Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 13, 2023

 

Governor Encourages New Yorkers to Keep Using the Tools to Protect Against and Treat COVID-19: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing and Treatment

27 Statewide Deaths Reported on February 10

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19 and outlined basic steps they can take to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the winter season.

"I continue to urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said."Stay up to date on vaccine doses and be sure to test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options."

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor reiterated these basic steps when she updated New Yorkers on the state's winter health preparedness efforts in December.

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending February 4, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for an eighteenth consecutive week, with a total of 310,653 positive cases across 57 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 19 percent to 2,374 for the week, while overall hospitalizations were down 48 percent from the previous week, at 196 hospitalizations across the state.

Additionally, there were 6 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There were no one influenza-associated pediatric death reported for the week, the total remaining at nine statewide.

With flu season continuing and infections remaining widespread, Governor Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.

The Health Department is continuing its annual public education campaign, reminding adults and parents to get both flu and COVID-19 shots for themselves and children 6 months and older. For information about flu vaccine clinics, contact the local health department or visit vaccines.gov/find-vaccines.

Governor Hochul also continues to urge New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. In December, the New York State Department of Health announced new guidance for bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, which are now available for eligible children down to 6 months of age.

The updated boosters are the first to be targeted to the original virus strain and recently circulating variants and are recommended for young New Yorkers and all those eligible. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 7.23
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 11.45
• Test Results Reported - 28,463
• Total Positive - 1,412
• Percent Positive - 4.62%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.57%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,092 (-84)*
• Patients Newly Admitted - 321*
• Patients in ICU - 229 (-28)*
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 93 (-2)*
• Total Discharges - 399,377 (+383)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 27*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 61,572*

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 78,273

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Friday,   February   10, 2023	Saturday,   February   11,2023	Sunday,   February   12, 2023
Bronx	4.15%	3.79%	3.80%
Kings	3.35%	3.19%	3.14%
New York	3.77%	3.73%	3.74%
Queens	4.11%	4.00%	3.94%
Richmond	4.48%	4.23%	4.17%

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ESTABLISHES CAREER DEVELOPMENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM TO HELP EDUCATORS PROMOTE CAREER EXPLORATION FOR STUDENTS

 

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced its partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to launch the Career Development Ambassador Program. Schools play a crucial role in developing the state’s workforce. This four-week paid summer intensive training program will prepare teachers, certified work-based learning (WBL) coordinators, and school counselors to develop, implement, and deliver career-readiness strategies for students across New York State. This program will assist educators of grades six to nine with helping their students understand and explore career options before they graduate high school, better preparing the workforce of the future.

“Students are the workforce of tomorrow, so we must lay the groundwork now to guide them into well-paying and fulfilling careers,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “This new program will support educators as they integrate career exploration into their lesson plans so our students will be better prepared to decide their career paths and participate in New York’s diverse economy.”

During the program, educators will develop career-readiness lesson plans that can be implemented at their respective schools with prior approval of school administration. This curriculum will include professional development, industry-specific career exploration, and career-related skill development, all of which will be shown in a final presentation and lesson demonstration at the end of the program. After completing the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from NYSDOL, along with Continuing Teacher and Leadership Education (CTLE) credit.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “The Board of Regents and Education Department are intent on building a 21st-century education system that supports all students. To do so requires that we apply everything we know about the science of learning and the art of teaching. This program will help teachers and counselors put students on a pathway to success – and provide the support they need to get there.”

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Through this partnership with the Department of Labor we can expand students’ opportunities to prepare for their futures, support the needs of New York State’s businesses, and provide improved economic security for the next generation. We must ensure students graduate prepared for the high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations of our global economy, opening doors to career achievement.”

All New York State educators and qualifying staff with more than five years of experience who teach grades six to nine are eligible to apply. The program will focus on serving historically underserved communities, and those representing underserved communities are encouraged to apply. All regions of the state will be included in the program. This will be a joint effort between NYSDOL Career Centers, school districts, and local workforce partners and businesses.

Questions about the Teacher Ambassador Program can be sent to labor.sm.personnel.jva@labor.ny.gov. NYSDOL continuously strives to provide resources for the workers of tomorrow. To see other training opportunities, visit dol.ny.gov/training-opportunities.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW SENIOR-LEVEL APPOINTMENTS TO FIRST DEPUTY MAYOR WRIGHT’S TEAM

 

Meaghan Brown Promoted to New Role as Chief of External Relations for First Deputy Mayor

 

Yume Kitasei Appointed as Chief of Staff to First Deputy Mayor

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced two new appointments at City Hall in First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright’s office. Current Chief of Staff Meaghan Brown will be promoted to the new role of chief of external relations, while former city employee Yume Kitasei will join the Adams administration as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Wright.

 

“To solve the crises of today and build a better and more equitable New York City for tomorrow, our administration needs to be able to coordinate and collaborate with our partners across all sectors,” said Mayor Adams. “Meaghan Brown has shown herself to be an invaluable asset to our city over the last year and, in this new role, she will be able to work even more efficiently and effectively with all of our vital public-private partners. I’m also excited to welcome Yume Kitasei back to public service and thrilled have to her government expertise here at City Hall.”

 

“From United Way to the mayoral transition to my time as first deputy mayor, Meaghan has been by my side as a trusted partner, innovative thinker, and immeasurable colleague,” said First Deputy Mayor Wright. “I am thrilled that, in this new role, she can fully focus on building vital public-private partnerships and managing external relationships. Additionally, I’m thrilled that Yume is returning to city government with her breadth of experience and expertise. Together, we are excited to continue to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”

 

As chief of external relations, Brown’s responsibilities include acting as a liaison to the business and philanthropic communities, overseeing public-private partnerships, and managing external affairs for First Deputy Mayor Wright. Brown will also oversee the Office of Strategic Partnerships and work directly with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and city-affiliated nonprofits.

 

“I am excited to lead this impactful work for New York City and to create space and opportunity to engage with our administration in dynamic ways,” said Meaghan Brown, chief of external relations to First Deputy Mayor Wright. “When business, philanthropy, and government work together, so much can be accomplished for our New York City community. I look forward to continuing to serve the Adams administration and the City of New York.”

 

“I’m excited to work with First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Meaghan Brown in her now role, and the entire team,” said Yume Kitasei, chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Wright. “It is great to come back home to city government and serve New Yorkers once again.”

 

About Meaghan Brown

 

Meaghan Brown has served as chief of staff to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, both in the month since she was promoted to first deputy mayor and for the last year when she served as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives.

 

Before starting this position, Brown served as chief operating officer for the Adams administration’s mayoral transition.

 

Previously, Brown was the executive vice president and chief advancement officer at the United Way of New York City, where she oversaw development and operations of more than $50 million in annual revenue from corporate partners and private donors. Brown built and executed the COVID-19 Recovery Fund, raising over $20 million in support, and launched the 2021 “Campaign for Equity.”

 

Additionally, Brown previously served as the senior vice president and chief development officer, with a focus on transforming traditional giving campaigns and reimagining corporate partnerships into year-round engagement and philanthropic support.

 

Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in family studies from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in health care and social services from St. Joseph’s University.

 

Brown will report to First Deputy Mayor Wright.

 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $242.3 Billion at End of Third Quarter

 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced that the estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) was $242.3 billion at the end of the third quarter of state fiscal year 2022-23. For the three-month period ending Dec. 31, 2022, Fund investments returned an estimated 4.51%.

“The equity markets had some difficult times in 2022, but the Fund posted positive results for the quarter,” DiNapoli said. “Market volatility may persist in 2023, but the Fund remains well-diversified and built to handle these ups and downs. Our pensioners and members can remain confident that their benefits are safe thanks to our prudent management and long-term perspective.”

The Fund's value reflects retirement and death benefits of $3.794 billion paid out during the quarter.

As of Dec. 31, the Fund had 43.49% of its assets invested in publicly traded equities. The remaining Fund assets by allocation are invested in cash, bonds, and mortgages (22.07%), private equity (14.77%), real estate and real assets (13.43%) and credit, absolute return strategies, and opportunistic alternatives (6.24%).

The Fund’s long-term expected rate of return is 5.9%.

DiNapoli initiated quarterly performance reporting by the Fund in 2009 as part of his on-going efforts to increase accountability and transparency.

Governor Hochul Announces $7.6 Million Available to Support Improvements to Animal Shelters

 

Nearly $30 Million Has Been Dedicated to the Program to Date

Round Five of the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund Continues Support of Construction, Renovation, and Expansion Projects at Animal Shelters

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $7.6 million is available to support animal shelters and humane societies in making critical upgrades at New York's animal shelters. This is the fifth round of funding for New York State's Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state-funded program in the nation to provide for shelter improvement projects. Funded projects will enhance animal care and help to ensure adoptions for New York's dogs and cats.

"Our Companion Animal Capital Fund has made a real difference to shelters across New York State, and the animals in their care," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this latest round of funding, which will continue to build on the great work of this program, and most importantly help our animals stay happy and healthy as they await their forever homes."

Today's announcement brings the total dedicated to the program to more than $27.5 million since 2017. To date under the program, 58 projects have been awarded across the state and 26 projects have been fully completed. In 2022, Governor Hochul included the Companion Animal Capital Fund in her proposed Executive Budget, a first for the program and a demonstration of her continued commitment to New York's companion animals. In the final, Enacted FY 2023 New York State Budget, the program received a historic $8 million for its next round.

Administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Companion Animal Capital Fund provides matching grants to shelters and humane societies to offset the costs associated with capital projects, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. Funds are also used to construct, renovate, rehabilitate, or acquire buildings or equipment needed to house, treat, and care for sheltered dogs and cats. The Department selects grant recipients based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost.

Two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been released through Round 5 of this program:

• RFP 0289:
  • $6.6 million is available to award grants between $50,000 and $500,000 to municipal and incorporated not-for-profit pounds, shelters, and humane societies.
  • Entities that have been awarded funds during previous Companion Animal Capital Fund opportunities are eligible to apply for an award under this RFP. Previously funded projects must be complete before an entity can apply for an award.
• RFP 0290:
• $1 million is available to award grants between $50,000 and $200,000 to pounds, shelters or humane societies that are not operated by or under contract with a municipality but that are registered with the Department.

Former Law Firm Partner Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Cyberstalking

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIE DENNIS was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to two years in prison for cyberstalking three victims, all his former colleagues at a global law firm (the “Law Firm”).  DENNIS was convicted in October 2022 following a one-week trial before Judge Rakoff.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Willie Dennis, a former law firm partner in Manhattan, waged a relentless cyberstalking campaign against his own former colleagues.  During the years-long, merciless harassment, Dennis’s victims were forced to change their ways of living out of fear that Dennis would make good on his threats.  The sentence imposed today ensures that Dennis’s victims will no longer needlessly endure his attacks.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and the evidence introduced at trial:

WILLIE DENNIS, a former partner at the Law Firm, engaged in a years-long campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats against his victims, who were partners at the Law Firm.  As part of that campaign, DENNIS sent the victims thousands of harassing, threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages.  Despite having been warned by the Law Firm over and over again that his communications were unwanted, abusive, and harassing, DENNIS continued to send nonstop messages to his former partners.  He sent the messages at all hours of the day and night.  DENNIS targeted the victims and their families, and he threatened their physical safety.  He demeaned the victims, called some of them by racist and antisemitic names, and warned them that they would become “biblical symbols.”  In his threats, he told one victim to “sleep with one eye open.”

In addition to his prison term, DENNIS, 60, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

New York City Banking Commission Announces Measures to Ensure City’s Designated Banks More Accountable to The Public

 

Required certifications will reinforce banks’ obligation to provide details on commitment to combating lending and employment discrimination.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Department of Finance (DOF) Commissioner Preston Niblack today announced two important transparency measures that will help gauge the consumer and community service experience of the city’s designated banks and provide a tool for better assessing the commitment of banks looking to hold city deposits to non-discrimination in lending and employment.

Starting with this year’s biennial designation cycle, the New York City Banking Commission (consisting of Mayor Adams, Comptroller Lander, and DOF Commissioner Niblack) will include a public comment process for the Banking Commission’s public hearing to designate banks that will be eligible to hold deposits of city funds. The public will be able to submit written comments ahead of the meeting and in-person comments during the public comment session of the hearing.

Additionally, the certificates banks must submit ahead of designation have been revised to reinforce the obligation for depository banks to provide detailed plans and specific steps to combat different forms of discrimination in their operations.

“Consumer banks play a vital role in New York City’s communities, and their practices in lending, employment, and banking products and services reverberate through all five boroughs,” said Comptroller Lander. “In pursuit of a shared and prosperous economy for all, the city must be vigilant in evaluating the banks that hold its money and hear from New Yorkers about their experiences with these institutions. I am grateful to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Niblack for their partnership in this work, as we continue to take a hard look at who the city is choosing as banking partners.”

“Financial institutions are critical pillars of our communities, and we must demand the highest standards from any bank that is entrusted with public funds,” said Mayor Adams. “These new steps will ensure the Banking Commission is designating only those banks that have shown that they can protect taxpayer money and that are committed to promoting equity in all aspects of their operations.”

“Providing an opportunity for public comment will add a new dimension to the Banking Commission’s designation review,” said New York City Treasurer Mary Christine Jackman, DOF designee, New York City Banking Commission. “We look forward to hearing from the public and banking community as we review applications for designation for the important role of depository of the public’s funds.”

Designated banks will be eligible to hold New York City deposits. The banks are expected to provide approved banking products and services for city entities. By law, the banks must provide total collateralization for any money held.

“The ability to hold and profit from New Yorker’s hard-earned city deposits is a privilege, not a right,” said Barika X. Williams, executive director, Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development. “We applaud the Banking Commission on taking this step to accept public comments and call on the city to incorporate the findings into their final determinations. We hope this is just a first step in deepening community engagement, scrutiny, and transparency in this public process. The city must demand more of banks seeking the privilege of holding New York City’s deposits and should not do business with banks that ignore, divest, exploit, or discriminate against communities of color.”

Upcoming meetings of the New York City Banking Commission will be held on the following dates: May 11, 2023, for the discount/late payment rate recommendation meeting and May 25, 2023, for the bank designation meeting, including public comments. Bank designations will be voted on by the commission at the latter meeting. More information can be found online.

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RAFAEL SALAMANCA, JR. CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Email Council Member Salamanca

Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov