Governor Cuomo Announces Executive Order Withholding Pay Increases for All Statewide Elected Officials and Commissioners

 

Governor Cuomo: "It's no reflection on what these commissioners have done. They probably worked harder this past year and performed better than any commissioner in their position frankly in decades. There has been no test like this test for a government official. But I appreciate their sacrifice and their showing of solidarity for the people of this state during this difficult period and during this difficult financial period."

Cuomo: "I also want to thank the Lieutenant Governor and the Attorney General and the Comptroller for the same statement that they're making. They've all worked incredibly hard this year and this is another sign of their commitment and their public service so I thank them very much."

 Today I'm also signing an executive order to withhold pay increases for all State commissioners and statewide elected officials. This is the right thing to do I think. Obviously it's easy for me to propose something that's going to affect myself. This also affects all commissioners and statewide elected officials.

Dr. Zucker, for example, won't be getting a raise this year. It's no reflection on what these commissioners have done. They probably worked harder this past year and performed better than any commissioner in their position frankly in decades. There has been no test like this test for a government official. But I appreciate their sacrifice and their showing of solidarity for the people of this state during this difficult period and during this difficult financial period. I also want to thank the Lieutenant Governor and the Attorney General and the Comptroller for the same statement that they're making. They've all worked incredibly hard this year and this is another sign of their commitment and their public service so I thank them very much. 

 

Attorney General James Issues Alert to Protect New Yorkers from Coronavirus Vaccine Scams

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert to warn New Yorkers about potential scams offering early access to a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. While New York has begun the process of vaccinating nursing home residents, nursing home staff who regularly interact with patients, and high-risk medical workers, the vaccine will not become widely available to the general public in New York for several more months. 

Consistent with federal guidelines, New York plans to offer vaccines next to long-term care residents and staff and other healthcare workers, then to certain essential workers, and finally to members of the general population, beginning with the people at highest risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms (such as those over 65 years old or with underlying health conditions like cancer or heart disease). New York has not yet announced a definitive timeline for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine to any of these later groups.

“We must remain vigilant about potential scams and ensure New Yorkers know the latest information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, there is no government-authorized vaccine available to the general population in New York,” said Attorney General James. 

“Throughout this pandemic, scammers have found ways to victimize the public, with the vaccine distribution process being their latest method for fraud. My office remains committed to rooting out COVID-19 scams, and I encourage the public to report suspected illegal activity to my office.” 

The Office of Attorney General (OAG) continues to warn New Yorkers of anyone who calls, e-mails, or texts individuals offering access to a COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, some individuals may seek to use online platforms with similar schemes. Scammers may impersonate public health officials from organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). They may also offer to ship a COVID-19 vaccine directly to homes, provide special access to vaccines or clinical trials, or sell special cold storage device for vaccines. 

Here are some tips to help New Yorkers avoid vaccine-related scams: 

• Be wary of anyone calling or emailing you with offers of a vaccine and do not give out your Social Security number, personal credit card, or bank account information. No one from a vaccine distributor, health care company, or private insurance company will ask for this information.  
• If you have health insurance, you should not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine while the pandemic remains a public health emergency. If you don’t have health insurance, the provider may only charge an administration fee. However, in many instances, you likely will not be required to pay the administration fee.
• You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get into a vaccine clinical trial.
• If you get an e-mail about a COVID-19 vaccine or clinical trial, check the sender’s email domain to make sure it matches the website of the organization sending the e-mail and be wary of clicking on any hyperlinks or providing any login or other personal information.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use so far. The Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 16 years of age and older, while the Moderna vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 18 and older. If you have doubt about whether a vaccine or clinical trial is real, check with a licensed healthcare provider. For all up-to-date information pertaining to COVID-19 vaccine approval and distribution in New York, please visit: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. Individuals may contact the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 888-364-3065 for all COVID-19 related questions.

The OAG continues to surveil and monitor the state for potential scams designed to exploit public concern related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Scammers commonly exploit real public health concerns and use heightened public fear to prey on consumers and profit from frauds related to those health fears. If a consumer believes they have been the victim of an unlawful activity, they can report these incidents to the OAG. 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During Covid-19 Pandemic - DECEMBER 27, 2020

 

7,183 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,187 Patients in the ICU; 687 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 5.85%

115 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we near the end of the holiday season, New York remains locked in a footrace between the vaccine's quick distribution and COVID-19's continued spread," Governor Cuomo said. "It has been a tough year and we still have several tough months ahead, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and we will make it there if we all do our part to slow the spread. New York is working closely with the medical community to not only administer the vaccine, but to continue growing capacity as well. As that work progresses, the rest of us need to step up, stay united and continue doing what we know works—wearing masks, staying socially distanced and washing our hands."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 130,299
• Tested Positive - 7,623
• Percent Positive - 5.85%
• Patient Hospitalization - 7,183 (+299)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 757
• Hospital Counties - 55
• Number ICU - 1,187 (+58)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 687 (+49)
• Total Discharges - 99,583 (+427)
• Deaths - 115
• Total Deaths - 29,511

Statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker On Fraudulently Obtained COVID-19 Vaccine,

 

 "The State Department of Health has been made aware of reports that Parcare Community Health Network, an Orange County provider, may have fraudulently obtained COVID-19 vaccine, transferred it to facilities in other parts of the state in violation of state guidelines and diverted it to members of the public - contrary to the state's plan to administer it first to frontline healthcare workers, as well as nursing home residents and staffers. We take this very seriously and DOH will be assisting State Police in a criminal investigation into this matter. Anyone found to have knowingly participated in this scheme will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - DECEMBER 26, 2020

 

6,884 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,129 Patients in the ICU; 638 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 5.36%

122 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"We will ultimately be victorious in the battle with COVID-19, but New Yorkers have a long journey ahead. The holiday season is a time to celebrate and reflect, but it brings the potential for increased spread if we let our guard down. It's vital that New Yorkers celebrate smart, wash their hands, wear masks and socially distance this holiday season," Governor Cuomo said. "New York State is testing more people and making sure hospitals have enough capacity. We're vaccinating New Yorkers as fast as possible, but getting to the levels of immunity we need is a long-term effort. New Yorkers brought the state's infection rate from the nation's highest to one of the lowest, and they should be commended for that. Now we need to keep up the good work."

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 201,442
• Tested Positive - 10,806
• Percent Positive - 5.36%
• Patient Hospitalization - 6,884 (-66)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 855 
• Hospital Counties - 55
• Number ICU - 1,129 (-19)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 638 (+17)
• Total Discharges - 99,156 (+806)
• Deaths - 122
• Total Deaths - 29,396 

No Public Schedule For Four Days in a Row By Mayor de Blasio - Not even a Media Availability on Rising COVID-19 Indicators

 

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020

 

On Monday, Mayor de Blasio will be in New York City. There are no public events scheduled.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This is four days in a row with no media availability so you can not hear how COVID-19 indicators have gone up, especially since the eleven days of the special election for the 12th City Council District.

'SHARING IS CARING DAY' from Councilman Andy King and the Bronx YEP

 

Christmas Eve was the 15th 'Sharing is Caring Day' for the Wakefield community and fifteen soldiers from the area. Councilman Andy King, his wife Neva, and the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program members gave back to the community and thanked those who chose to join the army. 

As is the annual custom of sharing at the holiday time,  tables were set up in the JP Hall with all different gifts and clothing that was being given to the soldiers and community. Meals were prepared by Karibbean Flavar by Chef K for everyone to take home and have a delicious homemade meal. 

Councilman King said it is important to share what you have with the community. The importance of having the soldiers at the event was because Councilman King's father served in the Korean War. 

Above - Councilman King greets the soldiers outside the hall.

Below - Councilman King, his wife Neva with some of the soldiers who were in attendance.

Above - YEP Public Relations Chair Ayana Sheppard is speaking about Sharing is Caring Day. Also in the photo is Councilman King, YEP President Victor Rodriguez, and YEP Vice-President Aaliyah Sheppard,

Below - The two bicycles given away went to Jahnia and Ethan. 

Above - A group photo.

Below- The delicious meals that were prepared by Karibbean Flavor by Chef K, and given to all to take home.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION INFORMS CONSUMERS ABOUT WARRANTIES AND SERVICE CONTRACTS

 

Life Does not Have Guarantees, But Your Warranty Should Pay Special Attention to Warranties and Service Contracts when Making Large Purchases

 As part of its seven-part consumer alert holiday series, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is today informing New Yorkers about the differences between warranties and service contracts to help consumers navigate the marketplace this holiday season. Warranties are included in the price of a purchase and service contracts are a separate cost. Consumers are encouraged to understand what is already covered in the warranty before purchasing a separate service contract.

“Warranties and service contracts are often confused in the marketplace,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “This holiday season don’t overpay for something that may be covered under an existing warranty, and always read the terms and conditions to understand what is covered before you buy.”

Warranties

Warranties are legally enforceable assurances about certain parts of a transaction.  Ordinarily, the warranty involves representations about the item being purchased. For example, a watchmaker may warrant that his or her watches can withstand submersion underneath one hundred feet of water, or an appliance company warrants their appliances will be covered for defects up to one year after purchase.

Under New York Law, warranties may be made orally or in writing and can even arise by implication without any verbal statement. Proving a warranty was made is always easier with proper documentation.

Service Contracts 

Some products, such as automobiles and appliances, may offer a service contract.  Although similar to a warranty and often called an “extended warranty,” a service contract is not a warranty. Service contracts are contracts to perform repairs or maintenance on a product. To determine whether you need a service contract, consider the following:

• whether the warranty already covers the repairs and the time period of coverage that you would get under the service contract; 
• whether the product is likely to need repairs and the potential costs of such repairs; 
• the duration of the service contract; and
• the reputation of the company offering the service contract.

Unlike a warranty, service contracts are not included in the price of the purchase. If a warranty is already provided and covers repairs, you may be paying extra for a largely unnecessary service contract, particularly if the service contract is limited to repair of defects. An express warranty is one that is written in the product warranty, whereas an implied warranty is a legally enforceable promise that something will work as intended.

DCP recommends optimizing product and service warranties with the following tips:

• Get it in writing. Request oral warranties in writing before purchasing the product.
• Check company reviews. Go online and search for the company name and “warranty complaints” or similar search to see whether consumers face issues with that company’s warranties.
• Read and understand the warranty before you purchase the product. Typically, companies will post their warranty terms and follow-up information on their company website so you can review them. 
• Save all necessary paperwork such as the original receipt, a copy of the warranty and any maintenance or repair records. When there are issues, the company will ask for basic information like model number, serial number and date of purchase.
• Use the product according to the specifications – including getting regular maintenance. Comply with all warranty requirements by maintaining and using the product in the manner specified in the warranty paperwork.

If something happens and you need to initiate a warranty:

1. If there is a written warranty, read it first. The terms of your agreement are essential because they are almost always controlling. Even if the warranty has been breached, the remedy for breach may be dramatically altered by contract.
2. Next, contact the warrantor. Write to or call the entity that issued the warranty. Your warranty should list the appropriate contact and that company's mailing address. If mailing, send all letters by certified mail and save copies of the correspondence for future reference.
3. Contact the Division of Consumer Protection and file a complaint. The Division mediates consumer complaints with businesses. If you are unsuccessful getting your warranty claim covered, file a complaint online at dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

For additional information on warranties, consult the Federal Trade Commission website: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0252-warranties.

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/consumerprotection. To view consumer alerts, consumers can visit https://www.dos.ny.gov/about/newsroom.html. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.