We will reopen back up on July 1, 2021, and there should be nothing Governor Andrew Cuomo will be able to do to stop us now that the state legislature is revoking his COVID-19 powers.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mayoral Candidate Scott Stringer Accused Of Sexual Abuse by Former Campaign Intern Jean Kim
Pictured above are former members in the State Assembly Scott Stringer and Jeffrey Dinowitz during the 2018 State Senate race Campaigning for different candidates in Riverdale.
Scott Stringer's mayoral campaign shifted into low gear when City Council Speaker Cory Johnson pulled out of the race for mayor. It was thought by some that a 1 - 2 Stringer/Johnson or 1 - 2 Johnson/Stringer ticket would put one of those two candidates for mayor into Gracie Mansion over then favorite Eric Adams.
Stringer said of the sexual accusations against Governor Cuomo that the governor should step down. The shoe is now on the other foot as it is said, because it is Stringer who is being accused of making sexual advances to Jean Kim who said Stringer did it to her while she was an intern on his 2001 Public Advocate race.
While he does deny the accusations, Stringer claims that the two had a strictly consensual relationship that occurred before he married his current wife to whom he has two children by.
State Senators Alessandria Biaggi, Julia Salazar, and Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou issued the following statement:
"As survivors of childhood sexual assault, we believe survivors",
"Our commitment to a harassment free government, workplace, and society is steadfast, and our zero tolerance standard regarding sexual assault applies to abusers like Andrew Cuomo, if not more so, to our friends. This standard also applies to everyone who participates in the normalization or erasure of abuse. we always hold space for anyone to safely come forward to share their experiences, and will demand accountability accordingly."
While State Senator Jessica Ramos rescinded her endorsement of Scott Stringer for mayor, State Senator Gustavo Rivera said that he urges Scott Stringer and his campaign to demonstrate respect for all survivors by rejecting attacks on Ms. Kim as an individual, falling short of either asking for Stringer to pull out of the race for Mayor or his support of Stringer for Mayor.
Mayoral candidates calling for Stringer to pull out of the race for mayor are Kathryn Garcia and Shaun Donovan, while Eric Adams, Ray McGuire, Dianne Morales, Maya Wiley, and Andrew Yang supported accuser Jean Kim, but would not call for Stringer to pull out of the mayoral race.
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program
217,141 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours
More than 1.1 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days
More than 3.5 Million Doses Administered at New York State-Run and FEMA-Assisted Mass Vaccination Sites
Previous Restrictions on Vaccinating Individuals Outside of Specific Prioritization Groups Are Repealed to Reflect Open Access for All New Yorkers Ages 16 and Older
Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 217,141 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. More than 3.5 million doses have been administered at New York State-run and FEMA-assisted mass vaccination sites.
"New York is making tremendous progress on vaccinating our state and with the addition of walk-in appointments at all state mass vaccination sites, it's now easier than ever to get your shot," Governor Cuomo said. "The vaccine is the weapon that will win this war, but it only works if everyone is on board. We'll continue to improve vaccine access, while also working directly with community leaders to dispel rumors and myths, but we just need New Yorkers to keep doing their part and actually get their shot."
Beginning April 29, all New York State mass vaccination sites will be open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccinefinder.org to find information on vaccine appointments near them.
Additionally, the provisions that restricted access to specific providers or created penalties for vaccinations given to individuals outside of the required prioritization groups earlier in the process are repealed, to reflect open access for New Yorkers age 16 and over at all sites.
STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN
Total doses administered - 14,920,139
Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 217,141
Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,167,424
Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 45.1%
Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 32.6%
A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT NEW YORKERS EXPERIENCING SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS
New investments will increase Intensive Mobile Treatment teams, Clubhouse capacity and launch a new, flexible model of mental health care for New Yorkers
Mayor de Blasio today announced a new, comprehensive effort to support New Yorkers experiencing serious mental illness. Through a range of new investments, the City will build on its existing resources to create a new, flexible model for mental health care to reach more New Yorkers and help them stay connected to care.
“As we rebuild from the pandemic and drive a recovery for all of us, our mission to bring mental health care to every New Yorker has never been more urgent,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “For those who are dealing with the profound challenge of serious mental illness – you're not alone. Your city sees you, and we are here to help.”
“Nearly one in every 25 New Yorkers lives with a serious mental illness, making it more difficult for them to maintain relationships with family and friends, continue education, secure employment, housing, and other basic needs. These expanded services and new programs will build on existing efforts, that are in keeping with our goal to provide mental health support for all New Yorkers," said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “Despite the fact that one half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters by the age of 24, there has never been a comprehensive system of care in our country. Too many people fall repeatedly in crisis and are disconnected from compassionate support.”
Around 280,000 adult New Yorkers have serious mental illness, such as diagnoses of schizophrenia or major depressive disorder accompanied by substantial functional impairment. Too many are not connected to the care they need, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs and access challenges – with particular need among people who are experiencing homelessness or have been involved in the criminal justice system.
To help New Yorkers with the most serious mental health needs stay connected to care, New York City is significantly expanding community-based treatment options, including:
- 25 new Intensive Mobile Treatment teams: Created in 2016 by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with support from ThriveNYC, Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) has reached directly into communities to bring mental health care to New Yorkers who have been poorly served by traditional care systems — such as New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders and those involved with the criminal justice system. IMT’s peers, nurses, social workers, and psychiatrists work to ensure that clients stay connected to care over time. From launch, 90% of clients have stayed in services for a year or more and 39% of clients who were unhoused, many experiencing street homelessness, have moved into housing. The 25 new IMT teams will serve 675 more people, eliminating IMT’s current waiting list. New teams will begin accepting referrals in August 2021.
- Adding more Clubhouse Capacity: Clubhouses are spaces where people experiencing serious mental illness can build social connections, get resources and find a supportive community. The City will expand clubhouse membership by 25%, from the current 3,000 to 3,750 by December 31, 2021. The City will also invest in engagement strategies to help spread the word about Clubhouses and reach those experiencing homelessness and other populations needing a higher level of support. Clubhouse members and staff will conduct outreach and enrollment activities citywide at sites which serve these populations such as soup kitchens, pantries, shelters, justice related settings and hospitals and geographic areas and settings where they may reside such as Times Square, parks, train and subway stations.
Launching CONNECT: The Continuous Engagement between Community and Clinic Treatment (CONNECT) will be a new, innovative program that will serve up to 850 clients with serious mental illness with integrated mobile and brick-and-mortar treatment. Through this innovative and flexible model of care, clients will be able to engage in intense mental health and substance use treatment and services that aim to address social determinants of health, such as housing insecurity or employment. The program model is expected to begin serving clients by January 2022.
These three strategies will be managed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, with programmatic oversight from the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC.
The programs announced today contribute to a significant citywide commitment to serve New Yorkers with serious mental illness. They add to considerable work already underway, including programs for New Yorkers with serious mental illness at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, street outreach teams and Safe Havens supported by the Department of Homeless Services, and extensive behavioral healthcare services provided by NYC Health + Hospitals. During the last seven years, the City has made a concerted effort to expand services for those who are experiencing serious mental illness or moments of crisis, including:
- 75 mobile treatment teams, 16 of which are new during the de Blasio administration, with a capacity to serve 4,629 clients at any given time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these mobile treatment teams provided critical services to keep those with serious needs connected to care and achieved a high level of client retention. The most recent data on client retention shows that mobile treatment teams were able to keep clients engaged in care at nearly the same levels before and during the pandemic. Across mobile teams, the percentage of clients who continued to receive treatment from a team for three months or longer was 82 percent during the first three months of the pandemic (April–June 2020), as compared to 85 percent in the three months before the pandemic (January–March 2020).
- Co-Response Teams, which include two police officers and one behavioral health professional, are a pre- and post-crisis intervention for people with mental illness and substance use disorders who may be at an elevated risk of harm to themselves or others. Co-Response Teams connect or re-connect people to care or another stabilizing support, including medical, mental health, legal, housing and other social and clinical services. In the last four years, these teams have assisted more than 2,000 people across the city.
- Expanded Mobile Crisis Team capacity. Teams, which can include psychiatrists, social workers, peers and nurses, and which are deployed 20,000 per year by NYC Well and hospitals to provide treatment intervention and follow-up support to adults and children, often in their homes
- Support and Connection Centers that offer an alternative to avoidable emergency room visits or criminal justice interventions for people with mental health or substance use needs.
- Expanded capacity in the City’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, which provides mental health services to a small number of individuals for whom treatment has been mandated in civil court.
- Support Housing, which provides supportive social services to tenants
“We are dramatically expanding upon what we know works — bringing mental health care directly to communities to meet New Yorkers where they are,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “With these new investments, we’ll be able to better serve those who need it most.”
“For too long, people living with serious mental illness have been relegated to the margins of society - primarily dealt with through the criminal-legal system or emergency and hospital services. With this funding, NYC is making an historic investment at a critical time that recognizes serious mental illness as a social justice issue deserving of comprehensive community-based services, supports and resources such as what Fountain House provides. For decades, Fountain House and the model it inspired across the city and country, called clubhouses, have used an innovative, strength-based approach, proving that people with serious mental illness can chart their own trajectories and achieve their goals, including going back to work and school. During the pandemic, our community has made these resources available virtually, and continued to expand our membership of people living with serious mental illness. But the need is great. This investment by the city is going to enable Fountain House and the coalition of clubhouses it leads across the city to meet the historic levels of need we are seeing as we grapple with the enormous mental health challenges that are the long tail of the pandemic. As importantly, this investment is a clarion call for how we as a society need to think about and support people living with serious mental illness, that positions New York City as a leader in the nation." Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD, President and CEO, Fountain House.
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic April 28, 2021
Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.81%
Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Rate Drops to 2.02%—Lowest Since November 7
Hospitalizations Drop to 3,117—Lowest Since November 26
ICU Patients Drop to 712—Lowest Since November 29
Intubations Drop to 444—Lowest Since December 4
32 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.
Among today's numbers, the positivity rate in New York City yesterday was 1.72 percent, the lowest since November 4, and the City's 7-day average positivity rate fell to 2.04 percent, the lowest since November 9. There were 1,521 hospitalizations in New York City yesterday, the lowest since December 7.
"New Yorkers have done a tremendous job at beating back COVID and as a result of their hard work, we have been able to re-open more and more facets of our economy," Governor Cuomo said. "While this is all good news, we are not yet out of the woods and still have work to do in order to defeat this beast. New York continues to expand vaccine access and availability across the state, and it's now on all of us to do our part by getting vaccinated and practicing the behaviors we all know will keep us safe. We've come a long way and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but at this moment, it's critical we do not get complacent and risk losing any of the positive momentum we've gained."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported - 173,527
- Total Positive - 3,146
- Percent Positive - 1.81%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.02%
- Patient Hospitalization - 3,117 (-67)
- Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -640
- Patients Newly Admitted - 399
- Hospital Counties - 52
- Number ICU - 712 (-16)
- Number ICU with Intubation - 444 (-17)
- Total Discharges - 174,727 (+382)
- Deaths - 32
- Total Deaths - 41,910
Attorney General James Announces Criminal Conviction of Staten Island Construction Firm Over Wage Theft and Unemployment Fraud
Premier Builders and Owners Michael Murphy and James Murphy Jr. Ordered to Pay Over $580,000 in Restitution for Failing to Pay Workers Overtime Wages and Unemployment Insurance Contributions
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the convictions of Premier Builders MN LLC (Premier), a Staten Island-based construction company, and two of its owners, Michael Murphy and James Murphy, Jr., for withholding overtime wages from employees, and for failing to pay unemployment contributions to the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) Unemployment Insurance fund dating back to 2013. The defendants are required to pay $580,000 in restitution and more than $150,000 will go to employees of Premier.
“New York’s construction workers, who risk their lives building our communities, are often cheated out of their fair pay by greedy employers,” said Attorney General James. “These convictions serve as a clear warning: Any employer that attempts to exploit workers will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. My office will continue to do everything in our power to ensure no New Yorker is cheated out of their hard-earned money and that those who steal off the backs of their workers are held accountable.”
Premier Builders was convicted of two class E felonies — one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and one count of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree. Michael Murphy and James Murphy, Jr. were each convicted of one count of Failure to Pay Wages, a misdemeanor. As part of their convictions, the defendants have paid $300,000 in restitution to date and signed confessions of judgment for an additional $280,000. The defendants have also paid $151,915 in restitution to be paid out to 76 employees who were owed overtime wages between the end of 2013 and early 2015. The defendants paid an additional $148,085 to the New York State Unemployment Insurance fund. The sentencing court has entered confessions of judgment against Premier Builders and its principals for an additional $289,695 in unemployment insurance contributions owed to the state.
A joint investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and DOL revealed that Premier failed to accurately report to DOL’s Unemployment Insurance Division the number of employees working between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016, thereby falsifying their New York State Quarterly Combined Withholding, Wage Reporting, and Unemployment Insurance Return forms — resulting in significant underpayment of unemployment contributions. Additionally, between November 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015, Premier paid its employees an hourly wage rate, ranging between $15 and $30 per hour. However, when employees worked in excess of 40 hours in any given workweek, Premier failed to pay them the proper rate of time-and-one-half the regularly hourly rate for overtime, and instead, only paid them a straight time rate.
This case was investigated as part of the Construction Wage Theft Task Force, which is a joint, statewide effort among law enforcement agencies focusing on combating corruption and crime within the construction industry. The Attorney General’s Office thanks DOL for their cooperation in this initiative.
“Let this serve as a reminder to unscrupulous employers everywhere: Unemployment Insurance fraud will not be tolerated in New York state,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “There is no excuse to steal from a system that is helping New Yorkers during their greatest time of need, especially during a global health pandemic. I thank the Attorney General’s office and our many law enforcement partners for joining us in our ongoing fight to eradicate fraud.”
This case was investigated by Special Audit and Enforcement District Manager Louis Adinolfi, under the supervision of Sengan N’Jie, of DOL. From the Attorney General’s Office, the case was investigated by former Detective Investigator Ismael Hernandez of the Major Investigations Unit, under the supervision of Supervising Detective Sylvia Rivera and Deputy Chief Antoine J. Karam. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.
NEW YORK CITY TO LAUNCH $15 MILLION RANKED CHOICE VOTING EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
Mayor de Blasio appoints Laura Wood as New York City’s Chief Democracy Officer
Mayor Bill de Blasio and DemocracyNYC today announced an unprecedented $15 million voter education campaign to inform New Yorkers on the new Ranked Choice Voting system ahead of June’s Primary Elections. This effort will include an advertising campaign, investments in language access and accessibility resources, and direct outreach partnerships with community groups, faith-based organizations, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs), and other stakeholders.
The mayor also announced the appointment of Laura Wood as New York City’s Chief Democracy Officer. A native New Yorker, Laura has served as Senior Advisor and General Counsel to DemocracyNYC since 2019. Prior to this position, she spent five years as Senior Advisor and Special Counsel to the New York State Attorney General. Before that, Laura was Chief Counsel to the Democratic Conference of the New York State Senate and Policy Director to State Senator Daniel Squadron.
“New York City is set to conduct the biggest Ranked Choice Voting election in America, and we’ll put on a full court press to ensure every New Yorker has the information they need to make their voice heard,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Laura Wood is an extraordinary public servant who knows how to reach deeply into communities. She’s the perfect choice to lead this unprecedented effort to get voters ready to participate in democracy in 2021 and beyond.”
“There’s nothing more fundamental than the right to vote – and this year, we have to work harder than ever to make sure New Yorkers use their franchise knowledgably and wisely,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “This campaign will give voters the resources they need to adjust to the new system and tell friends and neighbors about the importance of Ranked Choice Voting.”
“With New Yorkers facing so many challenges, learning about the upcoming elections and Ranked Choice Voting should not be one of them,” said Chief Democracy Officer Laura Wood. “In this final stretch before the primary, DemocracyNYC is thrilled to work together with our partners – both in and out of government – to ensure that all New York City voters have their voices heard at the ballot box in June. This new commitment will allow us to educate voters where they live and in the languages that they speak.”
The campaign will include:
Citywide Media Campaign
* Robust TV, radio and print advertising, including significant investment in community and ethnic media.
* A broad “out of home” campaign which includes subway, billboards, and Staten Island Ferry, including 542 bus shelter and newsstand ads.
* Digital media on popular app platforms and streaming services.
* Continued collaboration with BRIC Media on a “BHeard Civic Engagement and NYC Politics” series.
* Promotion of a multilingual, interactive online app, developed with RankedVote, which mimics the New York City ballot and helps New Yorkers practice and understand how Ranked Choice Voting works.
Language Access and Accessibility Resources
* Investing over $2 million in translation of key voter education resources into more than 18 languages including printed pamphlets and public service announcements.
* Culturally competent video content to be produced, in partnership with CUNY and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, for We Speak NYC, the City’s free English language learning program which provides civic-focused instruction through community conversation workshops and videos.
Direct Outreach
* Investments in MWBEs, Community-Based Organizations, faith-based organizations, and other community leaders and groups to do in-person outreach, education, and material distribution.
* Hosting and facilitating dozens of multilingual voter education workshops.
* Conducting Phone Banking Days of Action to Get Out the Vote for the June Primary.
* Text Banking New Yorkers with a goal of three million text messages, including a Voter Registration Day of Action on May 11th.
* Working with the CUNY student corps to conduct voter outreach, voter education and volunteer recruitment.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
This plan seems all well, but we don't see the very most important part of any election mentioned, and that is the NYC Board of Elections.
The NYC BOE made up its own Rank Choice Voting guide at the entrance to each of the Special Election poll sites which was very informative to the voters. The BOE showed how Rank Choice Voting works, but also let voters know that they are not forced to vote for five candidates, they can rank from one to five candidates.
249 Days and Counting. NYC to spend $15 Million Dollars to Educate Voters on Rank Choice Voting
Rank Choice Voting is coming to the June Primary. This is what we will be doing to make sure New York City Voters know what Rank Choice Voting is, and are not confused when they get to the poll site. You can vote for up to five people running for one office by ranking them by choice.
It's a good thing this was not in effect when I ran for mayor, or I wouldn't be sitting here right now. Someone else would have been your mayor.