring that contracts are executed and implemented on time

 New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer outlined a comprehensive plan to reform the City’s inefficient procurement process and address longstanding issues harming human services providers that deliver essential programs and support to children, families, and seniors. In a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer and Deputy Comptroller for Contracts & Procurement Lisa Flores called for reforms to ensure that contracts are executed and implemented on time, that individuals providing services under those contracts are paid fairly, and that technology tools are implemented with all their promised functionality.  

“Human service providers are supporting the most vulnerable among us during one of the most challenging periods in our City’s history,” said Comptroller Stringer. “It’s vital that that the goods and services that New Yorkers rely on are delivered on time and on budget—but our current procurement process is plagued with inefficiencies and bureaucratic backlogs. The reforms we are proposing today will streamline the contracting process, ensure that our human services providers are paid fairly, and connect our children and seniors to the resources they need without disruption and delay.”

“Procurement reform is about good government and common sense,” said Deputy Comptroller Flores. “Human service providers are on the frontlines of the City’s pandemic response, and yet are forced to navigate an opaque and inefficient process that compromises their ability to help those most in need.  This procurement reform agenda will make contracting in New York City more accountable, more transparent, and more effective for vendors and the New Yorkers they serve. In FY21, human services represented 40%, or $12 billion, of the City’s contracting portfolio–far exceeding any other sector the City contracts with–and it is time for the contracting process to work for the nonprofit partners the City depends on.”

“The nonprofit human services sector shows up for New Yorkers every day, and during COVID-19 demonstrated how essential it is to the fabric of our city,” said Michelle Jackson, Executive Director, Human Services Council. “Unfortunately, the human services workforce is going on two years of egregious payment delays and without a necessary cost-of-living increase–jeopardizing the very organizations that millions of us rely on. The Human Services Council believes the reforms included in Comptroller Stringer’s Procurement Reform Plan are important guiding lights to highlight the worst failures of the system. HSC and our members our excited to partner with Mayor-Elect Eric Adams and Comptroller-Elect Brad Lander to tackle these issues and are grateful to Comptroller Stringer for his partnership with the sector.”
 
Contract Continuity

  • Automatic, Short-Term Extensions for Human Services Contract

The PPB should explore the feasibility of adopting a new rule allowing nonprofit human service providers to automatically activate limited-time extensions for continuity of services when a formal extension or renewal process has not been initiated by an agency.

In many instances when contract processing and submission of contracts for registration are delayed, vendors will take on excessive risk and begin work before contract registration. This is common in human services, especially for contract renewals or extensions, where the provider will continue to deliver services to clients while waiting for the contract to be submitted for registration and for payment to be received.  Although the City offers interest-free bridge loans to nonprofit human services providers awaiting contract registration, this is a patchwork solution that still incurs costs, negatively impacts cashflow, and does little to encourage agency accountability in timely processing of contracts – in particular, the foreseeable renewals and extensions regarding existing services.

The new rule for limited-time extensions should require agency public reporting through PASSPort and implement financial consequences if agencies delay in initiating the formal extension or renewal process. The PASSPort system was established with the ability to automatically track applicable dates and this functionality should be used to enforce existing and new rules regarding timely extension, renewal, or potential re-letting of contracts.

  • Agency Procurement Timeframes
The PPB should set a standard 60-day timeframe for all mayoral agencies to conduct oversight duties from the point of award to submission of a contract for registration.  The new PPB rule should require the PPB to review timeliness as required by the City Charter. 

Complying with this mandate would prevent contracts from languishing, keep parties accountable, and reveal areas in the process that require improvement.  The explicit timeframes would provide a publicly available metric to measure performance in moving contracts, programs, projects, and vendor payments towards implementation and completion.  The City Council has proposed a Local Law that seeks to create a public-facing procurement database that would include “the procurement timeline, including, but not limited to, the anticipated start date for new contracts, anticipated solicitation release date, approximate proposal submission deadline and anticipated award announcement date.”
  • Key Performance Indicators

Monthly updates of key performance indicators, to be published by MOCS through PASSPort on the City’s website, should be required going forward.  Currently, § 2-04 of the PPB requires the City to centralize agencies’ human service contract plans to inform the public and the sector of new contracts and contract continuations. However, a broader requirement is necessary because the City does not leverage the plans or procurement metrics to drive down retroactivity. Key performance indicators that should be published to drive accountability in the procurement process include the number of days for each oversight agency to complete its review and approval, and data on agency’s preparation and finalization of the budget, legal review and approval, etc.

  • Publishing Agency Compliance with PPB Rules

Currently, pursuant to PPB § 4-12(a)(ii), agencies wishing to replace, renew, or extend an expiring contract under certain PPB provisions must notify the selected vendor no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the contract.  Additionally, this section requires agencies wishing to replace a contract by means of a new RFP award to publish a Notice of Solicitation no later than 250 days prior to the expiration of the contracts to be replaced. 

With the roll out of PASSPort and promised increase in accessible procurement data as a result, PPB §§ 2-04 and 4-12 should be amended to require recording and publishing of agency compliance with the 90- and 250-day deadlines.  Properly tracking agency compliance with PPB rules and deadlines prevents untimely submission of contracts for Comptroller registration and allows MOCS to institute penalties and remediation of these issues.

  • Emergency Contract Riders

In the aftermath of an emergency, all too often, the City calls upon the nonprofit sector. The City depends on the sector to provide hands-on recovery services such as the distribution of food and provision of support service to vulnerable communities.  The sector always steps up, even though their contracts do not automatically allow for the provision of these services and do not contain funding to reimburse vendors. 

New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer outlined a comprehensive plan to reform the City’s inefficient procurement process and address longstanding issues harming human services providers that deliver essential programs and support to children, families, and seniors. In a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Stringer and Deputy Comptroller for Contracts & Procurement Lisa Flores called for reforms to ensure that contracts are executed and implemented on time, that individuals providing services under those contracts are paid fairly, and that technology tools are implemented with all their promised functionality.  “Human service providers are supporting the most vulnerable among us during one of the most challenging periods in our City’s history,” said Comptroller Stringer. “It’s vital that that the goods and services that New Yorkers rely on are delivered on time and on budget—but our current procurement process is plagued with inefficiencies and bureaucratic backlogs. The reforms we are proposing today will streamline the contracting process, ensure that our human services providers are paid fairly, and connect our children and seniors to the resources they need without disruption and delay.”“Procurement reform is about good government and common sense,” said Deputy Comptroller Flores. “Human service providers are on the frontlines of the City’s pandemic response, and yet are forced to navigate an opaque and inefficient process that compromises their ability to help those most in need.  This procurement reform agenda will make contracting in New York City more accountable, more transparent, and more effective for vendors and the New Yorkers they serve. In FY21, human services represented 40%, or $12 billion, of the City’s contracting portfolio–far exceeding any other sector the City contracts with–and it is time for the contracting process to work for the nonprofit partners the City depends on.”“The nonprofit human services sector shows up for New Yorkers every day, and during COVID-19 demonstrated how essential it is to the fabric of our city,” said Michelle Jackson, Executive Director, Human Services Council. “Unfortunately, the human services workforce is going on two years of egregious payment delays and without a necessary cost-of-living increase–jeopardizing the very organizations that millions of us rely on. The Human Services Council believes the reforms included in Comptroller Stringer’s Procurement Reform Plan are important guiding lights to highlight the worst failures of the system. HSC and our members our excited to partner with Mayor-Elect Eric Adams and Comptroller-Elect Brad Lander to tackle these issues and are grateful to Comptroller Stringer for his partnership with the sector.” Contract Continuity

  • Automatic, Short-Term Extensions for Human Services Contract

The PPB should explore the feasibility of adopting a new rule allowing nonprofit human service providers to automatically activate limited-time extensions for continuity of services when a formal extension or renewal process has not been initiated by an agency.In many instances when contract processing and submission of contracts for registration are delayed, vendors will take on excessive risk and begin work before contract registration. This is common in human services, especially for contract renewals or extensions, where the provider will continue to deliver services to clients while waiting for the contract to be submitted for registration and for payment to be received.  Although the City offers interest-free bridge loans to nonprofit human services providers awaiting contract registration, this is a patchwork solution that still incurs costs, negatively impacts cashflow, and does little to encourage agency accountability in timely processing of contracts – in particular, the foreseeable renewals and extensions regarding existing services.The new rule for limited-time extensions should require agency public reporting through PASSPort and implement financial consequences if agencies delay in initiating the formal extension or renewal process. The PASSPort system was established with the ability to automatically track applicable dates and this functionality should be used to enforce existing and new rules regarding timely extension, renewal, or potential re-letting of contracts.

  • Agency Procurement Timeframes
The PPB should set a standard 60-day timeframe for all mayoral agencies to conduct oversight duties from the point of award to submission of a contract for registration.  The new PPB rule should require the PPB to review timeliness as required by the City Charter. Complying with this mandate would prevent contracts from languishing, keep parties accountable, and reveal areas in the process that require improvement.  The explicit timeframes would provide a publicly available metric to measure performance in moving contracts, programs, projects, and vendor payments towards implementation and completion.  The City Council has proposed a Local Law that seeks to create a public-facing procurement database that would include “the procurement timeline, including, but not limited to, the anticipated start date for new contracts, anticipated solicitation release date, approximate proposal submission deadline and anticipated award announcement date.”
  • Key Performance Indicators

Monthly updates of key performance indicators, to be published by MOCS through PASSPort on the City’s website, should be required going forward.  Currently, § 2-04 of the PPB requires the City to centralize agencies’ human service contract plans to inform the public and the sector of new contracts and contract continuations. However, a broader requirement is necessary because the City does not leverage the plans or procurement metrics to drive down retroactivity. Key performance indicators that should be published to drive accountability in the procurement process include the number of days for each oversight agency to complete its review and approval, and data on agency’s preparation and finalization of the budget, legal review and approval, etc.

  • Publishing Agency Compliance with PPB Rules

Currently, pursuant to PPB § 4-12(a)(ii), agencies wishing to replace, renew, or extend an expiring contract under certain PPB provisions must notify the selected vendor no later than 90 days prior to the expiration of the contract.  Additionally, this section requires agencies wishing to replace a contract by means of a new RFP award to publish a Notice of Solicitation no later than 250 days prior to the expiration of the contracts to be replaced. With the roll out of PASSPort and promised increase in accessible procurement data as a result, PPB §§ 2-04 and 4-12 should be amended to require recording and publishing of agency compliance with the 90- and 250-day deadlines.  Properly tracking agency compliance with PPB rules and deadlines prevents untimely submission of contracts for Comptroller registration and allows MOCS to institute penalties and remediation of these issues.

  • Emergency Contract Riders

In the aftermath of an emergency, all too often, the City calls upon the nonprofit sector. The City depends on the sector to provide hands-on recovery services such as the distribution of food and provision of support service to vulnerable communities.  The sector always steps up, even though their contracts do not automatically allow for the provision of these services and do not contain funding to reimburse vendors. To address this problem, the City should include comprehensive “emergency contract riders” in all contracts.  These riders will allow the City to access services that are needed in emergency situations from existing vendors that have been previously vetted by City agencies.  In addition, the City should budget for “emergency contingencies” and include this funding in providers’ contracts so that it is accessible immediately in the event there is a citywide, statewide, or nationally declared emergency. Contract Payments

  • Prompt Payment

The slow pace of New York City procurement can cause nonprofit human service vendors to provide service before payments can be issued, making it difficult for these vendors to cover their expenses.  Although PPB § 4-06 already allows vendors to receive interest on non-prompt payments, an amendment that ensures interest is paid on late payments under City contracts with nonprofit human service providers is necessary.  The amendment should allow agencies to implement a system of electronic invoicing, while requiring them to report dates of receipt and payment of invoices on PASSPort.To ensure agency compliance, MOCS should be required to make quarterly reports on PASSPort regarding invoice receipt and payment dates, as well as payment on interest.  Also, interest payments should be automatically paid to providers through vendors’ human service contracts and not from the programmatic budgets. Vendor Pay

  • Cost of Living Adjustment for Human Service Workers

The City should re-introduce a cost of living adjustment (“COLA”) for human service workers.  In Fiscal Year 2018, the City introduced a three-year COLA for human services workers.  The COLA expired at the end of Fiscal Year 2020 and was not renewed.  This left frontline workers without a COLA increase in the middle of a pandemic.Anticipating regular wage increases to keep up with cost of living increases is customary for City workers, and the City should do the same for its contracted public sector workforce.  COLAs should no longer be the subject of a protracted annual negotiation that is implemented through retroactive contract amendments.  The City should amend the standard human services contract to expressly include annual COLAs.  This can be modeled after the City’s construction or professional services contracts which allow for annual increases to certain titles that are tied to published pay indices, e.g. using the consumer price index (CPI) for escalation.

  • Fair Pay for Human Service Workers

Compensation for those providing human services must be examined and addressed.  The human services workforce is predominantly comprised of women and people of color who are already facing larger issues of pay parity and equity.  Low compensation in the sector sometimes means the individuals who are providing critical services are also entitled to receive those services.  This inequity must be addressed.  Continued Use of the Technology Solutions – Remote Access to Public HearingsPPB § 2-11 should be amended to specifically establish a virtual public hearing option to complement the traditional in-person format using the infrastructure put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The clear advantages are increased public access to government, increased transparency in the procurement process, and greater civic engagement To read the full letter, click here.


43 Days and Counting

 


Charlene, now that I am going to be a free agent in 43 days, and with the loss of Noah Syndergaard do you think I should try out for the New York Mets? At least they are in the other league than my favorite baseball team the Boston Red Sox. 


Even lousy pitchers make millions of dollars these days so why should I put myself through a campaign for governor when I can at least get a minor league contract for the Mets, and who knows I could be pitching at Shea, oh wait a minute he was my NYPD Commissioner, it's Citi-Field now.


Eric Adams Rally at Fordham Plaza

 

It was a cold afternoon, and the second rally for many of those who arrived at Fordham Plaza to support Mayor Elect Eric Adams. Sheikh Musa Drammeh, Bronx African organizer, led the rally saying that there are high hopes that Mayor Eric Adams will bring the city back to where it once was. He mentioned that no one feels safe in New York City including what were once considered the most safest areas. He also mentioned the meeting with Mayor Elect Adams and Black Lives Matter leader Hawk Newsome where Mayor Elect Adams said to Newsome, "Do not threaten me that there will be violence and blood in the streets, I won't give into those threats". That was in response to the announcement of Mayor Adams of the return of the NYPD Anti Crime Task Force.


Others who spoke were activist Eunice Ukwuani, activist Cabenga Subiat, and Assemblyman Jose Rivera who also videotaped the Fordham Plaza rally, and entertained everyone with stories about when he was the Bronx Democratic Party Chair, and how times have changed. 


(L - R) Activist Cabenga Subiat, Activist Eunice Ukwuani, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Sheikh Musa Drammeh Bronx African organizer, and Chris Tabicof.


(L - R) Activist Cabenga Subiat, Activist Eunice Ukwuani, Sheikh Musa Drammeh Bronx African organizer, Chris Tabicof, and Boswell Shippie. with Assemblyman Joe Rivera at the video camera.


Friday, November 19, 2021

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

medical professionals preparing vaccine shots

129,085 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.  

"Getting the booster is a critical way to protect ourselves and our loved ones that goes hand in hand with washing our hands and wearing a mask," Governor Hochul said. "80 percent of New York's adults are vaccinated, but COVID-19 is surging in regions with lower vaccination rates. If you remain unvaccinated, get vaccinated. Get your children vaccinated. If you've had your vaccination, get your booster. Take every precaution necessary to keep your community safe as we head into the holiday season."  

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 207,467
  • Total Positive - 7,558 
  • Percent Positive - 3.64%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.68% 
  • Patient Hospitalization - 2,164 (+24) 
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 351 
  • Patients in ICU - 424 (+4) 
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 219 (+4) 
  • Total Discharges - 212,602 (+305) 
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 33 
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,165

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 - 58,789 
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 - 28,868,533 
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 129,085 
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 689,644 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.2%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.8%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.5% 
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.1% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 73.2% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.9% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 76.5% 
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.8% 

VNNA 8TH CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & CHRISTMAS PARTY 2021!

 

COME JOIN VNNA FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!


















BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR DEFRAUDING MORE THAN $35,000 FROM STATE COMPENSATION BENEFITS

 

Defendant Worked Second Job While Claiming He Was Disabled

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced a Bronx man has been indicted on Grand Larceny, Insurance Fraud, and additional charges for falsely claiming he was fully disabled and unable to work at his state job so he could collect more than $35,000 in worker’s compensation. 
 
 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly continued working an increased number of hours at his second job while collecting compensation for being unable to work for the state. He took advantage of a system in place that helps New Yorkers who truly need it, and now he will be held accountable.” 
 
 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, James Garner, 49, from the Soundview section of the Bronx, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado on third degree Grand Larceny, third-degree Insurance Fraud, Penalty for Fraudulent Practice, five counts of first-degree Falsifying Business Records, five counts of second-degree Falsifying Business Records, five counts of first-degree Offering a False Instrument for Filing, and first-degree Perjury. He is due back in court on February 22, 2022.

 According to the investigation, between July 19, 2019 and July 31, 2020, the defendant allegedly defrauded New York State of workers’ compensation benefits of more than $35,000. Garner was a full-time employee at the Office of Mental Health at the New York City Children’s Center working as a mental health therapy aide. He was injured on the job in 2019. For about a year he claimed he was fully disabled and swore under oath he was not working. The investigation found he was able to work and was working increased hours at his part-time job.

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Attorney General James Leads Coalition in Fight to Preserve and Fortify DACA

 

Coalition of AGs Highlight Critical Contributions of Hundreds of Thousands of Dreamers to Public Health Efforts, Economies, and Communities Across the Country

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today continued her fight to protect hundreds of thousands of Dreamers across New York and the rest of the nation. Co-leading a coalition of 24 attorneys general, Attorney General James sent a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in support of the federal government’s efforts to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. In the comment letter, the coalition highlights the critical contributions of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers to broader public health efforts, to economies, and to communities across the country, and urges the federal government to finalize regulations strengthening DACA — ensuring that states can continue to benefit from the policy, as well as providing relief to all the Dreamers who fear deportation. Since 2012, DACA has protected approximately 825,000 individuals who grew up in this country — most of whom have known no home other than the United States — from deportation and permitted them to work here.

“Home is here for hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who know no other home but the United States,” said Attorney General James. “America is where these young people have gone to school, where they have worked, where they have paid taxes, where they have raised families, and where they have continued to be vital members of our communities. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s where they have put their lives on the line to protect and save others. In the past, our coalition has stood up against inhumane and immoral threats of deportation, but the federal government now has the opportunity to step up and finally strengthen DACA going forward. Our Dreamers deserve to know that they are valued, that they are loved, and that we will always fight to protect them. Si se puede!”

DACA is an Obama era policy that has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people to live, study, and work in the United States, and to become stable and even more productive members of their communities, without fear that they could be arrested and placed in deportation proceedings at any moment or forcibly separated from their families and communities. DACA has enabled grantees to enroll in colleges and universities, complete their education, start businesses that help improve the U.S. economy, and give back to communities as teachers, medical professionals, engineers, and entrepreneurs — all on the books. These contributions have been especially evident as the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to sweep through the nation and thousands of DACA recipients have served on the frontlines as essential workers. As of April 2020, an estimated 27,000 health care workers and support staff depend on DACA for their authorization to work in the United States, including nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physician assistants, home health aides, technicians, and others. DACA has also advanced public health and societal interests by giving its recipients the opportunity to procure employer-provided health insurance, which has been particularly critical as states fight COVID-19.

In today’s the comment letter, the coalition asserts, among other things, that:

  • DACA has public safety and public health benefits for states,
  • States benefit economically from DACA and DACA recipients,
  • DACA and DACA recipients are important to states’ higher education institutions,
  • States have adopted laws, regulations, and programs in reliance on DACA, and
  • Opponents of DACA are unable to substantiate any alleged harms.

After former President Donald Trump broke the promises made to Dreamers by ordering his administration to change the DACA policy in 2017, a prolonged legal battle began in September 2017 that made its way through multiple courts before landing at the U.S. Supreme Court in November 2019. In June 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration’s attempt to cancel the DACA policy was unlawful.

After the Supreme Court ruled, the policy was supposed to resume, but the Trump Administration announced that new DACA applications would not be granted. In August 2020, Attorney General James co-led a coalition of 17 attorneys general in a lawsuit that sought to vacate, as unlawful, a memo from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that sought to make changes to DACA. In November 2020, a federal district court issued an order granting Attorney General James’ request for partial summary judgment. And, in December 2020, that same federal court issued a remedial order granting Attorney General James’ request for DHS to reopen DACA to first-time applicants, restore protections to a two-year period instead of one year, and make Advanced Parole available to DACA recipients again without restrictions.

On January 20, 2021 — on his first day in office — President Joe Biden signed an executive order rescinding the Trump Administration policy that threatened these Dreamers with deportation.

Joining Attorney General James in filing the comment letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Governor Kathy Hochul Statement on CDC Approval of COVID-19 Booster for All Adults

Vaccine needles

"Today, boosters for all adults cleared the final round of federal review by health experts and doctors. This is great news as we enter the holiday season and gather indoors with friends and family. 

"Boosters can help provide additional protection, especially for those over the age of 50 and others with underlying conditions. With 80 percent of New York State adults fully vaccinated, getting the booster is another important way to protect ourselves and our loved ones, as well as washing our hands and wearing a mask. 

"We know the recent increase in the spread of COVID across regions of New York State is happening due to lower vaccination rates in those areas. Getting more New Yorkers vaccinated, including children aged 5 and older, remains the best way to help turn the tide in our fight against COVID-19.

"So, if you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated. If you have kids, get them vaccinated. And if you have been vaccinated, get the booster. It's widely available, free and safe. Let's do this, New York." 


GET INVOLVED: CITY ISSUES PUBLIC SURVEY AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE FOR PERMANENT OPEN RESTAURANTS PROGRAM

 

Robust public engagement process will evaluate successes and improvements needed for Open Restaurants program; draft guidelines for permanent program out in March 2022 

  

The de Blasio administration announced next steps for the public to participate in the creation of easy-to-use design rules to that will guide the coming citywide permanent Open Restaurants program. This public engagement process is a collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of City Planning (DCP). A short guide outlining the coming citywide program is available here. 

 

“The incredible success of outdoor dining shows how we can reimagine our streetscape to better serve our neighborhoods,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “We have learned so much about how to make this overwhelmingly popular program even better, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re thrilled to start this robust conversation with the public to craft guidelines that will increase accessibility, safety and address concerns such as noise, hours of operation and sanitation.” 

 

“While helping us to recover from a devastating pandemic, the coming citywide Open Restaurants program is a key to helping us build healthier and safer shared streets, and stronger and vibrant communities. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Fill out the survey and get involved in designing rules that will shape the look and feel of outdoor dining in New York City,” said DCP Director Anita Laremont, who also serves as Chair of the City Planning Commission. 

 

A survey for members of the public is available here. We urge all New Yorkers to consider responding by Dec. 31. 

 

A schedule of in-person and virtual public events, set for this fall and winter, is available here and will be listed on NYC Engage. 

 

Credited with saving over 100,000 restaurants jobs during the pandemic and increasing the number of restaurants with outdoor dining – from 1,200 in February 2020 to 11,000 now – the emergency Open Restaurants program introduced novel questions about how to best integrate roadway dining setups into the complex environment of New York City streets. 

  

Earlier this week, the City Planning Commission voted to remove inequitable zoning rules that limited al fresco dining to some parts of New York City. In response to public input, the new zoning rules, which must still be approved by the City Council, will not go into effect until the Permanent Open Restaurants program, including all safety and design guidelines, are reviewed by the public and final. Alongside rigorous public input, the permanent program will be guided by coming legislation by the New York City Council.  

 

This citywide public engagement process for the coming design rules for sidewalk and roadway setups aims to promote accessibility, ensure guidelines are clear and enforceable, and address quality-of-life issues such as trash and noise. DCP and DOT intend to release a first report on design of the coming program in March 2022. Read more about the process here. After that, DCP and DOT will begin a second series of public engagement and outreach sessions to develop the final rules.  The permanent program is expected to be in place by 2023.  

 

Survey  

The survey, which is posted on DOT’s website, solicits information from New Yorkers, those in the restaurant business and their neighbors, about what they see as the pros and cons of Open Restaurants, and to share their thoughts on how to improve on the emergency program. Public input via the survey will shape the coming design rules. The deadline for survey responses is Dec. 31.   

 

Outreach Schedule  

Five Borough Board Meetings 

DCP & DOT will present to each of the five Borough Boards (made up of the Borough Presidents and Community Board chairs in all five boroughs) in December and January. The agencies will share an overview of the permanent Open Restaurants design guidelines process and goals and solicit feedback from the Borough Board members. The public is encouraged to join the meetings, either in person or online. A zoom link will be made available and publicized. The dates are available here. 

 

Virtual Public Roundtables  

DOT and DCP will host a series of four virtual roundtables that are open to the public, where any New Yorker can share their thoughts on the permanent Open Restaurants program. The first two roundtables will take place on Jan. 11, 2022, from noon to 1:30 pm and Jan. 12, 2022, from 6 to 7:30 pm.  

 

Virtual Topic-Based Roundtables 

Alfresco NYC - RPA, Design Trust, and Tri-State Transportation Campaign in coordination with DOT & DCT will host a series of virtual roundtables to bring together a range of stakeholders from the hospitality industry, design professions, and transit and accessibility advocates, to provide an in-depth look at major issues to be addressed by the permanent program. Details to follow. 

   

This public engagement announcement comes after the City Planning Commission’s vote on Nov. 15 in favor of the Open Restaurants zoning text amendment that aims to remove geographic restrictions on where sidewalk cafes can be located within New York City. The text amendment was modified to only go into effect after the permanent program guidelines are in place. It now moves on to the City Council for a public hearing and vote.