Child Care in NY Challenged by Staff Shortages, High Prices and Too Few Slots
New York’s child care sector continues to face lingering challenges post-pandemic including child care deserts, low wages and high prices that are putting a financial strain on families statewide, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.
“The pandemic’s disruption of the state’s child care industry is far from over,” DiNapoli said. “Prices in New York are among the highest in the nation, while child care workers earn wages well below the state’s median, making it hard to attract and retain the workforce needed to provide services. An effective child care system is integral to the state’s economic future and must remain a priority for policymakers.”
New York's Medicaid System Improperly Paid Over $16 Million in Claims
New York State Department of Health’s eMedNY computer system improperly paid $16.2 million in Medicaid claims during a six-month period that started in October 2023, according to an audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli.
Growth in Local Sales Tax Collections Slowed in 2024
Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $23.4 billion in calendar year 2024, an increase of 1.6% or $376 million from 2023, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. This was the slowest annual growth seen since the COVID-19 pandemic decline in 2020, and was less than half of the average pre-pandemic growth rate (3.8%) of 2011 to 2019 following the Great Recession.
Former Vernon Center Fire Department Treasurer Arrested for Stealing Over $300,000
A former Treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from the department, Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and the New York State Police announced. The defendant was charged with grand larceny in the second degree.
Ithaca Woman Charged With Stealing Nearly $70,000 in Pension Payments
Comptroller DiNapoli, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten and the New York State Police announced the arraignment of an Ithaca woman for allegedly stealing $69,481 in state pension payments meant for her deceased husband.
State Contract and Payment Actions in December
In December, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 2,257 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $8.1 billion and approved more than 1.9 million payments worth nearly $16.8 billion. The office rejected 295 contracts and related transactions valued at $6.9 billion and more than 1,800 payments valued at approximately $6.2 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.
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