Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State’s Ongoing Efforts to Shelter and Support Asylum Seekers

 

As Part of $1 Billion Commitment, Governor Hochul Advances $250 Million to New York City to Reimburse Costs from Asylum Seeker Aid

State Personnel Have Coordinated Federal Visits To Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Wadsworth and Will Meet With U.S. Department of the Interior Officials Tomorrow, Building On Productive Meeting Between Governor Hochul and White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez

State-Owned Sites At Lincoln Correctional and JFK Airport Are Currently Sheltering Asylum Seekers, State-Funded Sites at Creedmoor and Randall's Island Are Set to Welcome Asylum Seekers This Week

Governor Hochul Will Deploy Additional National Guard Personnel to Erie County to Provide Logistical and Operational Support for Shelter Sites

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state’s ongoing efforts to support asylum seekers, help them find shelter, and connect them with critical social services as they arrive in New York. This includes $250 million in funding already sent to the City, progress resulting from continued advocacy with the federal government, and additional National Guard deployments.

"Since asylum seekers first arrived in New York, we have been providing significant humanitarian aid as New York City works to meet their legal obligation to provide shelter," Governor Hochul said. "We will continue our efforts to provide financial support, personnel and equipment, and continued advocacy for federal assistance.”

As a part of the $1 billion in funding Governor Hochul secured in the FY 2024 State Budget, the Governor advanced $250 million to the City to reimburse their costs; this financial support will continue as the City continues to make additional financial expenditures. The $250 million payment to New York City will be used to financially support Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRC), sanctuary sites, and respite renters, as well as welcome, intake, and navigation centers that provide immediate assistance to asylum seekers.

Funding in the FY 2024 Budget provides a 29 percent reimbursement to New York City for allowable costs associated with operating these programs. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to:

• Staffing, security, maintenance, and cleaning
• Critical social services provided at program sites
• Shelter costs, food, and personal supplies or services (such as clothing, linens, hygiene items, beds, diapers, laundry services, etc.)
• Transportation and Interpretation services
• IT supplies and support

A $25 million investment was included in the FY 2024 Budget to voluntarily relocate 1,250 families – approximately 4,375 individuals – who have already applied for asylum; this funding is in addition to more than $700 million in the FY 2024 Budget allocated for temporary shelter at hotels and mass shelter sites. At this time, 17 families who are willing to participate and eligible to participate have been identified by the City and are in this State-funded program and the State will continue to support relocation for additional families as they opt into the program. Participants in this program, who are on the path to work authorization in the United States, will be relocated and matched with social service agencies who can help them adjust and resettle while NYS pays for their rent.

In addition to Governor Hochul's meeting with Tom Perez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President of the United States, federal officials have increased their assistance to New York in recent weeks following months of advocacy from Governor Hochul and local leaders. State, federal, and city officials toured federally-owned sites at Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Wadsworth to assess their suitability for sheltering asylum seekers. Hochul Administration officials will also be meeting with U.S. Department of Interior officials tomorrow to discuss federally-owned land that could be appropriate to use as shelter.

Governor Hochul also announced the deployment of additional New York National Guard personnel and assets to asylum seeker sites in Erie County. The deployment to Erie County builds on more than 1,800 National Guard personnel who are currently providing logistical and operational support to shelters in New York City. More than 30 of the hotel-based shelter sites in New York City are staffed exclusively by New York State National Guard personnel and an additional 18 are primarily staffed through these State personnel.

A shelter site on state-owned land at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens will open next week and will have the capacity to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers, and a shelter site that is fully paid for by the State of New York will open shortly on Randall's Island. The State has already loaned New York City sites at the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Manhattan and at a state-owned building at JFK Airport in Queens, both of which opened in June and house more than 1,000 asylum seekers every day.

Statement from Speaker Adams on Mayor’s Asylum Seeker Crisis Address

 

“All levels of government must come together to share responsibility for the nation’s response to the dire humanitarian conditions that have led increasing numbers of people to seek asylum here. As this international crisis continues, New York City needs more support from our federal and state governments to provide and set up shelter locations and devote additional funding. Expedited federal work authorization is immediately needed to help our newest arrivals enter the workforce, achieve the self-sufficiency they desire, and contribute the benefits to our economy that we know are possible.

“To address the long-term drivers of our current challenges, the city, state and federal governments will have to collaboratively tackle the housing crisis and record homelessness impacting New York City. We must increase production of affordable housing and supportive housing and advance solutions that move people out of the shelter system through actions required of us as city officials, as well as those in Albany and Washington, D.C.

“New York City will continue to demonstrate compassion to help those seeking to establish a better life here, but we must do so while also ensuring that we are efficiently and effectively utilizing all resources in providing support. The Council will continue to advance partnership and solutions as the pathway towards stability and success for our city.”

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in St. Lawrence County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Shawn Sheridan, who died on August 10, 2023 following an encounter with members of law enforcement in St. Lawrence County.

On the afternoon of August 10, as members of the New York State Police (NYSP) and St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office were searching for Mr. Sheridan, who had failed to appear in court for sentencing, they encountered him on Donnerville Road in the town of Russell. During the encounter, Mr. Sheridan allegedly fired a gun in their direction and a NYSP trooper returned fire. Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials recovered two guns and a bandolier at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul

 

“I have directed all State agencies to be on high alert now that the National Weather Service has updated the risk level for severe weather in New York, particularly in the Southern Tier and parts of the Western Hudson Valley. This could lead to significant thunderstorms, flash flooding, high winds, power loss and potentially even tornadoes. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is tracking these storms closely and utility crews are standing by to address any power outages. It’s critical that New Yorkers in these impacted regions stay vigilant: monitor your local forecast, make sure all electronics are properly charged, and prepare supplies in the unlikely event an evacuation is needed.”

Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Bomb Threat to Arizona State Election Official

 

A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty to sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official in the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. 

“Americans who serve the public by administering our voting systems should not have to fear for their lives simply for doing their jobs,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “As this case demonstrates, the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law against election officials and election workers. Only by protecting those who administer the election process can we ensure that the right to vote, itself, is protected.”

According to court documents, on or about Feb. 14, 2021, James W. Clark, 38, of Falmouth, sent a message via the website contact form of the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, Election Division, addressed to the election official, and warned her that she needed to “resign by Tuesday February 16th by 9 am or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated.”

“Threatening public officials is a serious matter, never warranted by the situation no matter how heated or politically charged,” said U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino for the District of Arizona. “Cases like this are important in protecting not only the public official victimized by the conduct, but also the integrity of our election processes as a whole.”

Shortly after transmitting the message, Clark conducted online searches that included the full name of the election official in conjunction with the words “how to kill” and “address.” Additionally, on or about Feb. 18, 2021, Clark conducted online searches involving the Boston Marathon bombing.

“Defending the rights of Americans, particularly the right to vote, is a fundamental part of the FBI’s mission to protect the American people and uphold the constitution,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Election workers are dedicated members of our community who have the solemn responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the U.S. voting process. The FBI will fiercely protect election officials from threats of violence and intimidation, and in doing so, protect the fidelity of U.S. elections.”

Clark pleaded guilty to one count of making a threatening interstate communication. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 26 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Special Agent in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Phoenix Field Office joined in the announcement.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Boston Division.

Trial Attorney Tanya Senanayake of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean K. Lokey for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Justice Department’s Election Threats Task Force. Announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and launched by Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco in June 2021, the task force has led the Department’s efforts to address threats of violence against election workers, and to ensure that all election workers – whether elected, appointed, or volunteer – are able to do their jobs free from threats and intimidation. The task force engages with the election community and state and local law enforcement to assess allegations and reports of threats against election workers, and has investigated and prosecuted these matters where appropriate, in partnership with FBI Field Offices and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. A year after its formation, the task force is continuing this work and supporting the U.S. Attorneys’ offices and FBI field offices nationwide as they carry on the critical work that the task force has begun.

Under the leadership of Deputy Attorney General Monaco, the task force is led by the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and includes several other entities within the Department of Justice, including the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, the Civil Rights Division, the National Security Division, and the FBI, as well as key interagency partners, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. For more information regarding the Justice Department’s efforts to combat threats against election workers, read the Deputy Attorney General’s memo.

To report suspected threats or violent acts, contact your local FBI office and request to speak with the Election Crimes Coordinator. Contact information for every FBI field office may be found here: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/. You may also contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or file an online complaint at www.tips.fbi.go. Complaints submitted will be reviewed by the task force and referred for investigation or response accordingly. If someone is in imminent danger or risk of harm, contact 911 or your local police immediately.

DEC AND NYSERDA ANNOUNCE CLIMATE JUSTICE STAKEHOLDER ROUNDTABLE ON CAP-AND-INVEST PROGRAM TO REDUCE CLIMATE POLLUTION

 

Aug. 23 Roundtable Advances New York State's Efforts to Meet Equity Requirements under Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced an Equity and Climate Justice stakeholder roundtable on the development of the State's Cap-and-Invest Program to reduce the emissions driving climate change. The Cap-and-Invest Program was recommended in the Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan and proposed in Governor Kathy Hochul's 2023 State of the State Address. DEC and NYSERDA are developing the program so that greenhouse gas emission reductions are achieved in an equitable manner.  

 

DEC Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, "New York is developing a Cap-and-Invest Program to reduce the emissions changing the climate and it’s critical to provide all stakeholders with the opportunity to inform program design to ensure its equitable implementation. Focused on climate justice, the August 23 roundtable will solicit input on advancing an equitable program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates green jobs that support New York State’s efforts to create a cleaner, more equitable, and healthier environment." 

 

NYSERDA President and CEO and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Doreen M. Harris said, “The stakeholder roundtable will focus on hearing directly from climate justice stakeholders on how the Cap-and-Invest Program regulations can be designed to be both effective in reducing emissions and equitable in its delivery. Stakeholder feedback is a foundational element in designing a program that can help further stimulate the economy and support family-sustaining jobs across the State.”

 

The stakeholder roundtable will offer engagement with various stakeholders regarding the development of the program around equity, disadvantaged communities, and other key issues. The roundtable will provide an opportunity for participants to provide feedback on program design features and areas of interest. All stakeholder input will be considered by staff as part of the program development. 

 

The roundtable will include an overview presentation by State staff, along with a panel discussion with State officials and New York climate justice stakeholders and a question-and-answer session. A second round of pre-proposal stakeholder outreach on the State’s Cap-and-Invest Program will be held later this year. 

The Equity and Climate Justice Roundtable is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, and will be live-streamed, with the recording posted online as soon as practicable. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available at the New York Cap-and-Invest website at https://capandinvest.ny.gov/. 

 

The Enacted FY 2023-24 Budget advances Governor Hochul's priority to create an affordable, equitable, and effective Cap-and-Invest Program that promotes climate action, creates high-quality jobs, supports affordability for New Yorkers, and protects and invests in disadvantaged communities. The Budget creates the Consumer Climate Action Account, which will direct no less than 30 percent of future proceeds to New Yorkers as a critical step toward protecting affordability. In addition, the Budget establishes a Climate Investment Account, which will allocate two-thirds of future proceeds to support the transition to a less carbon-intensive economy. The Budget also creates a Climate Affordability Study process to provide recommendations on the most impactful use of funds to protect New Yorkers. 

 

The Cap-and-Invest Program will prioritize frontline disadvantaged communities in the State that for far too long have suffered from pollution and environmental injustice. As contemplated, the program will not allow the use of offsets that could result in high-emitting sources to continue to pollute and will instead be designed to ensure pollution burdens are reduced. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, a minimum of 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of Cap-and-Invest resources will benefit disadvantaged communities, and the program will be designed to ensure pollution burdens are reduced in frontline communities. 

 

For more information about New York's climate efforts, visit the Climate Act website. 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

 

Audits Investigate Accessibility at
State Parks and Colleges 

This week, State Comptroller DiNapoli released two audits to review if state parks and state colleges are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The first found New York State parks generally met the ADA’s minimum standards but could be significantly improved to make them far more accessible.

“The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recognizes the importance of improving accessibility to the New York State parks system but must do a better job incorporating this goal into its processes for maintaining and operating its sites and improve its communications with and responsiveness to the public,” DiNapoli said.

DiNapoli’s audit of six State University of New York (SUNY) campuses found that accommodations have been provided to students who identify as having a disability, including outreach regarding available services. The audit found that the buildings and structures reviewed were ADA compliant, but identified 170 areas where accessibility could be improved. SUNY agreed to actively work to evaluate these areas and improve accessibility, along with improved disability services and required record keeping.

State Comptroller DiNapoli continues to be a staunch supporter and advocate for people with disabilities through the office’s work, including administering the New York’s ABLE program. The latest audits follow DiNapoli’s audit of New York City parks’ accessibility, along with a report on disability unemployment and an audit of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ emergency response in group homes, during the worst waves of COVID-19.

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NYC's 2024 Budget Balanced, but Risks Loom

A $5.5 billion surplus from last fiscal year and $1.7 billion in savings from the City’s Program to Eliminate the Gap have helped New York City balance its $112.6 billion budget for city fiscal year (FY) 2024, despite $2.9 billion in costs in FY 2024 to address the influx of asylum seekers. However, spending and operational pressures from this influx have grown beyond the City’s ability to manage without a comprehensive federal policy response including funding, according to a report on the City’s June 2023 financial plan released by State Comptroller DiNapoli.

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Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Check Theft Scheme

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced that Gennady Galker pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree following an indictment that accused him of stealing checks totaling $31,149 from mailboxes in Brooklyn and using a false identity to cash them. His thefts included checks from the Jewish Communal Fund for local charities and from DiNapoli’s Office of Unclaimed Funds.

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Oswego Teacher Charged With Stealing Over $4,000 From CiTi BOCES

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Oswego County District Attorney Gregory S. Oakes, and State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli announced that Oswego County adult literacy teacher William Fisher was charged with falsifying his time sheets to steal more than $4,000 from his employer, the Center for Instruction Technology (CiTi) and Innovation BOCES.

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Former Assistant Clerk Charged with Stealing Nearly $4,000 From Village of Horseheads

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Tammy Miele, former Assistant Clerk for the Village of Horseheads, for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 from the Village. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police.

Read More

Municipal & School Audits 

• Town of Ticonderoga – Capital Project Management
• Town of White Creek – Disbursements and Annual Financial Reports
• Brocton Central School District – Financial Management
• Clarendon Fire Company – Financial Activities
• Brocton Central School District – Claims Audit
• Morris Central School District – Fund Balance Management
• Village of Canaseraga – Claims Audit

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK 

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Audit finds many state parks lack proper amenities for disabled visitors 

State Comptroller warns NY may not meet its climate goals 

 
NYC Faces Budget Gaps of $40 Billion Through 2027, DiNapoli Says 
 
DiNapoli warns of tougher budget year; urges caution for downstate casino budgeting 
 

Former Horseheads assistant clerk charged with stealing almost $4K in village funds 
 
Oswego County BOCES teacher charged with 3 felonies for stealing more than $4k from school