NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Debt Adding to MTA's Financial Pressures With Riders and Fare Revenue Slow to Return

 

MTA Bought Time with Federal Aid, Higher State Tax Revenue, But Short-term Fixes Risk Making Future Budget Gaps Worse  Despite unprecedented federal aid and better-than-expected state tax revenues, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continues to plan to use borrowing techniques that push difficult financial decisions into the future and could leave less money to pay for services, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s annual report on the MTA’s debt. If riders do not return faster than the MTA projects, or if new sources of revenue are not found, rising debt payments could force the MTA to close future budget gaps through service cuts, greater than planned fare hikes, or delays to capital projects, the report concludes. “The MTA’s finances are stable this year, but just around the corner it faces growing budget gaps with no solution to close them yet,” DiNapoli said. “The MTA should not kick the can down the road. Its plans to issue debt to pay for operating costs and put off paying down its debt for capital projects may save money in the short-term, but those bills will eventually come due for future riders and taxpayers. If it continues down this path, the MTA will have a harder time paying for maintenance, repair and other work that keeps the system running and funding the capital projects that are needed to improve service for riders.” The MTA’s structural budget problems predate the pandemic with expenses having risen faster than operating revenue. When the pandemic hurt fare and tax revenue collections, the MTA’s bad financial situation became a dire problem. It is relying on more than $14 billion in one-time federal aid to balance its budgets through 2025. By 2026, the MTA faces a budget gap of over $2 billion and could, as a last resort, have to borrow to pay for operating costs, as is planned for 2025. DiNapoli called on the MTA to work with its federal, state and city funding partners to accelerate and enhance funding sources for its capital plan to reduce pressure on its near-term debt burden. The report also encourages the MTA to prioritize its capital spending on projects that address the transit system’s resiliency, so that it has a clear understanding of which projects are critical and which can be delayed if necessary. The report identified several concerns over the MTA’s debt, including: The amount of outstanding long-term debt issued by the MTA increased from $25.8 billion in 2010 to $35.4 billion in 2019 (37%) and rose an additional 13% to $40.1 billion in 2021. Outstanding debt will reach $47 billion by 2026 and could reach $57 billion by 2030, including all bonds backed by congestion pricing revenues to pay for its 2020-2024 capital program. Debt service is projected to reach $4.3 billion by 2031, $1.5 billion more than in 2021 (55% higher), including projected debt service for the bonds that may be issued to fund operating costs. If the MTA issues the entire $15 billion in debt backed by so-called lockbox funds, which are dedicated to pay for capital projects and include revenue from congestion pricing, the mansion tax and internet sales taxes, then debt service could rise to $4.9 billion by 2031. 20% of total MTA revenue will be used to pay down debt from 2021 through 2025, and the MTA is targeting its debt burden to remain below 18% of its operating budget over time. By contrast, New York City imposes a threshold of 15% on its debt burden. Lockbox funds are earmarked by law for the 2020-2024 capital program and are not available for the operating budget, however if state law were changed to make these funds available for operations, the MTA’s debt burden could rise to nearly 23% by 2031. The MTA deferred payment on the principal of all debt issued since 2018 for 10 years, masking its financial problems in the short-term. This includes planned financing for operating services provided in 2025, a debt that would still be paid from revenue in 2053. The MTA anticipates future revenue growth will ease the burden that its debt puts on the operating budget and create breathing room to fund future capital programs. However, growth in ridership is far from certain. Since 2010, debt has been the largest source of funding for the MTA’s five-year capital programs, which are vital to keeping the system in a state of good repair and reliable for riders. However, it is consistently late in completing these programs. DiNapoli’s report identifies $54.4 billion that has yet to be committed for projects that date as far back as the 2010 plan. Based on the pace of commitments in 2022, it would take MTA until 2028 to commit these funds and 2031 before the work was completed. The MTA’s current $55.3 billion 2020-2024 capital program is its largest ever. Only $8.3 billion of the program has been committed, mostly because of a pause in capital commitments during the pandemic and the delay in receiving congestion pricing revenues. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide an estimated $10 billion over five years which the MTA estimates will provide $1.7 billion more than projected for the 2020-2024 capital program. These funds are expected to help the MTA cover the potential $2.9 billion capital plan gap that could be opened up if the MTA uses its debt capacity to issue debt for operating purposes instead of capital. Report The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Debt Burden Dashboard DiNapoli’s Subway Ridership Dashboard

Nigerian woman sentenced for scamming Social Security Administration and FEMA out of nearly a million dollars

 

 Ivie Shevon Sajere has been sentenced for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) out of nearly $1,000,000.  The conspiracy involved the false filing of thousands of online applications for SSA retirement benefits and FEMA disaster benefits using stolen personal information. 

“This was a massive fraud that impacted two government agencies and harmed thousands of victims across the country whose identities were stolen,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine.  “Sajere’s prison sentence is the culmination of a complicated investigation and prosecution and serves as a cautionary tale to other fraudsters similarly minded.”

“This sentence holds Sajere accountable for her role in this complex conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration, alone, of nearly seven hundred thousand dollars. She stole personal information of innocent people and used it to defraud the SSA by abusing its online services,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General, for the Social Security Administration.  “My office will continue to uphold the integrity of the SSA’s online services and programs that so many Americans rely on. I thank the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations, and other law enforcement agencies for joining us in this comprehensive investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

“Anyone with malicious intent can cause widespread damage to victims, and in this case, the defendant orchestrated an identity theft spree that resulted in the defrauding of two agencies that provide substantial assistance to individuals in need,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This scheme highlights the importance of national collaboration when it comes to combatting identity theft, and I thank our law enforcement partners for their essential assistance with this investigation.”

According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court:  Beginning in approximately June 2017 until September 2018, the defendant and her husband, Neville Sajere, both Nigerian nationals who engaged in marriage fraud in an unsuccessful attempt to become U.S. citizens, participated in a money laundering scheme that defrauded nearly a million dollars from SSA and FEMA.

The scheme involved unknown fraudsters filing applications for Social Security retirement benefits and FEMA disaster relief benefits using stolen personal information.  The individual victims whose personal information was stolen were often individuals highly acclaimed in their fields.  It appears that these individuals were targeted because, even though they were of retirement age, they had not filed for SSA retirement benefits and did not need disaster benefit relief.  Thus, the fraudsters had a better chance of getting the applications approved.  The victims included a movie director, an award-winning journalist, the daughter of a legendary movie director, and a highly esteemed academic.

Once an application was approved, the fraudsters directed that the funds be deposited onto a Green Dot debit card opened using other stolen personal information.  As soon as the money hit the Green Dot debit card, the defendant generated payments through Square, Stripe, and PayPal to Nevada Bridge TV, a Nigerian streaming service/television production company owned by the defendant’s husband; BAGMA, an African gospel award show business owned by the defendant’s husband; and Shevonz, a clothing store owned by the defendant.

Ivie Shevon Sajere (a/k/a Ivie Shevon Owubo), 38, Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., to two years, six months in prison.  She was also ordered to pay $949,616.40 in restitution to SSA and FEMA. Sajere was remanded into custody at the close of the sentencing hearing to begin her sentence. Because Sajere is not a United States citizen, she is likely to be deported after she completes her sentence.  Sajere pleaded guilty on November 30, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

DOI INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN ARREST OF DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION CAPTAIN ON A CHARGE OF STEALING $40,000 IN ALLEGED INVESTMENT RUSE

 

 Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the arrest of a Captain with the City Department of Correction (“DOC”) on a charge of stealing $40,000 from an individual as part of a purported investment agreement. DOI initiated its investigation after the victim reported the incident to DOC, which then alerted DOI. The Office of Queens County District Attorney Melinda Katz is prosecuting this matter.

 STEVE FRANCOIS, 43, of Jamaica, N.Y., is charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison. FRANCOIS was arrested on April 4, 2022 and given a Desk Appearance Ticket to return for arraignment in Queens Criminal Court on Sunday, April 24, 2022. The defendant was released on his own recognizance and scheduled to return to court on June 21, 2022.

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “As alleged in the complaint, this defendant promised to profitably invest the victim’s $40,000 but stole the funds instead, enriching himself at the victim’s expense and breaking the law. This defendant is a high-ranking member of DOC’s supervisory staff whose integrity must be a top priority. I thank the Queens District Attorney’s office and the City Department of Correction for their partnership on this investigation.”

 Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Financial crimes can be devastating for victims and could lead to economic ruin. I want to thank the City Department of Investigation and all those involved in bringing this case to my Office. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to right the wrongs of all who have been victimized.”

 DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina said, “Integrity is the most important quality that a law enforcement official must have, and when they betray someone’s trust, they fail that person and the agency they represent. We will not tolerate this type of alleged disgraceful behavior and if this individual is found guilty, they will be disciplined and face termination. I would like to thank the Department of Investigation and the Queens District Attorney’s office for their support.”

 According to the criminal complaint and DOI’s investigation, the victim agreed, by written contract, to invest $40,000 with FRANCOIS with a return of $15,000. The $55,000 total was due to the victim in October 2021. On September 3, 2021, the victim met with FRANCOIS outside his Queens County residence and provided FRANCOIS with a $40,000 cashier’s check. On December 21, 2021, after FRANCOIS gave conflicting responses to the victim’s inquiries about the status of her money, FRANCOIS sent the victim a funeral announcement and pictures of a man in a coffin, telling the victim that the man they were doing business with was deceased and the victim’s money would not be returned. DOI investigators reviewed bank records from an account in FRANCOIS’s name, which revealed that FRANCOIS deposited the $40,000 cashier’s check into his account on September 4, 2021; and that between September 8 and September 10, 2021, FRANCOIS withdrew a total of $39,937.43 from the same account. FRANCOIS did not have permission and authority to take, use, possess or remove the $40,000 that was provided to him by the victim by false pretenses. During the time of the incident, between September and December 2021, FRANCOIS was on sick leave from DOC.

 FRANCOIS, who was suspended on the date of his April 4th arrest, has been employed by DOC since May 2013 and receives an annual base salary of approximately $96,208.

 Commissioner Strauber thanked Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and her staff for their partnership in this investigation and prosecution of this matter; and DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina, and his staff, for their referral and cooperation in this investigation.

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Governor Hochul Announces Creation of the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development

 

New Office Will Target State's Workforce Development Efforts Toward Regional Businesses' Needs and Workers' Long-Term Success  

Office Will Lead Broader $350 Million Workforce Development Initiative Approved in FY 2023 Budget, Including New Grant Programs That Will Primarily Support Employer-Driven, High-Skilled Workforce Training Programs 

Input from Businesses in New Survey Will Inform Demand-Driven Workforce Development Model   

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the creation of the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development, which will be charged with improving the State's workforce development programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today's employers. The Governor first proposed the new office in her State of the State address earlier this year and committed funding that was approved in the FY2023 budget. Governor Hochul is delivering on her commitment to strengthen the skills and talents of New York's workforce and help grow the economy. The $350 million investment in state funding will support wide-reaching, historic and coordinated investment in workforce development across state agencies and authorities and includes $150 million in multi-year funding for new grant programs that will primarily support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs. 

"New Yorkers are still struggling to find work and opportunity due to the economic disruption of the pandemic," Governor Hochul said. "This issue is personal to me - I've seen steel plants close leaving workers with nowhere to go. With our brand new Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are doubling down on our commitment to help train and connect New Yorkers with the good-paying jobs of the future." 

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Hope Knight said, "The new Office of Strategic Workforce Development will optimize ESD's relationships with the state's industries and employers to generate new opportunities for New Yorkers and encourage regional economic growth. Together with our State University system and our agency partners, we can provide businesses with a talent pipeline to catalyze new investments throughout the state."  

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development will function under Empire State Development (ESD), marking a decisive change in workforce development policy to one that is laser-focused on supporting the labor needs of the state's highest-growth sectors while producing new economic opportunity for un/underemployed and underrepresented workers. ESD will manage the Office in close coordination with agency partners, including the Department of Labor, the State University of New York, and the City University of New York, among others with significant expertise in and a track record of delivering successful workforce training programs. The Office will leverage ESD's relationships with employers throughout the state and its standing as a trusted partner in the business community to help identify employer needs early and train New Yorkers to meet those needs.  

To launch this effort, New York State - in partnership with the Business Council of New York State - has developed a comprehensive online survey to solicit vital feedback from businesses on the skills required for workers to be successful in today's complex economy, and how New York can prepare and position its labor force to better serve companies' needs. This demand-driven approach will ensure that New York has access to real-time feedback on in-demand jobs and skills to inform its statewide and regional workforce development efforts.  

Critically, ESD will work hand-in-hand with the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, which will engage with local stakeholders and help to identify specific skills and industries to prioritize in each region in the post-pandemic economy. The Regional Councils' local expertise will help ensure each region's workforce training programs are aware of current and evolving employer needs and allow local training providers to better align their programs to these priorities.   

In addition to promoting an industry-driven strategy, ESD will also introduce and administer $150 million in new programs, aimed primarily at meeting high-skilled employer needs to fill in-demand jobs and complement the State's existing workforce development efforts. This programming will include performance-based grants for workforce training providers that successfully place trainees in quality jobs, flexible operating funds to help providers cover the costs of program administration, and capital funding to allow providers to make essential capital purchases and/or upgrades to their training facilities. To ensure flexibility to meet changing needs, funding will be available on a real-time, continual basis to generate a pipeline of new workers for regionally-significant industries. As these new programs are expected to launch later this year, the Office will also establish and maintain metrics for tracking the implementation and success of the programs. 

ESD is currently conducting a comprehensive search for Office personnel to implement and lead the State's ambitious efforts.  

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Invites you to Let's talk about Money & Real Estate!

 

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - YES, WE CAN, SI SE PUEDE

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

You should know that a group of Puerto Rican leaders joined forces to support Diana Reyna, a Dominican American, in her aspirations to serve as New York State’s Lieutenant Governor.

 

You Should know that Councilman Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Paterson, New Jersey Council Member Luis Vélez, Jr., Community Leader Roberto (Bobby) Crespo joined a delegation of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, to come out and be the first to support the Dominican American Diana Reyna. Ms. Reyna has an excellent opportunity in becoming the next Lieutenant Governor which would make her the first Hispanic to occupy this position. 

 

As you may already know, the Hispanic community has never held an elected position of power and influence within the entire New York State government. Now with Diana Reyna the doors of opportunity have been opened. This is a time where the Hispanic Community has the opportunity to make history and elect one of their own as other ethnic groups have enjoyed such accomplishments. 

 

I congratulate Councilmembers Rafael Salamanca Jr. and Luis Velez, Jr., for being the first two (2) elected officials that publicly came out in support of Diana Reyna's candidacy. They have set an example of Hispanic Unity, while also sending a message to other Hispanic elected officials and leaders in the City, State and Nation that the time has come for the Hispanic Community to set aside differences and unite as a people.

 

I want to encourage the President of the Dominican Republic the Hon. Luis Abinader, the Former Presidents, the Hon. Leonel Fernández Reyna, the Hon. Hipolito Mejía’s and the Hon. Danilo Medina to use their voices to encourage their supporters residing in New York, to unite behind the candidacy of Diana Reyna and cast their votes on Tuesday June 28 and make history in the United States of America.

 

To all Hispanic groups, especially Puerto Ricans and Dominicans, with all due respect I want to borrow the former President, the Honorable Barack Obama’s famous Campaign phrase “Si Se Puede” “Yes We Can”. 

 

I am Rev. Rubén Diaz, and this is What You Should Know.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - APRIL 25, 2022

 

Central New York 7-Day Average Case Rates - Highest in State - Continue to Level Off 

Governor Hochul Reminds New Yorker to Use the Toolkit: Vaccines, Boosters, Testing, and Treatment  

10 Statewide Deaths Reported Yesterday

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

"The vaccine is still the most effective tool we have to prevent serious illness," Governor Hochul said. "Make sure you and your friends and family are vaccinated and boosted if eligible. If you are experiencing symptoms make sure you get tested, and if you test positive, talk to your doctor about available treatments. Let's continue to use the tools and move forward safely through this pandemic."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Cases Per 100k - 24.49
• 7-Day Average Cases Per 100k - 32.52
• Test Results Reported - 70,000
• Total Positive - 4,786
• Percent Positive - 6.74**
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.87%**
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,588 (+63)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 241
• Patients in ICU - 181 (+3)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 70 (+4)
• Total Discharges - 295,158 (+181)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 10
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55,394

** Due to the test reporting policy change by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several other factors, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

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.

Important Note: Effective Monday, April 4, the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no longer requiring testing facilities that use COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to report negative results. As a result, New York State's percent positive metric will be computed using only lab-reported PCR results. Positive antigen tests will still be reported to New York State and reporting of new daily cases and cases per 100k will continue to include both PCR and antigen tests. Due to this change and other factors, including changes in testing practices, the most reliable metric to measure virus impact on a community is the case per 100,000 data -- not percent positivity.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 70,658

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 - 38,203,735
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 13,435
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 197,404
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 92.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 83.6%
• 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) - 86.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 83.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 73.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 74.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) -90.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 76.8%

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows **:

Borough	Friday, April 22, 2022	Saturday, April 23, 2022	Sunday, April 24, 2022
Bronx	3.01%	3.23%	3.24%
Kings	4.35%	4.19%	4.11%
New York	5.46%	5.39%	5.30%
Queens	5.05%	5.29%	5.39%
Richmond	5.42%	5.91%	6.04%

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR MULTIPLE SHOOTINGS; VICTIM LOST LEG AFTER GETTING SHOT

 

Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder on Two Separate Indictments 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for two shootings leading to multiple injuries, including one victim who had to have his leg amputated.

 District Attorney Clark said, “We have one less shooter on the streets in the Bronx. The defendant was involved in two separate shootings; one victim lost his leg. Our office is taking immediate action to stem the tide of gun violence, and we will continue to pursue justice for those whose lives are altered by gun violence."

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant Nasir McMillian, 22, last of 2401 Davidson Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty on April 6, 2022 to two counts of Attempted Murder. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for Attempted Murder in the 2019 case and five years for Attempted Murder in the 2020 case. Both sentences will run concurrently.

 According to the investigation, on June 25, 2019, at 1490 Boston Road, the defendant was involved in a dispute inside the building. The dispute continued outside and escalated when McMillian pulled out a gun and fired it multiple times at the back of a male victim as he was running away. Investigators found the bullet hit a major artery leading to blood loss, which required manual cardiac massage to resuscitate the victim. Due to an infection caused by the gunshot wounds, the victim’s leg was amputated, leaving him with a life-changing disability.

 On June 12, 2020, at 1199 Boston Road, the defendant was captured on surveillance video driving a vehicle with several other men. Those men shot a man and a woman, while McMillian remained near the vehicle as a lookout. He was later seen driving away with the defendants who shot the two individuals.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Lawrence Bray of the 42nd Precinct and Detective Brian Cestare of the 46th precinct for their assistance in the investigation.