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

 

4,798 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

999 Patients in the ICU; 686 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.16%

58 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're working hard every day to get New York's infection rate down while increasing the vaccination rate, and the state is making significant progress in that ongoing footrace," Governor Cuomo said. "But even as we gain more supply of the vaccine, grow our distribution network and get more shots in arms, New Yorkers need to stay vigilant, so that we don't lose an inch of that progress. We're expanding eligibility and continually extending our efforts to get the vaccine to underserved communities, and until every New Yorker is vaccinated I encourage everyone to keep washing their hands, wearing masks and social distancing as we get through this fight together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 205,616
• Total Positive - 6,489
• Percent Positive - 3.16%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.11%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,798 (-101)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -525
• Patients Newly Admitted - 561
• Hospital Counties - 53
• Number ICU - 999 (-12)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 686 (+11)
• Total Discharges - 151,354 (+541)
• Deaths - 58
• Total Deaths - 39,230

Rep. Bowman Votes for American Rescue Plan, Calls for Further Action on $15 Minimum Wage

 

Rep. Jamaal Bowman voted for final passage of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, which will provide urgently-needed resources to defeat the coronavirus, put vaccines in people’s arms, money into families’ pockets, children safely back into classrooms, and people back to work. This legislation will now go to President Joe Biden for signature.   

 

“The American Rescue Plan, although not perfect, is a significant and profound step to rebuild what we've lost during this pandemic, move toward making families whole, and save lives,” Rep. Bowman said. “Importantly, the rescue plan provides $170 billion in resources for schools and state education departments to assist with a smooth and safe reopening of in-person learning across the country. Our kids and families have dealt with unbelievable trauma during this pandemic, and I’m optimistic that this package will help us to heal.

 

“Now that we have passed this legislation, Congress’ next steps, working in tandem with the White House, must be to establish a viable pathway toward a nationwide $15 million wage, which would bring a raise for tens of millions of workers and lift hundreds of thousands out of poverty. The Biden administration was given a mandate by voters to secure a $15 minimum wage and we must explore all avenues to achieve that, including abolishing the filibuster in the Senate. 

 

“Additionally, we will continue to advocate for recurring $2,000 monthly checks and a full cancellation of rent and mortgage payments during the pandemic. I’m ready to keep working with my colleagues in Congress and the White House to get families in NY16 through to the other side of this pandemic and to revitalize our economy.”

 

The American Rescue Plan invests $1.9 trillion into Americans’ lives and livelihoods:

• Put Vaccines in Arms: The plan will mount a national vaccination program that includes setting up community vaccination sites nationwide and addressing disparities facing communities of color.  It will also take complementary measures to combat the virus, including scaling up testing and tracing, addressing shortages of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies, investing in high-quality treatments and addressing health care disparities. 
• Put Money in People’s Pockets: The plan finishes the job on the President’s promise to provide $2,000 in direct assistance to households across America with checks of $1,400 per person, following the $600 down payment enacted in December.  The plan will also provide direct housing assistance, nutrition assistance for 40 million Americans, expand access to safe and reliable child care and affordable health care, extend unemployment insurance so that 18 million American workers can pay their bills and support 27 million children with an expanded Child Tax Credit and more than 17 million low-wage workers through an improved Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Put Children Safely Back in School: The plan delivers $170 billion for education and $45 billion for child care providers.  This includes a $130 billion investment in K-12 school re-opening and making up for lost time in the classroom, with funds that can be used for such things as reducing class sizes, modifying spaces so that students and teachers can socially distance, improving ventilation, implementing more mitigation measures, providing personal protective equipment and providing summer school or other support for students that help make up lost learning time this year.  The plan also provides more than $40 billion for higher education.
• Put People Back In Jobs: The plan will provide crucial support for the hardest-hit small businesses, especially those owned by entrepreneurs from racial and ethnic backgrounds that have experienced systemic discrimination, with EIDL grants, expanded PPP eligibility and more.  The plan also provides crucial resources to protect the jobs of first responders, frontline public health workers, teachers, transit workers and other essential workers that all Americans depend on.

 

Governor Cuomo Announces Award of $50.7 Million to Enhance Addiction Services in New York State

 

Funding Will Support a Regional Network Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services to Address Addiction

 

Funding and Services Provided in Every County of New York State 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the award of up to $50.7 million to providers throughout New York State to expand access to addiction services. The majority of this funding will go towards regional networks designed to support a continuum of care that includes prevention, treatment and recovery. Further funding will go towards enhancing COTI services, recovery centers, prevention coalitions, and the Triple P prevention program within these network areas. This funding is part of the State Opioid Response federally supported grant administered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

"While we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing opioid epidemic, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting New Yorkers struggling with addiction," Governor Cuomo said. "This award funds all regions of New York for a broad range of services, including mobile service delivery and telepractice expansion, strengthening our nation-leading continuum of addiction care across the State. These resources are available where and when New Yorkers need them most."

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the New York State Heroin and Opioid Task Force said, "During this extremely challenging time posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to make sure that lifesaving resources and services are available to any individual struggling with addiction in all parts of the state. This funding will further boost prevention, treatment and recovery care, and reinforces New York State's commitment to ending the opioid epidemic once and for all."

OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said, "As we continue to work to address addiction amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we ensure that all New Yorkers, in all regions of the state, have access to lifesaving addiction services. OASAS has always supported a collaborative care model of addiction services, and with this funding we are able to build on our work with our community-based provider network to strengthen these collaborations and reach more people in need."

New York has a robust system of addiction care, and with better collaboration and coordination people in need will experience easier access to care, including medication for addiction treatment, as well as more successful transitions between residential and outpatient settings, and better integration of prevention and recovery supports. The funding awarded under this initiative supports efforts to find regional approaches to care, and is designed to help prevention, treatment, and recovery providers increase their collaborative efforts to address the entire continuum of addiction services. Providers who receive funding have identified specific needs in their region and proposed services to address the gaps in care.

 

Regional networks are made up of multiple providers, in most cases serving multiple counties, in a region. Award amounts are listed below along with the counties served by the network.

'Citywide Addiction Support Network -  Manhattan, Bronx and Queens - $10,499,410'

In addition to the regional network awards listed above, funding will also support the following initiatives within the counties served by the networks.

 

Center of Treatment Innovation Services - $6 million

COTI service providers are tasked with expanding access to treatment of opioid use disorder through peer services, mobile service delivery, and telepractice capability. COTI providers work to break down existing barriers to treatment and connect people seeking services to the help that they need. Between 2016 and 2019, overdose deaths in counties with COTI services decreased by between 42 percent and 64 percent.

Recovery Centers - $2.9 million

Recovery centers are designed to promote long-term recovery with professional staff, peers, and volunteers who provide multiple services to engage and support people in recovery. Recovery Centers offer skill-building classes, support groups, referrals to services, sober events and recreational programs. These services are designed to empower people in recovery from addiction in a way that is responsive to the needs of the individual, their family, and the community.

Prevention Coalitions - $1.4 million

Community-based substance use prevention coalitions bring together diverse community stakeholders to facilitate, implement, and sustain effective substance use prevention strategies that meet local need. The SOR funded coalitions expand the reach of substance use prevention coalitions into Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative localities to further build local resources in high-risk communities to effectively address addiction health disparities.

Triple P Positive Parenting Program - $938,000

The Triple P Positive Parenting Program is a prevention program that supports families by providing parents or caregivers clear strategies to respond to a child's needs while remaining calm. It promotes healthy familial attachment as children learn and meet developmental milestones. The program has been shown to reduce risky behaviors among youth, such as substance use and juvenile offending, as well as encourage positive social behavior and emotional wellbeing. It has also demonstrated success in reducing parental depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflict, and increasing positive family interactions.

Since taking office, Governor Cuomo has instituted an aggressive, multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic, and created a nation-leading continuum of addiction care with full prevention, treatment, and recovery services. To combat this epidemic, the Governor has worked to expand access to traditional services, including crisis services, inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs, as well as medication assisted treatment, and mobile treatment and transportation services.

In 2016, Governor Cuomo's Heroin Task Force recommended new, non-traditional services, including recovery centers, youth clubhouses, expanded peer services, and open access centers, which provide immediate assessments and referrals to care. These services have since been established in numerous communities around the state and have helped people in need access care closer to where they live.

The Governor has advanced legislative and regulatory reform to enable people to get treatment faster by eliminating many insurance restrictions, as well as legislation to reduce most opioid prescriptions from 30 days to seven days, and legislation to increase training and education for prescribers. Governor Cuomo has also taken action to combat patient brokering and fraudulent addiction treatment services.

The Governor has also worked to increase training and availability of naloxone, resulting in more than 420,000 individuals in New York State being trained and equipped with the opioid overdose reversal medication. Through Governor Cuomo's actions, pharmacies around New York State are now able to provide naloxone without a prescription.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369). 

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

If you, or a loved one, have experienced insurance obstacles related to treatment or need help filing an appeal for a denied claim, contact the CHAMP helpline by phone at 888-614-5400 or email at ombuds@oasas.ny.gov.

LEANDRA FELIZ ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR ISCHIA BRAVO’S IN CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 15 SPECIAL ELECTION

 Tuesday afternoon Leandra Feliz anti-violence activist, and mother of Lesandro "Junior" Feliz whose tragic murder in the 15th Council District in 2018 shocked the city, announced her support for Ischia Bravo in the March 23rd 15th City Council Special Election. 

On hand at the announcement by Ms. Leandra Feliz were Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., members of the Louella Hatch Democratic Club which has endorsed candidate Bravo' campaign, and other supporters. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. introduces candidate Ischia Bravo.

15th City Council Special Election candidate Ischia Bravo thanks Ms. Leandra Feliz for her support, which joins the many unions and community organizations posted on the window in the background.

(L-R) Tisha Hatch (daughter of Louella Hatch), Ms. Leandra Feliz, Candidate Ischia Bravo, Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., and Socrates Caba President Louella Hatch Democratic Club. 

STATEMENTS FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO, CORPORATION COUNSEL JOHNSON AND COMMISSIONER MOSTOFI ON END OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PUBLIC CHARGE RULE

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio, Corporation Counsel James E. Johnson and Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Bitta Mostofi today released the following statements celebrating the end of the Trump Administration’s public charge rule:

 

Statement from Mayor Bill de Blasio:­­ 

 

“Today, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers can rest easier knowing that the Trump administration’s public charge rule is over, once and for all. We fought relentlessly in court against Trump’s policy that placed millions at risk during the worst public health crisis of our lifetime—and we won. We will never stop fighting for the rights and health of our immigrant neighbors.” 

 

Statement from Corporation Counsel James E. Johnson:

 

“When new immigrants arrive in the city, they come with hopes, dreams, a fresh and enriching perspective and, sometimes, not much more.  We don’t ask ‘how much do you have?’  Rather, we ask ‘what can you become?’  Thankfully, we now have an administration that both acknowledges how much our immigrant community has suffered during the pandemic and wisely recognizes how vital it is to our recovery. Today we welcome the steps taken to reverse this cruel policy and get us back on a just and productive track.”

  

Statement from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affair’s Commissioner Bitta Mostofi: 

 

“We join our partners in celebrating the end of the heartless public charge rule. The Biden administration rightly recognized the devastating impact of this unconscionable Trump administration policy on immigrant communities, perpetuating fear and confusion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We commend the incredible efforts taken by coalitions of advocates, local governments, and community partners alike in this fight to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all our families. Immigrant New Yorkers: if you have questions about the end of public charge and what it means for you and your loved ones, you can call ActionNYC at 800-354-0365 for City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help.” 

  

297 days and Counting

Democrats in Albany, What's taking you so long to get rid of Andrew Cuomo? I want to run for governor so I can do to New York State what I have done to New York City.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic March 9,2021

 

4,899 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,011 Patients in the ICU; 675 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.93%

75 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.

"COVID-19 is continuing to spread across the state, but progress on vaccinations and the numbers are turning the tables in our favor. The hard work, dedication and perseverance of New Yorkers is starting to pay off, and we need to double down on safe behaviors to get the state through to the light at the end of the tunnel," Governor Cuomo said. "Our vast vaccine distribution network continues to expand as we receive more supply and get more shots in arms, and we're working to get the vaccine to underserved communities across the state. New Yorkers should continue washing their hands, wearing masks and staying socially distanced so we can defeat the COVID beast together and look ahead to the future."

It is important to note that data, including test results and hospital rates, reported early in the week are often not completely reflective of the current situation due to lower discharges and testing volume over the weekend. Data trends over a period of time, such as using 7-day averages, are a preferred metric.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 174,514
• Total Positive - 6,850
• Percent Positive - 3.93%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.16%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,899 (+69)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -470
• Patients Newly Admitted - 478
• Hospital Counties - 51
• Number ICU - 1,011 (+6)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 675 (+6)
• Total Discharges - 150,813 (+340)
• Deaths - 75
• Total Deaths - 39,169

Operator Of Racehorse Doping Websites Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison

 

Scott Robinson also Ordered to Forfeit Over $3,000,000

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that SCOTT ROBINSON was sentenced today to 18 months in prison in connection with ROBINSON’s years-long sale and distribution of adulterated and misbranded drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs marketed to racehorse trainers and others in the racehorse industry.  ROBINSON pled guilty to a one-count Information on September 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who also imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Scott Robinson created and profited from a system designed to exploit racehorses in the pursuit of speed and prize money, risking their safety and wellbeing.  Robinson sold unsanitary, misbranded, and adulterated drugs, and misled and deceived regulators and law enforcement in the process.”  

According to the Indictment, the Superseding Information to which ROBINSON pled guilty, and other court documents, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:

From at least in or about 2011 through at least in or about March 2020, ROBINSON conspired with others to manufacture, sell, and ship millions of dollars’ worth of adulterated and misbranded equine drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs (“PEDs”) intended to be administered to racehorses for the purpose of improving those horses’ race performances in order to win races and obtain prize money.  ROBINSON sold these drugs through several direct-to-consumer websites designed to appeal to racehorse trainers and owners, including, among others, “horseprerace.com.” 

ROBINSON contributed to the conspiracy by, among other things, sourcing chemicals used to create custom PEDs that were advertised and sold; falsely labeling, packaging, and shipping those PEDs to customers across the country, including in the Southern District of New York; and collecting, reporting, and responding to employee and customer complaints regarding the misbranded and adulterated products advertised and sold online.  Among the drugs advertised and sold during the course of the conspiracy were “blood builders,” which are used by racehorse trainers and others to increase red blood cell counts and/or the oxygenation of muscle tissue of a racehorse in order to stimulate the horse’s endurance, which enhances that horse’s performance in, and recovery from, a race, as well as customized analgesics that are used by racehorse trainers and others to deaden a horse’s nerves and block pain in order to improve a horse’s race performance.  The drugs distributed through the defendant’s websites were manufactured in non-FDA registered facilities and carried significant risks to the animals affected through the administration of those illicit PEDs.  For example, in 2016, ROBINSON received a complaint regarding the effect of his unregulated drugs on a customer’s horse: “starting bout 8 hours after I give the injection and for about 36 hours afterwards both my horses act like they are heavily sedated, can barely walk.  Could I have a bad bottle of medicine, I’m afraid to give it anymore since this has happened three times.”  Commenting on this complaint, ROBINSON wrote simply, “here is another one.”

In addition to his prison sentence, ROBINSON, 46, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and forfeiture of $3,832,318.90.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York FBI Office’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and its support of the FBI’s Integrity in Sports and Gaming Initiative.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the New York State Police, and the New York City Police Department for their support of this investigation, and the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance and expertise.