The Independent Democratic Conference

Independent Democratic Conference Plan would save $37 million; Strengthen State IG Office

The Independent Democratic Conference today released a plan to streamline New York's patchwork Inspector General system and further empower the State Inspector General to be the top watchdog of New York's bureaucracy.

This proposal, which would eliminate overlapping and duplicative layers of state government and consolidate what are often competing operations, would result in $37 million in savings.

“Each of these specialized inspectors general was established with the best of intentions, but over time it has led to an inefficient and increasingly unaffordable system,” said Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida.) “The Independent Democratic Conference's aim is to make the necessary changes that will allow a more effective and efficient system to root out fraud and abuse in our state government.”

Currently, the state has an overall inspector general, as well as specialized IGs that are intended to oversee the MTA, Medicaid fraud, welfare fraud, and Worker's Compensation Fund. These “boutique” IGs are in statute, which prohibits the State Inspector General from pursuing investigations in these areas. Former Inspector General Joseph Fisch railed against this probation and advocated for its change.

“Bureaucracy should not stand in the way of oversight,” Senator Jeffery D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “If someone with multiple state contracts is defrauding one agency, they are likely committing fraud upon another part of state government. The IDC's plan would allow the Inspector General to pursue malfeasance wherever it may hide.”

Additionally, many state agencies have administratively established their own inspector generals that function as internal affairs units. While the IG's Office is not barred from pursuing cases in these agencies, the IDC is concerned about the overall efficiency of this model.

Governor Cuomo has also expressed concern with the current proliferation of inspectors general. In the Fourth Volume of his New New York Agenda, “Clean Up Albany; Make It Work,” he called for a review of the current structure as part of his approach to create an “effective system against government corruption.”

The IDC's plan includes:

• Empowering the State IG to pursue wrongdoing in every part of state government.
  The IDC plan calls for eliminating any statutory prohibition that would exempt a government entity from State IG scrutiny. Former Inspector General Fisch requested this authority during testimony he gave to the Senate Investigations & Government Operations Committee in 2009:

“Right now I do not have, statutorily, the authority to investigate agencies that have their own inspector general,” Fisch said. “The perfect example is the MTA. The MTA has its own inspector general. If that impediment did not exist, I would very quickly undertake an investigation of the MTA.”

• Establishing a dedicated MTA Oversight Unit within the State Inspector General's Office. Using funding currently allocated to the MTA Inspector General, this unit would be used to exercise the IG's new-found jurisdiction of the authority. This new structure would preserve much-needed oversight of the MTA and its vendors, while, if warranted, enabling the full resources of the State Inspector General's Office to be used to pursue an investigation.
• Merging the Medicaid and Welfare Inspectors General with the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. All three entities are charged with pursuing fraud within the Medicaid system. However, the Welfare Inspector General, who is charged with pursuing Welfare recipient fraud throughout New York State has a staff of seven employees. By contrast, the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General has a staff of more than 650 and a budget of $80.4 million. It also reported -$66,000 in fraud recoveries, according to its most recent report. The AG's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit reported fraud recoveries of $283.2 million in 2009. The IDC recommends that, in order to fulfill these added responsibilities, federal funding that is currently going to the Medicaid Inspector General (projected at $47.1 million in the 2011-2012 budget) be reallocated to the Attorney General's Office.

• Directing the Governor's Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of all non-statutory IG offices. The SAGE commission should determine if any duplications exist, and make necessary recommendations for further efficiencies. A search of the Department of Civil Service Web site found at least 523 state agency positions that have investigative functions.

“At a time when New York State is facing a $10 billion deficit it is critical to streamline the state’s central watchdog in an effort to efficiently root out systemic corruption, fraud and waste,”  Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) said.  “We have identified four areas of consolidation that are projected to save a combined $37 million to the state which can be used to help plug the state’s current budget deficit.”

The projected savings directed by the IDC's plan are outlined below. (Since the Workers Compensation Fraud Inspector General is funded through a special revenue fund and not taxpayer dollars, the IDC recommends no change in its status. However, by lifting the statutory exemptions, the State IG will have the authority to also pursue Workers Comp cases when appropriate.)

Inspector General’s Offices	Pre-Consolidation	Post-Consolidation
	2011-12 Budget	2011-12 Budget	Savings (General Fund Unless Noted )
State IG	$5.6 million	$11.2 million	N/A
Welfare (OWIG)	$1.6 million	$0	$0.4 million
Workers’ Comp (OFIG)	N/A	N/A	N/A
MTA IG	$14 million	$1.4 million	$7 million*
Medicaid (OMIG)	$80.4 million	$0	$29.6 million
MFCU	$47.9 million	$95 million	N/A
Total Savings			$37 million

*Indicates savings from designated MTA fund

“This is a win-win,” said Senator Diane Savino, (D-Staten Island/ Brooklyn). “By streamlining the state’s inspectors general system, we ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent as wisely and efficiently as possible and maximize the state’s ability to root out corruption and bring accountability to our government.

BREAKING NEWS

It is being reported that Brooklyn State Senator Carl Kruger will surrender to federal prosecutors tomorrow. 

We will have more details as they become available, but this is said to be an ongoing investigation for several years.

AS STRIKE LOOMS, BRONX APARTMENT BUILDING WORKERS TO RALLY
-- Thousands of Bronx Workers Could Walk Off the Job on March 15th--

  With a potential strike less than a week away, apartment building workers will march and rally in the Bronx to call on the Bronx Realty Advisory Board (BRAB), an industry association representing building owners, to sign a fair agreement before their contract expires at 12:01 A.M. on March 15^th.

  Contract negotiations between 32BJ SEIU, the union representing the workers, and BRAB have been underway since early February, and several issues, including health care and retirement savings remain, outstanding. The current contract covers building superintendents, janitors, handypersons, porters, firepersons, doormen, elevator operators and garbage handlers. Failure to reach a new contract could trigger a strike of more than 3,000 apartment building workers at over 1,000 residential buildings throughout the Bronx.

    Bronx Apartment Building Workers Rally for New Contract

 

 --Thousands of apartment building workers

  --32BJ Vice President Kyle Bragg

  --Congressman José E. Serrano

  --State Senator Jeffrey Klein

  --Assembly members Carl Heastie, Vanessa Gibson

  --Council members Larry Seabrook, Fernando Cabrera

  --Community supporters

 Thursday, March10, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

   Franz Segal Park in the Bronx @ 153rd Street & Grand Concourse

   Take 2, 4, 5 train to 149th Street -- Grand Concourse

 

  With more than 120,000 members, 32BJ is the largest property service workers union in the country. For more information, visit www.standwithbuildingworkers.org .

 

NAACP and Manhattan BP Scott Stringer Weigh in on Rep Peter King's Hearings

  Celeste Katz of the Daily News tells us here that the NAACP and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer have both sent letters to Congresssman Peter King to hold off on his Homeland Security committee hearings on the radicalization of Muslims.

  The NAACP letter has more of a national theme to it, while Manhattan Borough President Stringer's letter is more geared just to New York City. BP Stringer has announced that he should be running for mayor in 2013.     We will take his letter as the first candidate out of the gate on the issue, and await letters from other potential candidates for mayor in 2013.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

BREAKS GROUND AT NEW JETRO FACILITY

This morning, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined Jetro Cash & Carry CEO Stanley Fleishman, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation President Marlene Cintron, representatives of the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York City Industrial Development Agency, as well as other business leaders to break ground on the construction of a new facility for Jetro in Hunts Point.

The new facility, which will be approximately 200,000 square feet in size, will offer new space for both Jetro and its affiliate, Restaurant Depot. The $50 million construction project will be assisted in part by up to $21 million in tax incentives approved by the New York City Industrial Development Agency. Those credits had been supported by Borough President Diaz.

This environmentally-friendly project, scheduled to be completed in early 2012, will employ nearly 200 individuals in addition to creating a new, user-friendly facility for the thousands of businesses that rely on Jetro and Restaurant Depot’s wholesale food services.

“Jetro Cash & Carry is a major economic engine in the Bronx, and serves as a hub for the food industry throughout the entire region. I am thrilled to see this company invest in the Bronx, and I am proud to have played a role in making this eco-friendly, job creating development a reality. I also want to thank the Empire State Development Corporation, the New York City Industrial Development Agency and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation for their amazing work on this project,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“The new facility, with a full Jetro and Restaurant Depot, will be a wonderful complement to the Bronx, to our team, to our customers and to the community. It will both help ensure that Jetro and Restaurant Depot remain a leader in low cost food distribution in the most important city in the United States, while also helping to make sure that our small grocery stores and restaurants remain competitive. I am extremely grateful to Borough President Diaz for his leadership and support on this project. In addition, I would also like to thank the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation for their invaluable assistance,” said Stanley Fleishman, CEO of Jetro and Restaurant Depot.

“When Jetro proposed a plan for the renovation of its distribution center, the State was willing and able to do its part to assist, contributing a $1.5 million incentive package that combines Metropolitan Economic Revitalization Fund and Downstate Revitalization Fund grants,” said Kenneth Adams, Empire State Development President & CEO, designate.  “ESD applauds our partners in City government for their generous contribution as well.  The expansion of Jetro is a great example of how the state offers assistance to companies that are willing to invest in our communities and remain an important player in our regional approach to economic development.  We wish Jetro continued success.”

“Assistance from the New York City Industrial Development Agency was a critical element of this $50 million project, which will generate millions of dollars in private investment,” said New York City Industrial Development Agency Chairman Seth W. Pinsky. “The new facility will allow Jetro Cash & Carry to expand its business and create jobs in the Bronx.” 

“This new facility will help us to maintain The Bronx as the City’s leader in providing New Yorkers with fresh and affordable food. This project is a win-win for everyone, and will create dozens of new jobs for Bronxites. The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and Borough President Diaz are truly delighted to be part of this important project,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

This project was highlighted in Borough President Diaz’s recent “State of the Borough” address.

  Steve Smith, owner of the property; Joseph Tazewell, representative of ESDC;  Marlene Cintron, president of BOEDC; Borough President Ruben  Diaz Jr.; Miriam Tannenbaum, representative of Chase Bank; Stanley Sleishman,  CEO of Jetro and Restaurant Depot; and Ilir Sadikay, representative of NYCIDA.

Croton Filter Project - CFMC Meeting on Thursday, March 31

 

The next Croton FMC meeting will be on Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm at the DEP Community Office on Jerome Avenue.  

As of now the agenda is not finalized.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

Re: City Council Hearings on the “Fair Wages for New Yorkers” Act

“I’m pleased that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has committed to host hearings on the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act, which already has the support of more than half of the City Council. Our bill will require developers who receive heavy taxpayer subsidies for their projects to provide a ‘living wage.’  It is time for New York City to join the growing list of communities that promote quality development through living wages. It is my hope that these hearings will lead to a vote on this important legislation, and that we can begin to change the way we do business in our City,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The “Fair Wages for New Yorkers” Act, which was introduced by Council Members Annabel Palma and G. Oliver Koppell at the behest of Borough President Diaz, currently has 29 sponsors in the City Council.

This is a Continuation of the Senior Center Saga

News from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

(718) 796-5345

dinowitzj@assembly.state.ny.us

For Immediate Release Contact: Raffi Holoszyc-Pimentel

March 7, 2011 (718) 796-5345

Assemblyman Dinowitz leads the fight to save over 100 senior centers

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, is fighting tooth and nail to save over 100 senior centers in New York City from closure.

In February, Assemblyman Dinowitz sent a letter to New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver signed by 54 New York City Assembly Democrats calling for the restoration of $25 million in proposed Title XX funding cuts in the 2011-2012 state budget. As a result of these proposed cuts, Mayor Bloomberg has announced that 105 senior centers that serve many thousands of seniors in New York City will close. Assemblyman Dinowitz is fighting to make the restoration of this critical funding and keeping these senior centers open a top priority during budget negotiations.

             Assemblyman Dinowitz is calling on Mayor Bloomberg to make keeping these senior centers open his priority as well. Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Mayor Bloomberg should insist these senior centers stay open. How can the City waste hundreds of millions of dollars on the over-budget Croton Water Filtration Plant, the fraudulent CityTime contract, and the Department of Education’s no-bid contracts and highly paid outside consultants, but when it comes to critical, beneficial funding for senior citizens, they get kicked to the curb?”

On Friday, Assemblyman Dinowitz, along with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senators Ruben Diaz Sr. and Jose M. Serrano, and Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Vanessa Gibson, Eric Stevenson, and Naomi Rivera, rallied on the steps of the Bronx County Courthouse to oppose Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed closing of the senior centers.

“As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, I am leading the fight in the Assembly to restore Title XX funding for New York City senior centers.  I am confident that the Assembly will insist on this restoration.  I will not rest until all of this money is restored, which, among other things, would save the Van Cortlandt Senior Center,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.