Governor Hochul and National Weather Experts Recognize Hurricane Preparedness Week in New York State

More Than $11 Billion in State and Federal Recovery Funds Provided to Communities Impacted by Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Since 2014

$25 Million Allocated in 2024 State Budget to Help Local Governments Support Emergency Response

New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for Potential Hurricanes Now

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the beginning of Hurricane Preparedness Week in New York State. The Director of the National Weather Service, the Administrator of the FEMA Office of Response and Recovery, the Director of the National Hurricane Center and hurricane experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced this milestone alongside DHSES Commissioner Jackie Bray at the Albany Airport. There have been 15 tropical storm systems that have directly impacted New York State since 2012, and their frequency has doubled over the last six years. With the growing number of storms, the need to prepare for their impacts is more important than ever. As part of Hurricane Week which runs through May 11, officials toured a USAF Reserve WC-130J hurricane hunter aircraft and a NOAA WP-3D Orion aircraft, which are used to collect and analyze hurricane data.

“Every New Yorker who experienced Hurricanes Irene and Sandy knows the tragic, unpredictable nature of these storms, and it is our responsibility to do everything we can to protect our state against extreme weather events to come,” Governor Hochul said. “We have invested billions into storm preparedness and recovery efforts, and we will take every step necessary to ensure New Yorkers are protected.”

Last year, there were 20 named storms in the Atlantic basin, which ranked fourth for most-named storms in a year since 1950, according to NOAA and the National Hurricane Center. The NOAA will release the 2024 Hurricane Outlook on May 23 for the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 through November 30.

Since 2014, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) has issued more than $11 billion in federal and state funds to communities impacted by hurricane and tropical storms Irene, Lee, Sandy, Isaias, Ida and Fred. Funds were used for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

Governor Hochul has made preparing New Yorkers for expected storms a priority. This year’s budget allocated $15 million for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) to assist local and county partners with protecting public infrastructure and mitigating the effects of weather events by helping supply generators, water pumps and flood barrier technology. An additional $10.4 million was allocated to the Office of Emergency Management to expand the State’s regional presence, increase local planning and training, provide additional tabletop exercises and build out analytic and geospatial capabilities.

In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of New York’s State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.

Hurricane Safety

Hurricanes and tropical storms have the potential to impact any part of New York State throughout hurricane season, so it is important that you know how to receive timely alerts that will help you stay safe. The best way to receive timely weather alerts is to sign up for NY-Alert, a free service that provides weather and other emergency-related alerts.

Take the following steps to ensure you and your loved ones are protected:

• Develop a household disaster plan and know how to always contact family members. Identify an out-of-town friend or family member to be the “emergency family contact” and make certain all family members have the contact info.
• Designate an emergency meeting spot – a familiar location where family can meet if the residence cannot be accessed.
• Know the hurricane and storm risks in your community.
• If you live near coastal areas, learn about your area’s storm surge history and your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans, including safe routes inland and the location of official shelters.
• Know where to relocate pets during a storm – most shelters will not allow pets.

Keep the following supplies on-hand:

• Enough non-perishable food and water supplies for 10 days.
• Battery-operated radios and flashlights and an ample supply of batteries.
• A first aid with supply of medicines.
• Important documents: Insurance policies, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. in a waterproof container.
• Cash, checkbook, credit cards and ATM cards.
• An emergency contact list of people and organizations who may need to be called: schools, doctors, providers, and insurance contacts.

Take the following preventative measures:

• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Repair loose and clear clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
• Secure or bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects such as garbage cans and garden tools that could become projectiles in high winds. Also keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Review insurance policies to determine extent of coverage before a storm strikes.
• Determine where to move boats in an emergency.
• Be aware of local weather conditions by listening to National Weather Service broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radio and reports from local television and radio stations.
• Know how to turn off the power, heat and water at home.

For more information, visit the DHSES Safety and Prevention page.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL'S REMARKS ABOUT BLACK CHILDREN IN THE BRONX

"Yesterday, while at a conference on Artificial Intelligence, Governor Hochul made remarks that included “there are black kids in the Bronx who do not know what a computer is.”

"While I recognize that Governor Hochul misspoke in framing her remarks, it’s disappointing and hurtful to hear. As a borough, let me share with you all the ambition, brilliance, and talents of our scholars. Our African American young children are bright and are beacons of hope. When we see them excel and shine, we see our future.

The Bronx has seen incredible investments in education and technology as we believe in access to digital equity. Our administration last year, in partnership with our colleagues in the City Council, invested $20 million in our Bronx schools.

As we move forward, let us be reminded that our words are powerful and while not intentional, can have a harmful impact on our children and families. My colleagues and I look forward to a visit from Governor Hochul so we can show her firsthand what we see in Bronx classrooms every day. While we talk the talk, we must walk the walk. Investments in programs and resources matter and can make an impact and difference in the educational outcomes of our students and their families. Let us be about action more than misguided words."

Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox on major ruling

  

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement following this morning’s ruling in Marjorie Byrnes et al v. The Senate of the State of New York et al, which removed the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” from the November ballot. The proposed amendment would permit children to make permanent, life-altering sex change decisions without the need to consult with parents and allow biological males to compete on girls’ sports teams.  In addition, the proposed amendment would legalize “reverse discrimination” programs, such as allowing payment of reparations for slavery or admissions to academic institutions based on race.  

“Once again the legislature and Gov. Hochul are found to have violated the state constitution. In their rush to pass this amendment, the legislature never held a single hearing on the proposal, never consulted with outside constitutional experts, and falsely asserted this amendment was necessary to protect abortion rights in the state.

“Gov. Hochul and the legislature disrespect the people of the state when they so cavalierly adopt a constitutional change without following the explicit procedures set forth in the constitution for amendments. They previously violated the constitution with the illegal gerrymander of congressional and state Senate districts. She and the legislature need to be reminded of their oaths to uphold the constitution and not to violate it.  Assemblywoman Byrnes and the other plaintiffs are to be congratulated for upholding the state constitution in the face of its violation by the governor, attorney general and the legislature.”        

CONSUMER ALERT: THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO WEAR THEIR BIKE HELMETS

 

During National Bike Safety Month this May, New Yorkers are Urged to Wear Helmets to Reduce the Risk of Severe Head Injury and Save Lives 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of all ages of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. May is National Bike Safety Month, and as the weather begins to get warmer and individuals have more opportunities for outdoor activities, New Yorkers are urged to make safety a priority by wearing helmets, which will reduce the risk of severe head injury and save lives.

“New Yorkers are always on the move. Whether for transportation or for recreation, wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways a cyclist of any age can reduce the risk of serious injury,” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The NYS Division of Consumer Protection encourages all New Yorkers to bike safely by wearing and buckling a properly fitted helmet.  

In New York State in 2022, there were 7,523 bicycle crashes and 50 fatalities. In more than half of these crashes, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Twenty-eight of those bicyclists who were killed were not wearing proper headgear.

Stay Safe by Choosing and Wearing Helmets Safely:

• Pair the activity to the helmet. Different activities can result in different impacts to your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity, so if an accident occurs, you are better protected.
• Make sure it fits. Bike helmets should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has a guide on properly fitting bicycle helmets, helmet certifications and laws and more.
• Buckle up! A helmet only works when it is worn properly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lays flat and stays fastened. Wear your helmet level on your forehead, not tilted back.
• Wear helmets that conform to regulations. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees standards for helmets used for many activities, including bike riding. When buying a bicycle helmet, look for a label that says it is certified by the CPSC or meets CPSC safety standards. Don’t add anything to the helmet, such as stickers, coverings or other attachments that didn’t come with the helmet upon purchase. These could affect the helmet’s performance.
• After a crash or injury, replace. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can reduce its effectiveness. Replace it before the next ride.
• Replace your helmet when needed. You should follow the manufacturer’s guide for when to replace your helmet. If no guidance is provided, helmets should generally be replaced within 5-10 years of purchase if properly cared for and stored. If there are cracks in the shell, worn foam lining or other such imperfections that may occur during regular use, you should consider replacing it.

More details and tips from the CPSC are available here.

Ride Responsibly:

• Follow the same rules and responsibilities as motorists.
• Bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, while walkers should go against traffic.
• Ride in a safe environment away from traffic in a path, park or trail.
• Check out the full list of NYS Department of Motor Vehicle’s tips on how to share the road safely whether driving, biking or walking.

Explore New York’s Bicycle Trails:

Learn more about New York State’s Bicycle Trails. New York State has a wide variety of cycling opportunities and information available for New Yorkers. Learn more about our state's extensive network of both on- and off-road bicycle facilities and educational resources.

• Check out the New York State Department of Transportation's Bicycle Program Website, a gateway for everyone to discover the wide variety of cycling opportunities and additional bike safety information.
• Read the latest blog from ILoveNY.com, which highlights 12 Amazing Trails for Every Level of Cyclist.
• Explore the Empire State Trail, the longest statewide multi-use trail in the country spanning 750 miles from Buffalo to Albany, and from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada.
• Visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website for information on trails in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, Unique Areas and Forest Preserve land in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.rious injury.

NYPD Announces April 2024 Citywide Crime Statistics

 

Significant reductions achieved in most major crime categories citywide, continued double-digit decreases seen in vast subway system

Overall index crime across New York City dropped another 4.9 percent in the month of April compared to the same month last year, as major crimes in the nation’s largest subway system plummeted another 23 percent, continuing a downward trend that saw previous transit system decreases of 15.4 percent in February and 23.5 percent in March. Public housing developments citywide also experienced another reduction in major incidents, with continued decreases of 4.1 percent in February, 6.2 percent in March, and 8.7 percent in April, compared to their respective months last year.

Bellwether crimes saw precipitous reductions in April: murder down 30.3 percent (23 vs. 33), grand larceny–auto down 10.9 percent (1,134 vs. 1,273), burglary down 10.6 percent (1,003 vs. 1,122), grand larceny down 6.9 percent (3,772 vs. 4,051), and felony assault down 1.9 percent (2,270 vs. 2,314). All told, nearly 500 fewer major crimes occurred in New York City in April 2024 compared to April 2023. Robbery, which was flat in March, increased 7.2 percent (1,326 vs. 1,237) in April; rapes reported during the month increased by six incidents (124 vs. 118), or 5.1 percent, but remain down 1.4 percent (491 vs. 498) year to date, a reduction of seven incidents.

Importantly, April saw another 15.5 percent decrease in shooting incidents (60 vs. 71), equating to a 13.8 percent decline in shooting victims (69 vs. 80). Year to date through the end of April, 65 fewer people were shot in New York City, an 18.7 percent decline over the same period last year, and 21 fewer people were murdered, a 15.9 percent reduction. Five-hundred eighty-one firearms were taken off the streets by NYPD officers in April, adding to the nearly 2,189 guns seized so far this year. In total, more than 15,800 guns have been removed since the start of the administration in 2022.

Downward trends this year, and especially in April, are attributable to the thousands of additional uniformed police officers flooded into the subway system and onto street corners in shooting-prone locations every day around the city. These assignments are in addition to officers’ regular duties performing administrative tasks, responding to requests for service on patrol, and safeguarding large-scale demonstrations in various locales. Roving and stationary protests are not new to the five boroughs and its police, occurring regularly on any day over the course of any given year, and the NYPD is better trained and equipped than any other municipal police department in the nation to safeguard them. Since Oct. 7, New York City has seen a proliferation of demonstrations of various sizes and scopes: more than 2,300 such rallies and marches in seven months – nearly 12 per day.

“Managing crowds and ensuring protesters’ First Amendment rights is just one aspect of professional policing,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Whether it is a large-scale, pre-planned event or an impromptu demonstration centered at a New York City institution of higher learning, the men and women of the NYPD efficiently handle everything they face with dignity and dedication. And New Yorkers should also be proud that, in every neighborhood, their police officers continue to achieve extraordinary results in the areas of crime prevention and mitigation. They truly are the best at what they do, and they will never be deterred from their primary mission of public-safety.”

Not unrelated to current geopolitics, the total number of bias incidents investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force in April increased by 18 incidents (64 vs. 46), a 39 percent jump over the same month last year, and was fueled by anti-Jewish acts (32 vs. 16). Anti-Muslim incidents also doubled in April (6 vs. 3). Year to date though the end of April, anti-Jewish incidents rose 48 percent (111 vs. 75) while anti-Muslim incidents increased 175 percent (11 vs. 4).

Outside of protests, the NYPD’s enforcement efforts saw another sharp uptick in April, with 227 more arrests effected for major crimes (4,460 vs. 4,233), a 5.4 percent jump, compared to the same month a year ago. Year to date, NYPD officers have arrested 1,624 more people than last year (18,439 vs. 16,815), a 9.7 percent increase.

Other successes in reducing crime and violence are attributable to a series of precision-policing based initiatives citywide, including operations focused on illegal vending, prostitution, and unlawfully ridden motorized scooters and bikes. Ongoing initiatives at the city’s river-crossings have also targeted “ghost vehicles” – unregistered, uninsured cars, trucks, and motorcycles – yielding scores of arrests, summonses, and vehicle seizures. Since its inception in mid-March, the NYPD-led multiagency task force – comprised of a handful of city and state law enforcement agencies – has seized 618 vehicles being illegally driven on New York City roadways, issued drivers 4,247 summonses for assorted violations, and effected 142 arrests. More than $5.2 million in unpaid tolls and other outstanding judgments also now stand to be collected.

*All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.*

Index Crime Statistics: April 2024

April 2024	April 2023	+/-	% Change
Murder	23	33	-10	-30.3%
Rape	124	118	6	5.1%
Robbery	1326	1237	89	7.2%
Felony Assault	2270	2314	-44	-1.9%
Burglary	1003	1122	-119	-10.6%
Grand Larceny	3772	4051	-279	-6.9%
Grand Larceny Auto	1134	1273	-139	-10.9%
TOTAL	9652	10148	-496	-4.9%

Additional Statistics: April 2024

	April 2024	April 2023	+/-	% Change
Transit	134	174	-40	-23.0%
Housing	472	517	-45	-8.7%
Shooting Incidents	60	71	-11	-15.5%

Hate Crimes Statistics: April 2024

(Representing April 1 – April 30 for calendar years 2024 and 2023)

Motivation	2024	2023	Diff	% Change
Asian	2	4	-2	-50%
Black	0	7	-7	-100%
Ethnic	3	1	2	200%
Gender	8	3	5	167%
Hispanic	1	0	1	***
Jewish	32	16	16	100%
Muslim	6	3	3	100%
Religion	2	0	2	***
Sexual Orientation	8	10	-2	-20%
White	2	2	0	0%
Grand Total	64	46	18	39%

Note: Statistics above are subject to change.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It is interesting that the number of shooting incidents 

is listed, but the number of shooting victims is left out.

Come to the Bronx Mayor Adams to see how crime is 

still increasing in certain precincts. 

MAYOR ADAMS INITIATES OPERATION TO SHUT DOWN UNLICENSED SMOKE AND CANNABIS SHOPS ACROSS FIVE BOROUGHS

 

City Establishes Formal Rules Allowing Local Law Enforcement Agencies to Padlock Unlicensed Smoke and Cannabis Shops 

Announcement Follows Adams Administration Successfully Securing Local Authority From Albany to Enforce Against Unlicensed Smoke and Cannabis Shop

“Operation Padlock to Protect” Kicks Off Against Businesses Unlawfully Selling Cannabis

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the start of a five-borough operation — that will accelerate in the coming weeks — to shut down unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops in the City of New York. After Mayor Adams successfully advocated for and municipalities were given the regulatory authority by the state to finally shut down these illegal shops plaguing city streets last month, the city established formal rules allowing the New York City’s Sheriff Office — along with other local law enforcement agencies — to padlock smoke and cannabis shops without a license. This morning, Mayor Adams, New York City Sheriff Anthony Miranda, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) kicked off “Operation Padlock to Protect,” giving law enforcement the ability to inspect smoke and cannabis shops and padlock those caught unlawfully selling cannabis.

With new enforcement powers and legal authority granted by the state, the Adams administration is making it clear that any operator acting illegally will face swift consequences to protect the city’s children, improve quality of life, and facilitate a safe and thriving legal cannabis market.

“Today, our administration is delivering on a promise to shut down unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops, protect our young people, and ensure that the future of legal cannabis burns bright in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and our partners in the state Legislature, New York City is now using the full force of the law across every borough to padlock and protect our streets. Legal cannabis remains the right choice for our city, but to those who choose to break the law — we will shut you down.”

“The proliferation of unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops in New York City is one of the biggest quality of life issues facing New Yorkers,” said Chief Advisor to the Mayor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “These shops are especially dangerous to children, and have been a major impediment to the financial stability of legal cannabis dispensaries. Thanks to our partnership with the governor’s office and the New York state Legislature, those unlicensed shops’ days are numbered. We now have the ability to implement procedures needed to permanently close illegal weed shops. Soon, New Yorkers will be rid of these bad actors.”

“The Adams administration's commitment to close unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops underscores our dedication to protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “By establishing formal rules allowing local law enforcement to padlock these establishments, we are sending a strong message that illegal operators will be held accountable. This operation is a crucial step towards ensuring a safe and thriving legal cannabis market for all New Yorkers.”

“Protecting the health and safety of our neighbors and our youth is paramount, especially given the proliferation of unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops illegally selling cannabis around our city,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “Since the start of the Adams administration, we’ve worked closely with the Sheriff’s Joint Task Force, providing resources to help deliver huge successes. And through DCWP’s own routine enforcement of the state and city’s tobacco and e-cigarette laws, we’ve issued more than 20,000 summonses and closed down 128 illegal retailers. Thank you to Mayor Adams for securing this major victory for the city, ensuring that we have the authority to tackle the ongoing threat of unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops.”

“The New York City Sheriff’s Office is proud to lead the city in padlocking the unlicensed businesses selling cannabis that have taken advantage of the groundbreaking opportunity of the legal cannabis market,” said Sheriff Miranda. “We want to thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and all of the elected officials for their tireless effort in expanding the cannabis enforcement authority so we can take back control of our city. We fully embrace the mayor’s vision of a multi-agency response and joint collaboration between all enforcement agencies, and we will continue to lead those efforts to protect the health and safety of our communities.”

“Cannabis NYC’s mission to help our city become a global leader for the legal industry is clear and that includes safeguarding the integrity of New York’s developing cannabis market by clearing out opportunists operating illegal and unlicensed stores,” said Cannabis NYC Founding Director Dasheeda Dawson. “We’re committed to upholding the principles of equity and fairness established with the Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act, ensuring that those who have invested in our legal industry thus far are protected and given every opportunity for their small business to thrive.”

The legalization of cannabis has allowed a new economy to emerge in New York state while addressing the harmful impact of the “War on Drugs” on Black and brown New Yorkers. However, for New York City’s new cannabis economy and justice-involved businesses to thrive, the city and state must protect the development of the legal market. With the newly granted local authority, the Adams administration is executing a five-borough strategy to finally end this public health and safety issue.

Prior to securing municipal enforcement powers against unlicensed smoke and cannabis shops, the Adams administration used every tool available to protect young people from dangerous, illegal cannabis and tobacco products, while sending a clear message that anyone helping these illegal, unlicensed shops to spread throughout the five boroughs will be held accountable. Coordinating with both city and state authorities, the Adams administration formed the New York City Sheriff’s Office Joint Compliance Task Force to Address Illegal Smoke Shops. This task force conducted enforcement against unlicensed establishments selling cannabis, cannabis-infused edibles, illegal vaping products, illegal cigarettes, and other illegal tobacco products, and, since forming, has imposed almost $108 million in penalties — including an estimated $33 million in illegal products seized and over $75 million in civil penalties issued — and conducted more than 2,100 compliance and intelligence inspections.

Additionally, the task force sent letters to 603 landlords and owners of buildings across the five boroughs warning that they could be legally liable for the continued unlicensed sale of cannabis or tobacco products by their tenants. Between last summer and last month, the city filed two lawsuits in federal and state court against a total of 15 e-cigarette distributors that operate as the upstream suppliers of illegal, exotic-flavored, disposable e-cigarettes to the same retail vape and smoke shops, as well as convenience stores that are the target of “Operation Padlock to Protect.”

MAYOR ADAMS COMPLETES ROLLOUT OF COMPOSTING IN ALL NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

With March Expansion to Final 150 Public Schools, City Completed

School Composting Expansion Three Months Ahead of Schedule 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch today announced that the Adams administration has completed its expansion of composting to every single New York City public school, three months ahead of schedule. That means that all New York City public schools are now composting their food waste — putting their orange peels, uneaten pizza crusts, compostable food trays, and more to beneficial use for the city and for the planet, helping gardens grow, and creating power through renewable energy here in the New York City area.

 

“Composting is a win-win-win — it keeps waste out of landfills, greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere, and rats out of our communities,” said Mayor Adams. “We’re proud to bring our nation-leading composting program to all of our city’s public schools ahead of schedule, and we’re excited for the cleaner, greener buildings and sidewalks that this initiative will create. Today’s announcement is a major step towards our rollout of free, easy weekly curbside composting to every New Yorker, on every block, in every borough by the end of this year.”  

 

“I am grateful for the collaboration between the Department of Sanitation and Department of Education to deliver for New York’s school kids — this is what New Yorkers expect and how it should work,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “The best learning happens when we connect what’s in the classroom and the real world. This program not only pays dividends for the environment, but for our kids as well, who are the climate crisis natives who will have to be smarter on the environment than any generation prior.”

 

“New York City’s public schools serve as community hubs in every neighborhood, championing the shift to greener infrastructure and raising the next generation of climate conscious leaders. Bringing composting to every school is one of the many ways we are showing our commitment to climate action,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “Composting programs allow our students to demonstrate leadership in sustainability every day in their cafeterias, and I am grateful to the many educators and staff in our schools who make this work possible, for our students and our planet.”

 

“Bringing this service to every public school will save millions of pounds of compostable material from going to landfills, while educating the next generation of New Yorkers to think clean and think green,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “This milestone is great news for the planet, and bad news for the rats, who will no longer have access to food waste outside of schools every evening.”

 

“Reducing methane emissions — a greenhouse gas more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period — is a key pillar of the city’s climate strategy, and diverting waste from landfills also reduces truck traffic emissions,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. “This composting program, along with solar installations on school roofs, school gardens, and climate education, are just a few of the ways that New York City’s public schools and families are helping ‘Get Sustainability Done.’”

 

“We are delighted about the announcement of school composting and are celebrating this victory for our schools and environment,” said Mayor's Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “Initiatives like Plant Powered Fridays, our new plant-based, scratch-cooked recipes, and our Food Education Roadmap have taken huge steps forward in reducing the environmental impact of food served in our schools, but that is only one piece of the equation. We need to address what happens to food left on students' plates. We are excited to see students being able to participate in sustainable food waste disposal in their own cafeterias.” 

 

“Composting programs are needed to provide New York City students the chance to reduce food waste and learn more about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the source,” said Mayor's Office of Urban Agriculture Executive Director Qiana Mickie. “The Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture applauds the efforts of DOE, the largest public school system in the country, for making composting a reality at all public schools.”

 

For roughly a decade, less than half of New York City public schools separated their compostable material. That changed less than two years ago, when Mayor Adams, DSNY Commissioner Tisch, and DOE Chancellor Banks kicked off the most aggressive expansion of school composting the city has ever seen, with over 1,000 schools converting to composting service since January 2022. With the most recent addition of 150 schools in Brooklyn and Queens, the Adams administration has reached its goal of bringing composting to every public school in the city three months ahead of schedule.

 

Each school has received training for custodial staff, faculty, and students to learn the right way to separate compost and the importance of doing so. Many schools have student “Green Teams” or “cafeteria monitors” who remind peers how to sort compost, and each school designates a sustainability coordinator on their staff to promote climate action in their school. School lunch areas now have stations with several containers: a bin to dump liquids; a bin for food waste, compostable trays and silverware, and food-soiled paper; a bin for milk cartons, rigid plastic, and metal; and a bin for the small amount of trash that is neither recyclable nor compostable — usually just thin, plastic film. Custodial staff then place the food waste at the curb in sealed, rat-proof bins for pickup five evenings a week. Schools can access ongoing support from New York City public schools to divert waste from landfills.

 

This school composting milestone comes as the city embarks on the final phase of launching the nation’s largest and easiest curbside composting program, bringing curbside composting to every single resident in New York City by this fall. After the initial rollout of this program, last year’s Mayor’s Management Report showed that New Yorkers composted a record 200 million pounds of material in Fiscal Year 2023. The expansion of curbside composting service will continue to get more and more food waste out of black bags and out of landfills.

 

New York City schools generate more than 80 million pounds of refuse per year, over 47 percent of which is food waste and food-soiled paper. When allowed to decompose at a landfill, food waste creates methane, a potent and dangerous greenhouse gas. Separating compostable material from trash is one easy way to ensure a cleaner, greener city. Additionally, since the curbside composting program was expanded to include all rodent mitigation zone schools in the Bronx last school year, there has been a 38 percent decrease in active rat signs.

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR INTRODUCES BILL TO SAFEGUARD NEW YORK FROM CYBERATTACKS

 

ASSEMBLYWOMAN’S BILL PROHIBITS PROCUREMENT OF TECH THAT THREATENS NATIONAL SECURITY

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar unveiled her groundbreaking legislation A9312 to shield New York from cyberattacks and keep sensitive data out of the wrong hands. Her bill will prohibit the State and all municipalities from purchasing technology from certain international companies whose products pose a security threat. These manufacturers have close ties to the government of another country that legally requires companies to share any data upon request. Such products have the very real potential to secretly transmit data to that country or act as a back door for it to launch a cyberattack.

This threat to national security is so great that this technology is already banned from federal procurement. The 2018 federal defense authorization bill established a list of banned technology whose use is a security threat. The list expanded in the 2022 defense bill, in which New York’s Senator Charles Schumer inserted language prohibiting procurement of technology containing semiconductors from certain international companies.

Despite the federal procurement bans, New York is among 49 states where municipalities purchase technology from these manufacturers, with contracts in the tens of millions of dollars. This includes $28 million for technology that the Department of Defense banned from its own procurement, having determined that “adversaries could exploit known cybersecurity vulnerabilities that exist.”

Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s bill halts these cybersecurity threats by prohibiting New York State and all municipalities from purchasing technology the federal government banned over security concerns. This will protect sensitive information and bolster cybersecurity in an era where the MTA, New York City Schools, and even the New York State legislature have all been the victims of cyberattacks.

The prohibition on certain imported semiconductors will also support New York’s emerging semiconductor industry. A cornerstone of this industry will be the Micron Technology semiconductor fabrication facility opening in Clay, New York. Last month, President Biden, Senator Schumer, and Governor Hochul announced the $100 billion deal with Micron to develop the plant. It is the single largest private investment in United States history, and will create 50,000 jobs.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “I am committed to keeping New Yorkers safe, and that includes cybersafety. When you decide to purchase tech, you might ask, ‘Does it work well? Is this a good price?’ Likely you do not ask, ‘Is this going to send my data to another country’s government?’ My bill will guarantee that every procurement officer in New York asks this crucial question. From our power plants to our public transit to our servers packed with sensitive information, our procurement decisions determine whether or not there is an open door for hackers. This bill will leverage billions of dollars in purchasing power to keep dangerous tech off our shores and uplift our domestic semiconductor industry.”