NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: As Share of NYers Without Health Insurance Reached New Low, Disparities Persisted Among Black, Asian, and Latino Populations

 

As State Recertifies Medicaid Enrollees, Reporting is Necessary to Understand Impact on Health Coverage and State Finances

From 2010 through 2021, the percentage of New Yorkers without health insurance declined every year to 5.2% in 2021, well below the national average of 8.6% and less than half of what it was in the state in 2010 (11.9%), according to an analysis by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Rates of uninsured New Yorkers are lower than the national average due to the state’s higher enrollment in public health insurance programs, which provided coverage to 4 in 10 New Yorkers in 2021. New York was tied with Connecticut for the 10^th lowest rate of uninsured in 2021 (the last year for which U.S. Census Bureau data are available).

Coverage disparities persist among the state’s Black, Asian and Latino populations and higher uninsured rates were also prevalent among low- and moderate-income groups. In 2021, just 3% of white New Yorkers did not have insurance, compared to 10% of Hispanic and 6% of Black and Asian New Yorkers. The highest uninsurance rates were in households with incomes between $25,000 and $49,000.

“Public policies over the last decade have had a significant impact in reducing the number of uninsured New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “As the state begins reprocessing eligibility determinations for public health insurance, continued transparency and reporting will be essential for understanding the implications for coverage rates among New Yorkers of all races and ethnicities and on the state’s budget.”

While most people with insurance both nationally (67%) and in New York (65.9%) have private health insurance, expansion of public health programs under state and federal policies has played an important role in reducing the number of uninsured. Rates of New Yorkers enrolled in Medicaid increased from 20.2% in 2010 to 27.7% in 2021 and surpassed national Medicaid enrollment rates every year.

Record Medicaid enrollment in 2021 reflects an increase in enrollment prompted by the pandemic and maintained under federal law. According to the Department of Health, there were 8 million enrolled in Medicaid in June 2023. As reported by DiNapoli’s office, the Division of Budget projects Medicaid enrollment to decrease to 6.9 million recipients by April 2024 as the state proceeds with recertification of those enrolled in its public health programs to determine their eligibility for continued enrollment. If enrollment exceeds projections, the Financial Plan may incur significant additional unbudgeted costs. 

DiNapoli emphasized the importance of transparency and reporting as the state undertakes its recertification efforts, and called for continued outreach to inform New Yorkers with public health insurance about impending program changes. In addition, he urged continued consideration of solutions to expand the number of New Yorkers with health insurance, such as the state’s request for a waiver from the federal government to expand access to the Essential Plan to those up to 250 percent of the Federal Poverty level, providing access to nearly 100,000 more New Yorkers.

Analysis

Health Insurance Coverage in New York State

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY HAS CARED FOR MORE THAN 100,000 ASYLUM SEEKERS SINCE LAST SPRING

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city has provided shelter and care for more than 101,200 asylum seekers that have arrived in the five boroughs since April 2022.

 

“With more than 101,200 asylum seekers arriving in New York City and asking for shelter, our city has now provided shelter and care for more migrants since last year than there are people in Albany,” said Mayor Adams. “Our team of thousands of dedicated public servants are working around the clock in the absence of sufficient state and federal support and have pulled off miracles. They have stretched this city’s compassion and capacity beyond imagination, and it is thanks to their efforts that no asylum-seeking families with children have slept on our streets. But, quite honestly, while our compassion is limitless, our resources are not, and we’re out of miracles. We’re grateful for the help we’ve received to this point from our partners in Albany and Washington, DC, but the fact remains that we need more. We need our federal and state partners to ensure that their efforts match the magnitude of this moment. This is a national crisis that demands solutions that extend beyond our city, and New York City cannot continue to manage largely on our own.”

As of August 13, more than 101,200 asylum seekers have come through New York City’s shelter system, and over 58,500 remain in New York City’s care. New York City’s total shelter population currently sits at 110,200 — more than double what it was when Mayor Adams took office — when including longtime unhoused New Yorkers. In the past week alone, more than 2,700 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City.

 In a citywide address last week, Mayor Adams laid out an updated forecast for how much the asylum seeker crisis could cost New York City without increased state and federal support and if circumstances do not change. New York City has already spent over $1.73 billion through the end of July and anticipates spending over $4.7 billion in the current fiscal year. Over three fiscal years, the city has the potential to spend upwards of $12 billion on this crisis if circumstances do not change.

New York City today also reiterated clear steps the state can take to support the city, including, among others:

•  Implementing a statewide decompression strategy to ensure each county is doing its part to assist with this humanitarian crisis,
• Increasing the number of state-run and state-provided sites, and
• Providing additional funding to help the city with the costs already incurred by the crisis.

 The city also reiterated its asks to the federal government to help manage this crisis, including, among others:

•  Expediting work authorizations for asylum seekers so they can more expeditiously secure employment,
• Declaring a state of emergency to manage the crisis at the border,
• Providing more federal reimbursement for costs incurred by the city, and
• Implementing a federal decompression strategy to ensure the flow of asylum seeker arrivals is more fairly distributed.

Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action — opening more than 200 emergency shelters, including 14 large-scale humanitarian relief centers already, with two more relief centers set to open in the coming weeks. The city has also stood up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolled thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and launched the Asylum Application Help Center, which has already helped submit more than 2,200 applications for asylum. Earlier this spring, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

Mayor Adams Signs Intro. 31-C and Makes Announcement About Future of Outdoor Dining

 

In front of City Council members from all over the city, New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed Intro. 31-C into law and unveiled “Dining Out NYC”, New York’s permanent outdoor dining program and the largest outdoor dining program in the nation. 

“Dining Out NYC” represents one of the most significant efforts of the last decade to reimagine the city’s streetscape to support all New Yorkers and small businesses, while creating vibrant public spaces that improve quality of life and continue to accelerate the city’s economic recovery. Created during the COVID-19 pandemic that saved 100,000 jobs across the city but led to quality-of-life issues, a subset of restaurant owners were unable to maintain loosely regulated outdoor dining setups.

“Outdoor dining is here to stay, New York,” said Mayor Adams. “New Yorkers were hungry for a cleaner, safer, healthier outdoor dining program, and we are delivering for them with Dining Out NYC. Too many abandoned sheds attracted rats and detracted from the beauty of our city. Dining Out NYC locks in the best parts of outdoor dining and gets rid of the worst for restaurants, communities, and diners alike. 

Under the creation of this new law, the New York City Department Of Transportation will work with partner agencies to develop proposed rules that will establish design requirements as well as siting, material, operational guidance and cost per square foot. Those rules will enter public review this fall. Under the new program, outdoor dining setups will be open-air and easier to move or break down, as the city will no longer allow fully enclosed structures. Restaurants actively participating in the temporary program can continue operating with existing setups through the remainder of 2023 and throughout their application process, as detailed below.

 

These new rules will address quality-of-life concerns of the temporary program, including sanitation and accessibility. Once the new rules are finalized by early 2024, DOT will launch an online application portal where restaurants can begin applying for the permanent program. A restaurant’s outdoor dining setup will need to comply with the permanent program’s design requirements within 30 days of their application approval. This timeline anticipates the first approved Dining Out NYC setups will be on the street in spring 2024.

The Intro 31-C press conference and bill signing was held at the Havana Cafe on East Tremont Avenue in Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez' council district who is the prime sponsor of the bill. She said “Outdoor dining was a lifeline for our city during the Pandemic, one that can be used as the foundation of not only rebuilding and reimagining the food and restaurant industry, reinvigorating and stimulating New York City’s economy throughout all five boroughs,”

Kevin Alecia the owner of Havana Cafe said his street dining seating would cost thirty-five thousand to rebuild it, and he has no place to store it for four months. 

The symbol for Mayor Adams Dining Out NYC. 

Mayor Eric Adams explains his Outdoor Dining Plan with Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez and Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi on either side.  

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez speaks about Intro 31-C she sponsored. Far right is Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.

Jeffrey Garcia of the Latino Cafe Owners also spoke in favor of Intr 31-C.

Before signing Intro 31-C Mayor Adams took a few questions like one from this reporter on the details of the Outdoor Dining, which Mayor Adams said the rules will be made up by the NYCDOT who will be in charge of the program and the fees associated with it.

Mayor Adams signs Intro 31-C into law using dozens of pens so each council member received a pen used to sign Intro 31-C.

Former NYPD Officer Charged With Accessory After The Fact To Murder, Obstructing A Federal Gang Investigation, And Racketeering Conspiracy

 

Gina Mestre Allegedly Provided Confidential Information to the Shooting Boys Gang about a Federal Grand Jury Investigation, Leaked the Identity of a Witness to Gang Members, and Assisted a Gang Leader in Fleeing from the U.S. after Committing a Murder

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ivan  J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging GINA MESTRE, a former NYPD Officer, for her participation in a racketeering conspiracy with members of the Shooting Boys gang, including her involvement in obstructing a federal grand jury investigation into the Shooting Boys gang and serving as an accessory after the fact to a murder committed by the Shooting Boys gang.  MESTRE was arrested last night and will be arraigned before U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, to whom the case is assigned, later this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Gina Mestre shamelessly exploited her position of public trust to assist gang members in her own NYPD precinct that were terrorizing the Bronx by committing robberies, murders, drug trafficking, and other acts of violence.  The Indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendant abused her position as an NYPD police officer by, among other things, obstructing a federal grand jury investigation into the gang and assisting the gang’s leader in evading capture for a cold-blooded murder committed in broad daylight.  The defendant’s alleged conduct violates the oath she swore to protect the public – as well as her fellow NYPD officers – from the type of criminal activity she helped the gang commit.  This Indictment makes clear that my Office and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in fighting all forms of police corruption.”

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “There is no place for corruption of any kind in the NYPD.  The arrest today of a former police officer is built upon the steadfast work of our Internal Affairs Bureau, a team driven to root out such betrayals of public trust.  I thank IAB, all of our partners, and everyone from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their sustained collaboration in this important case.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court and based on statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

The Shooting Boys gang is a criminal organization based in the University Heights section of the Bronx.  Since at least 2017, gang members sold drugs, used guns, and committed numerous acts of violence against members of rival gangs.  The gang’s territory and base of operations fell within the jurisdiction of the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct.  The recognized leader of the Shooting Boys was Andrew Done, a/k/a “Caballo.”

MESTRE was an NYPD police officer from July 2013 to May 2022 assigned to the 52nd Precinct’s Public Safety Unit.  In the summer of 2020, a major focus of the precinct and the Public Safety Unit was the reduction of gun violence, much of which was attributed to members of the Shooting Boys.

In or about June 2020, MESTRE began communicating with Done through secret social media accounts and phone numbers.  MESTRE and Done began an intimate relationship, during which MESTRE provided Done and other gang members with confidential non-public law enforcement information about the federal grand jury investigation into the Shooting Boys.  For example, MESTRE warned Done, and other gang members, that federal investigators were preparing to bring a federal indictment against the Shooting Boys.  MESTRE also warned Done about impending law enforcement operations, enabling Done and other gang members to conceal their criminal activity.  In addition, MESTRE disclosed the identity of a witness cooperating with law enforcement and providing information about the gang, which allowed Done and other Shooting Boys to assault and intimidate the witness in an effort to prevent the witness from further cooperation.  

On or about November 5, 2020, Done shot and killed a rival gang member (“Victim-1”) as Victim-1 sat in his car on Cromwell Avenue in the Bronx.  NYPD Detectives investigating the murder recovered security camera video (the “Video”) capturing Done’s commission of the murder.  Several members of the 52nd Precinct were called upon to assist in the identification of the person captured on the Video.  MESTRE was one of several officers who identified Done as the perpetrator. 

During the manhunt to apprehend Done, of which MESTRE was a part, MESTRE sent Done a copy of the Video to his phone and secretly communicated with Done the day of the murder and in the weeks afterwards.  MESTRE warned Done about law enforcement’s efforts to capture him, allowing Done to eventually flee from the United States. 

In March 2022, 10 members of the Shooting Boys were charged in a 15-count indictment with various federal crimes, including racketeering conspiracy and murder.  Done was charged with the murder of Victim-1 and was apprehended in the Dominican Republic several months later. 

On November 17, 2022, Done pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and admitted to his role in the murder of Victim-1.  On February 22, 2023, Done was sentenced to 35 years in prison. 

MESTRE, 33, of Mohegan Lake, New York, is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of accessory after the fact to murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, Group 25; HSI; and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.   

The charges 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 in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Recovers $300,000 in Unpaid Wages for New York City Nail Salon Workers

 

Envy Nails Failed to Pay Minimum Wage to More Than 100 Workers at 25 Salons in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens Nails 181, an Envy Nails Entity, Also Subject to Judgments Totaling Over $275,000 for Felony Tax Theft

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office has recovered $300,000 in unpaid wages for workers at Envy Nails, a chain of 25 nail salons located in New York City. Between 2015 and 2021, the salons failed to pay minimum wage to more than 100 current and former employees, many of whom were vulnerable immigrant workers and workers of color. As part of the agreement with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Envy Nails will pay $300,000 in restitution to the salon workers, dissolve improperly registered corporate entities, and submit reports to OAG for a period of three years.

One of the 25 entities doing business as Envy Nails, Nails 181, Inc. (Nails 181), has also pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, for failing to pay sales tax between September 2014 and August 2019. As a condition of its sentence, New York County Supreme Court Judge Laurie Peterson ordered tax judgments against Nails 181 totaling more than $275,000 in favor of the state.

“Envy Nails did not pay minimum wage, cheating more than 100 salon workers out of the livelihoods they had rightfully earned,” said Attorney General James. “We are holding them accountable for their crimes, and New Yorkers can rest assured that we will always fight for workers’ rights. Thank you to our partners in government and advocacy for working together with my office to ensure Envy Nails pays up and makes these workers whole.”

“Wage theft undermines the basic rights of working New Yorkers,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “I thank Attorney General James and Governor Hochul for their dedication to ensuring no New Yorker is robbed of their hard-earned wages. I urge those who feel they may be a victim of wage theft to contact NYSDOL immediately.”

“The Department of State, Division of Licensing Services regularly inspects nail salons to ensure compliance with wage bond and other requirements. When violations are found, the Department takes corrective action to protect the public and nail salon workers,” said New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The Department was pleased to work with the Department of Labor and the Office of the Attorney General on this matter to hold these bad actors accountable and deter future impropriety.”

“Paying business taxes is not only critical for the overall economic health of our city and our state but is also a civic responsibility. Taxpayers deserve a fair and level playing field when it comes to taxation, and no business can be allowed to simply ignore its legal obligations,” said New York City Department of Finance Commissioner Preston Niblack. “I thank the attorney general for bringing appropriate enforcement action in this case. DOF's Tax Audit and Enforcement Unit is always ready to assist, and we will continue working together with all of our partners to ensure those committing tax theft are held accountable.”  

The settlement and criminal conviction are the result of a multiagency investigation by OAG, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), and the New York State Department of State (DOS). The DOL referred the matter to OAG in December 2018 after DOL completed another civil enforcement action against Envy Nails. The investigation revealed that between 2015 and 2021, 25 nail salons operating as Envy Nails in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens systematically underpaid salon workers, in violation of New York state labor laws. During this time period, Envy Nails salons misclassified their workers as independent contractors and did not pay them required minimum wages or overtime pay.

The investigation expanded when the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) and the New York City Department of Finance (NYCDOF) discovered that in addition to wage violations, Envy Nails underreported more than $2 million in taxable sales between September 2014 and August 2019, resulting in the underpayment of at least $90,000 in owed sales tax, as well as penalties and interest.

Attorney General James thanks DOL Commissioner Reardon and Secretary of State Rodriguez, Acting Commissioner Hiller and DTF, and Commissioner Niblack and NYCDOF for their assistance with this investigation. New York City Tax Auditor Travis Goddard and Rajeev Garg, Senior Director, NYC Department of Finance, Office of Tax Enforcement also contributed to this investigation.

Attorney General James has consistently worked to defend workers’ rights and stop wage theft. In March, Attorney General James recovered $24,000 for employees of Build With Prospect, a design-build company that stole wages from its employees. In October 2022, Attorney General James secured $90,000 in stolen and unpaid wages for more than a dozen former employees of a commercial dry cleaner in Queens. In July 2022, Attorney General James delivered $500,000 to current and former employees of a Manhattan bar for enduring sexual harassment, discrimination, and wage theft. In May 2022, Attorney General James secured more than $2.9 million for hundreds of New York City Marriott workers who were denied full severance pay. In April 2022, Attorney General James recovered $175,000 for Gotham Pizza workers who were cheated out of their pay. In September 2021, Attorney General James recovered $400,000 for Long Island laundry workers who were unlawfully fired during the pandemic. In July 2021, Attorney General James delivered $600,000 to survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination at restaurants owned by famed chef Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich. In 2020, she secured $240,000 for 11 former employees of Kenneth Friedman-owned New York City restaurant The Spotted Pig. 

MAYOR ADAMS, TLC ANNOUNCE NEW RULES TO REQUIRE CITY’S RIDESHARE VEHICLES TO BE ZERO-EMISSION, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BY 2030

New Proposed “Green Rides” Rules Lay Groundwork for a Cleaner, More Accessible New York City

New York City to Become First Large City to Have Rideshare Fleet Entirely Either Zero-Emissions or Wheelchair Accessible 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner David Do today announced the newly proposed rules for “Green Rides,” which requires the transition of New York City’s rideshare fleet to either zero-emission vehicles or wheelchair accessible vehicles by 2030. This initiative lays crucial groundwork in creating a cleaner and more accessible transportation system for New York City. The proposed rules will also make New York City the first large city in the world to have a rideshare fleet that is entirely either zero-emissions or wheelchair accessible.

 

The Green Rides program and this set of proposed rules delivers on a commitment from Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda” to electrify the high-volume for-hire vehicle fleet in New York City without imposing new costs on individual drivers.

 

“When it comes to driving towards sustainable and inclusive transportation alternatives, New York City isn’t just along for the ride — in fact, we are leading the way,” said Mayor Adams. “By championing the integration of zero-emission vehicles and wheelchair accessible transportation, we are cutting dirty emissions and guaranteeing equitable transportation opportunities for every New Yorker. Green Rides marks significant progress towards establishing an environmentally conscious for-hire transportation system spanning all five boroughs. This transformative shift will serve as a turning point, propelling New York City towards a greener, cleaner, healthier future.”

 

“As Mayor Adams made clear in his State of the City address, lowering transportation emissions takes bold action. The rules proposed today will make New York City the first large city in the world to have a rideshare fleet in which every vehicle is either zero-emissions or wheelchair accessible,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “TLC’s well-considered proposal is the first step towards mobility that is both convenient and sustainable.”

 

“The most exciting aspect of this initiative is that it not only transforms the existing fleet into one that is cleaner and more accessible but also provides a much-needed boost in development of city’s charging infrastructure,” said TLC Chair David Do. “Green Rides will have long-term benefits not just for TLC drivers but every driver in the city seeking to make the shift to an electric vehicle.”

 

“Electric vehicle adoption is a crucial piece of reducing New York City’s emissions. We are working closely with the private sector to equitably increase public charging access and inspire greater adoption and sustainable mode shifts across industries,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We applaud Mayor Adams and Commissioner Do for their work to eliminate vehicle emissions from the rideshare fleet.”

 

“New York City is tackling climate change head-on by smartly reducing emissions from our buildings, our waste stream, and our transportation sector through TLC’s Green Rides proposal,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Green Rides demonstrates that taking climate action can result in cleaner air, better mobility, good jobs, and improvements to our daily lives.”

 

“Green Rides’ bold goal of transitioning to zero-emission or wheelchair accessible vehicles by 2030 helps advance the PlaNYC goal of helping New Yorkers who must drive to drive electric,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Acting Executive Director Victoria Cerullo. “The Green Rides roadmap takes advantage of unprecedented new incentives for purchasing electric vehicles and will help expand charging infrastructure in the city — proving that TLC is getting sustainability done now.”

 

The newly proposed rules provide a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the bold goals of Green Rides over the next six years, with yearly benchmarks that are practical, implementable, and designed to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Starting in 2024, the city will require 5 percent of all high-volume for-hire trips, including those with Uber and Lyft, to be dispatched to zero-emission vehicles or wheelchair accessible vehicles — with that benchmark rising to 15 percent in 2025 and 25 percent in 2026. As the market evolves and electric vehicle prices become more affordable, the requirements will increase yearly by 20 percentage points until the end of the decade, reaching 100 percent in 2030.

 

This transition will play a major role in advancing PlaNYC, New York City’s long-term strategic climate plan that highlights efforts the city is taking to protect New Yorkers from climate threats, improve quality of life, and build the green economy. In the plan, the Adams administration lays out actions the city is taking to achieve its goal to cut transportation emissions in half by 2030. According to a TLC study, the agency’s licensed vehicles currently contribute to approximately 4 percent of the city’s vehicle emissions.

 

Along with Green Rides, the city is working as part of PlaNYC to ensure that every New Yorker lives within 2.5 miles of an electric vehicle charging station by 2035 and electrify school buses and the city’s fleet, while pursuing legislative changes to require that private parking garages and lots make electric vehicle charging available. Both Uber and Lyft, which together comprise New York City’s high-volume for-hire fleet of approximately 78,000 vehicles, have committed to transitioning to a greener fleet by 2030.

 

Existing federal and state incentives are expected to encourage purchases of electric vehicles and drive the market towards price parity between zero-emission vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles by 2027. Additionally, state regulations dictate that all new passenger cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. These financial and legal forces, along with a proven demand for TLC vehicle licenses, will help rideshare drivers shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.

 

A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for September 20, 2023.

 

“I love the EV. We save so much money on gas. I feel good about the change [from an internal combustion engine vehicle],” said Chris Velez, TLC-licensee EV driver and owner. “Passengers love that it is very quiet, and I get a lot of compliments. I hope the TLC releases more EV plates.”

 

“New York has always been a leader on green innovation,” said Larry Gallegos, public policy manager, Lyft. “That's why we are excited to partner with the city on its ambitious plan to electrify our industry. Through smart, targeted investments in incentives and charging infrastructure, we can help accelerate electric vehicle adoption and build a cleaner and more sustainable New York for all.”

 

“We applaud the TLC's ambition for reducing emissions, an important goal we share,” said Josh Gold, senior director for public policy and communications, Uber. “While there’s much more to do to make this a reality, we look forward to working with the TLC to achieve zero-emissions in New York City in a way that benefits drivers, riders, and the city.”

 

“The Green Rides initiative is not only a positive step toward reducing air pollution and cutting emissions from the transportation sector — which is key to fighting climate change — it’s also a shining example of how strong climate legislation at all levels of government are combining with market forces to shift the economics in favor of clean energy,” said Julie Tighe, president, New York League of Conservation Voters. “The New York League of Conservation Voters applauds Mayor Adams and Commissioner Do for introducing this forward-thinking initiative and for their commitment to getting stuff done that will not only benefit our environment but also contribute to a healthier, more livable city for all.”

 

“A cleaner future for our city is a vision we support as drivers and New Yorkers, and it starts with bold initiatives like this,” said Brendan Sexton, president, Independent Drivers Guild. “We appreciate the mayor promising in his Working People's Agenda unveiled in January of this year that our city's hardworking drivers wouldn't bear the cost of this transition. New York has a proud history of leading the nation in accessibility and sustainability initiatives as well as worker protections. We look forward to working closely with Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Joshi, and Commissioner Do to ensure the necessary infrastructure and financial support for a successful Green Rides transition for all.”

Following Death in Suffolk County Tied to Rare Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria, Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Public Health Precautions and Ongoing Preparedness Efforts

 

New York State Department of Health Has Issued Guidance To Providers On Best Practices To Treat And Identify Cases

Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria, Which Can Cause Skin Breakdown and Ulcers, Has Been Identified In A Recently Deceased Individual From Suffolk County

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that vibriosis, a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause skin breakdown and ulcers, has been identified in a recently deceased individual from Suffolk County. Fatal cases of vibriosis have also been identified in Connecticut. The Governor urged New Yorkers to learn how to avoid exposure and to take appropriate precautions, as the New York State Department of Health reminded providers to consider vibriosis when diagnosing wound infections or sepsis of unknown origins.

“While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous,” Governor Hochul said. “As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria.”

Vibriosis is caused by several species of bacteria, including the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which occurs naturally in saltwater coastal environments and can be found in higher concentrations from May to October when the weather is warmer. Infection with vibriosis can cause a range of symptoms when ingested, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills. Exposure can also result in ear infections and cause sepsis and life-threatening wound infections.

The death in Suffolk County is still being investigated to determine if the bacteria was encountered in New York waters or elsewhere. In the meantime, the New York State Department of Health this week reminded health care providers to consider vibrio vulnificus when seeing individuals with severe wound infections or sepsis with or without wound infections.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “We are reminding providers to be on the lookout for cases of vibriosis, which is not often the first diagnosis that comes to mind. We are also suggesting to New Yorkers that if you have wounds, you should avoid swimming in warm seawater. And, if you have a compromised immune system, you should also avoid handling or eating raw seafood that could also carry the bacteria.”

While anyone can get vibriosis, those with liver disease, cancer or a weakened immune system or people taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels may be more likely to get an infection or develop complications when infected.

To help prevent vibriosis, people with a wound, such as a cut or scrape, a recent piercing or tattoo, should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage. In addition, those with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, which can carry the bacteria. Wear gloves when handling raw shellfish and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when finished.

More information about vibriosis can be found here.