Monday, February 13, 2017
Rep. Engel Renews Push to Keep Seniors Out of Poverty, Reintroduces Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act
Congressman Eliot L. Engel has renewed his push to save seniors from poverty by reintroducing a bill that would guarantee every senior a reasonable Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) annually.
Last year, the Social Security Administration announced that seniors’ Social Security benefits would increase just 0.3 percent in 2017, a bump of about $5 per month for the average senior citizen. Engel’s bill, the Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act (H.R.991), would set a floor of 3% to ensure that every senior citizen receives at least a 3% COLA each year. The bill would also update the formula that the government uses to determine seniors’ yearly COLA to one that better reflects the costs seniors typically face.
“This year’s measly cost-of-living increase would be laughable if it weren’t for the very real dangers it poses for seniors,” Engel said. “Seniors’ Social Security benefits have not gone up more than 1.7% since 2012. These tiny bumps fail to account for the living costs seniors face and could force many to do without necessities, like medication – a choice no senior should be forced to make.
“This problem is made worse by Republicans’ assaults on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Thanks to the ACA, seniors in the so-called Medicare ‘donut hole’ have saved more than $23.5 billion on their prescription drugs. If the GOP repeals the law, seniors will have to pay more for services the ACA guarantees without copays like prescription drugs and preventive doctors’ visits, and those costs could be catastrophic for them.
“America’s seniors shouldn’t be forced to the brink of poverty because of an archaic formula and Republican apathy. I will continue to push for passage of the Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act and finally afford seniors the protections they deserve.”
The Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act is supported by the Seniors Coalition and the Senior Citizens League. Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) are original cosponsors of the bill.
Engel Writes to City on Behalf of P.S. 41 Parents Regarding Elevated Lead Levels in School’s Water
Requests frequent updates and transparency regarding elevated lead levels in the school’s water
Following reports of elevated lead levels in the drinking water at P.S. 41 in the Bronx, Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote to New York City officials urging transparency and frequent updates as the City addresses the issue.
Recent testing showed levels of lead that exceeded EPA limits. Though the City has promised swift action, questions remain regarding how the situation will be handled to best benefit those who live in the community.
“Reports of elevated lead levels in drinking water are always gravely concerning, but that concern is compounded when it’s happening in a school with young children,”Engel said. “We need to make sure everything that can be done to protect the health and well-being of those in the community is being done, including testing and remediation.”
Text of the letter to the City can be found below:
February 10, 2017
Dear Mayor de Blasio,
I write regarding reports of elevated lead levels at P.S. 41 in my Congressional District. Such reports are gravely concerning. Given the dangers associated with lead poisoning, I hope that we can work together to address this issue expeditiously and ensure New Yorkers’ safety.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead exposure can have particularly harmful effects on children and pregnant women.1 As such, reports of elevated lead levels in any public school are especially alarming. We must take every step possible to keep the P.S. 41 community informed and to facilitate the necessary health responses.
To that end, I pose the following questions on behalf of my constituents:
· I understand that every New York City public school is currently being tested for elevated lead levels, and I applaud the City for taking this critical step. It is vital that this testing be carried out quickly, and that results are immediately shared with New Yorkers who may have been exposed to lead. I ask that you additionally share a complete list of testing results with my office. When will this testing be complete? Will testing results be made public as soon as they are available?
· I understand that you have alerted the P.S. 41 community of lead’s health effects. According to the CDC, the best way to determine the level of lead in blood is via a blood test.2 Will the CDC’s recommendations be shared with students’ parents/guardians and P.S. 41 staff?
· What steps are being taken to ensure that every affected P.S. 41 student and employee is screened for elevated lead levels and, if necessary, treated for lead poisoning?
· I understand that affected water fixtures at P.S. 41 are being “remediated.” What exactly does this remediation entail? When are these activities expected to be complete?
As parents, there is nothing more important than the health and wellbeing of our children. It is absolutely essential that we keep the P.S. 41 community up-to-date on new developments, and that we do everything possible to connect them with the services they need.
As a Member of Congress, I am committed to working with you to share information with the P.S. 41 community, and to continue to work together to ensure that New York City has the resources and support necessary to keep every New Yorker – especially children – safe.
Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to your prompt reply.
C.C.:
Ms. Carmen Fariña
Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
Dr. Mary Travis Bassett
Commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Mr. Vincent Sapienza,
Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Environmental Protection
1 “Lead.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
2 “Childhood Lead Poisoning Data, Statistics, and Surveillance.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/
MORE THAN 58,000 CATCH BASINS INSPECTED AS RESULT OF WILLIAMS' BILL
Williams' bill requires New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to submit semiannual reports to the Mayor and City Council regarding the inspection, maintenance and repair of catch basins, disaggregated by community district.
The bill also requires DEP to inspect every catch basin at least once per year, and to unclog/repair a catch basin within nine days from when a complaint is filed.
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, issued the following statement in response to a report by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding reporting on catch basin inspections, maintenance and repairs.
According to the report that was released on Feb. 2, about 58,000 catch basins have been inspected between July 1 and December 31 of last year. Of the 58,000 catch basins inspected, nearly 2,000 were identified as "non-functioning," and about 1,800 were repaired as a result of the inspections.
The increased inspections, remediation, and the annual report are a result of a bill, sponsored by Williams, which requires the DEP to inspect every catch basin at least once per year, and to unclog/repair a catch basin within nine days from when a complaint is filed.
STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS
"For many areas in the City, including parts in my district, rain has caused much more damage than it should because of clogged catch basins, among several other causes. When I introduced this bill, my goal was to provide relief to residents and drivers, who would have to deal with flooded streets on a regular basis. It's an issue that not only inconveniences neighborhoods, but also can cause significant water damage to property.
"I'm pleased to see the DEP is following through with the mandates of the law, which include annual inspections. Prior to the law passing, the DEP only checked catch basins every three years, which we knew was not frequent enough to address the flooding that occurred as a result of clogged drains. I would like to thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, my colleagues in Council, and the Administration, for supporting this important legislation that has improved the quality of life for many of the City's residents."
CITY COUNCIL PASSES LEGISLATION CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN, EXTENDING INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCRIE/DRIE PROGRAMS
The New York City Council unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by Council Members Andrew Cohen and Margaret Chin, to extend income eligibility requirements for those who qualify for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption and Disability Rent Increase Exemption programs through the year 2020. An expansion in 2014 raised the annual income eligibility from $29,000 to $50,000, providing rent freezes to tens of thousands more individuals, but due to a technicality, these vital protections could have been lost in the absence of this legislation.
“There is no question that housing costs are rising dramatically in New York City,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “The SCRIE/DRIE income threshold must keep pace with the times, or we risk jeopardizing the housing security of our most vulnerable populations. This legislation extends the current income eligibility limits to ensure that our seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities continue to be protected from future rent increases.”
The NYC Rent Freeze Program was established to protect low-income seniors and tenants with disabilities from the rent increases that otherwise are imposed for rent-regulated housing. New Yorkers who meet the income requirements are eligible for benefits under the Rent Freeze Program if they rent an apartment regulated by the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal or within a Mitchell-Lama Development, and spend more than one-third of their monthly household income on rent. For those who qualify, rent is frozen at time of application approval, protecting participants from future increases, and participating landlords receive a property tax credit to cover the increase in rent.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Comptroller Stringer Releases “ClaimStat 2.0” Report and Annual Claims Report
Comptroller’s Office enters into partnerships with DEP, DCAS, DOT, and DSNY
The number of claims filed against New York City dropped from 33,531 in Fiscal Year 2015 to 32,640 in Fiscal Year 2016, buoyed by progress at the NYPD, which saw 861 fewer claims than in the previous year, according to two reports released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. The reports, “ClaimStat 2.0” and the Comptroller’s Annual Claims Report, highlight strategies the Comptroller’s Office has implemented to reduce claims and limit the cost of settlements, which reached over $1 billion last year.
Launched in 2014 by Comptroller Stringer, ClaimStat is a data-driven initiative that identifies practices or policies that generate costly or preventable lawsuits against the City. By addressing these claims hotspots, City agencies can act to save the City money and provide better, safer services for New Yorkers.
“There will always be claims against New York City. The question is how we use data to be smarter in our approach. Every agency should be working to reduce claims, and we believe a numbers-driven approach can help,” New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “Over the last two years, the police department has made great strides — and I thank the men and women of the NYPD for all of their hard work.”
In 2014, shortly after the launch of ClaimStat, the Comptroller’s Office entered into a real-time data sharing agreement with the NYPD. Since then, tort claims against the department have fallen 20.3% — upending an eight-year trend of rising claims filed against the NYPD. This year, that progress has filtered down to the precinct level. In 2016, 65% of precincts saw fewer personal injury claims per 100 crime complaints than in the previous year. The department’s progress can be attributed to new policies, procedures, and training — in addition to the NYPD’s utilization of Comptroller-provided data.
For example, the 44th Precinct in the South Bronx — which in 2015 led the City with 17.04 police action claims per 100 crime complaints — reported only 8.7 claims per 100 crime complaints this year, a drop of nearly 50%. Despite these successes, some precincts — especially those concentrated in the South Bronx, Upper Manhattan, and Central Brooklyn — still show a high rate of police action claims, even after adjusting for crime rates.
The Comptroller’s Office has entered into similar data-sharing agreements over the last two years with four additional agencies: the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Sanitation. These partnerships will allow the agencies and the Comptroller’s Office to share critical information, and work together to reduce claims and settlement costs in the short-term and the long-run.
Released today, the Comptroller’s Annual Claims Report for Fiscal Year 2016 highlights the drop in claims filed in Fiscal Year 2016. In FY 2016, 26,800 personal injury and property damage claims — known as tort claims — were filed, representing a decline of 2% from FY 2015. Yet, tort claim settlements and judgments resulted in payouts totaling $629.5 million — nearly a 7% jump from FY 2015 payouts. This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising settlement and judgment costs. In FY 2016, the number of non-tort claims filed — such as contract disputes, equitable claims, and refund claims — decreased to 5,840, a 5% drop from FY 2015. Non-tort claim settlements and judgments rose to $380.9 million, a 3% increase from FY 2015. The Comptroller’s Office also continued its strategy of settling meritorious high-exposure claims before costly court cases. Pre-litigation settlements in FY 2016 included wrongful conviction claims by Roger Logan ($3.8 million) and Shabaka Shakur ($3.6 million), and claims by the Estate of Eric Garner ($5.9 million).
“That the number of claims is declining is encouraging, and although it may take several years to realize, the reduction in current claims filed should reduce costs down the road. Right now, we are settling old cases that are driving up current payouts, which is one factor increasing the overall cost,” Comptroller Stringer said. “The work we’re doing will ultimately save taxpayer dollars in the long-term, and we’re going to continue to collaborate with agencies to equip them with the tools they need to address these challenges. These new partnerships will build on that model, and help us continue to rein in claims and settlement costs.”
Additional data in ClaimStat 2.0
NYPD Claims Dropped for the Second Year
- The number of claims filed against the NYPD dropped by 10% in Fiscal Year 2016, falling from 8,423 to 7,562.
- Since 2014, the number of claims filed against the department has decreased by 20.3% — effectively bucking an eight-year trend.
- In 2016, 65% of precincts saw fewer personal injury claims per 100 crime complaints. Despite these successes, some precincts still show a high rate of police action claims, even after adjusting for crime rates.
Additional Data in FY 2016 Annual Claims Report
Decline in Settlements and Judgments for Claims that Occurred Before 2007
Settling claims that were filed before 2007 cost the City $40.7 million in FY 2016, down from $60.6 million paid out for older legacy claims in FY 2015. The City also settled a number of historical claims against the NYPD. These high-exposure claims, in many of which the underlying crime or action occurred more than a decade ago, caused a spike in the NYPD’s settlement outlays. Roughly one-third of the total cost of NYPD settlements – more than $85 million – came from these claims, including:
- Actions filed by the families of murder victims from the 1980s and 1990s, alleging involvement of the “Mafia Cops.” These cases settled for $13.5 million;
- Five wrongful conviction claims from the 1995 “Soundview Murders,” which settled for a combined total of $40 million;
- Alan Newtown’s $12.1 million wrongful conviction settlement involving a rape and assault that occurred in 1984; and
- Attorneys’ fees for the “Stop and Frisk” litigation (Floyd v. City of New York), which totaled $11.3 million.
Pre-litigation Settlements Helped Avoid Costly Litigation and Trials
- In FY 2016, the Comptroller’s Office continued its strategy of settling high-exposure claims before litigation starts to avoid the risks of high verdicts and judgments. This conserves the City’s legal resources, saves taxpayers money, and provides quicker resolution for claimants.
- Two wrongful incarceration cases were settled in FY 2016, awarding Roger Logan and Shabaka Shakur $3.8 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
- The Comptroller’s Office also reached a pre-litigation settlement with the Estate of Eric Garner for $5.9 million.
Sidewalk Claims Filed and Payouts Drop
- In FY 2016, sidewalk claims filed decreased to 2,378, down from 2,559 claims in FY 2015. Sidewalk claims paid out in FY 2016 fell to $31.8 million, a 20% drop from FY 2015.
Department of Correction Claims continued to surge
- In Fiscal Year 2016, the number of claims filed against DOC jumped 25%, surging from 3,462 to 4,321.
- The DOC has faced a steady increase in claims since 2013. In just three years, the number of claims filed has jumped 97%.
Health + Hospital Claims dropped, but malpractice claims rose
- There were 885 claims filed against NYC Health + Hospitals in FY2016, down from 905 the year before.
- While the overall number of claims decreased, the number of medical malpractice claims filed against acute care hospitals increased by 6%.
Claim Trends by Borough
- In a borough-by-borough breakdown of tort claims filed in FY 2016, the Bronx had the most claims filed with 7,546 and Staten Island had the fewest tort claims filed with 1,224.
- In FY 2016, the Bronx had 6,351 personal injury claims filed, the most of any borough; Queens had 2,114 property damage claims filed, the most of any borough. The total number of tort claims filed by borough in FY 2016 were:
- The Bronx with 6,351 personal injury claims filed and 1,195 property damage claims filed.
- Brooklyn with 4,726 personal injury claims filed and 1,946 property damage claims filed.
- Manhattan with 3,568 personal injury claims filed and 1,476 property damage claims filed.
- Queens with 2,514 personal injury claims filed and 2,114 property damage claims filed.
- Staten Island with 608 personal injury claims filed and 616 property damage claims filed.
To read the full “ClaimStat 2.0” report, click here.
To read the full Annual Claims report, click here.
STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: 'Right to Counsel'
“A 'right to counsel' for tenants in housing court has long been a priority of my administration. Today’s announcement is a victory for the elected leaders and advocates who have made the case that providing tenants with legal representation will help level the playing field between them and their landlords and, most importantly, keep New Yorkers in their homes.
“Research shows this proposal would be cheaper than funding shelter beds and other services for tenants who might otherwise become homeless. With several major rezonings under consideration across the five boroughs, including the administration’s proposal for the Jerome Avenue corridor, it is imperative that we provide tenants with the tools they need to stay in their communities during times of transformation. Recognizing a tenant’s 'right to counsel' in housing court is a tremendous step towards increased stability in our neighborhoods.
“I would like to especially congratulate Council Member Mark Levine, the prime sponsor of ‘right to counsel’ legislation, for his efforts to bring this program to New York City. I look forward to working with Council Member Levine and others on the implementation of this program,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
I often wonder why only certain borough presidents are mentioned in press releases from Mayor Bill de Blasio, and not once do I see the name of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. That is why in press releases from the mayor you will not find on this blog names of only certain elected officials.
That is also why Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has to put out his own statements such as this.
Mayor Bill de Blasio why will you not include statements from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. in your press releases, when you include statements from other borough presidents?
MAYOR DE BLASIO AND SPEAKER MARK-VIVERITO RALLY AROUND UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO FREE LEGAL SERVICES FOR TENANTS FACING EVICTION IN HOUSING COURT
Additional $93 million provides all NYC tenants facing eviction access to free legal advice and low-income tenants with full legal representation
Biggest city to offer universal access, available at the City’s Housing Court and through 311
Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today announced that, for the first time, the City will fund universal access to legal services for tenants facing eviction in New York City Housing Court. A $93 million allocation doubles the Administration’s existing funding for tenant legal services. Legal services have proven effective at reducing unlawful evictions and preventing displacement. Since beginning an unprecedented expansion of tenant legal aid two years ago, evictions have dropped by 24 percent.
“We are the biggest city in the country to level the playing field between tenants and landlords in housing court. To anyone being forced out of their home or neighborhood, we are fighting for you. This is still your city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Bringing more justice to vulnerable New Yorkers is a hallmark of this City Council,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Since passing landmark legislation in 2015 to create the Office of the Civil Justice Coordinator, the Council has tirelessly worked to figure out how to best provide legal representation to all low-income New Yorkers facing eviction. Today, we're closer than ever to realizing this goal. The groundbreaking legislation outlined by the City Council and the Mayor will ensure that no low-income New Yorker is forced from their home without legal representation.
“This historic access to counsel program builds on the work done to protect tenants since 2014 though the Office of Civil Justice at the Department of Social Services, which has already increased the number of tenants protected by a lawyer in Housing Court from 1 percent to 27 percent and helped reduce evictions by 24 percent,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks.
The new funds are on top of the City’s unprecedented $62 million-a-year commitment to expand legal services for tenants, which launched in 2014. The new funds will be phased in over the next five fiscal years, starting with $15 million in Fiscal Year 2018, to reach $93 million by 2022. At full implementation, the City’s investment in anti-eviction legal services will total $155 million.
The City Council will memorialize the program in legislation.
Since January 2014, Administration-funded legal service programs have served more than 34,000 households and assisted more than 100,000 New Yorkers.
The number of tenants in Housing Court with legal representation has risen to 27 percent, up from 1 percent in 2013. Evictions by City Marshals have decreased 24 percent, representing more than 20,000 New Yorkers who were able to stay in their homes in 2015.
Universal access will provide free legal representation in court to New Yorkers with household incomes below roughly $50,000 (200 percent of the federal poverty level for a family of four), and legal counseling to those earning more. The City estimates 400,000 New Yorkers will be served under the program every year at full implementation.
The expanded tenant protection initiative comes on the heels of Mayoral announcements this past week to boost the creation of affordable housing for lower income seniors, veterans and working families under Housing New York, the plan to build or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housingin 10 years. The Mayor is also pushing in Albany for a Mansion Tax on the sale of luxury homes to fund rental help for more than 25,000 seniors struggling to pay their rent each month.