SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $6 MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTERS

 

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $5,333,677.90 in federal funding to provide essential PPE, training, and supplies for firefighters responding to the COVID-19 outbreak across New York State. Additionally, the Morrisvile Fire District received $642,857.14 to purchase emergency rescue vehicles. This federal funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) - COVID-19 Supplemental Program. 

“From the peak of the pandemic to normal times, our brave firefighters are always on the front lines, risking their lives to protect their communities,” said Senator Schumer. “These courageous firefighters deserve all the federal support possible to help them do their jobs. I’ve fought my whole career to bring more federal resources to support our heroic firefighters, and I’m proud to deliver this funding so New York’s fire departments have the critical PPE, training, and support they need to stay safe as they keep New Yorkers safe during the pandemic.”

“New York State’s brave essential workers have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities throughout the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As our communities reopen, we must ensure firefighters have the necessary PPE and equipment needed to respond to emergencies safely. I am proud to fight for New York’s firefighters and will continue working to ensure first responders are protected when they enter the line of duty.”

Funding Recipients Listed Below:

Western Region

Aurora Colden Fire District No 6 - West Falls, NY	$168,164.76
Town of West Seneca - West Seneca, NY	$153,270.48
Village of Warsaw - Warsaw, NY	$9,514.29
City of Dunkirk - Dunkirk, NY	$155,304.76
Village of Falconer - Falconer, NY	$125,238.10
City of Lockport - Lockport, NY	$96,468.35
Olcott Fire Co Inc - Olcott, NY	$40,471.43
Farmersville Fire Department - Farmersville Station, NY	$97,268.57
Town of Batavia Fire Department, Inc. - Batavia, NY	$57,132.38
Village of Springville - Springville, NY	$4,857.14

Southern Tier Region

City of Cortland- Cortland, NY	$32,380.95
City of Ithaca - Ithaca, NY	$36,981.82
Virgil Fire District - Cortland, NY	$47,619.05
Village of Freeville - Freeville, NY	$106,285.71

Millport Volunteer Fire Company - Millport, NY                      $53,333.33

Capital Region

Niagara Engine Company No. 6, Inc. - Schoharie, NY	$91,428.57
Speigletown Fire District - Troy, NY	$28,000.00
Red Rock Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. - East Chatham, NY	$220,819.05

Hudson Valley Region

Village of Larchmont - Larchmont, NY	$17,714.29
Village of Spring Valley - Spring Valley, NY	$4,110.59
Fairview Fire District - Poughkeepsie, NY	$104,761.90
Ulster Fire District #1 - Kingston, NY	$110,564.76

Central Region

City of Little Falls - Little Falls, NY	$114,285.71
New Haven Volunteer Fire Corporation - New Haven, NY	$37,619.05
Morrisville Fire District - Morrisville, NY (Vehicle Acquistion)	$642,857.14
Preble Volunteer Fire Department - Preble, NY	$82,666.67
Lake Delta Volunteer Fire Department - Rome, NY	$94,761.90
Sennett Fire Department - Auburn, NY	$114,190.48
Village of West Winfield - West Winfield, NY	$10,494.20
Deansboro Fire District - Deansboro, NY	$80,942.86
Village of Sherburne - Sherburne, NY	$91,650.48
South Onondaga Fire Department, Inc. - Nedrow, NY	$135,809.52
Volney Volunteer Fire Corporation - Fulton, NY	$47,619.05
Liverpool Fire Department, Inc. - Liverpool, NY	$721,454.55

Finger Lakes Region

Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - Canandaigua, NY	$23,604.76
Penfield Fire District - Penfield, NY	$319,545.45

North Country Region

Village of Rouses Point - Rouses Point, NY	$180,000.00
Town of Adams - Adams, NY	$488,095.24

Long Island Region

Montauk Fire District - Montauk, NY	$106,371.43
Floral Park Centre Fire Co Inc - Floral Park, NY	$49,714.29
Atlantic Steamer Fire Company Number One - Oyster Bay, NY	$214,761.90
Jamesport Fire District - Jamesport, NY	$89,047.62
Village of Saltaire, Bay Shore, NY	$101,428.57
Brookhaven Fire District - Brookhaven, NY	$446,818.18
Lido And Point Lookout Fire District - Point Lookout, NY	$21,105.71

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Why is New York City not included in this list?

Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Will Provide Health Personnel to Allow 9/11 Tribute in Light Show to Happen Safely

 

"This year it is especially important that we all appreciate and commemorate 9/11, the lives lost, and the heroism displayed as New Yorkers are once again called upon to face a common enemy. I understand the Museum's concern for health and safety, and appreciate their reconsideration. The state will provide health personnel to supervise to make sure the event is held safely while at the same time properly honoring 9/11. We will never forget."

Governor Cuomo Announces Lowest Number of COVID-19 Hospitalizations Since March 17 and New Record-High Number of Reported Tests

 

Hospitalizations Hit New Low—523—Since March 17

88,668 Tests Results Reported Yesterday; 0.83 Percent Were Positive

5 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Observes Violations of State Requirements at 22 Establishments

Confirms 734 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 424,901; New Cases in 41 Counties

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced hospitalizations have dropped to 523, a new low since March 17. The Governor also announced a new record high number of COVID-19 tests reported to New York State - 88,668. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"In New York, we knew from the beginning that testing would be a key factor in controlling this new virus. We ramped up testing immediately and took a nation-leading role in developing capacity to test as many New Yorkers as possible, and I'm proud that we continue to raise the bar and we've broken our record high once again," Governor Cuomo said. "Yesterday's numbers - especially the new low in hospitalizations - continue to reflect the progress we've made during this pandemic, but we will keep monitoring the data and the alarming increases in cases around the country. My message is the same: stay New York Smart, wash your hands, socially distance, and wear masks!"

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,344 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 22 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

• Bronx - 5
• Brooklyn - 12
• Manhattan - 3
• Queens - 1
• Nassau - 1

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 523 (-31)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 76
• Hospital Counties - 28
• Number ICU - 120 (-7)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 58 (-1)
• Total Discharges - 74,081 (+84)
• Deaths - 5
• Total Deaths - 25,244

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

0.85 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive; Seventh Straight Day of Percentage Reported Positive Under 1 Percent

3 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Observes Violations of State Requirements at 12 Establishments

Confirms 727 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State -Bringing Statewide Total to 424,167; New Cases in 43 Counties 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, 87,900 test results—a new record high—were reported to New York State. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"On the numbers it's been extraordinary, so congratulations to New Yorkers because their actions created this result," Governor Cuomo said. "While the other states are seeing real trouble we are doing very well - we have to protect the progress from outside our borders and continue to enforce compliance within our state among establishments."

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,332 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 12 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

• Brooklyn - 1
• Manhattan - 4
• Queens - 2
• Nassau - 5

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 554 (-1)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 86
• Hospital Counties - 28
• Number ICU - 127 (+3)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 59 (+3)
• Total Discharges - 73,997 (+90)
• Deaths - 3
• Total Deaths - 25,232

Governor Cuomo Announces Bowling Alleys Can Reopen at 50 Percent Capacity Starting Monday

Low-Risk Indoor Cultural Activities, Including Museums, Aquariums and Other Cultural Arts in New York City Will Be Permitted to Reopen Starting Monday, August 24

Face Coverings, Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols Required at All Times 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced bowling alleys throughout New York will be allowed to reopen starting Monday with strict safety protocols in place. Bowling alleys will be able to operate at a 50 percent maximum occupancy limit; face coverings and social distancing will be required at all times; every other lane must be closed; patrons need to stay with the party at their assigned lane; thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment between each use will be required; and all food service must follow all state-issued guidance. Due to restrictions on indoor dining, food and beverage service will not be allowed in New York City bowling alleys. 

The Governor also announced that New York City museums and other low-risk cultural institutions can reopen starting Monday, August 24. The institutions include museums, aquariums, and other low-risk indoor cultural arts. All institutions that reopen will be subject to state guidance. These institutions must obey strict safety protocols, including a 25 percent maximum occupancy limit, timed ticketing required with pre-set, staggered entry, strict enforcement of face coverings, social distancing, controlled traffic flow to avoid crowding, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols.

"New York City's world-class cultural institutions have long provided comfort and creativity for generations of people in one of the world's most vibrant places, and when the COVID-19 pandemic began to threaten the city and this nation, it was especially heartbreaking to see them close their doors," Governor Cuomo said. "This pandemic is far from over, but we've determined that institutions can reopen if they adhere to strict state guidance and take every precaution to keep visitors safe, and I look forward to seeing them inspire New Yorkers once again. I'm also happy to report that we will be able to open bowling alleys across the state with strict safety protocols in place, providing a level of fun and recreation at a time when New Yorkers really need it."

R. Kelly’s Manager Charged With Placing Threatening Call To Manhattan Theater

 

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that DONNELL RUSSELL, manager of music recording artist Robert Sylvester Kelly, better known as “R. Kelly,” was charged in two counts with threatening physical harm by interstate communication, and conspiracy to do the same, for placing a threatening phone call to a theater in Manhattan to prevent the December 4, 2018, screening of a docuseries exploring allegations of R. Kelly’s sexual abuse of minor girls and adult women.  RUSSELL is expected to make his initial appearance later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Donnell Russell used threats of violence to stop a screening of a docuseries devoted to exploring allegations of sexual abuse against women and minor girls by the recording artist R. Kelly.  By allegedly threatening a shooting at the theater, Russell prevented the screening, which was attended by a number of R. Kelly’s alleged victims.  Threats of gun violence aimed at intimidating and silencing victims of sexual abuse are unlawful as well as unacceptable.  We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting such crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “It defies logic that a threat like the one alleged here could stop victims from speaking about their alleged abuse.  The violence Mr. Russell allegedly threatened succeeded in shutting down one airing of the documentary, but he was unable to silence the women featured in the film.  Each and every day, we do everything in our power to make sure victims of sexual abuse have the opportunity to be heard, and will continue to do so regardless of those who allegedly use violence as a means to stop them.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and publicly available documents:

DONNELL RUSSELL, then-manager for R. Kelly, participated in a coordinated effort, including through the use of threats of violence, to prevent the screening in December 2018 of a multi-part documentary or “docuseries” entitled “Surviving R. Kelly” at NeueHouse, a theater in New York, New York (the “Screening”).  The docuseries explores allegations that R. Kelly engaged in abusive sexual relationships with minor girls and adult women.

Throughout the day of the Screening, RUSSELL, who was located in Chicago, Illinois, worked with, among others, another individual associated with R. Kelly (“CC-1”) who was in New York the day of the Screening, to draft correspondence to an executive at the Lifetime television channel discouraging the executive from airing the docuseries.  Additionally, RUSSELL admitted that he sent NeueHouse a “cease and desist” letter to stop the Screening from going forward.  When that failed to stop the Screening, RUSSELL attempted to contact various law enforcement agencies in and around the theater, seemingly in a further effort to disrupt the Screening.  RUSSELL contacted a NeueHouse employee directly, via a landline associated with RUSSELL’s home address in Chicago, to threaten that there was a person in the theater with a gun prepared to shoot up the Screening (the “Threat Call”).  After receiving the Threat Call, the NeueHouse employee called 911.  NeueHouse cancelled the Screening and evacuated the theater.

RUSSELL, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, is charged with one count of conspiracy to threaten physical harm by interstate communication and one count of threatening physical harm by interstate communication, each of which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and Special Agents with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Renews Suspension of State Debt Collection for Fifth Time as Coronavirus Continues to Impact New Yorkers’ Wallets

 

New Yorkers with Student and Medical Debt Referred to AG’s Office

Will Have Payments Automatically Frozen Through September 4, 2020

   New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the state will, on Sunday renew for the fifth time, an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection. In response to continuing financial impairments resulting from the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the OAG will renew orders again from this coming Sunday, August 16, 2020, through Friday, September 4, 2020 — a date which coincides with Governor Cuomo’s most recent executive order tolling statutes of limitation and other legal time periods. After this period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension. Additionally, the OAG will accept applications for suspension of all other types of debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection.

“Although New York has had remarkable success in containing the coronavirus, too many New Yorkers are still enduring the financial hardships of this pandemic,” said Attorney General James. “We have the power to help tens of thousands of New Yorkers who are struggling to make ends meet, which is why we are again suspending the collection of state student and medical debt referred to my office. As we continue our work to stop the spread of this virus, we must also work to rebuild our economy and help New Yorkers get back on their feet, and that starts with ensuring our state’s residents are not unnecessarily burdened with additional debt payments at this time.”

Millions of New Yorkers, like Americans across the nation, have been impacted — directly or indirectly — by the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to forgo income and business. Since COVID-19 began to spread rapidly across the country in mid-March, tens of millions of residents across the nation have filed for unemployment, including more than 3.4 million in New York state alone. In an effort to support many New Yorkers economically impacted during this difficult time, Attorney General James will this weekend renew an order — first made in March and renewed in April, in May, in June, and in July — to ease the financial burdens for many workers and families by halting the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection through September 4, 2020.

The OAG collects certain debts owed to the state of New York via settlements and lawsuits brought on behalf of the state of New York and state agencies. A total of more than 165,000 matters currently fit the criteria for a suspension of state debt collection, including, but not limited to:

• Patients that owe medical debt due to the five state hospitals and the five state veterans’ homes;
• Students that owe student debt due to State University of New York (SUNY) campuses; and
• Individual debtors, sole-proprietors, small business owners, and certain homeowners that owe debt relating to oil spill cleanup and removal costs, property damage, and breach of contract, as well as other fees owed to state agencies.

The temporary policy has also automatically suspended the accrual of interest and the collection of fees on all outstanding state medical and student debt referred to the OAG for collection, so New Yorkers are not penalized for taking advantage of this program.

New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG’s coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 800-771-7755 to learn more.

NYS Office of the Comptroller - DiNapoli: State Tax Revenues Down $3 Billion Through July

 

State tax receipts of $26.4 billion through the first four months of the state fiscal year were $3 billion, or 10.2 percent, below the same period last year, according to the July cash report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The shift of the tax filing deadline from April to July this year added to the revenue damage created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “July numbers show more clearly the extent of the budgetary damage from the pandemic, which is driving both unanticipated spending and declining tax receipts. Washington’s continued delay on further federal response leaves the state, local governments, nonprofits and others with increasingly difficult questions on how to maintain the services New Yorkers need during this national emergency.”

Other items of note in the report:

• Personal income tax (PIT) collections totaled $18.9 billion through July, $1.4 billion, or 6.8 percent, lower than a year ago. Receipts from PIT withholding were 1 percent, or $133.1 million, below the previous year, while estimated payments were 14.4 percent, or more than $1.3 billion, lower.
• Sales tax receipts of $4 billion for the first four months were down $1.2 billion from a year earlier, a drop of 23.1 percent. The year-over-year decline in July, 8.6 percent, was the lowest since March.
• All Funds spending through July totaled $53 billion, down $2.3 billion, or 4.2 percent, from the previous year, including a $1.8 billion decline in local assistance grants.
• The General Fund ended the month with a balance of $14.4 billion, $7.8 billion higher than July 2019, reflecting a variety of factors including short-term borrowing authorized in the State Fiscal Year 2020-21 Enacted State Budget.

July Cash Report