To Mark National Immunization Awareness Month, Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines as School Returns and Fall Nears

 

All New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Talk to Their Primary Care Doctor About Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Coming This Fall and Take Common-Sense Safety Precautions as Cases Rise

Parents and Guardians Are Encouraged to Contact Their Pediatrician to Discuss Vaccines for the Upcoming School Year; NYS School Immunization Requirements Published Here

Adults Can Find Out What Vaccines They Need with the CDC Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool

 Governor Kathy Hochul today recognized National Immunization Awareness Month with a reminder to parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date on required vaccinations before heading back to school. The Governor and the New York State Department of Health also encouraged New Yorkers to prepare for the updated COVID-19 vaccine tailored to guard against new variants expected to arrive in pharmacies and doctor’s offices this fall, especially as the number of reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has increased in recent weeks.

“Immunizations are one of the most powerful tools of modern science, and we have seen their tremendous impact in our fight against the COVID-19 virus in recent years,” Governor Hochul said. “As we head into the new school year and into fall when respiratory viruses traditionally spread, it is important that everyone contact their health care providers to prepare and stay up to date on immunizations.”

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines – from required immunizations for schools to CDC-recommended vaccines for adults – can prevent spread of disease and protect individuals from serious illness resulting from exposure to disease.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “It’s about personal protection, personal prevention and personal wellness. We have the safest and most effective vaccines on the planet. During National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a good time for parents, guardians, and pediatricians to take an active role in ensuring school-age children have all required vaccines before heading back to the classroom. And it is a great reminder to all of us the value of vaccines at preventing spread of and serious outcomes from vaccine-preventable disease.”

Children attending daycare and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines according to the required schedule to attend or remain in school. Parents should speak with a health care provider about their child's immunization records to catch up on any missing immunizations. Most private insurance plans are required to cover recommended vaccines at no cost. Parents or guardians of children who do not have health insurance or have a plan with out-of-pocket costs that are not affordable can still get vaccinated. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify. Decades of research shows that vaccines prevent disease, save lives, and are safe and effective.

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for school attendance, the Governor and the Department of Health also recommend everyone speak to their health care provider about staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure. Though numbers remain low compared to the height of the pandemic, the latest data shows an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions. The Department reminds New Yorkers that those who have symptoms should test for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatment, which have been shown effective at reducing the chances of serious outcomes, including hospitalization or death.

National Immunization Month is a good time to highlight the importance of other routine vaccinations among people of any age. While it’s important for infants and children to get their recommended vaccines on time, immunizations are not just for children. Adults of all ages need immunizations to stay healthy because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. There are also risks of different diseases for adults, and vaccination is among the best preventive care measures available. Adults can find out what vaccines they need by using the CDC adult Vaccine Assessment Tool.

Today and every day, the Governor and the Department of Health remind New Yorkers that vaccines are safe, effective, and a critical strategy individuals should use to protect themselves and their local communities to keep them safe and healthy. Find the 2023-24 school year NYS immunization requirements here.

The NYS Vaccines for Adults program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible adults. Learn more here. Information on vaccine recommendations for international travel can be found here.

Former Tennessee State Senator and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Campaign Finance Scheme

 

Former Tennessee State Senator and practicing attorney Brian Kelsey was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for violating campaign finance laws and conspiring to defraud the Federal Election Commission (FEC) as part of a scheme to benefit his 2016 campaign for U.S. Congress.

According to court documents, Kelsey, 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, secretly and unlawfully funneled money from multiple sources, including his own Tennessee State Senate campaign committee, to his federal campaign committee. To carry out the scheme, Kelsey conspired with others, including Joshua Smith, who owned a members-only social club in Nashville, of which Kelsey was a member, and controlled a Tennessee political action committee affiliated with the club. Kelsey, Smith, and others caused a national political organization to make illegal and excessive contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee by secretly coordinating with the organization on advertisements supporting Kelsey’s federal candidacy, which caused false reports of contributions and expenditures to be filed with the FEC.

“The defendants attempted to hide from voters how Kelsey raised and spent campaign money,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The integrity of our elections is essential to democracy, and voters should know how candidates raise and spend campaign dollars. The Department will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute campaign finance schemes designed to evade disclosure, and to ensure that violations of these laws carry a high cost.”

“Brian Kelsey intentionally violated federal campaign finance laws and his oath as a state senator in order to deny Tennessee voters their right to make informed decisions about his candidacy for Congress,” said U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The court’s sentence today reflects the seriousness of his crimes and is a strong reminder of our commitment to root out public corruption and ensure the integrity of federal elections.”

Kelsey and his co-conspirators orchestrated the concealed movement of $91,000 – $66,000 of which came from Kelsey’s State Senate campaign committee, and $25,000 of which came from a nonprofit corporation that publicly advocated on legal justice issues – to a national political organization for the purpose of funding advertisements that urged voters to support Kelsey in the August 2016 primary election. Kelsey and his co-conspirators also caused the political organization to make $80,000 worth of contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee in the form of coordinated expenditures.

“The sentence handed down makes it clear that no one is above the law,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI diligently investigates campaign finance fraud to ensure that U.S. elections are free from unfair influence, and anyone caught attempting to scheme their way into office will be held accountable.”

Joshua Smith was also sentenced today to five years of probation for aiding and abetting the solicitation, receipt, direction, transfer, and spending of soft money in connection with a federal election.

The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated the case.

Two Florida Men Charged With Orchestrating $12 Million Advance-Fee Scheme

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christie M. Curtis, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JOSEPH MALVASIO and GREGG MARCUS, a/k/a “Gregg Pierce,” with running a years-long advance-fee scheme through which they defrauded hundreds of victims of at least approximately $12 million.  MALVASIO and MARCUS were arrested this morning will be presented later today in the Southern District of New York.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Joseph Malvasio and Gregg Marcus perpetrated an advance-fee scheme whose victims were defrauded into paying millions of dollars for loans they needed but never received.  Instead of keeping their promises to the victims, Malvasio and Marcus allegedly used the victims’ money to fund their lavish lifestyles.”

FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Christie M. Curtis said: "The defendants are alleged to have operated a fraudulent loan scheme where they collected fees from victims, however, had no intention of providing such loans.  The fees were then used to fund luxury personal expenses.  Ensuring that financial fraudsters are held accountable in the criminal justice system remains a top priority of the FBI."

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:[1]

From at least in or about March 2017 through at least in or about August 2023, JOSEPH MALVASIO and GREGG MARCUS operated an advance-fee scheme that defrauded hundreds of victims of at least approximately $12 million.  MALVASIO and MARCUS operated this fraudulent scheme through their ownership and operation of a business called Global Capital Partners Fund LLC (“GCPF”).  MALVASIO and MARCUS falsely represented that GCPF was a legitimate business that would provide loans to individuals who were interested in funding for private commercial projects.  Instead, MALVASIO and MARCUS defrauded victims, collecting thousands of dollars in fees from each victim without intending to issue a loan.

MALVASIO and MARCUS typically collected several fees from each victim, including a “letter of intent” fee, a “commitment” fee, and an “appraisal” fee.  Each fee ranged from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.  Once MALVASIO and MARCUS collected these fees, they informed each victim that he or she would not receive a loan and then refused to refund any of the fees each victim had paid. 

Once MALVASIO and MARCUS received money from victims, they transferred the funds to their personal accounts and used them to make payments in the tens of thousands of dollars to Porsche, BMW, and Modern Yachts LLC, among other dealers of luxury goods.  MALVASIO and MARCUS also used victim funds to make payments in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for personal credit card expenses. 

MALVASIO, 65, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Bridgehampton, New York, and MARCUS, 57, of Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, are each charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. 

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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 herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Comptroller Lander Releases Analysis of New York City’s Financial Plan and Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget

 

New York City’s economy has recovered more strongly than expected, but serious long-term challenges loom

Housing affordability and the cost of shelter for asylum seekers without adequate State and federal support identified as two of the most pressing issues

As the City moves into fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024), New York City Comptroller Brad Lander paints a picture of an economy that proved to be more resilient than anticipated just half a year ago, in a comprehensive analysis released today. While growth projections for this year suggest a modest slowdown compared to the previous fiscal year, the City rebounded remarkably in key sectors coming out of the pandemic. The report underscores both the present strengths and the pressing need for sustained planning to navigate an uncertain future.

The revival of private sector employment to pre-pandemic levels—with office-using jobs now at an all-time high and the resurgence of tourism with hotel room demand rebounding—is decidedly positive. However, looming challenges—especially housing affordability and the cost of providing shelter and services to asylum seekers without adequate State and federal support—underscore the necessity for timely and prudent measures.

“Rumors of New York City’s demise are greatly exaggerated. New York City’s strong recovery from the pandemic is not only a testament to our resilience, but an affirmation that an economy built around diversity, density, and creativity—an open and welcoming city—is the best way to face the future. Still, we face serious impending challenges: the rising costs of providing shelter and services for asylum seekers without adequate State or federal support puts a real strain on the City’s budget. Washington and Albany must do more to help New York City meet the federal obligation to provide safe refuge for those seeking asylum, along with the right-to-shelter, which is grounded in the State constitution,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The FY 2024 Adopted Budget of $107.12 billion is $3.71 billion less than the FY 2023 budget, predominantly due to a reduction in federal COVID relief and lower tax revenue projections. Notably, the FY 2024 Adopted Budget increased by $426 million compared to the Mayor’s Executive FY 2024 Budget.

While the Comptroller’s Office projects higher revenues than the Mayor in each year of the financial plan, these higher revenues are outstripped by higher expenditure estimates. The report projects that gaps will total $1.96 billion in FY 2024, $9.65 billion in FY 2025, $12.62 billion in FY 2026, and $13.98 billion in FY 2027.  Reserve funds included in the City budget could nearly close the FY 2024 gap, but the outyear gaps underscore the importance of implementing long-term strategies that address these financial challenges and stabilize the City’s fiscal trajectory.

One of the largest fiscal risks remains that the costs of shelter for people seeking asylum will be higher than budgeted especially in the out-years FY 2026 and FY 2027, where the financial plan does not yet include any projected expenses. In Comments on the Executive Budget, the Comptroller’s Office modeled several scenarios of potential costs of shelter provision to people seeking asylum. In this report, the Office used the mid-range of the estimates with annual costs of $3.65 billion starting in FY 2024. This model implies risks to the financial plan of $750 million in FY 2024, $2.94 billion in FY 2025, and $3.65 billion in FYs 2026-2027.  As of July 30, the growth in the number of households in the City’s shelter system exceeds the Comptroller’s Office’s highest projection, while cost per household settled at the high-end of the range. The Comptroller’s Office is not yet increasing the risks to the financial plan as these new data are measured over a relatively short period of time. However, they indicate that annual costs may exceed the previously estimated upper bound of $4.43 billion.

The report also notes the escalating costs of rental assistance and specialized education services, as well as under-budgeted areas like police overtime, public assistance, and contributions to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Rent prices citywide significantly increased over the past year and are now much higher than before the pandemic—rents are up 8% in Manhattan, 7% in Brooklyn, 14% in Queens, and 30% in the Bronx. Although selling prices for homes decreased from their peak in 2022, they remain elevated compared to 2019. Additionally, the rise in mortgage rates over the last year worsened housing affordability.

“We simply must do more to address the crisis of housing affordability: both by building much more housing at all income levels across the metropolitan region and by protecting tenants from eviction without good cause. The housing crisis is not only a severe strain on New York families, but also a threat to our city’s future economic thriving,” Lander continued.

Comptroller Lander urges the City to develop a comprehensive strategy to address these significant risks without compromising critical services through a thoughtful savings program, sustainable planning for the City’s budget, and generating additional revenue streams to pay for strategic investments in affordable housing, mental health, child care, and climate resilience that are essential for the City’s future.

Read the full analysis on New York City’s FY 2024 Adopted Budget.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Summer Friday Schedule - The Bronx Chamber of Commerce offices will be closed for professional development on Fridays beginning 7/7/2023 through Labor Day. 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Community Board Appreciation Reception Grand Opening: Make Me Over NYC Legislative Updates & Advocacy Skip the Stuff Legislation Takes Effect Trash Containerization Takes Effect for Food Businesses Outdoor Dining Legislation Passes Business Success Story 024 Fragrance Upcoming Events Mott Haven Business to Business Block Party, 8/26/2023 - Alexander Avenue at Bruckner Boulevard, 2:00pm - 8:00pm Business to Business Back to School Festival, 8/31/2023 - 1377 Jerome Avenue, 11:00am - 6:00pm Business to Business Networking & Financial Education w. Councilmember Marjorie Velazquez, 9/14/2023 - The Living Room, 2883 Dill Place Bronx, NY 2023 Gala - The Bronx is Building, 9/21/2023 - Marina Del Rey, 6:30pm

50th ANNIVERSARY OF HIP HOP CELEBRATED AT YANKEE STADIUM

The Board of Directors and leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to join the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop - in the home borough of hip hop - the Bronx! New York City and the world are celebrating 50 years of hip-hop this week. Over the past five decades, the art form that was born in the Bronx transformed music and culture. The city has been celebrating since the start of the year, culminating with a star-studded performance this Friday at, Bronx Chamber member, Yankee Stadium. The show is set to feature hip-hop legends Run DMC, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne, along with several local stars. There will also be a Bronx Bombers set from A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Fat Joe and Kid Capri, plus a Queens of Hip-Hop set with Eve, Lil' Kim, Remy Ma and Trina. The Pillars of Hip-Hop set will feature Kool Herc & Cindy Campbell, Grandmaster Caz, Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, Roxanne Shante, Scorpio and the Sugarhill Gang, plus a Legendary DJ set with Clark Kent, Marley Marl, Mannie Fresh and Battlecat. Join us in this global celebration of hip hops roots in the Bronx!

COMMUNITY BOARD APPRECIATION RECEPTION

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce leadership team was thrilled to sponsor and partner with the Office of the Bronx Borough President for the Bronx's annual Community Board Appreciation Reception at Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Course. The evening celebrates the borough's community boards and their volunteer dedication to local government and shaping the future of our borough and City. For more information on engaging with your community board, click here.

GRAND OPENING OF MAKE ME OVER NYC

The Bronx Chamber team is thrilled to celebrate a new member and new business in the Bronx! Our team was on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Make Me Over NYC, 1967 Turnbull Ave Suite 128, Bronx, NY 10473. Make Me Over NYC offers comprehensive wellness and beauty services. For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Outdoor Dining Legislation Passes NYC City Council - INT. 31C A Local Law to amend the New York city charter and the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to granting licenses and revocable consents for sidewalk cafes and roadway cafes, to repeal subchapter 6 of chapter 2 of title 20 of such administrative code, relating to granting licenses and revocable consents for sidewalk cafes, to amend section 2 of local law number 114 for the year 2020, relating to the establishment of a permanent outdoor dining program, in relation to the commencement of such program, and to amend section 1 of local law number 77 for the year 2020, relating to establishing a temporary outdoor dining program, in relation to the expiration of such program. For more information, Click Here

Commercial Containerization for Food Businesses - Effective August 1, 2023 - ALL food-related businesses in NYC must use rigid containers with secure lids when setting out trash for collection. Who is affected The new rule impacts ALL food-related businesses. This includes catering establishments, food manufacturers, food preparation establishments, food service establishments, food wholesalers, and retail food stores. Restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bodegas, caterers, and other businesses that sell or handle food MUST comply. What material is impacted Any putrescible material — refuse or organic material — set out on the curb for collection MUST be in a container with a SECURE LID. The requirement does not apply to other recyclables (metal, glass, plastic, or paper) or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock. This rule does not require the separation of trash and organics, only the use of containers for collection. However, some businesses are required to separate their organic waste. If your business meets the minimum requirements, you must comply with the NYC Commercial Organics Rules. When to set out In accordance with recent setout rules, businesses that place waste on the curb have two options:    Place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, OR    After 8:00 PM. If placing out after 8:00 PM, recyclables do not need to be in a container. How to store bins Containers should be stored inside or in a rear yard if possible. If space is not available, bins can be stored within three (3) feet of the building line when not set out for collection. Bins must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner and always allow for a clear path of pedestrian travel on the sidewalk. NOTE: Businesses required to source-separate organics under Local Law 146 of 2013 must continue to do so by placing their food waste in a separate container with a latching lid. Garbage must be set out in a separate container.

Skip the Stuff Legislation Takes Effect Effective July 31, 2023, New York City food service establishments* providing take-out and delivery service must comply with these restrictions: Do not provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra containers to take-out or delivery customers, unless requested by the customer. Your online ordering and delivery apps must be set to a default of not providing these items. You must provide customers with the option to request these items only if you offer them. Delivery and courier services may not provide these items unless such items are requested by the customer. For more information, click here Additional Resources We are committed to working with businesses to ensure that they understand the law and help them transition away from single-use plastics. Learn more about our business resources: Access educational material Attend a free training Request an educational site visit

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mott Haven Business to Business Block Party August 26 at 2:00pm Alexander Avenue Open Streets, Alexander Avenue at Bruckner Boulevard Join the Bronx Chamber, the Avenue NYC - Mott Haven Program, Mott Haven Merchants Association for a Block Party celebrating the businesses and residents of the Bruckner Boulevard area. During the event there will be live music by Johnny Mambo and Friends, DJ Menyu, dancing and information on business improvement district formation, marketing, and more!

Business to Business Street Festival August 31 at 11:00am - 3:00pm 1377 Jerome Avenue Bronx, NY Join Councilmember Althea Stevens, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce, New Settlement, and New York City government agencies in celebrating back to school while supporting local businesses. Enjoy face painting Bouncy Castles Music & Games Business to Business Networking NYC Agencies On-Site Assistance M/WBE Certification Information This is the culmination of economic and business development work in District 16 and seeks to continue to build strong neighborhoods and relationships between businesses and our young people. Reserve Your Spot

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!