Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers On State's Progress Combating Covid-19 - FEBRUARY 7, 2023

 

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

60 Statewide Deaths Reported from February 4 to February 6

 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 urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and 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 last month.

The New York State Department of Health's weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 28, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a seventeenth consecutive week, with a total of 308,279 positive cases across 57 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 34 percent to 2,937 for the week, while overall hospitalizations were down 35 percent from the previous week, at 304 hospitalizations across the state.

Additionally, there were 6 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There was one influenza-associated pediatric death reported bringing the total to 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 - 8.85
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 12.98
• Test Results Reported - 33,380
• Total Positive - 1,729
• Percent Positive - 4.60%**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 5.41%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,384 (-7)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 811*
• Patients in ICU - 278 (+14)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 101 (+7)
• Total Discharges - 397,890 (+686)*
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 60*
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 61,491*

** 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 - 78,153

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	Saturday,   February   4, 2023	Sunday,   February   5, 2023	Monday,   February   6, 2023
Bronx	5.24%	5.09%	4.98%
Kings	4.07%	4.06%	3.82%
New York	4.20%	4.26%	4.09%
Queens	4.94%	4.83%	4.69%
Richmond	5.13%	4.85%	4.64%

Operating Engineers Recruit Apprentices

 

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Operating Engineers, Local Union #15, will conduct a recruitment from March 6, 2023 through March 17, 2023 for five Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Please note that the five openings for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions - the Long Island and New York City regions of the state.  

A form will be available online at http://local15recruitment.org, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during the recruitment period, to enter a lottery drawing to receive an application. Only one form can be submitted per person. Applicants who do not have access to a computer should visit their local library.

Local Union #15 will randomly select 50 individuals who have submitted the online form to receive an application. The lottery drawing will be held at 10:00 am on March 22, 2023, at the Operating Engineers, Local Union #15 Training Center, at the very south end of Lefferts Boulevard at JFK Airport, South Ozone Park, NY. There is no guarantee that everyone will receive an application.

All applications must be completed and received by Operating Engineers, Local Union #15 by April 5, 2023.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
• Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to perform the work of an Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment), which may include:
• Working with hand and power tools.
• Climbing up onto and down from heavy equipment.
• Working outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
• Working in confined spaces and underground.
• Working at heights, including bridges, scaffolding, etc.
• Lifting and moving heavy tools and equipment.
• Being exposed to loud noises, hazardous voltages, and respiratory irritants.
• Prolonged standing, climbing, and walking.
• Repetitive squatting, stretching, and bending.
• Must be able to perform tasks involving coordination, motor skills, and dexterity.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate company vehicles.
• Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must pass a physical exam, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must pass an aptitude test administered by the Operating Engineers, Local Union #15 Training Center.
• Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship.

For further information, applicants should contact Operating Engineers, Local Union #15 at (718) 835-0400. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Governor Hochul Announces Details of Plan to Grow Jobs and Boost Economy in Central New York as Part of FY 24 Executive Budget

 

Includes More Than $80 Million to Drive Economic Development, Boost Housing Supply, Support Higher Education

Also Includes $45 Million in Administrative and Operational Support for Micron Investment and Other Semiconductor Industry Growth Through New Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management and Integration

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced details of key proposals from her Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget to grow jobs and boost the economy in Central New York. In line with the 2023 State of the State, the budget includes a major investment to increase housing supply and expand economic opportunity and innovation in the region. That includes $36 million for Onondaga Community College, $11 million for local workforce and economic development initiatives, $10 million for the New 15th Ward public housing project and $26 million for the State Fair and local parks. Governor Hochul also announced $45 million for GO SEMI: Governor's Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management and Integration, which will provide administrative and operational support to Micron during its historic $100 billion investment for a new megafab in Central New York and lead a broader effort to develop New York's semiconductor industry.

"These investments are building on our momentum to make Syracuse and Central New York more prosperous, more affordable, and more livable," Governor Hochul said. "With new, deeper commitments to housing, education, and economic development, our budget will build on Micron's investment to create opportunity for even more New Yorkers, and I look forward to working with local leaders to make this vision for Central New York a reality."

Several of the budget proposals Governor Hochul announced today are in line with the Economic Innovation Plan announced in the 2023 State of the State to grow jobs and businesses by expanding economic opportunity and innovation across New York State through targeted investments, business support and other programming aimed at high-growth industries. The Governor's budget also includes several initiatives to invest in higher education and improve local attractions across the state. For Central New York, the plan includes:

• $10 million for the New 15th Ward public housing project in Syracuse, which will support construction of the first three phases of the multi-year-12 phase project.
• $5 million to help the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation create a revolving loan fund to help small- to mid-size city businesses fill critical gaps in the need for qualified contractors for housing construction and rehabilitation as well as for lead hazard reduction in homes.
• $5 million for the Flexible Finance Program to support economic development in the City of Syracuse.
• $1 million to expand the successful Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship program to support building trades apprenticeships in Syracuse and expand Vehicles to Work program.
• $1 million to create the Syracuse Surge High-Tech Careers Bridge Program, which will help connect Syracuse residents with semiconductor careers, eSOL programs and skills training for advanced manufacturing careers. 
• $36 million for Onondaga Community College, including:
  • $15 million to expand the School of Health.
  • $5 million to support construction of a 5,000 square foot, ISO class 5 and 6 clean room for training students in the semiconductor and microelectronics industries.
  • $3 million for an open warehouse space for use in applied engineering, technical and workforce education.
  • $2.5 million for an energy retrofit of Coyne Hall.
  • $10.25 million for various improvements across the campus.
• $14 million to support State fairground maintenance and needed infrastructure upgrades.
• $7 million to construct two brand new comfort stations at campgrounds and make circulations improvements at Selkirk Shores State Park.
• $5 million for improvements at Green Lakes State Park.

GO SEMI and New York's Growing Semiconductor Industry

Governor Hochul also announced $45 million for GO SEMI, announced as part of the 2023 State of the State address, on the heels of Micron's historic announcement that it will invest $100 billion to build the world's largest memory manufacturing facility in Clay, located in Onondaga County, New York. The investment is estimated to bring up to 50,000 jobs to the Central New York region and was made possible by the federal CHIPS and Science Act and New York's Green CHIPS legislation, which the Governor signed in 2022. The new office will be led by Empire State Development and staffed by experts from the Department of State, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Department of Labor, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, NY CREATES, the New York Power Authority, the Office of Homes and Community Renewal and the State University of New York. 

GO SEMI will lead and centralize efforts to implement the Micron project; develop and advance policies to attract the semiconductor industry and its supply chain; coordinate workforce development and community investments between local, state, federal, and private partners; lead efforts to create, attract and retain the highly skilled workforce needed; and support cohesive development focused on smart growth principles.

Shortly after the Micron announcement, Governor Hochul announced that Edwards Vacuum, a British-based world leader in vacuum and abatement equipment in the semiconductor industry, would build a new $319 million, U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility at Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) located in Genesee County, creating up to 600 jobs. The agreements with Micron and Edwards Vacuum will help to solidify New York's standing as a hub for advanced manufacturing and a home for 21st century jobs.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: NYC Spending Priorities Shifted During Pandemic

 

As Federal Aid Runs Out, Questions Remain on Continued Funding for Pandemic-era Programs

Like many cities across the United States, New York City has adjusted its budget priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic to help address pressing needs, but some new critical programs and services may face fiscal cliffs, according to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report compared the city’s pre-pandemic and current preliminary budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) to examine how spending priorities shifted.

“The mayor’s preliminary FY 2024 budget reflects the changes to city budget priorities that emerged during the pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “Funding for education, public health and social services have risen to counter the effects of the pandemic, but the loss of federal relief aid will require the city to reassess its priorities once again the coming year to ensure that the programs it deems essential to its recovery can continue beyond Fiscal Year 2024.”

To meet the needs of students and teachers impacted by the pandemic, the city’s current budget for FY 2024 increased funding for education when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. DiNapoli’s report shows the city raised spending on education by more than $1 billion, which was made possible by significant federal pandemic assistance. This funding will support preschool for 3-year-olds and COVID learning loss initiatives, as well as mental health services. However, funding sources for many of these programs remain unidentified in the out-years of the financial plan, representing fiscal cliffs that pose a risk to the city’s budget.

The city’s current budget also includes about $3.24 billion of city funds to support new initiatives and cost mandates to address public safety, social services, and quality of life issues when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. While many of these new programs and services will help address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether they will be funded beyond FY 2024 is unclear.

For example, funding in the city’s current budget rose about $817 million for social service agencies when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. This increased funding is for street homeless programs and shelters ($303 million), education enrichment programs (Summer Rising, $101 million), more Fair Fares public transportation discounts for low-income New Yorkers ($75 million) and expanded slots for the Summer Youth Employment Program ($57 million).

Also, public safety funding rose by $524 million when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. The added funding will support uniformed agencies and judicial programs focused on reducing violent crimes and recidivism.

Other new initiatives that will receive city funding in the current budget support quality of life improvements such as cleanliness of public spaces and abatement of pests, as well as improving street safety with additional speed cameras. The Department of Sanitation, for instance, received an increase of $94 million for initiatives such as waste export and recycling, an organics program, public space cleaning and snow removal when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan.

DiNapoli’s report found that many of these new programs and services in the current budget were funded, in large part, by agency cost savings, such as eliminating vacancies and a citywide hiring freeze. With some city operations now reportedly experiencing difficulties in delivering services at pre-pandemic levels, this suggests staffing shortages and highlights the importance of the city more closely monitoring performance at agencies, as recommended by DiNapoli in his previous report on city staffing.

The city also faces additional risks and uncertainties that could impact these newly funded programs and services beyond FY 2024. A significant portion (41%) of the city’s budget is nondiscretionary. It could be more difficult for the city to hold down some costs in the future if there is an economic downturn. In addition, some new recurring costs may not be fully accounted for, such as the outcomes of municipal labor contracts, the recent influx of asylum seekers, public assistance and other social support costs, which may depend on federal pandemic assistance.

DiNapoli said continued efforts to increase reserves and identify cost savings without hurting city services remain a prudent approach to managing the long-term implications of the pandemic.

Report

Pandemic Impacts on NYC Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Priorities

Related Reports

Update on New York City Staffing Trends

Identifying Fiscal Cliffs in New York City’s Financial Plan

Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York

NYC Department of Education Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Egg-ducation Classes at Queens Farm Offer Free Resources on Raising Hens at Home

 

Free Public Education Classes on Raising Backyard Hens at NYC’s Oldest Working Farm Highlight a 2023 Robust Public Education Program 

Cluck-clucking at egg prices lately? New Yorkers can now flock to Queens County Farm Museum to get cracking with Raising Backyard Hens, an essential primer for those looking to establish their own coops and maintain established ones. With the cost of eggs surging, Queens County Farm Museum is offering this course at no cost to help improve community access to fresh, hyper-local food. This free seminar is being offered four times to meet community demand: Saturdays, March 4 & March 18 and Sundays, March 12 & March 26.  It is presented as part of Queens Farm’s public education series sponsored by Northwell Health, Queens Farm’s Health & Wellness partner. Taught by Queens County Farm Museum’s Director of Agriculture Danny Morales, Raising Backyard Hens will cover methods for maintaining a healthy flock of laying hens and collecting fresh eggs straight from the yard. The course explores the benefits of raising hens, New York City rules and guidelines, flock management, an introduction to different breeds, housing and outdoor space requirements, health maintenance, disease prevention, and cost considerations. A visit to Queens Farm’s chicken coops is included providing program participants a visual, hands-on experience of the concepts explored. “With the recent surge in the public buying hens to raise at home along with the price of eggs more than doubling, Raising Backyard Hens is an important resource for New Yorkers,” said Jennifer Walden Weprin, Executive Director of Queens County Farm Museum. “Working with our partner Northwell Health, we are proud to have expanded the program dates and offer the seminar at no cost to all New Yorkers.” Queens County Farm Museum has been raising hens as part of its livestock program since the organization’s inception in the 1970s. This past year Queens Farm produced over 3,500 dozen eggs. It is in the process of expanding egg production to support community demand for farm-fresh hyper-local food and reliable protein. Queens Farm’s hens are free-range and are raised using organic methods. Raising Backyard Hens is part of a robust schedule of public education programming that Queens County Farm Museum will offer in 2023. Details can be found online at queensfarm.org.

The 2023 Public Education Program Lineup includes: Raising Backyard Hens (March 4, 12, 18, 26), which will explore the ins and outs of raising a healthy flock of laying hens and collecting fresh, delicious eggs straight from the backyard. This class is appropriate for beginners and established hen caretakers alike. FREE 18th Century Hearth Cooking (March 4, 11 & November 4, 11), which takes place in the historic Adriance farmhouse kitchen and introduces students to original 18th-century recipes, seasonal ingredients, and traditional cooking utensils as the embers of the hearth fireplace bring history to life. $48/person Planning Your Veggie Garden (March 25), which helps attendees build the skills they’ll need to start growing their own food. Topics like backyard layout prep, choosing crops, propagation, seedling care, pollinators and more will be covered, with an emphasis on organic methods. $48/person Art on the Farm Series: Watercolor, Pen & Ink (June 1, 8, 15, 22), This series of four classes will guide visitors through themed instruction as they experiment with different drawing and painting media on the farm’s bucolic grounds, which serve as inspiration. $170/person (full series); $45/person (single class) Cheesemaking 101 (June 7, 14), a hands-on introduction to the science and history of curds and whey. Guests will learn to make two types of delicious soft cheese and leave with samples, recipes, and clear instructions to confidently make cheese at home. $55/person Root to Rise: Farm Yoga (June 3, 10, 17, 24), guests of this free 4-part wellness series will relax and unwind as they flow through 60 minutes of Vinyasa yoga on bucolic farmland. Guided breathing and movement through dynamic poses will leave participants feeling refreshed and de-stressed. FREE Urban Beekeeping (June 24), a workshop designed for beginners that covers the basic biology and anatomy of honey bees as well as apiculture essentials such as colony care, honey extraction, parts of the hive, beekeeping equipment, and disease prevention. $40/person Milk & Honey Month, which takes place throughout the month of June in honor of National Dairy Month and National Pollinator Month. Programming includes Sunday Apiary talks, after-school milk & cookies, story time at the Con Edison Reading Room, and more. FREE Wild Edibles (August 10), an outdoor guided tour of wild edible plants in Queens Farm’s woodlands, pollinator gardens, and pathway edges. Guests will learn to safely identify and sustainably harvest wild seasonal ingredients and explore the evolving ethics of foraging. Led by renowned plant expert and author Marie Viljoen. $55/person Adriance Farmhouse Tours (select weekends year-round), where guests can learn all about the oldest surviving structure on Queens County Farm Museum's property. Visitors will be guided through the restored Adriance Farmhouse, the centerpiece of the farm complex which was first built as a three-room Dutch farmhouse in 1772. FREE “Northwell Health is excited to partner with Queens County Farm Museum in the 2023 educational programming they will be offering our communities to promote health and wellness. The educational topics are relevant, timely, and geared towards healthy behaviors, particularly for our youth,” stated Deb Salas-Lopez, MD MPH, Senior Vice President, Community and Population Health for Northwell Health. To learn more about Queens County Farm Museum’s Public Education Program, go to queensfarm.org/public-education-programs. For more information about Queens County Farm Museum, visit queensfarm.org.

About Queens County Farm Museum Queens County Farm Museum showcases the 300-year history of agriculture as a way of life in New York City. It is a New York City Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Queens Farm offers free admission 354 days per year and hosts a wide variety of acclaimed education programs and public events. It is the most visited cultural institution in Queens, serving as a vital resource connecting people to agriculture and the environment through the lens of the historic site. For more information, visit queensfarm.org.

Attorney General James Successfully Defends New York’s Rent Stabilization Laws

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit rejected constitutional challenges to New York’s Rent Stabilization Laws, as amended by the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019:

“Today’s decision is a victory for families that work day and night to keep a roof over their head. As we continue to address the nationwide housing crisis, we must spare no effort in protecting tenants and defending affordable housing options for New Yorkers. We will continue to defend the constitutionality of our laws and fight to ensure New Yorkers can afford to live in their homes and communities.”

In September 2020, a district court judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed two challenges to the Rent Stabilization Laws in their entirety. The decision was appealed, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court’s decision dismissing the challenges.