NYC Mayor's Community Affairs Unit Newsletter

 

Dear New Yorkers,

 

Today is Staten Island's last day for City Hall in Your Borough. It was a terrific week with plenty of great events and announcements. 

Today also marks the beginning of the Weekend of Faith. The City has teamed up with religious organizations from around the 5 boroughs to encourage more people to get vaccinated. This group of over 50 organizations -that are as diverse as NYC itself - hopes that people from all communities and faiths will join the fight to end Covid and get the shot. To find out more go to Nyc.gov/wof2021.

 

Roberto Pérez,

Commissioner, Mayor's Community Affairs Unit

NEW YORK CITY $100 VACCINE INCENTIVES 

If you get your first vaccine dose at a New York City-run vaccine location, you will be eligible to choose one of the incentives listed below, including a $100 pre-paid debit card as of July 30, 2021. People ages 18 and older can also enter to win exclusive prizes. Once your first COVID-19 vaccine dose is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to select your money or incentive and enter the contest. You can also call 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692) to learn more.

Book an appointment at any site listed on the NYC COVID-19 Vax4NYC Appointment Scheduler or call 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692) to find a participating site.

 

NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus Organization Application 

The City is seeking civic groups to perform outreach to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Approved organizations will receive $100 for every individual they refer that receives their first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccination site. Organizations will be able to earn up to $20,000 (i.e. 200 referrals).

https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/VaccineReferralBonus  

 

Make Your Voice Heard in the NYC Environmental Justice for All Report by September 5!

The NYC Environmental Justice Advisory Board, the Mayor's Office of Climate and Sustainability, and an interagency working group of 19 city agencies are working on the City's first comprehensive study of environmental justice, and want to hear from New Yorkers. Climate change hurts everyone, but our communities of color and low-income communities have borne the brunt. Our climate and environmental solutions MUST fight this unfairness, and the Environmental Justice for All Report is a crucial first step in that process. The Draft Scope of the Environmental Justice Report was released on August 5, and was shaped by feedback from over 1,000 New Yorkers on the climate, environmental, and health issues that impact their communities. We need to hear from you to ensure that the scope represents your concerns and lived experiences.

Learn more about the draft scope and submit your comments to make your voice heard. 

 

NYC Stands with Haiti

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, in partnership with The City of New York, is directing people to donate to the following relief organizations already working to support the people impacted in Haiti, Ayiti Community Trust, Capracare, Hope for Haiti, Partners in Health.

 

Fall 2021 Academic Recovery Plan 

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Porter Announce Academic Recovery Plan for Pivotal School Year Ahead. Follow the link for Chancellor Porter Message for Families for more info. 

 

2021 Atlantic hurricane season

To mark the beginning of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, New York City Emergency Management unveiled the City's revised hurricane evacuation zones. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. 

New Yorkers are encouraged to: 

Visit the Know Your Zone website to find out whether they live in one of the City's six hurricane evacuation zones. 

Take steps to be prepared for coastal storms and hurricanes using the My Emergency Plan + Hurricanes and New York City available in 13 languages and available in an audio format.

Sign up for Notify NYC, the City's free, official emergency communications program.

Tune into our Prep Talk podcast on SoundCloud, iTunes, or Spreaker for an outline on the changes of the NYC hurricane evacuation zones. 

Read NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Scrivani's Op-Ed titled "NYC is ready for hurricane season — are you?"

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 8/23/21-8/27/21

 

Dear Community,

In the wake of former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation from our state’s highest office, there has never been a more urgent moment to reform our system of ethics. On Wednesday, just one full day into Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, I led a public hearing to examine New York State’s system of ethics oversight and enforcement, with a particular focus on the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). Despite the timeliness of the hearing, it is no secret to many that Albany has a long history riddled with corruption and abuses of power.

Established almost ten years ago as part of the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011, JCOPE was created to restore public trust in government. Yet since its creation, there has only been rising concern about JCOPE’s neutrality and ability to act as an independent body. Rather than fulfill its responsibilities of ethics oversight and enforcement, JCOPE helped sustain a long history of corruption and abuse in Albany instead. 

During the hearing, we heard testimony from the Judge Sanford Berland, the Executive Director of JCOPE, Julie Garcia, a former JCOPE Commissioner, two State Senators from Alaska and Rhode Island, Erica Vladimer from the Sexual Harassment Working Group, and several good government groups who are committed to bringing transparency and integrity to our state government. I want to thank everyone who testified, especially Julie Garcia, former JCOPE commissioner, for her candor and bravery. 

Just one day after our ethics hearing, we finally saw some accountability. On Thursday, during a public meeting, JCOPE referred a criminal investigation to the Attorney General’s office into the alleged leak from someone in JCOPE to former Governor Cuomo about the commission's private vote over the matter of Joe Percoco. JCOPE also referred an investigation into the state Inspector General’s investigation into that alleged leak. My hope is that we will continue to see such transparency and accountability from JCOPE, and from every state government official.

Moving forward, it is imperative that the Legislature lead not with words, but with action and pass sweeping ethics and oversight reform. Senator Krueger has introduced legislation (S855) to amend our constitution to abolish JCOPE and the Legislative Ethics Commission in order to rebuild an entirely new ethics commission. Due to the length of time required to amend the constitution, I introduced legislation (S6964A) to reform some of the fundamental flaws within JCOPE— addressing the partisan appointment process and the Commission’s minority veto. My hope is that in the next legislative session, we are able to pass these reforms. 

If you missed the hearing and would like to watch the archived video, you can watch here. You can also read our Twitter thread with highlights from the hearing here.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Supreme Court Ruling on Eviction Moratorium

 

"I am very disappointed in the Supreme Court's appalling and insensitive ruling that eliminates a key line of defense for tenants facing housing insecurity during the ongoing pandemic, and we are exploring all options to further protect New Yorkers from eviction, including with the legislative leaders.

"It is critical that New Yorkers know that anyone who applies to the rent relief program will automatically be protected from eviction while their application is pending. More than $800 million has already been already disbursed or is now ready for landlords to accept on behalf of their tenants. More than $1 billion remains available for relief and resources are available through community organizations to help New Yorkers apply, receive eviction protection, and pay their rent. New Yorkers should complete and submit their applications immediately. This is urgent."

131 Days and Counting

 

It's nice to have these three day weekends Charlene, but I am going to have to decide if I am going to run for governor now that Kathy Hochul picked State Senator Brian Benjamin as her Lt. Governor. Are you kidding? She should have asked Andrew Yang if he wanted the position. To pick someone who only got even percent in a City Comptroller race, Come on.

Charlene who should I call first to get my campaign for governor started?

Governor Hochul Directs Flags on All State Buildings to be Flown at Half-staff Tomorrow in Memory of Civilians and Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport

 

 "The cowardly attack on innocent civilians and selfless service members at Hamid Karzai International Airport struck at the heart of our democracy and freedom itself. New Yorkers have sacrificed their safety to serve in Afghanistan since 9/11, and our thoughts are with the families of everyone killed in today's horrific act—both the civilians seeking freedom and the service members working to defend that freedom.

"I've ordered flags on all state buildings to be flown at half-staff tomorrow, August 27, in memory of the service members and innocent civilians killed today. This memorial act is concurrent with the half-staff order already in place in honor of New York State Police Trooper James J. Monda, who died in the line of duty on the Great Sacandaga Lake on Sunday. I've also directed my team to follow the attack in Kabul closely should we learn that any of the victims were New Yorkers.

"I've travelled to Afghanistan as a member of Congress, and I can say with certainty that the people of Kabul and all the American service members and our allies working to protect innocent lives there right now are in New Yorkers' hearts and prayers. May God bless them."

Long Island Dentist Arrested for Distributing Prescription Drugs to Women in Exchange for Sex

 

 An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging Dr.  Barry Arnold, a practicing dentist with an office in Valley Stream, New York, with writing illegal prescriptions to women for oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and alprazolam (“Xanax”), a Schedule IV controlled substance, in exchange for sex acts.  Arnold was arrested yesterday and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Stuart Cameron, Acting Police Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the arrest and indictment.

“As alleged, Dr. Arnold abused his position as a dentist and preyed upon vulnerable, drug-addicted women, trading prescriptions for sex acts,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis.  “We are committed to vigorous prosecution of medical professionals who abdicate their Hippocratic Oath and contribute to the rise of drug abuse and addiction in our communities."

“With a clear disregard for medical integrity, Dr. Arnold allegedly exchanged prescriptions for sex in his office and home.  This investigation focused on a dentist abusing his position by proliferating drug abuse and endangering the lives and safety of several women,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan.  “I commend the men and women at the DEA Long Island District Office Tactical Diversion Group, HSI, Suffolk County Police Department Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the US Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York for their expedient and diligent work on this investigation.”

“It’s alleged that Dr. Arnold took advantage of vulnerable, addicted women for his own benefit.  He is ethically and legally responsible for every prescription, but he broke his oath with his alleged misconduct, and he is really no different than a street dealer,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Fitzhugh.  “HSI’s continued partnership with the DEA will ensure that drug-dealing dentists are arrested for their criminal acts.”

 “During the course of close to four years, Dr. Arnold used his ability to write prescriptions to take advantage of those struggling with addiction for his own personal indulgences,” stated Acting SCPD Commissioner Cameron. “While this doctor should have held himself to a higher standard, our officers on the DEA’S Long Island Tactical Diversion Squad will continue to hold those in medical practice accountable for illegal actions and I would like to commend the Eastern District of New York for making a difference in the opioid epidemic.”

As set forth in court filings, between October 2016 and August 2020, Dr. Arnold allegedly prescribed oxycodone, Percocet and Xanax to numerous drug-addicted victims in exchange for sex acts.  The sex acts occurred after business hours at his former dental office in Lynbrook and current office in Valley Stream.  Arnold also prescribed controlled substances in exchange for sex acts at his home in Williston Park.  The victims were not Arnold’s dental patients and the prescriptions were not for legitimate medical purposes. 

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Dr. Arnold faces up to 20 years in prison.

Court Affirms Attorney General James’ Successful Suit Against Rensselaer County, Orders County to Increase Access to Early Voting Sites in Communities of Color

 

 Court Orders BOE to Find Accessible Sites in Troy by September 3  

 New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that a court ruled in favor of her lawsuit against the Rensselaer County Board of Elections (BOE) and ordered the BOE to select new early voting poll sites, following its failure to provide voters in the county with accessible early voting poll sites, specifically in communities of color. The Appellate Division, Third Department held that the BOE failed to adequately address whether selected early voting sites were accessible by public transportation and that the chosen sites likely did not provide convenient access for many Troy residents. The court ordered the BOE to select sites that would provide Troy voters with  adequate and equitable  access to early voting poll sites by September 3, 2021.  

“Today’s decision is a critical step to ensure fair access to the polls for all eligible New Yorkers,” said Attorney General James. “While places like Georgia and Texas continue to make it harder for communities of color to vote, New York must continue to safeguard the right to vote throughout the state. I will always fight against any attempt to infringe on this most basic democratic right.”  

In May 2021, Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against the Rensselaer County BOE and its commissioners, Jason Schofield and Edward McDonough, for failing to provide voters in Rensselaer County with adequate and equitable access to early voting poll sites, as required by New York’s Early Voting law. The lawsuit alleged that when the BOE and its commissioners selected early voting sites, they ignored criteria that were required by law to take into account when determining poll sites. Despite the availability of potential early voting sites in Troy, the BOE and its commissioners repeatedly refused to select an early voting site that was easily accessible to Troy residents, where the majority of the county’s Black, Hispanic, and lower-income communities reside. The lawsuit followed multiple attempts by the Office of the Attorney General, as well as various advocacy, community, and faith-based organizations in and around Rensselaer County to urge the BOE to select additional or alternative early voting sites, but the BOE has continuously declined to do so.     

In June 2021, a  judge ruled in favor of Attorney General James' request for an injunction against the BOE in this case.    

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers On State's Progress Combating COVID-19

 

59,839 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

25 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As we approach back to school season, it's crucial to keep our children, teachers and other school staff in our minds and get vaccinated," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine is the best option we have when it comes to keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe. If you haven't already, go out and get your vaccination as soon as you can."

 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 160,554
• Total Positive - 5,407
• Percent Positive - 3.37%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.18%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,191 (+48)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 312
• Patients in ICU - 441 (+19)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 214 (+5)
• Total Discharges - 191,582 (+283)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 25
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 43,458
  • The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 55,440
    • This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

• Total vaccine doses administered - 23,414,005
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 59,839
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 337,155
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 76.2%

• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 69.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 78.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 70.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 64.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 57.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 66.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 59.4%