DASHBOARD UPDATE: NYC Comptroller Releases New Monthly Data on Department of Correction Operations

 

The New York City Comptroller’s Office released its monthly update to the Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard, available here. This month’s dashboard data highlights the persistent issues surrounding DOC operations from rising jail population to an increase in detained individuals with serious mental illness.

Key monthly DOC metrics show:

• As of July 1, DOC jails held 6,081 people, 77 more people than June 1.
  • DOC admitted 2,006 people to the jail in June, 73 more than in May.
  • 1,935 people were discharged in June, 21 fewer than in May.
• In June, the average length of incarceration decreased to 90 days – a 14-day reduction from May.
• 1,207 people with serious mental illness were detained on Rikers in May, up from 1,186 people in April. Individuals with serious mental illness make up 20% of the total detained population on Rikers.
• Individuals in DOC facilities missed medical appointments 11,691 times in May, which is 1,510 more appointments missed than in April, 2023. The last time the number of missed medical appointments reached this peak was in April, 2022.
• Judges assigned cash bail to 1,227 individuals in May for the thirteenth consecutive month,
• DOC uniformed staff had 67 fewer officers between May and June; an average monthly headcount of 6,449.
• Uniformed staff out sick continues to trend downward to 466 uniformed officers on leave in June.
• Fewer incidents of violence occurred in June:
  • The number of assaults decreased to 47, down 7 from May.
  • 67 fewer fights happened in June (412 fights)
  • There were 18 fewer slashings and stabbings.
  • This is a reverse from last month where violent incidents rose.

In May 2023, the DOC ceased publicly disclosing information about deaths that occurred in their custody. The dashboard reflects the current number of known deaths in DOC custody as reported by the media.

“Every life lost because of the conditions on Rikers demonstrates a total disregard to care for the people in custody . The lack of transparency and improvement in City jails proves that DOC cannot continue safe and secure operation of these facilities. The DOC owes the deceased, their families, and New Yorkers a full picture of what happens under their watch,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

Comptroller Lander is among a coalition of officials and criminal justice advocates who support a federal receiver to supervise the City’s jail system. Chief District Judge Laura Swain will preside over a hearing in early August to consider federal receivership.

The Comptroller’s dashboard, first published in August, 2022, monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month and length of stay. The Comptroller’s office publishes data to this dashboard monthly to provide increased transparency and accountability over the City’s jail system.

View the DOC Dashboard here.

After Devastating Flooding, Governor Hochul Extends Application Deadline for More Than $500 Million in Resiliency-Related Grants

 

Deadline Extended to August 11 as Communities Statewide Face Aftermath of Severe Weather Emergencies

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the extension of the application deadline for certain resiliency-related state grants in the wake of impacts from devastating flooding in communities across New York State. The new August 11 deadlines provides communities impacted by storm damage additional time to apply for resources to help improve water quality, strengthen flood resiliency, and mitigate climate change.

"Communities dealing with the destruction and aftermath of these severe weather events shouldn't lose out on the opportunity to apply for grant funding that could advance critical water quality and resiliency projects," Governor Hochul said. "Extending the deadline will give flood-stricken communities time to finish their applications for projects that will protect public health, prepare for future severe weather events, and create jobs that boost local economies."

The deadline for the following grant programs was extended from July 28 to Aug. 11:

• Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grants (IMG): $425 million is available to fund critical wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. This amount is made available through a combination of existing state resources and the voter-approved Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
• In addition, certain resiliency-related programs available through the Governor's Consolidated Funding Application are also extended:
• Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP): $75 million is available to fund projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency or protect a drinking water source.
• Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP): $15 million is available for projects that utilize green stormwater infrastructure design and green technologies.
• Engineering Planning Grants (EPG): $3 million is available to help fund engineering reports for wastewater projects.
• Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant: $3 million is available to reimburse the cost of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

The online application and eligibility information for the WIIA and IMG programs are available at efc.ny.gov/wiia. WIIA and IMG applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

The CFA is available at apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa. Applications for WQIP, GIGP, EPG and non-agricultural non-point source and MS4 planning grants are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

New York State's nation-leading investment in clean water infrastructure totals $5 billion since 2017. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the 2023-24 Enacted Budget includes the $500 million in clean water funding. The Governor launched Community Assistance Teams this year to expand EFC's technical assistance program and help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding to address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at efc.ny.gov/CAT.

The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act specifically named EFC's grant programs as tools for leveraging funding for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure. The Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.

New York State is hosting on-site and virtual listening sessions for communities to learn more about Bond Act funding opportunities and to weigh in on the draft eligibility guidelines being developed to identify potential projects. Go to the Bond Act website at www.ny.gov/BondAct to learn more and register for the July 20 Capital Region, July 26 virtual, and other upcoming sessions this summer.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State's Fiscal Outlook Declines

 

Weaker Economic Forecast and Higher Spending Projections Drive Looming Out-Year Budget Gaps

Just a year after the Division of the Budget forecast fiscal stability and no projected budget gaps in the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2022-23 Enacted Budget Financial Plan, the SFY 2023-24 plan shows looming  gaps cumulatively totaling $36.4 billion through SFY 2026-27. Reasons for the deteriorating fiscal outlook include declines in revenue from a weaker economic forecast, stock market volatility, and increases in recurring spending, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The state’s fiscal outlook has changed considerably over the past year, and significant economic and fiscal risks could further upend the state’s finances,” DiNapoli said. “The Governor and the Legislature prudently increased New York’s reserve funds, but that cannot replace fiscal discipline or be relied upon to plug recurring budget gaps. While there is no quick fix, a proactive approach by state leaders to align recurring revenues with recurring spending could help preserve the economic competitiveness of our state and avoid cuts to critical programs New Yorkers rely on.”

DiNapoli said large budget gaps underscore the importance of building up rainy day reserves and enhancing criteria for their use. At the end of SFY 2022-23, statutory rainy day reserves totaled $6.3 billion. The Enacted Budget Financial Plan states future deposits will be made at the discretion of the Executive. Given the size of the estimated gaps and risk of economic downturn, DiNapoli recommends beginning to transfer the $13.2 billion in fund balance designated by DOB for “economic uncertainties” and controlled by the Executive into the statutory rainy day reserves on a monthly basis over the course of the fiscal year. If all the funds were deposited, the statutory reserves would total $19.5 billion, which is 17% of projected General Fund disbursements in SFY 2023-24. Absent such action, the Executive should develop and clearly state criteria for using the funds designated for “economic uncertainties.”

Growing Budget Gaps

In the three months between the release of the SFY 2023-24 Executive Budget Updated for the 30-Day Amendments and the SFY 2023-24 Enacted Budget Financial Plan, DOB’s budget gap projections grew by $4 billion in SFY 2024-25, $5.3 billion in SFY 2025-26, and $6.3 billion in SFY 2026-27. The gaps are now projected to be $9.1 billion, $13.9 billion and $13.4 billion, respectively. The estimated gaps are well above typical forecasted levels over the previous 15 years. 

The updated financial plan reduced General Fund tax receipts from the SFY 2023-24 Executive Budget estimates by more than $5 billion annually. In addition, more than $1.1 billion of average annual recurring spending was added. The projected budget gaps would have been larger, but were offset by discretionary actions taken by DOB, including adjustments to the timing of payments and prepaying future expenses. Without these actions, DOB’s projected cumulative gap over the four-year financial plan period would have totaled $48.9 billion.

Spending Up, Revenues Down

While State Operating Funds (SOF) revenues are projected by DOB to decline by more than 10% from SFY 2022-23 through SFY 2026-27, projected expenditures are expected to grow by almost $22 billion, or 17.8%

On an All Funds basis, which captures the impact of waning extraordinary federal aid from the pandemic, DOB projects that receipts will decline by 5.3% during this period, while expenditures will grow by 10.3%. All Funds health disbursements are projected to grow by almost $16 billion between SFY 2022-23 and SFY 2026-27, comprising more than 70% of the projected growth for this time period. That growth is largely due to a projected rise in Department of Health (DOH) Medicaid costs of nearly $10 billion (from $77.4 billion to $87.3 billion) and of $4.3 billion in the Essential Plan (from $6.3 billion to $10.6 billion).

DiNapoli’s report identifies several risks and concerns related to DOB’s forecast and projections, including the following.

Increasing Volatility in Tax Collections

As one of its largest revenue sources, the state is highly dependent upon the Personal Income Tax (PIT). In the past ten fiscal years, collections from the PIT averaged 62% of All Funds tax revenues and nearly half of total State Operating Funds receipts. PIT receipts can fluctuate from year-to-year since they are partially based on volatile income sources such as capital gains, dividend and interest income, and bonuses paid to securities industry employees.

In 2022, DiNapoli noted that increased tax rates on high-income earners would likely make PIT collections more volatile. PIT liability is largely paid by a relatively small number of taxpayers who also have a higher share of non-wage income, like capital gains and dividend and interest income, that makes state tax collections especially vulnerable to declines in the stock market. Based on preliminary tax year 2021 data, taxpayers with incomes over $1 million were 1.5% of all filers but paid 43.5% of the total liability. Their share of those non-wage income sources was 74%. Several factors, including decline in the financial markets and expiration of federal benefits, led PIT collections to plummet in SFY 2022-23. 

DiNapoli’s 2022 report on taxpayer migration showed that from 2015 to 2019 a net average of 28,700 personal income taxpayers moved out of New York annually, many of whom were high-income residents. In 2020 a net of 112,400 taxpayers moved out, nearly four times as many in 2019. According to preliminary 2021 tax year data, the net number of taxpayers moving out of New York declined but was over 10,000 higher than the annual average for 2015 to 2019. In addition, the net number of millionaires leaving were almost three times those in 2019. A continuation of this trend would hurt the state’s PIT collections.

Medicaid Enrollment

The state’s reprocessing of eligibility requirements for Medicaid enrollees is expected to decrease enrollment by one million to 6.9 million individuals by April 2024. If the enrollment declines are slower-than-anticipated, it will produce fiscal pressures on spending in the current fiscal year. Unanticipated total two-year costs under alternative enrollment scenarios range from $10 billion (assuming enrollment declines by two-thirds) to $30 billion (assuming Medicaid enrollment does not decline at all by March 2025).

End of Pandemic Federal Aid

The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided $12.75 billion in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to New York state. Over the two years, approximately one-quarter of funds were used for public health and safety payroll, and more than half (almost $4 billion) was for “government services.” This high-level reporting provides little specificity and explanation for use of the funds, including whether it is for recurring or non-recurring items. If these funds are supporting recurring spending, they may cause a “fiscal cliff” when funds are depleted. Future updates from DOB should be more specific about the uses of these funds.

Report

State Fiscal Year 2023-24 Enacted Budget Financial Plan

Related Reports

Moving In or Moving Out? New York State Personal Income Taxpayer Migration Trends

State Fiscal Year 2023-24 Enacted Budget Review

COVID-19 Relief Programs Tracker

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE & DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TAKE PROACTIVE MEASURES TO ENSURE SAFE SUMMER AT AMUSEMENT PARKS AND FAIRS STATEWIDE

 

The New York State Department of Labor Conducts Ride Inspections to Protect Fairgoers 

Department of State Offers Safety Tips for Families

The New York Department of State and the Department of Labor today announced proactive measures to ensure a fun, safe amusement park and fair season for families and visitors statewide. NYSDOL inspects all rides at stationary parks outside of New York City at least once a year and inspects rides at traveling carnivals or fairs every time the rides are set up at a new location. A ride cannot legally operate without a permit from NYSDOL. In 2022, the Department inspected around 6,900 rides across New York State.

“Amusement parks, fairs and carnivals are an exciting way to spend time with your family during the summer, but a fun day can quickly turn into a bad experience if the proper safety procedures are not followed,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Before heading to one of these attractions, parents and children alike should be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe and know the warning signs of a potentially unsafe ride.”

“Our inspectors work diligently and thoroughly to ensure that every piece of equipment functions properly before anyone boards these rides,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “When you see the NYSDOL inspection tag, you know that the ride has been thoroughly inspected and is safe to enjoy.”

NYSDOL inspections are a three-step process:

• As rides are brought into a fair or festival location, each individual part and component of each individual ride is inspected for defects.
• The ride is assembled and inspected again to ensure that all components have been assembled and are properly secured.
• The operator of the ride is required to run the ride, and it is inspected once more while operating. The person operating the ride is also observed to ensure that he or she is operating the ride correctly.

NYSDOL places dated inspection tags on each ride after it has passed inspection. No ride that fails an inspection is permitted to operate, but these tags allow families to see plainly that the ride has been inspected and deemed safe. Information on the tag includes the name of the ride, the name of the inspector, the date it was inspected and whether it passed or failed.

Tips for Safe Visits to Amusement Parks and Fairs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 24,013 injuries caused by mobile amusement park attractions were seen by hospital emergency departments in 2022 alone. Many injuries that occur on amusement park and fair rides are preventable by following simple safety guidelines.

Ride Safe:

• Respect the rules: Obey listed age, height, weight and health restrictions, and follow all directions posted on signs, given by ride operators or announced through recorded messages. These rules were created for everyone’s safety.
• Don’t pressure anybody to ride: Never force anyone, especially children, to get on attractions they don’t want to ride.
• Buckle up: Always use all safety equipment provided on rides and never attempt to get free or loosen restraints or other safety devices. Keep hands, arms, legs and feet inside rides at all times.
• Keep loose items off rides: Don’t carry loose items like wallets, glasses, cell phones or hats with you on any ride. Taking photos or video on a ride is dangerous.
• Stay seated: Remain seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit.
• Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks if you're riding high g-force rides, such as roller coasters. Repeated high g-force rides can result in the loss of consciousness, which can lead to serious injury.
• Stay alert: If you are injured or see any unsafe beha
• vior or conditions on a ride, report it to an employee at the venue immediately.

Beat the Heat:

• Take breaks: Summer temperatures get hot, and you can end up walking or standing in the sun more than usual at amusements parks or fairs. Take breaks from back-to-back rides like roller coasters to avoid feeling ill. Sit down and grab a beverage if you start to feel tired.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but don’t drink alcohol and get on rides. Getting on rides while impaired puts yourself and others at risk.
• Find first aid stations: It’s smart to know where first aid stations are located in case of an emergency.

Child Safety:

• Make sure children know the rules: Make sure children can understand and follow safe behavior for the day, especially when on rides. If you don't think your child will be able to follow the rules for a ride, do not let them get on. Never sneak children onto rides if they are below the posted height, weight or age limits.
• Watch before you ride: Watch any rides with your child so you both know what to expect before getting on. You can also read any instruction signs aloud with your child and point out the ride operator, exit and entrance locations.
• Make sure children are seated safely: Make sure children know they must use all safety equipment on rides. Don’t assume a ride is safe for children if you hold on to them. If you hold on to your child, you can’t look after yourself, and you may both be at risk of injury.
• Have a plan in case your child gets lost: Teach children what to do if they get separated from you. Point out uniformed park employees who can help them and designate a conspicuous spot as a meeting place if your child gets lost.

New York State is home to more than 50 county and youth fairs that operate from July through the middle of September, with the Long Island Fair closing out the season. Local fairs allow visitors a chance to sample locally grown food. These events also provide an opportunity to learn about local agriculture, including where our food comes from, and how it is grown, harvested, and marketed to the public.

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.

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO MUSIC PRODUCER AND SONGWRITING LEGEND VALERIE SIMPSON

 

Key to the City of New York to Honor Simpson’s Decades of Contributions to R&B Music as Half of Iconic Duo Ashford & Simpson

New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Sunday awarded a Key to the City of New York to legendary songwriter and music producer Valerie Simpson at the 22^nd Annual St. Albans Jazz and Rhythm and Blues (R&B) Festival for her over 50 years of contributions to and influence on music history. Alongside her husband Nickolas Ashford as the iconic, prolific pair Ashford & Simpson, Simpson collaborated with music’s largest stars to produce and perform songs such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Solid.”

 

“For more than 50 years, Valerie Simpson has been the heart of R&B in New York City and the nation,” said Mayor Adams. “Every note in her songs has been infused with the love and soul of this city. Valerie’s works have been performed by some of the most legendary artists of our time, but her songs will remain timeless. I am honored to present Valerie Simpson with a Key to the City of New York, and I know that her music will be loved by generations to come.”

 

“I was born in the Bronx, and to receive a Key to the City from Mayor Adams at the St. Albans Jazz and Rhythm and Blues Festival was a true ‘wow’ moment,” said Valerie Simpson. “I could feel all the love from the community. This was a special moment for me, and I’m humbled and appreciative of this honor.”

Mayor Adams delivers Key to the City of New York to music legend Valerie Simpson.

Born in the Bronx, Simpson met Ashford at the White Rock Baptist Church in New York City in 1964 and soon began writing songs under their partnership of Ashford & Simpson. The duo rose to national fame after writing Ray Charles’ “Let’s Go Get Stoned” in 1964, which reached number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They would go on to perform their own songs, such as “Solid” and “Found a Cure,” as well as collaborate with music legends Ben E. King, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Quincy Jones. The duo also wrote Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” and Diana Ross’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

 

Ashford & Simpson were nominated for three Grammy Awards and wrote 16 albums, four of which went gold. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002, the duo has received over 50 awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), including the ASCAP’s Founder’s Award in 1996, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s Pioneer Award in 1999, and the Grammy Trustees Award in 2019. Today, Simpson is an ASCAP Foundation board member and runs The Sugar Bar, a music club that provides opportunities for young musicians to perform.

 

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, the then-governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city’s wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. 

 

FORMER CITY PARKS SUPERVISOR CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ABUSING SUBORDINATE AT BRONX PARK

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest, which occurred on Friday, of a former Supervisor at the City Department of Parks and Recreation (“DPR”) on charges of sexual abuse and harassment that are alleged to have occurred inside a maintenance closet at a park located on East 156th Street in the Bronx, between July and August 2021. DOI’s investigation was prompted by allegations reported by DPR. The office of Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark is prosecuting the case. 

FRANCISCO BRACERO, 63, of New York, N.Y., who is also known as “Cisco,” is charged with Forcible Touching, a class A misdemeanor; Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor; and Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation. Upon conviction, a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year’s incarceration, a class B misdemeanor by up to three months incarceration, and a violation by up to 15 days incarceration. BRACERO was arraigned late Friday evening and released on his own recognizance. 

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “This Parks Supervisor, as alleged, sexually abused and harassed a subordinate. The charged conduct is unacceptable in any workplace, by any employee, and particularly reprehensible where, as here, it involves a supervisor. I thank the complainant for bravely coming forward to speak with investigators, the Parks Department for reporting the allegations to DOI and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership on these important prosecutions.” 

According to the criminal complaint, between July 15, 2021 and August 2, 2021, inside of 720 East 156th Street, in the Bronx, BRACERO grabbed the buttocks of a female subordinate with his hand, without her consent, and stated that he wanted to grab her breast. This alleged conduct caused her alarm and fear for her physical safety, according to the complaint.

BRACERO began working for DPR in July 2002 and was an active DPR Supervisor at the time of the alleged conduct. When he retired in September 2022, BRACERO was receiving an annual salary of approximately $80,262. 

Commissioner Strauber thanked Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark, and the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, which is handling this case, specifically Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Collado, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Omer Wiczyk. Commissioner Strauber also thanked DPR Commissioner Sue Donoghue and her staff, including DPR’s Advocate’s Office.

Governor Hochul Announces Historic Agreement to Export New York State Wines to Puerto Rico

 

Inaugural Shipment Includes Wines from World-Renowned Finger Lakes Region

Partnership Represents Special Relationship Between New York and Puerto Rico and Growing Demand for New York State Wines

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an inaugural partnership that enables New York State wines to be sold in Puerto Rico for the very first time. The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism, distributor Serrallés Imports, and the legendary Steuben County-based Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery are making a selection of wines produced in the Finger Lakes region available in Puerto Rico for local purchase. This collaboration marks the first-ever introduction of New York wines into the growing Puerto Rico wine market and uncorks a new era of wine connoisseurship and cultural exchange. The new partnership was toasted today at a wine-tasting launch at the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism in San Juan, attended by the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. 

"Puerto Rico has shared so much of its culture, vibrancy, and creativity with New York, and our history and future are intrinsically intertwined," Governor Hochul said. "Now Puerto Rico will be able to enjoy what wine lovers across the world have long known - the best wines are made in New York. Cheers to this fantastic collaboration!" 

Stemming from a shared vision of New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports, one of Puerto Rico's largest distributors, the State recognized the immense potential for promoting and celebrating New York wines. Partnering with Serrallés and Dr. Konstantin Frank, New York's most awarded winery, the New York State Office of Trade and Tourism was able to work through export requirements to bring Dr. Frank's wines into the market, and leverage Serrallés Imports extensive distribution network and wine and spirits industry expertise to ensure that New York-made wines are available to consumers and connoisseurs across Puerto Rico. The winery will be providing its Riesling varieties and Rosé for export. The State hopes to expand the selection of wines and wineries participating in this initiative in the future.  

Empire State Development President CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York State wines are of the highest caliber in the world and I'm proud to join Governor Hochul in celebrating the export of Finger Lakes vintages to Puerto Rico for the first time. Thanks to the hard work of ESD's Office of Trade and Tourism, this partnership supports local production and will continue to enrich the vibrant, longstanding cultural exchange between New York and Puerto Rico, benefitting both our communities and economy."

New York State is one of the world's premier wine-making regions, and ranks as the third largest producer of wines in the nation. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has supported efforts to grow New York's craft beverage industry and pave the way for unprecedented growth through regulatory reform and groundbreaking initiatives. Today, there are 496 licensed wineries across the State, including 394 farm wineries, making the New York wine industry an important part of the statewide economy and one of its key exports.  

The New York State Office of Trade and Tourism and Serrallés Imports are committed to expanding the horizons of Puerto Rico's wine industry. Together, they are poised to make history by elevating the wine scene in Puerto Rico and offering New York State wineries like Dr. Konstantin Frank a new, exciting market where demand for quality wine is on the rise.  

This partnership represents a significant step forward in promoting cross-cultural exchange and economic growth, which is NYS Office of Trade and Tourism's mission.  It demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration and a passion for showcasing exceptional products made in New York. 

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. 

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

 

A BEAUTIFUL, NEW MURAL FOR THE BRONX TO ENJOY!

 

Scenes from the unveiling of the beautiful new mural at my District Office. 

 

Thank you Tats Cru & Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice for your outstanding work at capturing the best of the Bronx, and for providing our community, and visitors, with such a stunning view!

*****

UN HERMOSO MURAL NUEVO PARA DISFRUTAR EN EL BRONX!

 

Escenas de la inauguración del hermoso mural nuevo en mi oficina de distrito.

 

Gracias Tats Cru y Ministerios Juveniles por la Paz y la Justicia por su excelente trabajo al capturar lo mejor del Bronx y por brindar a nuestra comunidad y visitantes una vista tan impresionante!

INTRO 200-A BECOMES A LAW!

 

Thank you NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and my New York City Council colleagues for their support on passing my bill, Intro 200-A, that will ensure that all lead abatement order appeals are thoroughly vetted so that NYC residents will be protected against the harmful effects of lead poisoning. 

Lead in paint has been proven over and over again to cause serious adverse health effects, so it is unconscionable that corners are still being cut to allow its presence in New York City housing units.

*****

INTRO 200-A SE CONVIERTE EN LEY!

 

Gracias a la presidenta del Concejo de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Adrienne Adams, y a mis colegas del Concejo de la Ciudad de Nueva York por su apoyo en la aprobación de mi proyecto de ley, Intro 200-A, que garantizará que todas las apelaciones a las órdenes de reducción de plomo se examinen minuciosamente para que los residentes de la Ciudad de Nueva York estén protegidos contra los efectos nocivos. de envenenamiento por plomo.

Se ha demostrado una y otra vez que el plomo en la pintura causa graves efectos adversos para la salud, por lo que es inconcebible que todavía se tomen medidas para permitir su presencia en las unidades de vivienda de la ciudad de Nueva York.

MAYOR ADAMS’ PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE RECEPTION!

 

I had a great time celebrating Puerto Rican culture at Mayor Eric Adams’ Puerto Rican Heritage Reception!

*****

RECEPCIÓN A LA HERENCIA PUERTORRIQUEÑA DEL ALCALDE ADAMS!

Lo pasé muy bien celebrando la cultura puertorriqueña en la recepción del alcalde Eric Adams por la herencia puertorriqueña.

PORT MORRIS TOUR

 

I am constantly working with public & private partners to explore how we can turn underutilized space in District 17 into uses that serve our evolving borough. 

Having a keen interest in planning, Aidan was more than happy to join me for a tour in Port Morris.

*****

EL RECORRIDO DE PORT MORRIS!

 

Trabajo constantemente con socios públicos y privados para explorar cómo podemos convertir espacios infrautilizados del Distrito 17 en usos que sirvan a nuestro municipio en evolución.

Con un gran interés en la planificación, Aidan estuvo más que feliz de acompañarme en un recorrido por Port Morris.

NOCHE QUISQUEYANA!   Please join me for my annual event in celebration of Dominican Heritage where I will be honoring members of our community for their impactful contributions. Free food, beverages, and musical entertainment will be provided. *NO RSVP REQUIRED* ***** NOCHE QUISQUEYANA!   Acompáñenme en mi evento anual de celebración de la herencia Dominicana, en el que rendiré homenaje a miembros de nuestra comunidad por sus importantes contribuciones. Habrá comida, bebidas y entretenimiento musical gratis. *NO ES NECESARIO RESERVAR* Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov