NYIC Action Unveils Endorsements for Pro-Immigrant Candidates for New York City Council

 

Today, NYIC Action, the 501(c)4 sister organization of the New York Immigration Coalition, announced its endorsements for the New York City Council. All endorsed candidates have enthusiastically committed to championing NYIC Action’s policy platform, “2023: A Vision for New York City,” a plan that works to protect the rights of all New Yorkers and pushes legislation initiatives that will help immigrants not just survive but thrive in New York.

NYIC Action’s agenda is centered in five policy areas that are critical to immigrants in New York City. The issue areas include: ending state support for detention; deportation and mass incarceration; creating healthy communities; securing quality education; building political power and guaranteed civil rights; and ensuring economic justice and good jobs.

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:
“With the arrival of over 50,000 asylum seekers since last spring, New York City is at a critical moment in building on its rich history as a welcoming city for all immigrants. To meet the needs of this moment, it is more important than ever that we have champions in city government who are fighting for the rights and security of every single New Yorker, whether they arrived here 30 years or 30 days ago. In the last City Council elections in 2021, NYIC Action helped propel a range of pro-immigrant candidates into office. In 2023, we are pleased to endorse an exciting slate of candidates who over the last two years have shown their commitment to supporting our immigrant communities. When this slate is elected we will be in an even stronger position to pass legislation that centers the health, education, jobs and rights of our immigrant neighbors.”

NYIC Action's endorsed candidates are:

In Manhattan: 

• Christopher Marte - District 1
• Carlina Rivera - District 2
• Erik Bottcher - District 3
• Julie Menin - District 5
• Gale Brewer - District 6
• Shaun Abreu - District 7
• Diana Ayala - District 8
• Carmen De La Rosa - District 10 

In The Bronx: 

• Marjorie Velazquez - District 13
• Pierina Sanchez - District 14
• Althea Stevens - District 16
• Amanda Farias - District 18

In Brooklyn: 

• Jennifer Gutiérrez - District 34
• Crystal Hudson - District 35
• Chi Ossé - District 36
• Sandy Nurse - District 37
• Alexa Aviles - District 38
• Shahana Hanif - District 39
• Rita Joseph - District 40
• Justin Brannan - District 47

In Queens:

• Francisco Moya - District 21
• Tiffany Cabán - District 22
• Linda Lee - District 23
• Shekar Krishnan - District 25
• Nantasha Williams - District 27
• Adrienne Adams - District 28
• Lynn Schulman - District 29

MAYOR ADAMS LAUNCHES FIRST PHASE OF MYCITY PORTAL TO EASILY HELP NEW YORKERS CHECK ELIGIBILITY, APPLY FOR, AND TRACK CITY SERVICES AND BENEFITS

 

Simplified Child Care Application Kicks Off New Portal to Make City Services More Accessible to New Yorkers 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser today announced the first phase of the launch of the MyCity portal, a one-stop shop for city services and benefits, that will make it easier for New Yorkers to interact with and access the support of a multitude of city agencies. Beginning today, MyCity users will be able to easily check eligibility, apply for, and track services and benefits in the city’s 10 most common languages, as well as securely save their information and documentation for future applications as they apply for child care. The launch of this first phase of MyCity delivers on a promise made by Mayor Adams to create a user-friendly interface that allows for the close collaboration of the numerous agencies involved and provides easier access to city government for New Yorkers. Later this year, the Adams administration will launch phase two of the MyCity portal to assist job seekers and small business owners. 

 

“New Yorkers are busy 24/7 so today we are making it easier for New Yorkers to access city services — 24/7,” said Mayor Adams. “The newly launched MyCity online portal will allow New Yorkers to go online, easily search, apply for, and track city services and benefits right from their smartphones or computers — and we’re starting by spotlighting child care. For the first time, families who need help paying for child care can apply in one place, with one application. We are using the power of technology to reduce the bureaucracy and red tape in our government, to help New Yorkers get the services their taxes pay for, and to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for the working people of this city.”

 

  

MyCity Services section where New Yorkers will seek services and benefits.

“With the launch of the MyCity portal, the Adams administration is making government work for working families,” said First Deputy Mayor Wright. “For too long, families had to navigate endless red tape, a broken bureaucracy, and a needlessly complicated system to access critical child care services. MyCity takes child care into the 21^st century and finally delivers a quality, easy-to-use portal that meets the needs of working families.”

 

“Whether you are a parent trying to learn about child care resources, a person in need of food assistance, or someone connecting with the city to see what other supports might be available for you or your family, there is nothing more frustrating than having to work through an arduous, opaque process,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Resources Anne Williams-Isom. “That’s all changing with MyCity, which will enable New Yorkers to move through one portal to seek a variety of services, check their status, and hold their information in a central place. The new portal will make accessing city services simpler, more efficient, and more user-friendly.” 

 

“New Yorkers deserve a better user experience when interacting with city government,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer and New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Commissioner Fraser. “MyCity raises the bar for the way New York City delivers services and benefits — creating a central hub to check eligibility in real-time, submit applications, see service status, and safely store documentation for future use. I thank the Office of Technology and Innovation team and our agency partners for their tireless work in delivering on Mayor Adams’ vision of a more efficient, modern government. We are eager to see the impact this has on the lives of New Yorkers and to continue adding services to MyCity.”

 

“To help raise our next generation of leaders and community members, we must work to provide our families the tools and resources they need to set our youngest New Yorkers up for success,” said New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks. “The MyCity portal will allow families to understand and obtain the services that are available to them, making assistance easier to obtain. I’m immensely proud of our city leaders and agencies for working hand-in-hand to make this possible for our children and families.”

 

“Families seeking quality child care for their little one deserve an inviting, modern, and user-friendly experience — and the MyCity portal will provide exactly that,” said New York City Administration for Children Services (ACS) Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Now, applying for child care assistance will be easier than ever before, allowing our dedicated ACS team to get much-needed child care vouchers into the hands of thousands more families. I want to thank Mayor Adams, First Deputy Mayor Wright, Deputy Mayor Williams-Isom, and Chief Technology Officer Fraser for their leadership in envisioning and realizing this critical advancement for New York City families.”

 

“New York City parents and caretakers have long deserved a clear, accessible, and supportive way to apply for child care assistance, and MyCity has delivered this opportunity,” said New York City Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Executive Director Michelle Paige. “MyCity guides the parents and caretakers through the child care assistance application, streamlining the application experience by only asking for the information that is necessary. The Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education is excited that this resource is designed to be accessible in multiple languages and accommodates families with disabilities through enabled screen readers. The launch of MyCity is a huge win for families seeking child care assistance and for the providers that are here to care for and educate New York City’s youngest learners. Thank you to all of the teams that worked diligently to support our families.”

 

“Governor Hochul has prioritized making child care more accessible, affordable, and equitable for all New Yorkers, and OCFS is thrilled to be partnering with ACS to make that a reality,” said Suzanne Miles-Gustave, acting commissioner, State Office of Children and Family Services. “The MyCity online child care assistance portal will significantly improve the application process for New York City families. By offering it in 10 languages and with screen readers, it aligns with the state’s promise to open doors to child care programs for historically underserved communities. This tool complements our new online screening app and OCFS remains committed to assisting with further system enhancements across the state to boost access to these invaluable family supports.” 

  

MyCity will rebuild city services from the ground up to meet the modern needs of New Yorkers. Anyone with an internet connection on their phone or computer will be able to log onto mycity.nyc.gov using their IDNYC login or by using an existing email address to authenticate their account. For government agencies, MyCity will act as a centralized data repository that enables greater information sharing across government agencies to achieve faster results for New Yorkers.

 

The launch is the result of a cross-government collaboration between OTI, ACS, DOE, the New York City Department of Social Services, and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Before today’s launch, the city conducted months of user-testing sessions where New Yorkers unaffiliated with the project shared invaluable feedback.

 

Today’s phase one launch features the new streamlined child care assistance application, which sets a new benchmark for digital government services by consolidating a complicated paper application used by multiple government agencies (DOE and ACS) into a single online form that is expected to serve tens of thousands of New Yorkers annually and dramatically reduce the often confusing and time-consuming elements of the paper application as New Yorkers apply for and receive assistance. Once an application is submitted, agency staff will review the application and provide status updates to applicants through MyCity. Families will also be able to self-screen to determine whether they may be eligible for assistance before they even apply. Reducing the need for paper applications — the majority of which were rejected because of missing required documents — will further streamline and improve the application process. Families will still be able to mail in paper applications if they prefer that option. Phase one of MyCity also directs New Yorkers to existing resources for small businesses owners and job seekers, as well as to the city’s benefits screener.

 

The first phase of MyCity’s launch not only continues Mayor Adams’ efforts to expand access to affordable child care services, but also does so by streamlining government and breaking down silos. In June 2022, the Adams administration released “Accessible, Equitable, High-quality, Affordable: A Blueprint for Child Care & Early Childhood Education in New York City,” which expanded access to child care for the city’s 500,000 children under five years old and committed to making $800 million in additional child care investments over the next four years — raising allocated funding for child care spending to approximately $2 billion.    

Former Law Firm Partner Arrested For Bankruptcy Fraud

 

Defendant Submitted Fake Bank Record to Court

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JOHN ROESSER, a former attorney, with abusing the bankruptcy system by making false statements under penalty of perjury and submitting falsified records.  By February 2022, after years as a partner at major law firms, ROESSER owed the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) millions of dollars in income taxes and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Through multiple false statements, ROESSER lied to the Bankruptcy Court and the IRS about his purported receipt of millions of dollars in order to receive the protections of bankruptcy and keep his assets – including a multi-million-dollar residence and an Aston Martin sports car – while not paying his bills.  ROESSER was arrested this morning in Bronxville, New York, and will be presented today in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Bankruptcy is a lifeline for many people who need its protections to keep their lives together.  The defendant allegedly corrupted and degraded a system that helps so many.  As alleged, he manipulated the bankruptcy system by lying and falsifying bank records so that he could use its protections to keep his assets and to avoid paying his bills.  And he should have known better — he used to be a lawyer.  This Office will always bring to justice those who use their status to abuse the public’s trust and to try to put themselves above the law.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “As alleged, Roesser committed bankruptcy fraud when he lied to both the Bankruptcy Court and the IRS about his receipt of millions of dollars so he could retain his assets – which included a multi-million-dollar residence and a luxury sports car – while avoiding paying his bills.  The FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who attempt to fraudulently exploit our nation’s legitimate financial protections to satisfy their own selfish desires.”

As alleged in the Indictment:[1]

From in or about March 2013 through in or about January 2018, ROESSER was a partner at three multinational law firms.  During his time as a partner at these law firms, ROESSER earned substantial income — and incurred substantial income tax liability.  ROESSER resigned from the New York bar in or about June 2020 after admitting to misappropriating client funds.

By 2022, ROESSER owed the IRS, and others, over three million dollars.  He also owned a house that he estimated was worth millions of dollars and an Aston Martin Rapide, a luxury sports car.  Instead of paying his debts, in February 2022, ROESSER filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.  See In re John Roesser, No. 22 Bk. 22049 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.) (the “Bankruptcy”).  In a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a debtor may remain “in possession,” meaning that the debtor keeps possession and control of his assets during the bankruptcy.  But a debtor-in-possession must propose a viable plan of reorganization, which creditors then vote on.  If a debtor fails to comply with the requirements of Chapter 11, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy can be converted to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or dismissed.  In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an appointed trustee usually converts a debtor’s assets into cash for distribution among creditors.  If a bankruptcy is dismissed, the debtor loses the protections of bankruptcy; for example, creditors can take steps to seize a debtor’s assets.

ROESSER told the Bankruptcy Court and the IRS that he would soon receive millions of dollars and be able to pay his debts while keeping his house.  Then, ROESSER filed a false declaration and submitted falsified records in the Bankruptcy indicating that he had received millions of dollars.  This was false.  ROESSER was concealing that he had not received millions of dollars after all, in a fraudulent effort to retain control of his assets while avoiding payment of his debts.

On or about March 3, 2023, after some of the above false statements were withdrawn by ROESSER’s attorney in the Bankruptcy, ROESSER’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy was dismissed.  Without the protections of bankruptcy, creditors can now take steps to seize ROESSER’s assets to pay his debts.

ROESSER, 52, of Bronxville, New York, is charged with one count of falsification of records in bankruptcy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of false oaths and claims in bankruptcy, which carries a maximum sentence of five 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 a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI.

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

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Announces Investigation into Madison County Tax Preparation and Insurance Services Firm

 

Clients of the Offices of Miles B. Marshall, Inc. and M. Burton Marshall Raised Concerns about Practices and Recently Disclosed Information 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced her office’s investigation into a Madison County tax preparation and insurance services firm, the Offices of Miles B. Marshall, Inc. and M. Burton Marshall. Recent concerns raised by New York consumers who relied on the Offices of Miles B. Marshall, Inc. and M. Burton Marshall for various services have been reported to local and state law enforcement. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating this matter and working closely with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office and other partners in law enforcement.  

“Learning that the people you entrust with your finances and investments may be misusing your hard-earned money is scary and concerning,” said Attorney General James. “My office has been notified of multiple complaints regarding potential irregularities at the Offices of Miles B. Marshall, Inc. and M. Burton Marshall, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of this matter. Our investigators will continue their work, and I urge anyone who has not already contacted law enforcement regarding this matter to reach out to my office immediately.”  

Attorney General James wishes to thank the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, the Hamilton Police Department, and the New York State Police for their assistance. 

For impacted New Yorkers who have not already reached out to law enforcement, please contact MBMarshall.complaint@ag.ny.gov. 

Attorney General James has been a leader in the effort to protect consumers from fraudulent tax schemes and practices. Earlier this month, she issued a consumer alert to remind New Yorkers how to protect themselves from tax scams and offered tips and information on various resources available this tax season. Also this month, Attorney General James provided tips to protect consumers and highlight deceptive tax schemes. In May 2022, Attorney General James secured $141 million for millions of Americans who were deceived by TurboTax into paying for tax services that should have been free. 

Wave Hill Events April 13-April 20

 

Ready for an adventure? This week at Wave Hill, we’re exploring the wonders of Mother Nature through a variety of events. Learn the ins-and-outs of growing mushrooms at our Mushroom Log Workshop, or brush up your watercolor technique skills during an art workshop and explore the Alpine House and current art exhibition, Cultivating Eden, during a Behind the Scenes Tour. 

Need a fun, family-friendly activity this weekend? Head over to the Family Art Project on Saturday and Sunday. Inspired by the beauty and practicality of shells, get crafty with recycled cardboard and create your own shell backpacks! And then, take a stroll through the gardens and see what’s blooming this spring.

Mushroom Log Workshop  

Fri, April 14, 2022, 11AM–12:30PM  

$50; including admission to the grounds for one person. Wave Hill Members save 10%

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center  

Learn about edible mushroom cultivation with this fun, hands-on workshop! Wave Hill’s Associate Director of Horticulture Steve Conaway instructs participants on how to inoculate a sustainably-harvested log with edible mushrooms such as oyster and shiitake. Discover the biology and craft of growing mushrooms on wood. Participants will bring home one log for perennial mushroom harvesting. Finished logs must be kept in an outdoor location. 

This is a family-friendly workshop but requires adult supervision as hot wax and hand tools will be used. Recommended for ages eight and older with an adult companion. Workshop will be held outdoors unless it’s raining. Dress for the weather! 

Fee covers workshop, supplies and admission for one person. An additional person may assist on a project but they must pay admission to the grounds when they arrive. Advance registration encouraged, online or at 718.549.3200 x251. Program size is limited. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

This workshop is held in a paved outdoor location. Participants may be required to stand for most of the program but folding chairs will be available. In case of rain, the program moves to Armor Hall in Wave Hill House. Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator. 

 

Family Art Project: Shelly Friends  

Sat, April 15, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, April 16, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Shells come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, textures and colors! Why do they all look so different? Marvel at the beauty and practicality of shells as you use recycled cardboard to fashion your own shell backpack. 

Registration not required. 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Behind the Scenes Tour: Alpine House and Art Exhibition with Gardener Sandra Schaller and Artist Rebecca Allan 

Sat, April 15, 2023, 1–2:30PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Rebecca Allan’s current exhibition, Cultivating Eden, explores Wave Hill as a site where art and horticulture are intertwined. Join Allan and Gardener Sandra Schaller for a special two-part tour that allows participants to get a glimpse of the creative practices of both the artist and the gardener. In the first half of the program, go behind the scenes of the Alpine House, which is typically only accessed from a frontal view, to see the diminutive plants up close and observe Schaller’s workspace and process. In the second part, go on an artist-led walk-through of the exhibition and hear from Allan about how her visits to Wave Hill inspired her to create a series of paintings that reference the labors of the gardeners and their spaces. 

 

Advance registration encouraged, online or at 718.549.3200 x251. Program size is limited. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Program size is extremely limited. The route to the Alpine House follows a mixed-material pathway with varying elevations, and the Alpine House itself is not wheelchair-accessible. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by an elevator.  

 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, April 16, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds   

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

 

Plant Portraits: Potted and Plein Air 

Thursdays, April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 2023, 10AM–1PM  

$160; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%  

Meet at Wave Hill House 

Show your affection for potted plants in the Conservatory and spring bloomers out in the gardens while painting their portraits in mixed media. Observe each plant’s personality and charm up close, then capture their distinct features using a variety of watercolor techniques with the addition of ink, gouache, and pastel for special effects. With artist Wennie Huang as your guide, learn from weekly on-site demonstrations focused on color-mixing, working wet-on-wet, layering, and applying dynamic brushwork to capture the details and character of some of our most enchanting spring bloomers, both indoors and out. Sessions are held in Wave Hill House or on the grounds depending on the weather. 

 

Registration required, online or at 718.549.3200 x251.   

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Plein air workshops make use of a variety of garden areas that are accessible via flat, paved paths, as well as a variety of mixed-material pathways and varying elevations, depending on the day and subject of study each week. Indoor workshops are held on the first or second floor of Wave Hill House. The House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The ground floor and lower level of Wave Hill House are wheelchair-accessible. The second floor workshop space (Toscanini Room) is accessible via stairs or elevator. The doorway into the Toscanini Room is only 34 inches wide; some wheelchairs will find it difficult to enter that space. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level and are accessible via stairs or an elevator. The instructor uses a portable speaker in all locations.   

   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary February 2023 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for February 2023. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment held constant at 4.2% in February 2023.

 

Local Area Unemployment Rates*(%)
February 2022 and February 2023
(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, February 2022 versus February 2023. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Unemployment Rates By County,
New York State,
February 2023

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet

This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release.

State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model

Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Advantage of Regression Model

Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities).

Benchmarking of Estimates

Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.”

Changes in Methodology

Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates.

In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others.

Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries

The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem.

Jobs Data

Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available.

The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.