Attorney General James Issues Warnings to More Than 30 Retailers to Stop Overcharging for Baby Formula

 

Consumer Reports Show Online Retailers and Stores Overcharging for Baby Formula amid National Shortage 

AG James Encourages Consumers to Continue to Report Baby Formula Price Gouging to Her Office 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued warnings to more than 30 online and brick-and-mortar retailers across the state to stop overcharging for baby formula after consumers reported unreasonably high prices. Due to recalls and supply chain disruptions, there has been a nationwide shortage of baby formula. New York’s price gouging statute prohibits merchants from charging excessive prices for essential goods or services during abnormal market disruptions. In cease-and-desist letters to more than 30 online retailers and stores across the state, Attorney General James ordered these businesses to immediately stop overcharging for baby formula and warned of the legal consequences of price gouging.

“It’s unconscionable that some retailers are taking advantage of the national baby formula shortage while parents are struggling to find food for their children,” said Attorney General James. “Amid this crisis, families already have enough to worry about and should not have to worry about being price gouged. We are warning all retailers that New York will not tolerate price gouging of baby formula, and I encourage anyone who sees this to continue reporting it to my office.”

Earlier this month, Attorney General James issued a consumer alert warning retailers against price gouging of baby formula and encouraging consumers to report it to her office. Since then, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has received several consumer complaints of baby formula price gouging at local retailers across the state, primarily in New York City. For example, one consumer reported that a 19.8 ounce can of Enfamil Nutramigen formula, which typically sells for $44.99, was being sold by an Erie County retailer for $59.99. Another consumer reported that a 32-ounce ready-to-feed bottle of Enfamil NeuroPro was being sold by a Bronx retailer for $17.99 when it previously sold for $11.99.

In her letters, Attorney General James makes clear that wholesalers and distributors are also prohibited from price gouging and encourages retailers to notify her office if they are being overcharged. New York’s price gouging statute is expansive and covers actors throughout the supply chain. The law also prohibits price gouging not just of consumers but also of small businesses and state and local governments.

The OAG encourages parents having difficulty finding formula to speak with their child’s doctor before attempting to water down formula or make their own, both of which can be potentially dangerous to a child. Due to the nationwide shortage, OAG advises consumers to buy only as much formula as they need and not to unnecessarily stock up. Panic buying may intensify the shortage and could encourage sellers to engage in illegal price gouging. The OAG also reminds consumers that it is not price gouging for retailers to limit the amount of formula they sell to individual consumers.

When reporting price gouging to OAG, consumers should:

• Report the specific increased prices, the dates, and places that they saw the increased prices, and the type and size of formula being sold; and,
• Provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to OAG by filing a complaint online or call 800-771-7755.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on New York State Electric and Gas and Rochester Gas & Electric Proposal to Raise Utility Rates on New Yorkers

 

"It's outrageous and unacceptable that utility companies are proposing the largest rate increase in recent history for more than 1.2 million consumers in Upstate New York. The Department of Public Service is legally required to review all proposed rate increases, and I urge them to scrutinize every number and word of this proposal to protect New York families from unjustified and unfair rate increases. At a time when so many families are struggling because of global economic headwinds and nationwide inflation, I will keep fighting to get money back in the pockets of New Yorkers by accelerating middle class tax cuts, giving consumers a gas tax holiday that begins next week, and providing rent and utility relief to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We see that Governor Hochul is angry that her gas and electric rates are going up where she lives in upstate New York, but we have not heard a word from her about the very high downstate cost of electricity and gas. 

It looks like this is an upstate governor, with an upstate Lieutenant Governor who knows nothing about what is going on downstate, and probably doesn't care about the downstate area of New York State, just some photo ops with downstate elected officials.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NYC TEST & TRACE AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAVE ADMINISTERED OVER 2 MILLION COVID-19 IN-SCHOOL SURVIELLANCE TESTS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

City Will Provide Additional 4 Million At-Home Tests To Schools Each Week Until End Of The School Year  

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, the New York City Test & Trace Corps (Test & Trace), and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced that the city’s in-school surveillance testing program has administered over two million PCR COVID-19 tests to students and school staff this school year. In addition to supporting the city’s “Stay Safe, Stay Open” plan, an additional four million at-home tests will be delivered to schools each week until the end of the school year.

“New York City schools are the safest place for our kids to be because of the steps we’ve taken to make testing accessible,” said Mayor Adams. “We know what works — by doubling COVID-19 testing in schools, getting our students vaccinated, and sending students, teachers, and staff home with at-home tests, we have kept our schools open and students learning in-person. I want to thank the dedicated school testing team that has helped make this possible and provided our students an undisrupted, world-class New York City education.” 

“So many people across the city live in intergenerational family homes, with K-12 students, mom, dad, and grandparents all together,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Family members with preexisting conditions may be at higher risk of contracting the virus and suffering more severe disease symptoms. Thus, surveillance testing in schools has been integral to keeping not only the student but the whole family safe. Thank you to the Test & Trace team, DOE, and everyone who makes this work happen every day in schools across all five boroughs.”

“Thanks to the resilience of our school communities, the continuance of our gold standard approach to health and safety, and our robust surveillance testing program, schools have remained open and students have remained in classrooms receiving the supports they need,” said Chancellor Banks. “I’m proud of our continued partnership with New York City Test & Trace Corps and grateful that we are able to continue to provide the resources needed to keep our students, staff, and communities safe.”

“Our COVID-19 surveillance testing program has proved that schools are the healthiest and safest place for our students to be, and has enabled us to keep our schools open during every stage of the pandemic,” said Dr. Ted Long, executive director, NYC Test & Trace Corps; and senior vice president for Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “I am so proud that in New York City we have created a national model for how to offer safe, in person education – which has been and will be crucial to helping our students recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

 

“These two million tests have protected families, friends and communities, and kept our children in the place where they are safest and healthiest — our schools,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Schools are among the safest places from COVID-19 transmission and that is a result of a team effort in mounting this incredibly successful testing effort.” 

In-School Surveillance Testing
The city’s school surveillance testing program, an interagency effort coordinated by the DOE,  DOHMH, and Test & Trace manages testing at over 1,900 school locations, conducting nearly 80,000 tests per week to ensure city schools were and continue to be the safest place for young people to be during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The school surveillance testing program — the largest in the nation — expanded in February to double the number of individuals tested in each school by including both unvaccinated students and vaccinated students, as well as staff. The random in-school surveillance program continues to provide public health experts with an accurate look at COVID-19 in schools. 

 

All families, regardless of whether their young person is vaccinated, should consent to in-school testing or return a signed consent form to their school.

Keeping Schools Open

An additional four million additional at-home tests will be delivered to students and school staff each week from the beginning of May until the end of the school year to support the city’s Stay Safe, Stay Open plan. There have been over 16 million at-home tests delivered to schools since the resumption of classes on January 3, 2021.  

 

In accordance with the “Stay Safe, Stay Open” plan, every student and adult in a classroom with a positive case will immediately receive an at-home rapid test kit and need to take two tests in five days. Students who are asymptomatic do not need to quarantine and can continue attending school if their tests are negative. This policy is more expansive than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, which applies to only designated close contacts.  

VCJC News & Notes 5/26/22

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful! Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 5/27/22 @ 7:59 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:45 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 5/28/22 @ 9:03 pm Kiddush sponsored by BenZion Panush in memory of his aunt, Sara Lustig   Memorial Day The office will be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.    Shavous Saturday, June 4, is Erev Shavous.  In addition to schedule information to be sent via this newsletter, times will be posted on the front door and the lobby bulletin board.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

Housing Lottery Launches For 6375 Broadway In North Riverdale, The Bronx

 The affordable housing lottery has launched for 6375 Broadway, a seven-story residential building in North Riverdale, The Bronx. Designed by Marin Architects, the structure yields 65 residences and 36 parking spaces. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 23 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $61,715 to $187,330.

Amenities include assigned parking spaces, a shared laundry room, gym, community center, elevator, and an on-site resident manager. Units come equipped with energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are four studios with a monthly rent of $1,800 for incomes ranging from $61,715 to $138,840; 16 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,000 for incomes ranging from $68,572 to $156,130; and three two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,350 for incomes ranging from $80,572 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 17, 2022.

The NYS Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers to Wear Their Bike Helmets

 

Warmer Weather Prompts More Outdoor Activities

May is National Bike Safety Month 

Helmets Reduce the Risk of Severe Head Injury and Can Save Lives

 The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) alert New Yorkers, of all ages, the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. The warmer weather provides individuals more opportunities for outdoor activities. During National Bike Safety month, New Yorkers are urged to make safety a priority by wearing helmets which will reduce the risk of severe head injury and save lives.

“Helmets are vital safety gear that saves lives, when we are exercising and enjoying a bike ride with family and friends,” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “As the summertime is upon us and we enjoy the warm weather biking in New York’s many beautiful bike trails, parks and on the streets, I urge all New Yorkers to be smart while having adventures on two-wheels by wearing a helmet and proper gear while riding a bike.” 

In 2021, according to preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), there were 1,455 police-reported bicycle crashes statewide in which a helmet was used. Of those, seven crashes resulted in at least one fatality, and 121 crashes resulted in at least one serious injury. In comparison, there were 3,946 police-reported bicycle crashes statewide in which a helmet was not used. Of those, 32 crashes resulted in at least one fatality, and 378 crashes resulted in in at least one serious injury.

“The statistics clearly show that wearing a helmet while bicycling significantly reduces the chances of death or serious injury in the event of a crash,” said GTSC Chair and NYS DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. “Please wear a helmet every time you ride a bicycle. It could save your life.” 

Consumers stay safe by choosing and wearing their helmets safely:

• Pair the activity to the helmet. You shouldn’t wear any helmet to go bike riding. Different activities can result in different impact to your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity, so if an accident occurs, you are better protected.
• Read the directions. With helmets, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every helmet can fit and operate differently.
• Make sure it fits. Bike helmets should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also has a guide on properly fitting bicycle helmets, helmet certifications and laws, and more.
• Buckle up! A helmet only works when it is worn properly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lays flat and stays fastened. Wear your helmet level on your forehead, not tilted back.
• Conform to regulations. The CPSC oversees helmets for many activities, including bike riding. For instance, bicycle helmets must conform to five separate standards[1].  When buying a bike helmet, look for the label that reads: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmet.” Don’t add anything to the helmet, such as stickers, coverings, or other attachments, that didn’t come with the helmet upon purchase. These could affect the helmet’s performance.
• After a crash or injury, replace. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can reduce its effectiveness. Replace it before the next ride.
• Replace your helmet when needed. You should follow the manufacturer’s guide for when to replace your helmet. If no guidance is provided, helmets should generally be replaced within 5-10 years of purchase if properly cared for and stored. If there are cracks in the shell, worn foam lining, or other such imperfections that may occur during regular use, you should consider replacing it.

More details and tips from the CPSC: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity.

About the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee

The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee coordinates traffic safety activities in the state and shares useful, timely information about traffic safety and the state's highway safety grant program. 

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Alessandra Biaggi - Let me explain

 

Friends -

In just a moment, I’m going to ask you to make a contribution to my campaign for Congress.  

I’ll explain why this request is so important in just a minute, but if you’re ready to add your support now

Here’s the truth: Since we launched our campaign against Sean Patrick Maloney on Tuesday morning, one of the questions I’ve been asked most is why I’m running.

It’s a fair question, for sure. Let me explain.

When I first ran for State Senate in 2018 against a seven-term fake Democrat and leader of the New York political machine, people thought I didn’t stand a chance.

I looked at leadership across the state, I didn’t see myself being represented by anyone. We didn’t have the kind of elected officials who truly understood what our communities needed, or what they deserved.

That’s why I decided to run — and I never shied away from the fight.

He had more money, more big endorsements, and the entire corporate establishment of New York state politics backing him. What he didn’t have was you, the people.

We fought and we won that race, and I’m so proud of the progress that our movement has made in New York since then. We’ve fought to make legal abortion the law of the land, and passed important tenant protection laws and landmark climate legislation.

Now, I’m taking our fight to Congress — because I see the same lack of representation in Washington today that I saw in Albany then.

Right now, across the country, there is a wave of young progressive leaders eager to step up and take bold, transformative action on the issues that define our time — combating the climate crisis, protecting abortion rights, passing gun safety legislation, guaranteeing health care as a human right, and so much more.

These are basic, popular, winning issues that we’re simply not moving fast enough on, and that’s thanks in large part to the current Democratic leadership.

That Democratic leadership includes my opponent, Sean Patrick Maloney.

Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the White House. We have all the power we need to do everything that we want, it’s simply a matter of political courage — something Sean Patrick Maloney entirely lacks.

It’s not enough just to vote blue and call it a day until the next election season rolls around. We need to elect bold, progressive leaders with the vision, the urgency, and yes — the courage — to get done what needs to be done.

That’s why I’m running for Congress.

I know that this race is not going to be easy — this time, we aren’t going to be able to take the special interests by surprise. 

Thanks in advance for your donation today, and for the incredible support we’ve received this week. Let’s keep it going.

- Alessandra Biaggi

EDITOR'S NOTE:

All solicitations were deleted.

We also wonder why Senator Biaggi did not mention why she was not running for NY3 which she had said no matter what she was running for. 

Bank Ceo Convicted For Taking Bribes In Connection With Loans Guaranteed By The Small Business Administration

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction of EDWARD SHIN, then-CEO of a Pennsylvania-based bank (the “Bank”), for taking bribes in connection with the Bank’s issuance of loans that were guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”).  SHIN was arrested in May of 2019 and charged with taking bribes by siphoning off a portion of commissions on SBA-guaranteed loans and causing the Bank to issue SBA-guaranteed and commercial loans to companies in which SHIN had a secret interest.  The charges are the culmination of a joint investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General (“FDIC-OIG”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the SBA Office of the Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”).  SHIN was convicted on all counts of the indictment in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.

According to the allegations in the Criminal Complaint, Indictment, and statements made during trial in Manhattan federal: 

The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses by guaranteeing certain loans made by banks to help those businesses succeed.  Between 2009 and 2013, the Bank offered a range of financial products, including SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses in the New York-New Jersey area, which the Bank could extend only on the condition that all aspects of those loans complied with SBA regulations and SBA’s standard operating procedures.  In particular, SBA regulations and procedures prohibited bank officers, including SHIN, from receiving any payments in connection with SBA-backed loans and prohibited banks from extending such loans to any institution in which a bank officer held an interest.

Notwithstanding these regulations, SHIN, then the CEO of the Bank, secretly solicited and received bribe payments in connection with SBA-guaranteed loans issued by the Bank and caused the Bank to extend SBA-guaranteed and commercial loans to companies in which SHIN had secret ownership interests.  Specifically, when the Bank issued business loans that did not involve the use of any actual broker, SHIN nonetheless arranged to have his longtime friend, a real estate and loan broker (the “Broker”), inserted unnecessarily into the transaction solely to generate a broker fee that could be shared with SHIN; in fact, the Broker did no actual work to earn a commission on those transactions, but split the “broker’s fee” with SHIN as an illegal kickback.

SHIN also arranged for the Bank to issue SBA-guaranteed loans to businesses in which he secretly retained an ownership interest, in violation of SBA regulations and procedures.  For example, in or about June 2010, the Bank issued an SBA-guaranteed loan for approximately $950,000 to a business in New York, New York.  Although documents submitted to the Bank for purposes of securing the loan did not mention SHIN’s financial interest, the business was secretly operated as a partnership between SHIN, the Broker, and another individual.   The loan ultimately went into default status, ultimately resulting in a loss to the Bank of approximately $591,278.60.    

SHIN, 58, of Ambler, Pennsylvania, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud affecting a financial institution, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 30 years in prison, one count of conspiracy to commit bank bribery, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, one count of conspiracy to commit loan fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison, another count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count each of bank bribery, and theft of funds by a bank officer, each of which carries a maximum potential sentence of 30 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FDIC-OIG, HSI, SBA-OIG, and SIGTARP.