Statement From City Comptroller Brad Lander on Russian Holdings in NYC Pension Systems

 

“New York City is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Ukrainians, and our hearts are with the people of Ukraine, the many Russians who are bravely protesting this war, and with Ukrainian Americans watching in horror from our shores.

“Russia’s aggression in Ukraine merits the swift global action we’ve already begun to see to cut President Putin and the oligarchs who enable him off from the global financial system. We are watching developments in Ukraine with great concern and following responses by fellow institutional investors closely.

“The NYC pension system is comprised of five distinct pension plans, with governance of each plan comprised of both labor and NYC elected official representatives. All decisions, including potential divestment of Russian assets, are made separately by each of the five pension plan boards.

“The White House is beginning the process of identifying the assets of sanctioned individuals and companies that support and enable Putin’s actions. Following an analysis of the funds’ holdings against that list and legal review, I plan to bring specific assets to the trustees of the five boards of the New York City Retirement Systems to consider for divestment.

“Russia’s actions remind us that one of the best ways to curtail the power of authoritarian petrostate leaders is to reduce our global reliance on the oil and gas industry. To that end, I am proud to reaffirm that the decisions of three of the five NYC pension funds to divest from fossil fuels, including top Russian oil companies, were wise actions to advance a healthier and safer planet.”

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies and Authorities to Divest Public Funds from Russia

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed all New York State agencies and authorities to review and divest public funds from Russia following Russia's unjustified and unprovoked attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine. New York State is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the United States, remains engaged with the Biden administration and is prepared to support refugees of the crisis and welcome them to the state.

"Russia has chosen to attack democracy and we will stand with Ukraine as we condemn these atrocities," Governor Hochul said. "Our state will not permit its own investment activity, whether directly or indirectly, to aid Russia as it commits these human rights violations. New York is home to the largest population of Ukrainians in the United States - they are our family and an attack on them is an attack on us all. We will make our statements and values known and show solidarity with Ukraine as we rebuke this assault on democracy."

Read Executive Order 14 Here

MAYOR ADAMS RINGS OPENING BELL AT THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, PUSHES TO BUILD A MORE INCLUSIVE ECONOMY

Mayor Adams Closes Out Black History Month With Focus on Giving BIPOC Entrepreneurs More Opportunities in Rebuilding NYC’s Economy 

 Surrounded by those from underrepresented communities in the business world, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today rang the opening bell at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). On the final day of Black History Month, Mayor Adams highlighted efforts underway to provide more opportunities to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), as well as women, as New York seeks to rebuild the economy and recover from COVID-19.

“Ringing this iconic opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange is not only how New York’s economy opens up every morning, but how the worldwide economy opens for business every day,” said Mayor Adams. “After two years of struggle, now is the time to accelerate our city’s economic recovery and show that we can build an inclusive economy that allows us all to rise together. It is an honor to ring this bell on the final day of Black History Month and highlight how Black New Yorkers are crucial to New York City’s recovery. Black New Yorkers, as well as other communities of color, are crucial to our economy, which is why we will do everything in our power to help provide opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

 

“We are excited to welcome Mayor Eric Adams to the NYSE today as we celebrate New York City’s return to work,” said Sharon Bowen, chair, The New York Stock Exchange. “We look forward to working with Mayor Adams as he fights to strengthen the city’s economy and create a healthier place that delivers for New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

 

“As an institution thriving in Lower Manhattan for 230 years, thanks to the work ethic, ingenuity, and resilience of the region’s people, it is vital to New York’s continued leadership as a global financial capital to provide a safe and well-run city in which to return to work,” said Lynn Martin, president, The New York Stock Exchange. “We applaud Mayor Eric Adams for getting to work immediately on these important issues since his first hours in office and appreciate his open door approach to views from the city’s business community. We welcome him with open arms today to ring our opening bell as another day of trading begins, continuing a long and great tradition of world leaders and New York City mayors before him.” 

“Every day we are working towards an inclusive economic recovery for all New Yorkers. As we emerge from the scourge of the pandemic, we will grow New York City's thriving tech sector by finding ways for more New Yorkers to benefit from its opportunities,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. "Under the leadership of Mayor Adams, New York City is forging a clear path for underrepresented innovators and entrepreneurs to be successful in our city."

 

“Sharon Bowen’s groundbreaking leadership as the first Black woman to chair the NYSE should make us all proud,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “Her exemplary career and expertise have uniquely prepared her for this moment. As a Black woman leader, I am particularly proud to join her and Mayor Adams as we close Black History Month and declare that we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing economic opportunities for Black and Brown people in the City of New York.”

 

Joining Mayor Adams to ring today’s opening bell at NYSE was Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, NYSE Chair Sharon Bowen, and NYSE President Lynn Martin.

 

Also joining Mayor Adams on the podium to ring the opening bell were representatives of a number of companies chosen last week to participate in New York City Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural cohort of the Founder Fellowship program. This initiative will provide urban tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds — BIPOC, as well as women — with the resources to build and scale their companies in New York City. The fellows will benefit from access to an 84,000 square foot space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, its vast member community and extended global network, and on-site product realization resources.

 

The fellows standing with Mayor Adams today were:

• Joy Fan, re/tell
• Samori Harris, Farm to Flame Energy Inc.
• Brittany Kendrick, Hydronomy Inc
• Jelynne Morse, The Drivers Cooperative
• Atif Qadir, REDIST
• Shelly Xu, SXD

 

What Happened to Fan Noli Way? Bronx Albanian-American Community up in Arms.

 

On a cold Saturday that should have been a joyous street co-naming in the Albanian-American community of a famous Albanian-American leader turned into a protest of a city council member for dropping the ball in not getting the Department of Transportation to put up the street sign Fan Noli Way. So who was Fan Noli? 

Born in 1882 Fan Noli attended Harvard University, and was an advocate of an independent Albanian country from the Ottoman Empire. When Albania gained its independence he became a member of the Albanian Parliament, and became Prime Minister in July of 1924, only to be overthrown on Christmas Eve of the same year. Noli fled to Italy, winding up in America once again in 1932. He continued his studies in Boston, and went into music before retiring to Florida where he passed away in 1965 at the age of 83. Fan Noli is also known as the founder of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America, the church which most Albanian-Americans  belong to. 

The bill to co-name the corner of Morris Park and Tenbroeck Avenues Fan Noli way was passed in the City Council as presented by former Councilman Mark Gjonaj. February 26th should have been the day the street co-naming should have taken place, but it will now happen on April 9th. Councilman Rafael Salamanca (who was present) said that he voted in favor of the bill, while Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said that Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez had done an injustice to the Albanian-Americans of her district. Similar words were said by Assemblywoman Fernandez, who said she stands with the community in this injustice. 

Ardhmir Malziu, a former staffer for former Councilman Mark Gjonaj said that he prepared all the paperwork for the incoming councilwoman to finish for DOT to have the sign made. Former Councilman Mark Gjonaj was a little harsher in his words, saying that Albanian-Americans are a proud people. He was the first Albanian-American elected to political office, and Albanian-Americans are proud of their heros. Ornela Beshiri, a member of Community Board 11 said that she was in contact with Councilwoman Velazquez weeks before the scheduled date of the street co-naming, saying that the councilwoman lied to the Albanian-American community.

Former Councilman Mark Gjonaj held up a mock street sign Fan Noli Way in what should have been a real DOT issued street sign on the pole in the background.

Councilman Salamanca says that he voted to approve the co-naming of the corner Fan Noli Way which passed in the City Council.

Ardhmir Malziu said that he filled out all the paperwork for the incoming councilwoman to send to the DOT.

Elmi Berisha, President of Vatra, Pan Albanian Federation of America said that the missing sign was an insult to the American-Albanian people of the community.

CB 11 member Ornela Beshiri said that Councilwoman Velazquez lied to her, and the Albanian-American community.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON MASK MANDATES IN SCHOOLS, VACCINE MANDATES ACROSS NYC

 

“I want to thank the millions of New Yorkers who have gotten vaccinated to help stop the spread. New Yorkers stepped up and helped us save lives by reaching unprecedented levels of vaccination. I also want to thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in the fight against COVID-19 and for making clear that parents should be part of this conversation. 

 

“More than a million New York City school children will return to class tomorrow after a week off. At the end of this week, we will evaluate the numbers and make a final announcement on Friday. If we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective next Monday, March 7. Our schools have been among the safest places for our children since the beginning of the pandemic, and we will continue to make the proper public health decisions to keep our kids safe, including making masks available for any child or school staff member who wishes to continue wearing them.

 

“Additionally, New York City’s numbers continue to go down day after day, so, as long as COVID indicators show a low level of risk and we see no surprises this week, on Monday, March 7 we will also lift Key2NYC requirements. This will give business owners the time to adapt and will allow us to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.

 

“All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul Announces Plan to End State Mask Requirement in Schools Starting March 2

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools starting on March 2, 2022. The Governor made this decision based on the analysis of several key COVID-19 data trends and after consulting with health and education experts, as well as parents, teachers and school administrators. The announcement also follows recent changes in metrics used by the CDC to determine risk and transmission levels in communities. Other mitigation measures should remain in place.

"With more New Yorkers getting vaccinated, and the steady decline over the past several weeks in cases and hospitalizations from Omicron, we are now entering a new phase of the pandemic. Because New Yorkers have stepped up, we can confidently remove the statewide mask requirement in our schools," Governor Hochul said. "This is a huge step forward for our kids and communities and I am grateful to the students, educators and parents for their dedication to keeping us all safe—we've reached this milestone because of your hard work."  

New York has made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. Among large states, New York has the highest rate of adults fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the highest rate of teenagers fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and the second-highest rate of children ages 5-11 fully vaccinated. New York State has experienced a 98 percent decline in COVID-19 cases since the Omicron peak, and a continuous downward trend in cases for 51 consecutive days.  

The number of children testing positive for COVID is declining to levels not seen since before students returned from summer break; yesterday 229 cases were reported compared to a 7-day average of 832 cases at the beginning of the school year. Pediatric hospitalizations have declined by roughly 80 percent since the Omicron peak. 

Ahead of Midwinter break, 4.8 million tests were sent to schools for children to take home. An additional 4.8 million tests will be sent this week for students to take home upon their return to school. In total, 20.8 million tests have been distributed to schools. Over the past six weeks, the State established 261 #VaxForKids sites, bringing the vaccine directly to New York families to help parents and guardians get their eligible children vaccinated and boosted. 

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, today we are able to lift the statewide mask requirement for schools. As Governor Hochul said, we will remain vigilant as New York moves forward, and our team at the Department of Health will continue to monitor the data and advance early warning monitoring systems like wastewater surveillance. We continue to urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated and get boosted, and we will work with our partners in education statewide to ensure our schools, teachers, and students have the support they need to keep our classrooms healthy and safe." 

State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, "I thank the Governor for her leadership. Working together we look forward to keeping our schools safe for students and educators."

Governor Hochul gives an update on the COVID-19 pandemic. - FEBRUARY 27, 2022

 

98 Percent Drop in Cases Since Peak on January 7

20 Covid-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"As we've been saying from the very beginning, the vaccine is the best tool we have to beat back this virus," Governor Hochul said. "The incredible progress we've made so far is thanks to New Yorkers from every corner of the state doing their part - rolling up their sleeves, getting the shot, and making sure they were protecting their families and our way of life. Now is the time to remain vigilant and keep up that hard work - get your shot, get boosted, and let's leave this pandemic in the past."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 97,975
• Total Positive - 1,671
• Percent Positive - 1.71%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.94%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,911 (-88)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 198
• Patients in ICU - 342 (-7)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 191 (+10)
• Total Discharges - 285,572 (+273)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 20
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,684   

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 - 69,057

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 - 36,791,518
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 7,061
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 80,844
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.8%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.5%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.5%   

Bronx Borough President Gibson's Black History Month Event

 

Having attended former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s Black History Month events, I really didn't know what to expect from new Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson who was a guest at past BP Diaz Jr., Black History Month events. This year was different, because it was no longer a Black History Month event held by a Hispanic male borough president, but it was a Black History Month event that was being held by a Black Woman Bronx Borough President. That in itself was history enough, but more was to follow.

Once the event got started you could feel the difference in this event compared to past events. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer spoke first about how he helped get the keynote speaker selected as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, which includes most of New York City and Westchester County.  Damien Williams the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District the Keynote Speaker, told the story of the Harlem Hellfighters, an all black U.S. Army group of soldiers in World War One. Williams said they faced racism as they were  given broom sticks in place of rifles to learn how to be soldiers, and they could not fight alongside the white soldiers, but had to fight with French soldiers who gave them rifles and trained them for the war, to be one of the best fighting brigades in WWI. Williams would go on to say that James C. Thomas who fought as a member of the Harlem Hellcats would become the first black lawyer, and one hundred years later that he, Williams would become the first Black U.S. Attorney. 

Mayor Eric Adams was next to speak, telling of how he grew up on Gates Avenue in Brooklyn with his mother who was saving up from her work to finally be able to buy a home for the six members of his family in Queens. That however, he said led to his mother being fired from her job, and the struggles for his family continued as he grew up. He then wanted to know how the city got to where it is now, what happened to our children he said. Guns are more important than education, and why do we attack each other? He continued saying that he is not the enemy, but someone who is trying to help and stop the violence. Mayor Adams concluded by saying that he owes his mayorship to the Bronx, and he will be there for the Bronx.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson stood next to a picture of her mentor former Assemblywoman/Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene as she spoke. You could hear BP Gibson's voice wanting to have her mentor with her to see this moment, but her words were "I know Aurelia is looking down on me right now to celebrate this moment". Gibson then praised Mayor Adams for all he has done in helping with the Twin Parks fire aftermath, and thanked him for being the leader that will bring the Bronx and New York City forward. She then introduced Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, and said the Bronx is now led by two women of color.

The honorees for the evening were Community Activist Patricia Banks Edmiston, Hugh Campbell Esq., Dr. Hazel N. Dukes President NAACP, Sophia Reid R.A.I.N. Total Care Inc. 

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell is with Bishop Peggy Smalls (who gave the invocation), and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

Bronx Borough President Gibson stands next to a portrait of her mentor Aurelia Greene as Bronx DA Darcel Clark speaks.

(L -R) Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Bronx BP Vanesa Gibson, Keynote Speaker U.S. Attorney Damien Williams, U.S. Senator Chuck Schummer, and NAACP President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes.

Mayor Eric Adams spoke about his growing up in NYC, and wanted to know what has happened to the city he is now mayor of.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson speaking at her Black History Month event, making history as the first Black Woman Borough President.

Mayor Eric Adams with BP Gibson.

Bronx elected officials and judges with BP Gibson.

(L-R) Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Civil Court Judge candidates Cynthia Isales and Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor.