Governor Hochul Announces Actions to Modernize State Workforce and Government Operations as Part of FY 2024 Budget

 

From July 2023 to End of December 2025, New York State Will Waive Civil Service Exam Fees to Promote Equitable Access to Careers in State Government

Civil Service Exams To Be Offered On a More Frequent Basis and Provide Applicants With Maximum Flexibility

Twelve State-Operated Testing Centers to be Established Across State to Make State Civil Service Exams More Accessible for All Jobseekers

Includes Expansion of 55-B Hiring Program to Expand Job Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

Builds on Governor's State of the State Commitments to Rebuilding Public Workforce and Helping Government Work Better for All New Yorkers

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced several actions to modernize New York's public workforce and streamline government operations as part of the historic FY 2024 Budget. The actions include eliminating civil service application fees for state exams; offering civil service exams on an ongoing basis; and expanding the state's existing 55-B hiring program to increase job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Together, these actions reaffirm the Governor's commitment to making government work better for New Yorkers. 

"Since my early days as Erie County Clerk, I have been committed to cutting red tape and removing bureaucratic hurdles in government," Governor Hochul said. "From promoting equal access to civil service careers to expanding job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, the FY 2024 Budget includes transformative actions that will modernize the State workforce and make government work better for all New Yorkers."

As part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding the state’s workforce, the FY 2024 Budget will facilitate a hybrid workplace future through a new study and pilot program. With the increasing number of State workers who telecommute, New York State’s office spaces must be modernized to meet the needs of a more flexible workforce and enable a “work-anywhere” approach for State employees. Building spaces that work better for State employees, increasing flexibility, and ensuring the efficient utilization of existing State offices enables OGS to be a better steward of state assets while allowing the workers to focus on outcomes, supporting customers and clients, and improving service delivery.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York State has faced substantial hiring challenges, with the state government workforce facing a shortage of approximately 14,000 employees according to state data. The FY 2024 Budget includes several provisions, first announced in the Governor's 2023 State of the State address, to attract and retain top talent and increase the diversity of the public workforce to better reflect New York State. 

Make Civil Service Exams More Accessible 

The FY 2024 Budget will allow for civil service exams to be offered on an ongoing basis to provide candidates with more opportunities to take tests - a change that will also benefit state agencies and local governments. Currently, exams are typically held on an irregular basis, and if a candidate misses the exam on a given date, they are not able to take the exam until it is offered again.  By offering exams more frequently under a modern and efficient exam process, state agencies and local governments will have a more sizable pool of qualified candidates to fill crucial public-sector roles.  Exams will also be offered in a variety of formats, including online exams as well as in-person exams to be held at 12 newly established state-operated computer-based testing centers for state civil service exams. 

Remove Civil Service Exam Fees 

Civil service exam fees can serve as a substantial barrier to entering public service, particularly for candidates from traditionally marginalized communities. While fee waivers currently exist for veterans, as well as individuals that are unemployed or receiving public assistance, the majority of test-takers must pay an exam fee. The Budget will support the waiving of exam fees, beginning in July 2023 and ending in December 2025, to remove this barrier for entry for individuals taking state civil service exams.  

Increase Job Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities 

The FY 2024 Budget strengthens the 55-B specialized hiring program to increase job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Under the plan, New York State will increase the number of state positions hired through this program to open career pathways for individuals with disabilities. The growth of this program will create more opportunities for meaningful employment in New York State government among this historically underrepresented group. 

Modernizing New York State Procurement 

As part of Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to streamlining government processes, the FY 2024 Budget formalizes the Governor's eProcurement initiative to make centralized contracting through the New York State Office of General Services simpler, more modern, and more accessible. The Budget allows for the creation of electronic bidding, which will make it easier for New Yorkers to do business with New York State agencies, local governments, and nonprofit entities. Through eProcurement, the State will also increase transparency, lower barriers to participation (particularly for minority- and women-owned businesses), improve the buyer experience, and allow for data-informed decision-making to better meet the needs of New Yorkers.  

Governor Hochul's 2023 State of the State Address 

The FY 2024 Budget builds on several initiatives announced in Governor Hochul's 2023 State of the State address to strengthen the public workforce and government operations. The Governor previously announced the creation of Civil Service Specialist positions at Department of Labor Career Centers to serve as liaisons between jobseekers and the Department of Civil Service, as well as other state agencies, to help candidates better navigate the Civil Service Merit System and provide them with greater support in navigating available job opportunities across state government. The Governor also announced a multi-faceted marketing campaign to raise awareness of the many diverse career paths available across public service and the unique benefits of employment with New York State.

MAYOR ADAMS, SBS COMMISSIONER KIM KICK OFF ‘SMALL BUSINESS MONTH’ BY ANNOUNCING $22 MILLION SAVED IN FINES, VIOLATIONS FOR NYC SMALL BUSINESSES SINCE BEGINNING OF ADMINISTRATION

 

‘NYC BEST’ Initiative Has Served More Than 2,200 Small Businesses

 

Five-Borough ‘Small Business Month’ Tour Brings Small Business Education, Recruitment, Financing Assistance, and More Directly to Communities

 

New Data Shows 99.7 Percent of Private Sector Jobs Lost During Pandemic Recovered

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim today kicked off “Small Business Month” by announcing that the NYC Business Express Service Team (BEST) initiative has helped save New York City small businesses more than $22 million by avoiding fines and violations. Since the free program’s launch, NYC BEST has assisted more than 2,200 diverse businesses across the five boroughs by providing small businesses with one-on-one expert support to help business owners not only resolve or avoid fines and violations, but also save time and money navigating city government rules and regulations, as well as expedite permit and licensing processes. Among the businesses served is Leidylicious Cakes, a new bakery in Queens, where the mayor also announced the launch of “Small Business Month” to promote New York City’s diverse small businesses throughout the month of May, expanding on “National Small Business Week” recognized each year.

 

“New York City is where dreams are made, and we want every small business to get their slice of that dream,” said Mayor Adams. “That is why, in my first few months in office, I signed the Small Business Forward Executive Order, which cut red tape and removed bureaucratic boulders for small businesses across the five boroughs. I am proud to announce that since the beginning of our administration, we have assisted more than 2,200 businesses through our NYC BEST initiative — expediting permit and licensing processes and helping small businesses save $22 million by avoiding fines and violations. Working New Yorkers deserve their fair share, and we are lifting burdens off hardworking New Yorkers so they can get their businesses up and running, while simultaneously putting money back into their pockets. We are adding the right ingredients to make small businesses grow in New York City. This Small Business Month, I encourage every New Yorker to go out and support your neighborhood stores, and, most importantly, spend money!”

 

“Small Business Month is a celebration and affirmation of the extraordinary shops, restaurants, and venues that make our city special, and it is an opportunity to showcase the impressive array of supports, programs, and grants that Small Business Services offers,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Over the last year, our economic and small businesses recovery has truly taken hold and I’m proud of SBS programs like the Business Express Service Team for helping businesses in every neighborhood launch and thrive.”

 

“SBS is expanding the celebration of small businesses to a full month, but we work every day to lift up business owners who keep our communities thriving,” said SBS Commissioner Kim. “In the past 16 months, we’ve slashed bureaucratic red tape and saved millions for small businesses, helped diverse businesses contract with city government agencies at record levels, and launched a $75 million NYC Opportunity Fund — the largest public/private partnership loan fund directed to small businesses in New York City history. New York City is back!” 

 

“One in nine businesses in New York City started in the last year, which is a testimony to the strength of the small business community and entrepreneurial nature of New Yorkers,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Small businesses are core to Mayor Adams’ Blueprint for Economic Recovery and a reason why New York is adding jobs faster than any other big city in the country.”

 

“We are delighted to celebrate the growing success of BEST, and the needed regulatory relief it offers to the small businesses that serve as the true engines of our city’s can-do-economy,” said New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission (CPC) Chair Dan Garodnick. “At City Planning, we are working on another mayoral priority, the ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity,’ which, if adopted by the City Council, would remove hundreds of outdated zoning rules that today serve only to handicap small businesses.”

 

“A meaningful part of my charge as New York City’s first-ever citywide chief business diversity officer is to ensure that we create an environment that’s responsive to the needs of our small businesses — the backbone of our city,” said Citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner.  “Our small businesses are not only reflective of the great diversity that makes this the greatest city in the world, but are also critical to promoting healthy communities, providing opportunities to New York City’s talented workforce, building generational wealth, and ensuring a stable tax base. I stand with Mayor Eric Adams in his commitment to small businesses via the New York City Business Express Service Team and our aggressive goals for the New York City M/WBE program in awarding $25 billion in contracts to city certified M/WBEs by Fiscal Year 2026 and $60 billion by Fiscal Year 2030.”  

 

“Leidylicious is the realization of a dream I’ve had since I started baking at nine years old, and opening this new door surrounded by friends, family, Mayor Adams and SBS makes the experience even sweeter,” said Leidy Cardona, owner, Leidylicious Bakery. “Thanks to the help I received with licenses and permits from SBS’ NYC BEST team, my vision became a reality even faster and I am happy to now share it with all of you during Small Business Month and beyond!”

 

Small Business Month also kicks off as New York City continues to experience a massive economic boomerang, with the city’s having recovered 99.7 percent of pre-pandemic private sector jobs — a comeback once predicted to take until 2025 or later — according to the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). A 100 percent recovery — which is projected to be just weeks away — will mark a record for the highest number of private sector jobs across the five boroughs in New York City’s history.

 

New data from NYSDOL also shows the city has recovered more than 91 percent of accommodation and food services jobs — one of the hardest-hit industries by the pandemic — with its being the fastest growing private sector industry in the city this year.

 

From corner retail to professional consulting firms, small businesses help power New York City’s economy and have been a major driver of the city’s recent recovery. They contribute to the city’s dynamism — making neighborhoods unique and providing income to New Yorkers across the five boroughs. According to the EDC, 94 percent of all private firms in New York City are small businesses, 25,000 small businesses started in New York City between the recovery period of the second quarter (Q2) of 2020 – Q2 2022, and approximately 1 million people are employed by small businesses in New York City. The Adams administration is therefore dedicated to continuing work to make New York City a small business haven. ‘City of Yes for Economic Opportunity’ seeks to modernize zoning to make it easier for small businesses to open and to expand. The in-the-works proposal would, for the first time, proactively allow small producers — like bakeries, breweries, ceramic studios, dress makers, and more — locate and grow in commercial corridors closer to where New Yorkers live and shop.

 

Small Business Month is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to come together and support small businesses — particularly new businesses that have launched since the pandemic. In a series of celebrations, community events, and workshops, Small Business Month will bring small business education, worker recruitment, financing assistance, resiliency preparedness, and other programs directly into commercial corridors throughout the five boroughs, while encouraging New Yorkers to support the locally-owned shops that make New York City unique.

 

A full calendar of May Small Business Month events can be found online.

  

Queens Woman Charged With Fraudulently Obtaining Government Funds

 

Public Employee Allegedly Submitted Fraudulent Applications for Unemployment Insurance Benefits and U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loans

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John Gay, the Inspector General of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Office of Inspector General (“PA-OIG”), Jonathan Mellone, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging JASMIN GADSON, an employee of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with wire fraud and theft of government funds for submitting fraudulent applications to obtain unemployment insurance benefits from the New York State Department of Labor at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  During that period, GADSON also allegedly submitted fraudulent applications for loans under the United States Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  GADSON was arrested this morning and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in Manhattan federal court.  

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jasmin Gadson, an employee of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, allegedly stole government funds intended to help those who were struggling as a result of a national emergency.  This Office will continue to prosecute those who used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to line their pockets with fraudulently obtained taxpayer money.”

PA-OIG Inspector General John Gay said: “We are appalled that a toll collector, on her own time, allegedly filed for fraudulent government benefits.”  

DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “An important part of the mission of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to Pandemic unemployment insurance programs.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “As alleged, Jasmin Gadson not only fraudulently claimed unemployment benefits while actively employed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, but this defendant also defrauded a program intended to assist hardworking Americans who were financially impacted due to the unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis.  HSI will not abide those who engage in theft of federal funds destined to help the financially vulnerable.  I am extremely grateful to our partners at the Port Authority of NY/NJ, Office of the Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, as well as HSI New York’s Document & Benefit Fraud Task Force for uncovering and investigating Gadson’s criminal scheme that allegedly defrauded U.S. taxpayers out of $78,000.” 

According to the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and publicly available information:[1]

JASMIN GADSON is currently employed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where she has worked since 2015.  Beginning in the summer of 2020 through the fall of 2021, she submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the New York State Department of Labor and fraudulent applications for PPP loans to the SBA.  In support of her fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, GADSON falsely claimed, in an initial application and weekly verifications, that the last date that she worked was during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.  At all times from March 2020 through the present, GADSON was employed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and received salary or paid sick leave or was on unpaid protected parental leave.  During that period, she received full health benefits and was not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.  In addition, GADSON falsely claimed five-figure net revenues for a business that did not exist in support of her fraudulent PPP loan applications.  

Between both of these schemes, GADSON stole more than $78,000 from the New York State Department of Labor, the SBA, and financial institutions that issued SBA-guaranteed loans.

JASMIN GADSON, 29, of Queens, New York, is charged with wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the PA-OIG, the DOL-OIG, and HSI.  The investigation was conducted by HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (“DBFTF”), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth herein constitutes only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MECHANIC INDICTED ON CRIMINALLY NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE IN FATAL ELEVATOR PLUNGE IN BRONX BUILDING

 

Elevator Fell Six Stories, Crushing Victim Defendant Allegedly Failed to Execute Safety Procedures

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a mechanic has been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide for failing to implement critical safety features, which led to an elevator collapse that killed his co-worker.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, a mechanic, was working with the victim to upgrade an elevator inside a Bronx building. The defendant allegedly failed to comply with multiple safety protocols, and because of those faults the elevator car plunged six stories, killing his co-worker. If safety measures had been followed, the victim would still be alive today. The defendant was arraigned today on Criminally Negligent Homicide.

 “Coincidentally, this week is Construction Safety Week, which brings awareness to vital safety practices in the construction industry. Jobs in this field can be extremely dangerous, and workers must be protected. Regulations must be followed to prevent perilous situations and work related deaths.”

 New York City Department of Investigations Commissioner Jocelyn Stauber said, “A worker was fatally crushed by a free-falling elevator because his supervisor, an experienced mechanic, failed to follow the most basic safety protocols, as alleged in the indictment. This senseless tragedy was entirely preventable, and I thank District Attorney Clark for her commitment to hold accountable those who flout the City’s Building Code."

 District Attorney Clark said Peter Milatz, 67, of Orange County, NY, was arraigned today on one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He was given supervised release and is due back in court on June 8, 2023.

 According to the investigation, on February 18, 2021, the victim, Joseph Rosa, 25, an apprentice mechanic, was working with Milatz, a senior mechanic who has since retired, on the modernization of an elevator inside a six-story building located on 133rd Street East Clarke Place. At the time of the incident, Milatz and Rosa were working on replacing the steel-wire ropes that ran between the elevator cabin and the elevator counterweight. Milatz allegedly instructed Rosa to go to the pit at the bottom of the shaft while he worked on the sixth floor, where the elevator cabin was. Rosa secured the counterweight, a standard procedure, then used a small saw to cut through the ropes, at Milatz’s instruction. The elevator cabin plunged down the shaft and crushed Rosa.

 According to the investigation, the defendant allegedly failed to comply with a procedure that required him to “hang” the elevator cabin, which suspends chains and/or engages the elevator’s brake. That procedure prevents the elevator from falling when the ropes are cut. Additionally, the defendant allegedly removed a critical safety feature called the governor--which triggers the braking system on all elevators--two weeks earlier in order to replace it with a new one. The replacement would not fit properly, but instead of reinstalling the old governor, Milatz allegedly continued to work on the elevator without the safety feature.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked Department of Buildings Chief Inspector Luis Vazquez.

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

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on the 2023-2024 New York State Budget

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera joined his colleagues in the Senate Majority to vote for the 10 bills of the 2023-2024 New York State Budget. Senator Rivera voted in favor of all bills, including Aid to Localities, Debt Service, Revenue, Capital Projects, State Operations, Legislature and Judiciary, Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation (TEDE), Public Protection and General Government (PPGG), Education, Labor, and Family Assistance (ELFA), and Health and Mental Hygiene (HMH).

BUDGET OVERVIEW

“This budget represents the best agreement we could get due to the Governor’s intransigence. Unfortunately, this is a budget of lost opportunities. I am very grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and our entire Democratic Conference for fighting to reduce the harm that many of the Executive proposals would have caused. In the short time that we have left this session, I know that our conference will focus on addressing the concerns of working-class New Yorkers that were not addressed by the Governor’s misguided priorities.

Instead of directly addressing the severe affordability crisis facing millions of New Yorkers, the Governor prioritized proposals that serve wealthy and powerful interests. Housing costs are the driving factor in the rising cost of living across our state, so we must take action to create an affordable housing market where homeownership is accessible and renters have stability. Yet, Good Cause Eviction was discarded, the minimum wage increase proposal needed by so many was watered down, and the resounding call to tax billionaires and corporations went ignored.

Holding the line on the issues that New Yorkers care the most about does not end with this budget. The Bronx sent me to Albany to advance policies that will keep them in affordable homes, provide services that make our communities safer, and ensure healthcare and stability for every New Yorker. I will remain relentless in fighting for proven solutions and governing in the interest of my neighbors and community."

HEALTH

"After a decade of austerity in the health budget, we could and should have done more to ensure the long-term financial stability of struggling healthcare institutions, particularly our safety net hospitals and community-based health centers. This budget does begin to address the needs of struggling healthcare institutions by implementing historic Medicaid reimbursement rate increases for hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, but we must do more.

Another positive development is that amidst a maternal mortality emergency, I’m thrilled we will provide Medicaid coverage for doulas, who make an undeniable impact in keeping pregnant New Yorkers healthy through birth.

The failings of this part of the budget are largely in what was not included. It is as confounding as it is upsetting that my Coverage For All proposal was excluded. New York would have saved $400 million by offering health coverage to 240,000 New Yorkers for essential care instead of being forced to depend solely on emergency care. The administration’s decision not to seek federal funds to cover this population is not only devastating for immigrant New Yorkers, but fiscally irresponsible.

I am dismayed that the Governor decided to move forward with the pharmacy carve out and refused to explore my proposed compromise bill that would have safeguarded our 340B safety-net providers and their vulnerable patients, protected pharmacies financially, and regulated Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Additionally, the Governor failed to take the actions necessary to address operational concerns connected to her 340B plan which has already led to reduced healthcare services in our communities. I also find it particularly distressing that the Governor flagrantly disregarded recommendations by the Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF) Board, by choosing to solely direct money to Office of Addiction Services and Supports rather than the Department of Health, the agency that oversees successful harm reduction and public health programs for people who use drugs. If the Governor is serious about ending an overdose epidemic that is deadlier than ever, she will work with us to direct settlement funds to proven harm reduction programs in the neighborhoods that need them."

THE BIG UGLY

"We pushed back against the Governor’s outlandish proposal to eliminate the cap on New York City charter schools and allowed the reauthorization of only 14 zombie charters. I’m proud that we worked to maintain Foundation Aid funding for our public schools and won millions for school meals and capital funding for libraries. We must continue to push back on the Executive’s attempts to run two education systems instead of investing in the quality public system that most families rely on.

It is short-sighted, but not surprising, that the Governor made another attempt to reform bail laws to further criminalize poverty instead of focusing on the services and economic justice we need for safer communities. As leaders, we should focus on living wages, affordable housing, healthcare, and violence intervention programs that prevent crime, as opposed to relenting to fearmongering and misinformation.”

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

"The New York State Climate Justice Working Group recently finalized criteria for disadvantaged communities that will be the first to benefit from the historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and almost every community I represent in the Bronx meets this criteria. That’s why I fight for policies and programs that support a green economy and combat the health inequities exacerbated by environmental injustice.

This budget includes bold policies to combat climate change, address environmental justice, and reduce emissions. We won major concessions to include the Build Public Renewables Act with real teeth and advance the All-Electric Buildings Act, creating historic pathways for our state to meet the CLCPA goals of zero-emission electricity while ensuring that labor and environmental justice communities have a seat at the table. We’ll also enact a cap-and-invest program that will take emitters to task. I’m proud to be part of a Senate Majority that is committed to implementing policies that will set an example for the nation on investing in clean, sustainable energy infrastructure."

SENATE DISTRICT 33

"This budget allocates funding for many local initiatives and organizations serving my Bronx constituents including gun violence prevention programs, legal services for vulnerable communities, and landmark cultural institutions.”

District Funding Highlights:

•   $135,000 for Housing Court Answers
•   $290,000 for Mobilization for Justice
•   $250,000 for Bronx Legal Services
•   $15 million in additional funding for legal representation for tenants for a total of $50 million.
•   $140,000 for the Hope Program (Sustainable South Bronx).
•   $140,000 for Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortland Development Corporation.
•   Increases $20 million for institutions including the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo.
•   $1.5 million for additional gun violence prevention grants.
•   Reappropriates $100.5 million exclusively for the development of the Kingsbridge Armory.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on State Budget for SFY 2023-24

 

"The state budget makes important investments in education and health care, including mental health care, and provides significant, recurring funding to the MTA that will help close budget gaps. The Governor has stated that reserves will equal 15% of State Operating Funds, consistent with recommendations I have long advocated. The budget also makes statutory changes that increase the allowable deposits and balances of the state's rainy day reserves. The state should put this authority to use by relying more on statutory, rather than informal, reserves. This will help New York catch up with other states in preparing for economic and budgetary risks.

"With an end to federal pandemic aid approaching and the possibility of an economic downturn, it is unclear how recurring obligations will match recurring revenue in the years ahead, which could mean outyear budget gaps that put future funding of critical programs in jeopardy. There is still too much spending through lump sums without details, and the budget still lacks much needed transparency. Provisions were included that appear to exempt approximately $5 billion from Comptroller oversight. There is also a significant increase in capital projects funding which will place more burden on the state’s remaining debt capacity and New York's already high debt levels.  

"My office will review the final enacted budget and release an analysis in the coming weeks."

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Curb the Illicit Cannabis Market in New York State as Part of the FY 2024 Budget

New Laws Empower the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance to Take Actions Against Unlicensed Dispensaries

Penalties Include Fines of Up to $20,000 Per Day

OCM May Seize Product and Seek Injunctions to Close Illicit Shops; DTF May Issue Fines and Penalties for Unpaid Taxes

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed new legislation to increase civil and tax penalties for the unlicensed and illicit sale of cannabis in New York as part of the FY 2024 Budget. The legislation, first proposed by the Governor in March, provides additional enforcement power to the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance to enforce the new regulatory requirements and close stores engaged in the illegal sale of cannabis.

"As New York State continues to roll out a nation-leading model to establish its cannabis industry, these critical enforcement measures will protect New Yorkers from illicit, unregulated sales," Governor Hochul said. "Unlicensed dispensaries violate our laws, put public health at risk, and undermine the legal cannabis market. With these enforcement tools, we're paving the way for safer products, reinvestment in communities that endured years of disproportionate enforcement, and greater opportunities for New Yorkers."

The legislation empowers the Office of Cannabis Management and the Department of Taxation and Finance to curb the sale and/or gifting of cannabis from unlicensed storefronts and trucks across New York State. Specifically, this change to state law will allow the Office of Cannabis Management to assess civil penalties against unlicensed cannabis businesses that would undercut their efforts, with fines of up to $20,000 a day for the most egregious conduct. This legislation also makes it a crime to sell cannabis and cannabis products without a license.

Additionally, this legislation will bolster the Office of Cannabis Management's ability to conduct regulatory inspections of businesses selling cannabis and cannabis products, as well as businesses that sell and give away cannabis and cannabis products in indirect ways, such as so-called "sticker shops." The Office of Cannabis Management will seize untested cannabis and cannabis products from unlicensed businesses, and will seek court-orders, closing orders, and removal of commercial tenants who are selling cannabis and cannabis products without the appropriate license.

The Department of Taxation and Finance will now be able to conduct regulatory inspections of businesses selling cannabis to determine if appropriate taxes have been paid and will be able to levy civil penalties in cases where appropriate taxes have not been paid. The legislation also establishes a new tax fraud crime for businesses that willfully fail to collect or remit required cannabis taxes, or knowingly possess for sale any cannabis on which tax was required to be paid but was not.

Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said, "Today, the State took a necessary step to protect the public health of New Yorkers and to support our state's growing cannabis industry. I appreciate Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for demonstrating their commitment to establishing the most equitable cannabis market in the nation. Today's legislation will further those goals by giving the Office of Cannabis Management real power to shut down businesses trying to flout our laws and ensure that communities who were promised reinvestment dollars are not shortchanged."

New York State Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller said, "Strengthening tax laws as they pertain to the cannabis industry and providing for robust and fair enforcement will help the industry to be successful over the long term."

OCM has awarded 165 licenses to date with more to be awarded this month at the Cannabis Control Board meeting. There are currently eight successful dispensaries and one delivery operation in the State, including non-profits, entrepreneurs and a woman-owned business in Manhattan and Queens, entrepreneurs in Ithaca and Schenectady, a non-profit in Binghamton and the state's first delivery business in Albany, with more dispensaries to open in the coming weeks and months. All regulated, licensed dispensaries must post the Dispensary Verification Tool near their main entrance.

On April 18, Governor Hochul announced the launch of "Why Buy Legal New York" to promote safer, informed, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New York State. This public education campaign provides information on how to find legal dispensaries in New York and tips on how to consume cannabis safely. Materials are available at: cannabis.ny.gov/consumers. 

VNNA Candidates Night 13th Council District

 

VNNA Candidates Night 13th Council District

By Robert Press

The Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance held a candidates night for the hotly contested 13th City Council race. Currently there are seven candidates ruled on the ballot by the New York City Board of Elections. Four candidates will face off in the  Democratic primary, while three candidates will face off in the Republican primary, and there is also a primary in the Conservative Party of two or three candidates in the Republican primary that will be decided in court. 

Interim Acting President of the VNNA Sharlene Jackson Mendez conducted the candidates night since the President of the VNNA Bernadette Ferrera was forced to take a leave of absence  according to the VNNA by-laws that state any officer must take a leave of absence to run for public office. 

Only four of the seven candidates attended the VNNA Candidates Night, Democrats John Perez and Irene Estrada, and Republicans Kristy Marmorato and George Havranek. Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Democratic candidate and President of the VNNA Bernadette Ferrara, and Republican candidate Hasime Samantha Zherka were no shows to the VNNA candidates night. All candidates should show up to let the people know what they have done if they are the incumbent as to why the voters should re-elect them, and all challengers showing up to say why they are better candidates than the current Council member and why voters should vote for them.

The two hour long candidates night included introductions by each candidate present, questions from the Acting Interim President Jackson Mendez to the candidates on a wide range of topics of concern to the Van Nest community which included Public Safety, Public Charter and Parochial  school education, the condition of NYCHA buildings in the 13th Council District, and questions from the audience which were geared to the Van Nest community. The answers to the questions were basically the same from the candidates with the often I agree with what that candidate said with a minor difference here or there.  

Opening statements from the candidates were, Irene Estrada of her work with the Clergy Coalition, and that she was against 1900 Seminole Avenue, and that past Republican Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa was supporting her. George Havranek mentioned that he ran sports programs, is the President of the Spencer Estates Homeowners, he was a member of Community Board 10 and was not reappointed to the board for opposing the Bruckner Upzoning. Kristy Marmorato said that she grew up in Throggs Neck and Pelham Bay and now lives in Morris Park, She is a wife, mother of a six year old child, has two elderly parents in the district, and works in the Health Care industry. John Perez that he is not shy to stand up for what is right, he wants to help those who can't help themselves, the assault on the Bronx cannot be done by one community  but that it must be a team effort and that his U.S. Army experience as a team leader will make it work for the district.  

(L - R) Candidates present at the VNNA Candidates Night, Democrat John Perez, Republican George Havranek, Republican Kristy Marmorato, and Democrat Irene Estrada. 

VNNA Acting Interim President Sharlene Jackson Mendez reads a question to the candidates that were present. VNNA Secretary Marion Manfredi is also in the photo seated on the right.

Candidate John Perez as he gives his opening statement.

Candidate Kristy Marmorato giving her opening speech.

Candidate George Havranek giving his opening speech. There is no photo of candidate Irene Estrada giving her opening speech.