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Thursday, March 25, 2021
Comptroller Stringer and More Than 100 Community-Based Organizations Call on City to Create $25 Million Emergency Food Program to Reach Undocumented New Yorkers
Coalition urges Mayor to dedicate FEMA reimbursement funding for undocumented New Yorkers who are unable to access federally funded safety net programs like SNAP
New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and more than 100 immigrant rights advocates, faith leaders and community-based organizations sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio calling for $25 million in FEMA reimbursement funding to be specifically dedicated to providing emergency food to undocumented New Yorkers, in addition to the City’s current emergency food programs. Unable to access federally funded safety net programs like SNAP, undocumented New Yorkers have fewer resources available to help put food on the table, and must rely solely on food pantries and mutual aid networks for additional food, which often is not enough.
The Biden Administration has agreed to lift the cap on FEMA reimbursement for New York State and City’s pandemic related costs, clearing the way for 100 percent reimbursements. This will result in $1 billion in reimbursements for New York City. Comptroller Stringer urged the City to dedicate at least $25 million of this funding to create food security programs for immigrant New Yorkers who have been left out of other safety net programs.
“It’s unconscionable that anyone should go hungry in one of the wealthiest cities in the world, especially in the middle of a public health crisis,” said Comptroller Stringer. “Immigrant New Yorkers have been hit hard by the pandemic, with higher rates of COVID infections and job losses–yet undocumented New Yorkers have been left out of federal and state food programs. The City must act immediately to create a $25 million emergency food program that serves our undocumented communities and reaches New Yorkers where they are– regardless of immigration status, cultural background or language. I am proud to join over 100 immigrant advocates, faith leaders and community-based organizations to say loud and clear: hunger does not discriminate, and neither should we.”
In February, Comptroller Stringer unveiled a comprehensive food security plan that called for the creation of a $25 million City-based emergency food program to serve undocumented New Yorkers left out of federal and state safety net programs. The plan offers immediate local, state, and federal recommendations to close gaps in emergency food programming, including a “shared delivery zone” program that centralizes neighbors’ food deliveries to meet online retailers’ minimum purchasing requirements, expanded SNAP outreach and purchasing power, and increased halal and kosher food options.
The full letter signed by more than 100 community-based organizations is available below and here.
Dear Mayor de Blasio:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought immeasurable harm to New Yorkers, with skyrocketing unemployment and ballooning food insecurity following waves of illness and death. People of color and immigrant New Yorkers have been hit hardest with the highest rates of COVID infections, illness and fatalities, and job and income loss, all of which have contributed to our current crisis of food insecurity. But within these communities, undocumented New Yorkers are uniquely vulnerable when tragedy strikes. Unable to access federally funded safety net programs like SNAP, undocumented New Yorkers have fewer resources available to help put food on the table, and often rely solely on food pantries and mutual aid networks for additional food, which often is not enough. In a city like New York, it’s unconscionable that anyone should go hungry.
That’s why we are calling for $25 million in FEMA reimbursement funding to be specifically dedicated to providing emergency food to undocumented New Yorkers, in addition to the City’s current emergency food programs. The Biden Administration has agreed to lift the cap on FEMA reimbursement for New York State and City’s pandemic related costs, clearing the way for 100 percent reimbursements. This will result in $1 billion in reimbursements for New York City. This funding creates an opportunity to address food insecurity among New Yorkers who cannot access the federally funded SNAP program due to immigration status, including workers in the informal economy, seniors, and others who have been hardest hit. The City should seize this opportunity and dedicate at least $25 million of this funding to create food security programs for immigrant New Yorkers who have been left out of other safety net programs.
We call on you to take immediate action and commit the funding to make this proposal a reality. Undocumented New Yorkers cannot wait for relief any longer.
Sincerely,
Scott Stringer
New York City Comptroller
282 Day and Counting
We are now finally doing things that I should have done in my first term as your Mayor. I only hope the next mayor is more prepared than I was, but that won't be hard to do for the next Mayor you elect. Just elect someone better than me, and again that won't be hard to do.
A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR PORTER, ANNOUNCE MAJOR EXPANSION OF 3-K FOR ALL TO REACH EVERY DISTRICT BY THIS FALL
City, in partnership with City Council, will expand free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education to an additional 16,500 three-year-olds across New York City
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter today announced that in partnership with City Council, 3-K for All will expand to the remaining sixteen community school districts in the 2021-22 school year – bringing free, full-day, high-quality 3-K to up to 16,500 more three-year-olds across New York City. By this fall, the City will support approximately 40,000 3-K seats across all 32 community school districts.
In addition to expanding to School Districts 1, 12, 14, and 29 this fall as previously announced, the City will expand to offer 3-K to as many families as possible in the remaining sixteen school districts: 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 30. 3-K is already offered to every three-year-old in School Districts 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 32.
“3K has been invaluable for so many kids and working families across our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, as we build a recovery for all of us, we are bringing 3K to every district across our city, giving more kids the quality head start they need to grow and thrive.”
“Providing a high-quality education to every New York City student starts with our youngest children, and I’m thrilled to expand 3-K for All to reach every district citywide and bring access to thousands more three-year-olds and their families during this critical time,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “These programs provide children with an invaluable head start in school and life, and I encourage families to explore the 3-K and Pre-K for All options available in their communities and apply.”
"Early childcare education is one of the best investments we can make as a city, and this accelerated expansion of 3k is going to help make New York City a leader in this important field. More work remains, but this Council is proud of the cooperation and innovation that went into making this program a reality. We thank the de Blasio administration for being our partners in this effort. This is great news for families,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.
Like Pre-K for All, 3-K for All relies on the partnership of community-based organizations, including Head Start programs, child care agencies, and family child care providers. The timing of the expansion aligns with the culmination of the City’s historic commitment to achieve pay parity for certified early childhood education teachers by October
3-K for All is the nation’s most ambitious effort to provide universal, free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for every three-year-old child and builds on the success of Pre-K for All. High-quality 3-K helps to make sure children are prepared for kindergarten and have a strong start in school and life.
"3-K has proven to be an absolutely vital service in communities across our city, and I'm glad to see it continue to expand to bring this resource to all New Yorkers,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “I thank the Mayor and newly-appointed Chancellor Porter for recognizing this need as we begin to build a recovery from the pandemic, to make this investment in educating our children and supporting our families as we must pursue a Renewed Deal for New York."
"I applaud the expansion of 3K for all. I'm especially pleased to see two Bronx school districts included, one of which, District 10 is among the city's most overcrowded and has a very high number of children living in homeless shelters. Early education is the foundation for learning. Getting a strong, early start sets the stage for continued learning and success. The more children who are served by 3K, the better for the future of all," said Council Member Fernando Cabrera.
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Governor Cuomo Announces More Than 8 Million Total COVID Vaccine Doses Administered Across New York State
154,705 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours
More than 1 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days
Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than 8 million total COVID vaccine doses have been administered across New York. 154,705 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. Delivery of the week 15 allocation begins mid-week.
"Our vast distribution network remains strong and steady in getting shots into people's arms all across the state, but we need to be mindful that we are still in a footrace with the infection rate and the progress we've made is only as good as our continued vigilance," Governor Cuomo said. "Community behavior matters. It is imperative that we continue to exercise safety guidelines even as more and more of our fellow New Yorkers get vaccinated. Our providers are working day and night to administer the vaccine equitably and fairly, and it is critical that we all do our part in support of their efforts."
New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.
The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:
- Doctor's letter, or
- Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
- Signed certification
Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11 AM today is as follows.
STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 8,029,749
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 154,705
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,042,213
Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 26.9%
Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 14.1%
Attorney General James Issues Guidance to Protect New Yorkers’ Stimulus Payments from Debt Collectors
New York Attorney General Letitia James took action to protect millions of New Yorkers and block debt collectors from seizing billions of dollars in emergency stimulus payments authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Attorney General James issued official guidance to New York state banking institutions, creditors, and debt collectors, making clear that financial relief provided through stimulus payments are exempt from garnishment under New York law. The American Rescue Plan Act authorized the U.S. Department of Treasury to send billions of dollars to Americans struggling as a result of the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health crisis, but these emergency stimulus payments were not designated as exempt from garnishment, allowing debt collectors to potentially benefit before consumers.
“As New Yorkers continue to face economic instability spurred by the pandemic, it is imperative that we continue to protect their wallets from unscrupulous actors,” said Attorney General James. “This official guidance makes clear that banks and debt collectors cannot freeze or seize stimulus funds that are intended for New Yorkers, especially those most in need during this time. My office remains committed to protecting New Yorkers’ rights, and ensuring that any institution that violates this guidance will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Attorney General James’ guidance is based on multiple state and federal consumer protection laws and clarifies that any attempt to garnish stimulus funds from New Yorkers will be treated as a violation of these laws.
Under New York law, certain types of property — including public benefits, like public assistance, social security, and veterans’ and retirement benefits — are exempt from execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process by a judgment creditor seeking to satisfy a monetary judgment. The New York State Court of Appeals has held that exemption statutes “are to be construed liberally in favor of debtors” because exemptions “serve the important purpose of protect[ing] the debtor’s essential needs.”
American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments are similarly aimed at debtors’ or borrowers’ essential needs and — under Attorney General James’ guidance — will therefore be treated and are subject to the same protections as statutorily exempt payments, and will not be subject to garnishment — a legal mechanism that typically involves the “freezing” of funds in a bank account by creditors or debt collectors. Attorney General James’ guidance today advises banking institutions that American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments will follow similar legal processes as other public benefits, and any person or entity that garnishes or attempts to garnish these payments will have violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws.
Today’s guidance also addresses what are known as “setoffs” — where a financial institution seizes funds in a consumer’s account to pay a debt owed to the bank. American Rescue Plan Act stimulus payments are now exempt from this abusive and unfair practice, and Attorney General James is urging all financial institutions to follow the lead of the nation’s largest banks, which have committed to ensuring that consumers are able to access the full value of their stimulus payments.
This guidance does not apply to any actions taken by the state of New York, including, but not limited to, any actions to collect past due child support.
The American Rescue Plan Act authorized the Treasury Department to issue emergency stimulus payments of up to $1,400 for eligible adults and up to $1,400 for eligible children to help offset the costs of essentials, like housing, groceries, car payments, and other necessary expenses. According to the Treasury Department, as of last week, approximately 90 million Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan Act had already been distributed to individuals throughout the nation, with more expected in the coming weeks.
Today’s guidance follows similar guidance issued by Attorney General James, in April 2020, that protected New Yorkers’ Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) stimulus payments from garnishment.
MAYOR DE BLASIO, COMPTROLLER STRINGER, AND TRUSTEES ANNOUNCE PENSION FUNDS MORE THAN DOUBLE CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS INVESTMENTS TO OVER $6 BILLION
Surpasses goal set in September 2018 to increase investments to $4 billion in three years
Builds on $4 billion fossil fuel divestment – one of the largest in the world
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, and other trustees of the City’s pension funds today announced the Funds will more than double investments in climate change solutions to over $6 billion. This surpasses the goal set in September 2018 to double the then-$2 billion investment across all asset classes to reach $4 billion of investment in companies that generate revenue from climate mitigation, adaption and resiliency such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable waste management, green buildings, and pollution prevention. It also includes companies that are measurably helping to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy consistent with goals established by the Paris Climate Accord. This achievement builds on three of the pension funds’ $4 billion divestment from
"The climate crisis must be met head-on and from all fronts. This multi-billion investment in green tech and divestment from fossil fuels is a winning combination for our planet, our city and our pensioners,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our pension trustees are meeting the moment by doubling investments and securing a greener future for New York City.”
“We need to meet the climate crisis with everything we’ve got, and that’s why New York City is leading the way forward with investments in sustainable solutions for our planet, our children, and our retirees,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “New York City is standing up for our people, our pension beneficiaries, and the only Earth we have because the future is on the side of big ideas in clean energy — not big polluters. Investing in climate change solutions is in the fiduciary interest of our beneficiaries and together we’re leading the charge to build a cleaner and greener future for all.”
The Mayor, Comptroller, and trustees set a goal to double investments in climate change solutions such as wind, solar power, energy efficient technologies, and more from approximately $2 billion or 1% of assets at the time to approximately $4 billion or 2% of assets by the end of 2021. With a vote on Friday, March 19, the pension funds approved allocations to climate change solutions public equity investments, identified by the Comptroller’s Office Bureau of Asset Management, that bring the aggregate investments, including new commitments, to over $6 billion across the portfolio of all five pension funds.
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During Covid-19 Pandemic
4,641 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide
918 Patients in the ICU; 596 Intubated
Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.51%
71 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 are making good progress getting vaccines into arms and keeping our COVID numbers in check, but this war is not over and the new variants demand continued vigilance by all of us," Governor Cuomo said. "We're working 24/7 to vaccinate more New Yorkers every single day and we have established the capacity to do even more. We will get through this pandemic safely and make it to the light at the end of the tunnel as long as everyone continues being smart."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 207,496
- Total Positive - 7,278
- Percent Positive - 3.51%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.34%
- Patient Hospitalization - 4,641 (-40)
- Patients Newly Admitted - 614
- Hospital Counties - 50
- Number ICU - 918 (-7)
- Number ICU with Intubation - 596 (+0)
- Total Discharges - 158,173 (+538)
- Deaths - 71
- Total Deaths - 40,096