Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes
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Friday, May 12, 2023
VCJC News & Notes 5/12/23
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
Thursday, May 11, 2023
NYC COUNCIL PASSES PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S ‘WORST LANDLORD LAW’ TO PREVENT FRAUDULENT REPAIRS AND INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
Today the New York City Council voted to pass Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams’ Worst Landlord Law to help prevent fraudulent repairs by bad landlords and increase accountability for failure to correct hazardous violations, including by increasing financial penalties. The bill is part of the Worst Landlord Accountability Act, a two-bill package which comes out of the Public Advocate’s annual Worst Landlord Watchlist.
Within the current system, landlords are often able to self-certify their own repairs without city verification – and frequently, they falsely certify that violations have been corrected. The legislation passed today will restrict bad actors who own the worst buildings in the city from engaging in this deceptive practice.
“"Last year’s Worst Landlord Watchlist saw the most violations in its history as buildings deteriorate and rents rise under landlords who put profit over people,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams ahead of the vote. “They exploit loopholes to shamelessly dodge accountability and avoid repairs, while tenants suffer. Passing this Worst Landlord law will prevent the worst owners in the city from self-certifying repairs that haven’t been made, and increase penalties for failing to fix violations so that fines aren’t just part of the cost of doing business. Our list is designed in part to shame the worst landlords in the city — but for owners who are shameless in their negligence, this law will hold them to account and deliver relief to countless tenants facing unlivable conditions.”
Intro 583-A, which was passed by overwhelming majority today, would increase the penalties for many violations issued by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development related to registration failures, hazardous conditions, and false certification. In addition, HPD would be required to annually identify 100 buildings based on criteria such as the number of hazardous or immediately hazardous violations that have been falsely certified as corrected. Hazardous or immediately hazardous violations issued to buildings on the list would not be deemed corrected unless HPD has attempted at least two re-inspections, or those violations are excluded from the calculation for identifying the 100 buildings.
The Public Advocate's Worst Landlord Watchlist spotlights the top 100 most egregiously negligent landlords in New York City as determined by widespread and repeated violations in buildings on the list. These bills, the second of which would mandate faster inspections and repairs for the most hazardous violations, are aimed at correcting and preventing disingenuous tactics used by some of those landlords in order to remove themselves from the list.
Together, the legislation in the Worst Landlord Accountability Act will help tenants get the repairs they need, make the worst landlords pay for their negligence and deception, and show that there are consequences for the conduct that puts landlords on the Watchlist.
Bronx Week Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
This was the first Bronx Week scheduled event after the introduction of Bronx Week. The Veterans Appreciation Luncheon is a favorite of all the members of the Armed Forces and of all wars which the United States sent troops to fight in. In the front was the special table that is set up to remember those who did not return from fighting to protect the country.
Mr. Gary Axelbank has been the emcee of this Bronx Week event, and did his usual excellent job of introducing speakers and honorees. After the singing of the National Anthem by veteran Belinda Barnes the invocation was given by Bishop Rosario, and there was a moment of silence as the names of fallen soldiers were read from the previous year. Mr. Axelbank then acknowledged Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, the representatives of other elected officials, he then introduced Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
Bronx Borough President said "Today we gather to celebrate and appreciate the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces". She then called out the various branches of the armed forces to hear those members respond, and the loudest cheer came from those that had served in the U.S. Army. She introduced her Veterans Advisory Committee, and mentioned that she is trying to have the city council declare November as Veterans Appreciation Month so veterans are appreciated for not just one day, but an entire month. BP Gibson introduced Joe Mondello the chair of her Veterans Advisory Committee. Mr. Mondello explained the importance of the empty table at the front to remember the soldier who did not return from wars to protect the country.
Vivian De Cohen the Director New York State Veterans Services, James Hendon of the NYC Department of Veterans Services, Balavenkatesh Kanna MD, MPH the director of the Bronx VA Medical Center, and Wendy McClinton CEO of the Black Veterans for Social Justice (who was the keynote speaker) all spoke, and then it was time for the Honoree Recognition. The five Honorees were Mrs. Roxanne Gonzalez-Jimenez, Courtney Lanier, Dondi McKellar USN(MST),Sidney T. Clark, and Ed Deglomini.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson then gave closing remarks and called to the podium Pastor Jay Gooding for the closing prayer. Bronx Week runs through Sunday when the Bronx Week Parade, Food Festival and Concert take place along the Grand Concourse from East 167th Street through East 158th Street. Go to Ilovethebronx.com for the calendar of events for Bronx Week 2023.
Veteran Belinda Barnes sings the National Anthem.
The names of fallen veterans from the previous year are read during the moment of silence.
The empty table that is set up to remember the soldiers who did not return from their service to the country.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson welcomes everyone, and wanted to see which branch of the armed forces they served in.
Borough President Gibson introduced her Veterans Advisory Council, led by Joe Mondello who explained the reason for the empty table at the front.
The honorees (L - R) Courtney Lanier, Sidney T. Clark, Ed Deglomini, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Dondi McKellar, and Mr. Roxanna Gonzalez-Jimenez.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson with Pastor Jay Gooding who gave the closing prayer.
Mayor Adams, NYC DCAS's New York City Government Hiring Halls Reaches Milestone of 1,000 Job Offers to New Yorkers
City’s Hiring Halls Have Brought Agencies Directly to New Yorkers They Serve
On Average, 46% of Featured Jobs at City Hiring Halls Result in a Same-Day Offer
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock today announced that more than 1,000 jobs have been offered to New Yorkers as part of the city’s ongoing hiring events, dubbed New York City government hiring halls. Spearheaded by DCAS, these weekly events are designed to address unprecedented employment challenges and fortify the city’s workforce by bringing opportunities directly to the communities we serve. Job seekers are afforded a unique opportunity to engage with municipal agencies, interview for roles, and receive same day job offers without ever leaving their neighborhood. Thus far, the city has hosted eight events and has seen over 6,000 job seekers.
“We are an out-front, community-driven administration that believes in bringing city government to the neighborhoods they serve — and we are proud these efforts have borne fruit, with our 1,000th job offer being made today,” said Mayor Adams. “New Yorkers know the type of services they want and expect from their city agencies, and there is no better way to deliver those services than by signing up to work for the city. We are proud to have reached this major milestone thanks to the tireless work of our team at DCAS, DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, and all our partners in government.”
"We are thrilled to welcome these new civil servants to the Adams Administration to help us Get Stuff Done," said New York City First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. "I want to congratulate the Department of Citywide Administrative Services for their leadership and reaching the milestone of 1,000 job offers. Together with our DC 37 partners, this Administration is leading the way to bring New Yorkers from every community into public service."
"We are providing a unique opportunity to New Yorkers who want to build a career in public service by bringing jobs directly to them in their communities and breaking down barriers to municipal employment, civil service, and the middle class," said NYC DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “This is how we strengthen our workforce, how we invest in our communities, and how we make city government work for all New Yorkers. I'd like to thank Mayor Adams for his leadership, DC 37's Executive Director Henry Garrido, the New York City Council Members, and especially our team at DCAS who has worked tirelessly to coordinate these events weekly."
"It is clear that New Yorkers are eager to join our municipal workforce, but we have to provide them opportunities and facilitate their hiring,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Our NYC Government Hiring Halls are critical to ensuring city agencies have the capacity to effectively provide the services that people in our city need. I thank the Adams Administration and DC 37 for their partnership, and all of my Council colleagues for co-sponsoring these events in their districts."
“The increasing impact of the City’s vacancies on their ability to provide services required an innovative and proactive approach that streamlined the process for filling positions. The success of these hiring halls is a clear picture of the demand for reliable employment in New York City— and the desire to work in public service. We’re grateful for the partnership with Mayor Adams and the incredible staff at DCAS for making these hiring halls come to life,” said DC 37 Executive Director Henry A. Garrido.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on the city’s workforce, and the city faces hiring challenges that have been felt nationwide. To aggressively address this crisis, the administration has worked in close coordination and collaboration with DC 37, New York City’s largest municipal public union, and the City Council to bring weekly hiring events to communities around New York City. Unlike a traditional job fair, these hiring halls present a unique opportunity to job seekers where they can interview with an agency and receive a same day offer.
Since February, the city has hosted eight hiring events from the South Bronx to the North Shore of Staten Island, as well as communities in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Each week, 10-21 agencies participate and bring specific job titles to each event that they need filled. Participating agencies have included DCAS, Department of Social Services, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Administration for Children Services, Department of Education, Department of Sanitation, and more. These roles range from hourly jobs to entry-level salaried positions, and even engineering roles paying more than six figures. The breadth of opportunity includes work in social services, civilian roles at NYPD and the Department of Corrections, administrative and clerical titles, engineering, inspections, and more. Job seekers who attend can also walk away with a wealth of information about the civil service exam process, internships, fellowships, and have their resume reviewed and provided on-site career advisement.
Weekly, the Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities (MOPD) is on-site at the hiring halls to provide information on the 55-a program which charts a path for people living with disabilities into civil service. In addition to career opportunities, these events also now feature voter registration tables where people can register to vote and receive in-person information about the process. The weekly hiring halls are a hub for information that covers more than just job opportunities.
The city is taking a multi-pronged approach to fortifying the city’s workforce. In addition to the hiring halls, DCAS has been hosting Citywide Hiring Pools to reduce the cycle time associated with civil service lists, standardizing pre-hire and onboarding processes to shorten and streamline the city’s hiring policy and process changes. Additionally, the agency has been prioritizing the modernization of civil service, including revising minimum qualification requirements for entry level titles to prioritize practical skills and experiences needed to serve the public over strict educational requirements.
DCAS regularly hosts other recruitment events including Civil Service 101 sessions where information is provided to job seekers about the civil service process. The agency has also been hosting employer readiness and New York City government readiness workshops to help prepare job seekers and employers on how to navigate the hiring halls and strive for successful outcomes. These workshops take place on a weekly basis. Additionally, recruitment events are conducted both virtually and in-person throughout New York City. For more information on employment opportunities with the city of New York, job seekers should subscribe to DCAS’s monthly NYC Jobs newsletter.
With competitive salaries, healthcare, pensions, and many roles offering union benefits, working for the city is a pathway to economic mobility and the middle class. city employment is an equalizer that promotes equity, fairness, and diversity.
“Even years after the height of COVID-19, many New Yorkers are still reeling from the devastating impact the pandemic had on our economy and our neighborhoods,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “With the unemployment rate in the Bronx over 5%, it is imperative that we continue to work with our city partners and city agencies to get our residents employed with a stable income to support themselves and their families. I want to thank Mayor Adams and DCAS for their work in hosting NYC Government Hiring Halls throughout the city and commitment to ensuring every New Yorker has a pathway to a job and potential career.”
About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:
- Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees
- Managing 55 public buildings
- Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property
- Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies
- Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country
- Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations
Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas or by following us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.
Fifth Defendant Sentenced To 48 Months In Prison For Large-Scale Trafficking Of Rhinoceros Horns And Elephant Ivory And Heroin Conspiracy
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ABDI HUSSEIN AHMED, a citizen of Kenya, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for conspiring to traffic large quantities of rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory — both protected wildlife species — worth millions of dollars that involved the illegal poaching of more than approximately 35 rhinoceros and more than 100 elephants, as well as for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The sentence was imposed earlier today by U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.
AHMED is the fifth and final member of these conspiracies to be sentenced in a case prosecuted over the course of several years, and which has involved the extradition of multiple individuals from several countries in Africa. AHMED’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced to substantial prison terms by Judge Woods. Specifically, MOAZU KROMAH, a/k/a “Ayoub,” a/k/a “Ayuba,” a/k/a “Kampala Man,” a citizen of Liberia, was sentenced to a prison term of 63 months; AMARA CHERIF, a/k/a “Bamba Issiaka,” a citizen of Guinea, was sentenced to a prison term of 57 months; MANSUR MOHAMED SURUR, a/k/a “Mansour,” a citizen of Kenya, was sentenced to a prison term of 54 months; and BADRU ABDUL AZIZ SALEH, a/k/a “Badro,” a citizen of Kenya, was sentenced to a prison term of 42 months.
According to the charging and other documents filed in the case, as well as statements made in court proceedings:
KROMAH, CHERIF, SURUR, and AHMED were members of a transnational criminal enterprise (the “Enterprise”) based in Uganda and surrounding countries that was engaged in the large-scale trafficking and smuggling of rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory, both protected wildlife species. Trade involving endangered or threatened species violates several U.S. laws, as well as international treaties implemented by certain U.S. laws.
From at least in or about December 2012 through at least in or about May 2019, KROMAH, CHERIF, SURUR, and AHMED conspired to transport, distribute, sell, and smuggle at least approximately 190 kilograms of rhinoceros horns and at least approximately 10 tons of elephant ivory from or involving various countries in East Africa, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, and Tanzania, to buyers located in the United States and countries in Southeast Asia. Such weights of rhinoceros horn and elephant ivory are estimated to have involved the illegal poaching of more than approximately 35 rhinoceros and more than approximately 100 elephants. In total, the estimated average retail value of the rhinoceros horns involved in the conspiracy was at least approximately $3.4 million, and the estimated average retail value of the elephant ivory involved in the conspiracy was at least approximately $4 million.
Typically, the defendants exported and agreed to export the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory for delivery to foreign buyers, including a buyer represented to be in Manhattan, in packaging that concealed the rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory in, among other things, pieces of art such as African masks and statues. The defendants received and deposited payments from foreign customers that were sent in the form of international wire transfers, some of which were sent through U.S. financial institutions, and paid in cash.
On or about March 16, 2018, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing a black rhinoceros horn sold by the defendants that was intended for a buyer represented to be in Manhattan:
From in or about March 2018 through in or about May 2018, the defendants offered to sell additional rhinoceros horns of varying weights, including horns weighing up to approximately seven kilograms. On or about July 17, 2018, law enforcement agents intercepted a package containing two rhinoceros horns weighing over five kilograms that were sold by the defendants and intended for a buyer represented to be in Manhattan:
Separately, from at least in or about August 2018 through at least in or about May 2019, SURUR, AHMED, and SALEH conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of heroin to a buyer represented to be located in New York.
KROMAH was arrested in Uganda on June 12, 2019, and expelled to the United States on June 13, 2019. CHERIF was arrested in Senegal on June 7, 2019, and extradited to the United States on April 2, 2020. SURUR was arrested in Kenya on July 29, 2020, and extradited to the United States on January 25, 2021. SALEH was arrested in Kenya on May 30, 2022, and extradited to the United States on June 17, 2022. AHMED was arrested in Kenya on August 1, 2022, and extradited to the United States on September 3, 2022. The defendants all have been detained since their arrest and arrival in this country.
KROMAH, 53, of Liberia; CHERIF, 58, of Guinea; SURUR, 62, of Kenya; and AHMED, 49, of Kenya, each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wildlife trafficking. In addition, KROMAH and CHERIF both pled guilty to two counts of wildlife trafficking. SALEH, 52, of Kenya, SURUR, and AHMED each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and he thanked law enforcement authorities and conservation partners in Uganda and Kenya, including the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, the Uganda Police Force, the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Kenyan Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, for their assistance in this investigation. Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Department of State for their invaluable assistance, which made it possible to secure the arrest and return of these five defendants from Kenya, Senegal, and Uganda to the United States.
Joint Statement from Climate Action Council Co-Chairs Basil Seggos, DEC Commissioner, and Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA On EPA’s Proposed New Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants:
We applaud Administrator Regan and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for taking action today to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants. It is imperative for national climate advancement that EPA finalizes regulations that create an effective program for reducing power plant emissions.
By continuing to utilize the authority granted to EPA under the federal Clean Air Act, if finalized, today’s actions will complement State efforts, including under the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and development of New York’s economy-wide Cap-and-Invest Program, to reduce emissions and combat climate change as directed by New York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
We’re proud to continue to work closely with the EPA to reduce emissions and ensure a cleaner, greener environment for future generations. We look forward to reviewing the details of this complex suite of proposals.
By continuing to utilize the authority granted to EPA under the federal Clean Air Act, if finalized, today’s actions will complement State efforts, including under the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and development of New York’s economy-wide Cap-and-Invest Program, to reduce emissions and combat climate change as directed by New York’s nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
We’re proud to continue to work closely with the EPA to reduce emissions and ensure a cleaner, greener environment for future generations. We look forward to reviewing the details of this complex suite of proposals.
Speaker Adams, Council Members, Advocates, and Unions Unveil Fair Housing Framework Legislation to Set Local Affordable Housing Targets for Production, Preservation, Voucher Use, Anti-Displacement Resources, and Equity Investments
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams unveiled her Fair Housing Framework legislation alongside Council Members, housing advocates, and labor unions. The Speaker’s bill would require the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of City Planning (DCP) to establish targeted housing production goals for each Community District to ensure each New York City neighborhood plays an equitable role in addressing the city’s housing crisis while accounting for unique community needs. The framework would help address housing production and investment disparities that have kept high-opportunity neighborhoods from equitably contributing to affordable housing development and communities experiencing underinvestment without sufficient resources. The bill represents the next step in Speaker Adams’ Housing Agenda and is
A brief on the legislation can be found here.
“To deliver real relief for New Yorkers, we must prioritize equitable and affordable housing development that matches the need in our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “ a cornerstone alongside her Planning & Land Guidelines and Toolkit.This Fair Housing Framework legislation will not just advance the goal of building truly affordable housing for New Yorkers, but also build stronger and healthier neighborhoods. Permanent housing is the key to safety and stability, and by investing in equitable affordable housing production, we can ease the stressors that exacerbate other citywide challenges. I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders to give working families across the five boroughs a real chance at building their legacy in this city. thank my Council colleagues for their support, housing advocates for their leadership, and our partners in labor for their commitment to uplifting all New Yorkers.”
The Fair Housing Framework legislation includes:
A Strategic Equity Framework specifying policy goals and strategies to:
- Increase low-income affordable housing production and preservation and voucher utilization in high opportunity community districts;
- Increase the number of low-income affordable housing units that are preserved and the availability and effectiveness of anti-displacement resources in high displacement-risk community districts;
- Increasing the amount of neighborhood equity investments in underserved community districts, especially those that have experienced significant housing development
A Citywide Housing Needs Assessment to determine the total number and type of housing units that need to be produced or preserved citywide to achieve affordable access to housing for all households of all socio-economic backgrounds
- The assessment will consider criteria including rent burden, demographic trends and the previous and projected growth of population, jobs and housing for 10 years
Citywide housing production targets for a five-year period for:
- Total housing units
- Low-income Affordable housing
- Supportive Housing
- Units to accommodate aging households
- Affordable Housing Preservation
Citywide housing targets for the Community Districts that include the above metrics and consider the following criteria:
- Access to opportunity and displacement risk and vulnerability based on the Equitable Development Data Explorer
- Infrastructure capacity
- Climate change vulnerability
Public Engagement
- HPD and DCP will consult with stakeholders, advocates and policy experts and hold at least 1 public meeting in each borough at least six months before submission of the plan
Housing production in New York City has significantly fallen behind population growth – only 200,000 new units were created compared to over 600,000 new residents. From 2014-2021, 23 Council Districts produced over 1,000 units of housing with only five Districts producing more than 3,000 units.
“In 2018, 81.6 percent of white or Black New Yorkers would have had to move to a new neighborhood to achieve a more equal racial distribution in our city, highlighting an uncomfortable truth. New York City is one of the most segregated metropolitan areas in America, following a history of government and private sector practices – like redlining, blockbusting, unequal access to financing, real estate steering and exclusionary zoning – that served to exclude Black and Brown New Yorkers and low-income people from certain neighborhoods,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Chair of the Committee on Housing & Buildings. “I am proud to stand with Speaker Adrienne Adams today in announcing landmark legislation that will require the production of a Citywide Fair Housing Plan every five years. The Speaker’s bill thrusts our City once again into leadership on policy seeking to end systems of discrimination and blocked opportunities. A citywide Fair Housing plan that includes targets for low-income and supportive affordable housing at the community district level and calls for anti-displacement resources and investments in underserved communities, will lead us to a fairer, more just city for all.”
“New York City is in the midst of a housing crisis unlike anything we’ve ever experienced,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Chair of the Committee on Land Use. “At a time when more than 70,000 New Yorkers are sleeping in homeless shelters, and the city’s population growth far exceeds the number of new units produced each year, the time is now for the New York City Council to take bold legislative action that will create affordable housing across New York City; Speaker Adrienne Adams’ Fair Housing Framework does just that. In the South Bronx, I’ve approved over 8,000 units of affordable housing, including 6,000 units of new construction since being elected to office. The reality, though, is the South Bronx can’t solve the housing crisis alone. It takes a true citywide approach and buy-in from all 51 districts. I commend Speaker Adams for her leadership on this issue and look forward to working with my colleagues to implement this meaningful legislation.”
NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Agency Overtime Costs Grew By 47.2% in 2022, Marking An All-Time Hig
Attrition of State Workers Accelerated, Decline in Size of Workforce Continues Long-term Trend
Overtime costs at state agencies rose 47.2% to more than $1.36 billion in 2022, setting a new record, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Overtime hours increased 11.1% to 22.2 million over the same period. Overtime earnings comprised 7.5% of total payroll spending in 2022, a significant increase from the 4.6% average from 2013-2021.
“The workforce is the backbone of state government and many of the employees working overtime ensure that essential services are provided,” DiNapoli said. “People leaving state jobs drastically outpaced hiring in 2020 and 2021, and the sharp decline in the size of the workforce spurred longer hours on the job for many. However, overtime is not a long-term substitute for proper staffing levels. State agencies should ensure that overtime use is justified and that employees are not pushed to the point of burning out.”
Key Findings:
- Three agencies accounted for more than two-thirds of the state’s overtime including the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the Office of Mental Health (OMH). Together they comprised 24% of the workforce but accounted for 67.5% of the overtime hours and 68.5% of the overtime earnings logged by all state agencies in 2022.
- Overtime hours at the City University of New York (CUNY) and the Office of Children and Family Services increased more than 67% and 40%, respectively. Overtime earnings grew more than 51% and 112%, respectively.
- Fewer than 1 in 5 state agency employees work overtime. Six state agencies had more than 25% of their workforce accruing overtime in 2022. Veterans’ Homes and OPWDD had the highest shares, at 52.1% and 52% respectively, followed by the State Police at 44.2%.
- Pay per overtime hour averaged $61.41. This rate is almost one-third higher than in 2021. The State Police paid the highest average hourly rate, at $85.23 per overtime hour. OMH paid the next highest, at $71.30, followed by Children and Family Services at $67.98. The latter two agencies’ overtime pay per overtime hour went up over 61% and 51% respectively in 2022 compared to 2021.
State Workforce Trends
During the 10-year period, the average annual number of employees working for the state, excluding SUNY and CUNY, declined from 160,829 employees in 2013 to roughly 142,396 in 2022 – a drastic reduction from 15 years ago when the state workforce size was over 180,000.
The 2021 rate of attrition was the highest in the last ten years, with 16,858 people leaving the workforce, an increase of 26% from the prior year. New hiring declined sharply in 2020 but rebounded in 2021, though not nearly enough to match attrition.
Report
New York State Agency Use of Overtime and State Workforce Trends, 2013-2022