State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

  

Environmental Facilities Corp. Faces

Significant Funding Backlog for

Essential Water Infrastructure Projects

New York State’s Environmental Facilities Corporation has provided financing for over 2,000 essential local water infrastructure projects totaling more than $23.7 billion since 1990, but the estimated capital improvement needs for water and sewer projects far exceeds this amount, and tens of billions of dollars in local projects remain in the pipeline, according to a report by State Comptroller DiNapoli.

“The Environmental Facilities Corporation serves a critical role in financing improvements to New York’s water infrastructure,” Comptroller DiNapoli said. “New York has spent more on clean water and drinking water projects than any other State, but the resources needed to address aging infrastructure and related challenges remain significant. The State should build on its efforts to help communities access funding to ensure the success of these programs continues.”

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State Comptroller DiNapoli Commemorates the 26^th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement

The historic Good Friday agreement was an unprecedented step towards peace and established a newfound commitment to human rights and civil liberties for the people of Northern Ireland.

Special guest honorees: Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland, Michael J. Cusick, President & CEO, Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and John Samuelsen, TWU International President.

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Monday Is Earth Day

Earth Day focuses our attention on the need to protect our planet, foster a cleaner environment for future generations and be mindful of how we impact the world around us.

As trustee of the New York State Pension Fund, State Comptroller DiNapoli continues to push companies to adapt to the growing low carbon future, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt sustainable practices to protect their long term value. The global effort to address climate risk is simply smart business. Companies that don’t will be left behind.

Learn How the State Pension Fund is Leading the Way on Climate Investment

State Tax Collections Outperform Budget Division Projections for 2023-24

Tax collections for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 totaled $106.4 billion, over $2 billion higher than forecast by the Division of the Budget (DOB) in the most recent financial plan, according to the March State Cash Report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. Tax receipts also exceeded the projection in the Consensus Economic and Revenue Forecast Report, which estimated $1.35 billion in additional receipts above DOB estimates through the end of SFY 2024-25.

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Audits 

• New York City Department of Small Business Services – Selected Programs to Assist Businesses in New York City
• Department of Health – Medicaid Program – Oversight of Managed Long-Term Care Member Eligibility
• State Education Department (Preschool Special Education Audit Initiative) – Positive Beginnings, Inc. – Compliance With the Reimbursable Cost Manual
• Department of Environmental Conservation – Oversight and Enforcement of the Rechargeable Battery Law
• Department of Health – Medicaid Program – Improper Overlapping Medicaid and Essential Plan Enrollments
• State Education Department (Preschool Special Education Audit Initiative) – NYSARC, Inc. - Rockland County Chapter – Compliance With the Reimbursable Cost Manual
• Department of Health – Oversight of Registration, Licensing, and Inspection of Radioactive Materials Facilities and Radiation Equipment Facilities
• New York City Department for the Aging – Oversight of the Home Delivered Meals Program
• Homes and Community Renewal – Housing Trust Fund Corporation – Internal Controls and Maximization of Federal Funding for CDBG and HOME 
• Department of Labor – Overlap, Duplication, Gaps, and/or Fragmentation of Workforce Development Programs and Services
• New York City Department of Transportation – Oversight of Selected Aspects of Traffic Controls
• Division of Criminal Justice Services – Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Program

 

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• DiNapoli: Environmental Facilities Corp. faces significant funding backlog for essential water infrastructure projects
  
  
• Report: New York received more money from DC than it sent
  
  
• Audit: NYS fund to combat vehicle theft, auto insurance fraud poorly managed
  
  
• DiNapoli Hosts GFA Commemoration

Post of the Week

Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

NYS OASAS Announces Release of New Cannabis Toolkit

  

Information and Resources on Talking to Youth About Risks of Underage Cannabis Use Now Available in Both English and Spanish 

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) announced the launch of a new Cannabis Toolkit for parents and mentors, designed to offer resources and information about cannabis and how to talk to young people about the risks of underage cannabis use and the impact it can have. This free toolkit is available in both English and Spanish on the OASAS website.

OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Young people may find cannabis products attractive and appealing, and parents and other trusted adults should know how to discuss this issue and give young people the information they need to stay safe. It is important to have regular conversations about this topic. Research shows that having these conversations can significantly influence a teen’s decisions regarding substance use.”

The new Cannabis Toolkit is focused on addressing and preventing underage use of cannabis, which can impair learning, short-term memory, decision-making and problem-solving skills, attention, and motivation. It can also lead to physical issues, such as bronchitis or asthma, and increased risk of schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders.

The toolkit provides evidence-based information and tips for starting and maintaining conversations with youth on things like cannabis potency, types of products, and the impact that cannabis and THC can have on the developing brain. It also offers important information on the risks of underage use, how to model healthy and safe behaviors, and discussing ways to avoid underage use altogether, all of which are hallmarks of OASAS prevention efforts.

Chris Alexander, Executive Director of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management said, “The New York State Office of Cannabis Management applauds the addition of resources like the Cannabis Toolkit by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to help parents and mentors navigate critical discussions around cannabis and young people. Regular discussions on this topic are crucial, as research demonstrates their significant impact on influencing teens' decisions regarding substance use. As we strive to promote public health and safety, resources like the Cannabis Toolkit play a meaningful role in supporting families as they navigate important discussions around preventing underage cannabis use and fostering informed decision-making among the young people in our communities.”

Robert Schneider, Executive Director of the New York State Schools Boards Association said, “NYS OASAS’ new Cannabis Toolkit will help parents and adults navigate effective conversations with young adults about the risks associated with cannabis use. Students may learn the risks associated with substance use in classrooms, however, their decision-making can often rest on their peer group preferences, social pressures, and the possibilities of misinformation in social media feeds. This toolkit will provide needed structure and direction for meaningful dialogue between adults and youth about substance use which is a risk factor in youth development that can have a negative impact on learning, attention, and health.”  

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports oversees one of the nation’s largest systems of addiction services with approximately 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 731,000 individuals per year. This includes the direct operation of 12 Addiction Treatment Centers where our doctors, nurses, and clinical staff provide inpatient and residential services to approximately 8,000 individuals per year.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS DOUBLES DOWN ON EFFORTS TO REDUCE SHOOTINGS, HOMICIDES BY ADDING 1,200 NEW POLICE RECRUITS THIS YEAR

 

Two New Police Classes Will Add 1,200 Additional Recruits in July and October Classes, Puts New York City on Path to Have 35,000 Uniformed Officers in Coming Years

 

1,200 New Recruits to Join 1,200 Recruits That Have Already Started Training in 2024

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced investments he is making to double down on the decreases in shootings and homicides seen across the five boroughs over the last two years by adding two additional New York City Police Department (NYPD) police academy classes, in July and October, to the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Executive Budget. Each of the two new classes will add 600 new recruits to the rolls this calendar year, bringing the total number of new NYPD recruits in 2024 to 2,400. The 1,200 new officers in the July and October police classes will hit New York City streets in January 2025 and April 2025, respectively. With this announcement, Mayor Adams is taking another step to put New York City on the path to increase the number of uniformed officers in the NYPD to 35,000 in the coming years.

 

Mayor Adams has made public safety his top priority and because of the NYPD’s efforts overall crime is down more than 3 percent in 2024, year to date, while shootings and homicides are both down by double digits — 20 percent and 23.5 percent, respectively. Shootings and homicides saw double-digit decreases in 2023 and 2024 as well, being down 25 percent and 12 percent, respectively, last year, and being down 17 percent and 11 percent, respectively, in 2022.

 

“I always say that public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity. By driving down crime, we have saved lives and laid the foundation for economic recovery, but we want to keep that going and we won’t do anything to risk all our progress,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, I am proud to announce that, thanks to our strong fiscal management that has stabilized the city budget and our fiscal outlook, we are funding two additional police classes this year in the upcoming Executive Budget. These 1,200 additional officers will be hitting the streets to keep us safe in the coming year, while we continue to drive down shootings and homicides citywide at a near historic pace. This puts New York City on the path to have a total of 35,000 uniformed officers in the coming years. Our administration is committed to making sure New York City continues to be the safest big city in America while making the right fiscal decisions for our city.”

 

“This funding for the NYPD's July and October 2024 recruit classes is a major win for public safety in New York City,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “While the NYPD will always be at the forefront of new technology and precision policing, the police officer is the ultimate crime reduction tool. I am grateful to Mayor Adams for his generous and continual support of New York's Finest.”

 

New York City is the safest big city in the country, but when Mayor Adams entered office, crime was on an upward trajectory with both shootings and homicides rising. But under Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Caban’s leadership, overall crime is down in New York City in 2024. In 2023, the city saw a drop in five of the seven major crime categories. Additionally, the NYPD has taken more than 15,500 illegal guns off of New York City streets since the start of the Adams administration. Crime has fallen as a result of precision policing by the NYPD, strong support for law enforcement, and investments in both prevention and intervention programs. When the administration first came into office, Mayor Adams launched his “Blueprint to End Gun Violence.” Shortly thereafter, the NYPD created a new anti-gun unit, and within two months, the NYPD started seeing month after month of decreases in shootings and homicides across the city.

 

Additionally, over the course of the administration Mayor Adams has launched a $500 million blueprint to keep communities safe from gun violence, surged police officers into the subways to help reduce crime in the transit system, released plans to crack down on auto thefts and combat retail thefts, hired additional mental health clinicians to support people with untreated severe mental illness and announced plans to pilot new technology, expanded the Saturday Night Lights youth program to keep young people safe and engaged, supported a record 100,000 summer job opportunities annually for young people, and more.

 

Housing Lottery Launches For 1014 Ogden Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1014 Ogden Avenue, a four-story mixed-use building in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Boaz M. Golani Architect and developed by Leo Brody of ZLB, the structure yields 17 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 16 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $105,223 to $165,230.

 

Residences come with name-brand kitchen countertops and finishes, air conditioning, hardwood floors, smart controls for heating and cooling, and energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity which includes stove, hot water, and heat.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are six studios with a monthly rent of $3,069 for incomes ranging from $105,223 to $146,900; and 10 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,253 for incomes ranging from $111,532 to $165,230.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Earth Day Networking Breakfast - CANCELLED

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce would like to notify you that the Earth Day Networking Breakfast scheduled for Monday, April 22nd, 2024, has been canceled.

You are more than welcome to join us at any of our other events at the link below.

Bronx Chamber Calendar of Events

Become a Bronx Chamber Member Today - Click Here

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Cannabis Entrepreneurship at El Barrio Artspace PS109

 

Boilermakers Recruit Apprentices

 

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 will conduct a recruitment from May 21, 2024 through May 20, 2025 for five Boilermaker (Construction) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced.

Please note, the five openings listed for Boilermaker apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions – the New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley regions of the state.

Applications can be obtained and completed online anytime during the recruitment period at www.boilermakersapprenticeship.com. All applications must be received no later than May 20, 2025.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old. Proof of age will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of a Boilermaker (Construction), which may include:
  • Working an 8-hour day while continually on feet.
  • Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 95 pounds for extended periods.
  • Working in extended periods of extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Working in restricted or confined spaces.
  • Working at heights of 20 feet or more on scaffolds or platforms.
  • Working in ditches or trenches up to 20 feet deep.
  • Working in nuclear facilities.
  • Working in hazardous conditions.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from remote worksites and required classes at the approved school.
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test, at the expense of the sponsor, within 48 hours of signing the apprenticeship agreement.

For further information, applicants should contact JATC for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 at (516) 326-2500. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence For Man Who Bit, Kicked And Spit On Five NYPD Officers

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the sentencing of ROBERTO SESSOMS, 31, for biting, kicking and spitting on five NYPD officers after being arrested during a gathering in Union Square organized by a popular streamer. SESSOMS was sentenced to 2-to-4 years in state prison. He previously pleaded guilty to four counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree on March 20, 2024.

“Attacking police officers is unequivocally intolerable and unacceptable. Officers at the scene of this incident were already dealing with a chaotic situation where thousands were arrested, and then had to experience the despicable actions by this defendant. I thank the members of the NYPD who do so much to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will continue to pursue accountability against those who attempt to harm our officers in uniform,” said District Attorney Bragg.  

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on August 3, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m., police officers arrested SESSOMS for disorderly conduct and put him on an MTA bus to be transported to the local precinct.

While on the bus, SESSOMS bit two officers in the leg so hard that they bled. SESSOMS then kicked another officer in the stomach, causing him to fall backwards into the bus railing and almost fall off the bus, injuring his back.

SESSOMS then kicked a fourth officer in the face. He bit two fingers of a fifth officer, causing bleeding.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Diane Eze, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Elizabeth Clerkin and Philip Gary (Deputy Bureau Chiefs of Trial Bureau 30), Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked Sergeant Alexander Bustamante.