Attorney General James Ends Harmful Labor Practices at Top Title Insurance Companies

 

AmTrust and First Nationwide to Pay $1.25 Million for Violating Laws Meant to Protect Workers

 New York Attorney General Letitia James ended harmful corporate practices at two title insurance companies that have hurt workers and limited their earning potential. For years, AmTrust Title Insurance Company and First Nationwide Title Agency (together AmTrust), entered into illegal no-poach agreements with their competitors to thwart labor competition. As a result of an agreement secured by Attorney General James, AmTrust — a leader in the New York title insurance market — will terminate any existing no-poach agreements, pay the state $1.25 million, and cooperate with Attorney General James’ ongoing investigations in the industry.

“Workers should be free to make their own career choices without illegal corporate limitations,” said Attorney General James. “AmTrust's no-poach agreements made this impossible and denied workers access to a fair labor market. As we've shown through repeated action, my office will continue to protect workers and end illegal corporate practices that lead to lower pay and less advancement opportunity for hardworking New Yorkers. Anticompetitive behavior will not go unchecked in New York.”

AmTrust issues title insurance policies either through First Nationwide or through independent title insurance agencies that it appoints. Direct agents and independent agencies are competitors in the labor market and should compete for employees on the basis of salaries, benefits, and career opportunities. AmTrust’s “no-poach” policies prevented that from happening.

A “no-poach” policy is an agreement among two or more companies not to solicit, recruit, or hire each other’s employees. In a well-functioning labor market, employers don’t need no-poach agreements and, instead, compete by offering higher wages or enhanced benefits to attract the most valuable talent for their needs. No-poach agreements reduce competition for employees and disrupt the normal compensation-setting mechanisms, to the detriment of the affected employees.

Attorney General James’ investigation concluded that AmTrust entered into no-poach agreements with other title insurance companies, and that these agreements effectively stifled competition for employees between AmTrust and their competitors, potentially impacting New York workers. The investigation did not identify any procompetitive justifications for these agreements.

The agreement ensures competition in the labor market for workers. As a result of Attorney General James’ agreement, AmTrust has agreed to end all existing no-poach agreements and discontinue the practice of entering into no-poach agreements.

Today’s agreement builds on Attorney General James’ past efforts to protect workers and stop these harmful labor practices. In September 2021, Attorney General James ended the use of “no-poach” agreements by another top national title insurer, Old Republic National Title. In March 2019, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general from around the nation entered into an agreement with four national fast food franchisors — Dunkin’, Arby’s, Five Guys, and Little Caesars — that ended their use of “no-poach” agreements. Additionally, in July 2019, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission, urging collaboration between regulators to protect workers from anticompetitive labor practices, including no-poach agreements, that depress wages, restrict job mobility, and limit opportunities for advancement.

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers To Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms This Afternoon and Tonight

Western New York, Finger Lakes, the Southern Tier and Central New York Will Continue to See Heavy Rain, High Winds, Some Hail, and the Possibility of Isolated Tornadoes

State Agencies Have Prepared Emergency Assets at Governor Hochul's Direction 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers throughout Upstate New York to prepare for severe thunderstorms and high winds beginning late Sunday afternoon and into Monday. In addition to the ongoing Heat Advisory, the National Weather Service has forecast the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Central New York Regions as having an enhanced risk of being impacted by these storms. Forecasts in these regions are calling for heavy rainfall, damaging winds, hail and the possibility of isolated tornados. Locally heavy downpours may also produce minor flooding in low lying areas, as well as those with poor drainage. 

 In response, Governor Hochul has directed state agencies to prepare emergency response resources and personnel to ensure localities have necessary support in the event of a hard impact. New Yorkers are being encouraged to closely follow their local forecasts, check on neighbors and stay safe throughout the duration of the storms 

"While a heat advisory remains in effect until late this afternoon with heat values up to 97 degrees, strong thunderstorms are forecast to move across the State later today and tonight bringing much needed relief to New Yorkers who have battled high heat for the last several days," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed State agencies to prepare emergency response assets should our county partners need assistance. In the meantime, I ask New Yorkers to monitor these strong storms and prepare now in the event of a power outage." 

The storms will move from west to east throughout the afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front bringing relief from the stifling heat and humidity. On Monday, New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley will be at a slight risk of severe weather. Showers will diminish from west to east on Monday, and milder and drier weather is expected by Tuesday and Wednesday. 

For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.  

AGENCY PREPARATIONS 

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and will coordinate response needs with local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water. 

Department of Transportation 

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond with more than 3,200 supervisors and operators. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:   

• 1,297 large dump trucks 
• 304 large loaders 
• 81 tracked and wheeled excavators 
• 72 chippers 
• 19 graders 
• 15 vacuum trucks with sewer jets 
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks 

Thruway Authority 

The Thruway Authority has 640 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, generators, pumps, and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway. 

During this heatwave, Thruway staff have been monitoring roadway conditions and performing wellness checks on disabled vehicles. 

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows: 

• 346 Large and Small Dump Trucks 
• 65 Large Loaders 
• 7 Vacuum Trucks 
• 16 Tracked and Wheeled Excavators 
• 8 Brush Chippers 
• 99 Chainsaws 
• 19 Bucket Trucks 
• 84 Portable Generators 
• 67 Portable Light Units 

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway, follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter, and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways. 

Department of Environmental Conservation 

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response. 

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings. 

New York Power Authority / Canal Corporation 

The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are monitoring conditions and preparing all assets for impeding weather. NYPA and Canals representatives will remain in close contact with state, county, and local emergency personnel as necessary. NYPA is prepared to send NYPA transmission and other personnel to assist if needed. The Canal Corporation will update the public as needed through its Notice to Mariners alerts. Members of the public may sign-up to receive these notices on the Canal Corporation website. 

Department of Public Service 

New York's utilities have approximately 6,400 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, for the potential severe weather. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. 

New York State Police 

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested. 

Severe Weather Safety Tips 

Preparedness 

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis. 
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry. 
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. 
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place. 
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water.
• Store drinking water in clean, closed containers. 
• Plan what to do with your pets. 
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency cooking equipment available. 
• Keep your vehicle fueled or charged. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
• Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car. 

Have disaster supplies on hand, including: 

• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries 
• First aid kit and manual 
• Emergency food and water 
• Non-electric can opener 
• Essential medicines 
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards 

Flash Flooding 

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. 
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately. 
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per   hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge. 

Lightning 

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter. 
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area. 
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall. 

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page atwww.dhses.ny.gov/safety. 

Fairport Man Arrested, Charged With Attacking A Congressman Using A Dangerous Weapon

 

 U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that David G. Jakubonis, 43, of Fairport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a member of Congress using a dangerous weapon. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.     

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who is handling the case, stated that on July 21, 2022, New York Congressman Lee Zeldin, a Republican candidate for Governor of New York, attended a gubernatorial campaign event in Perinton, NY. During the event, Congressman Zeldin was speaking from the bed of a flatbed trailer. Jakubonis walked onto the trailer, approached the Congressman, extended a keychain with two sharp points toward him and grabbed his arm. A struggle then ensued between Congressman Zeldin and Jakubonis and, as bystanders intervened, Jakubonis pulled Congressman Zeldin down onto the bed of the trailer, stating several times during the assault, “you're done.” Jakubonis was subdued and arrested.

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marion W. Payson and is being held pending a detention hearing on July 27, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia, the U.S. Capitol Police, under the direction of Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Chad Beckett, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Barry Chase, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith and the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Catholdi. 

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION ANONYMOUS DONATION TO LAUNCH STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FOR BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

 

As Largest Provider of Behavioral Health Services in NYC, Health + Hospitals Will Offer $30,000 to $50,000 in Debt Relief to Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Nurse Practitioners, and Social Workers Who Commit to Serve for Three Years

 

New Yorkers Can Support Effort Through Donations as Program Expands

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the launch of a new student loan forgiveness program for behavioral health providers, funded by a $1 million contribution from an anonymous donor. The new program is designed to help attract and retain doctors, nurse practitioners, and other clinicians who care for New Yorkers with mental health or substance use needs as the U.S. faces a national mental health professional shortage. NYC Health + Hospitals will offer psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers between $30,000 and $50,000 of debt relief in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve the public health system.

 

NYC Health + Hospitals provides about half of all behavioral health services for children and adults in New York City. The loan forgiveness program will be available to eligible employees and new hires for the next year or until the $1 million donation has been distributed. Applications open tomorrow, Monday, July 25, 2022, and New Yorkers can support this effort by donating directly to NYC Health and Hospitals.

 

“The behavioral health professionals in our public health system work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable New Yorkers living with mental illness and alcohol and substance use disorders,” said Mayor Adams. “Too often, these health care workers graduate with crippling debt and have no choice but to work in the private sector to pay off their bills. Especially at a time when the nation is facing a shortage of these lifesaving practitioners, and simultaneously facing an increased need for these professional due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this loan forgiveness program will help us attract and retain top talent to continue serving New Yorkers across the city. I’m grateful to the anonymous donor for this generous donation, and I encourage other businesses and individuals to chip in if they are able to support this important cause.”

 

“As we continue to see an increasing number of New Yorkers struggling with mental health and substance use disorder, the essential services of our behavioral health team are needed more than ever,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “This donation will allow us to recruit and retain extraordinary clinicians to help address the ongoing mental health crisis.”

 

“This loan forgiveness program is a great way to invest in our mental health workforce,” said Dr. Charles Barron, deputy chief medical officer, Office of Behavioral Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “With less debt to worry about, our mental health teams can focus on doing what they do best: providing high-quality mental health support to New Yorkers.”

 

“We are tremendously grateful for our donor’s exemplary investment in this work,” said Deborah A. Brown, senior vice president for external and regulatory affairs, NYC Health + Hospitals, JD, MSW. “With this transformative contribution, we hope to inspire more philanthropic interest and create a steady pipeline of support for high-achieving behavioral health staff in the years to come.”

 

“Since very early in my educational trajectory, I stumbled upon a quote that read, ‘Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.’ This has been true to me, as my career as a clinical social worker with NYC Health + Hospitals has allowed me to fulfill my career objectives and gain tremendous pride in doing that as a public servant in my own city,” said Adriana Rodriguez-Boseman, clinical social worker, NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Roberto Clemente Center. “However, the cost of these professional goals has come with a steep price tag. The future is always uncertain, but loan forgiveness will make these dreams a reality.”

 

“The nationwide shortage of health care workers has impacted facilities and providers all across the country, at a time when the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for services,” said New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan. “The anonymous donation announced today by Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals’ CEO Mitch Katz will help NYC Health + Hospitals recruit and retain behavioral health professionals, which is very good news for the people of New York City. Congratulations to Dr. Katz, and my sincere thanks to very generous anonymous donor.”

 

“If we want to meet the increased need for mental health services, particularly for underserved communities, we must talk about workforce development,” said Dan H. Gillison Jr., CEO, National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Loan repayment can help lift the financial burden of mental health professionals, who are already at high risk for burnout, and create more opportunities for people from historically underrepresented communities to join the workforce. We applaud these efforts to increase the pipeline of practitioners and address the urgent mental health needs our communities are facing. If we want more mental health services, we must invest in the people who provide them.”

 

“Mental Health America is thrilled to see this announcement by Mayor Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals of a student loan repayment program for behavioral health professionals,” said Schroeder Stribling, president and CEO, Mental Health America. “We know that our urgent national mental health crisis is in part driven by the lack of qualified professionals to meet the level of need from individuals seeking help. This new student loan repayment program will create practical incentives and an equitable pathway for individuals looking to enter the profession. It will also increase the supply of diverse and culturally responsive providers available and ready to answer the call for all persons in need, regardless of their insurance status or other obstacles to access. We congratulate New York for leading the way with this innovative and important program.”

 

“Urban Resource Institute enthusiastically applauds the new NYC Health + Hospitals student loan repayment program that will be made available to psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other behavioral health professionals,” stated Nathaniel M. Fields, CEO, Urban Resource Institute (URI). “As a leading provider of social services, URI is keenly aware of the challenges facing the behavioral health sector, which have been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19. This student loan repayment program will provide much-needed support to the clinicians who deliver vital services to their New York City clients, such as the homeless families and domestic violence survivors served by URI. We look forward to continued partnership with the Adams administration to attract and retain talented professionals in behavioral health fields.”

 

Early-career psychiatrists have on average $190,000 of medical school debt, psychiatric nurse practitioners have on average $56,000 of debt, social workers have on average $68,000 of debt, and psychologists have on average $80,000 of debt.

 

As part of the largest municipal health care system in the nation, NYC Health + Hospitals’ public hospitals and neighborhood health centers offer a wide variety of excellent mental health services to foster recovery from mental illness of all kinds. Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals provides the highest-quality alcohol and substance use recovery programs as part of its behavioral and mental health services, with personalized, caring treatment plans that are effective for each patient.

 

New Yorkers who need support for mental health or substance use can call 844-NYC-4NYC for an appointment at NYC Health + Hospitals or contact NYC Well online.

 

Attorney General James Announces Arrest and Arraignment of Correction Officer on Murder and Manslaughter Charges

 

Dion Middleton Was Off-Duty When He Allegedly Fatally Shot an 18-Year-Old in the Bronx

 New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrest and arraignment of Dion Middleton, 45, of the Bronx, on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Manslaughter in the First and Second Degrees in connection with the shooting death of Raymond Chaluisant, 18. Dion Middleton is a Correction Officer with the New York City Department of Correction (DOC).

Middleton was arraigned before Judge Jeffrey Zimmerman of Bronx Criminal Court. Judge Zimmerman set bail at $1 million bond or partially secured bond, with $500,000 cash or credit card alternatives.

“My office is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation of every case where an officer of the law may have caused a death,” said Attorney General James. “I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Chaluisant, and the people of New York have my pledge that we will work to see that justice is served.”

On Thursday, July 21, shortly after 1 a.m. during an encounter in the vicinity of the Cross Bronx Expressway and Morris Avenue in the Bronx, Middleton is alleged to have shot at a car in which Raymond Chaluisant was a passenger, killing Chaluisant. Middleton then left the scene and reported to work later that morning, where he was apprehended by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

The OAG would like to thank NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s office for their partnership.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.

Man Charged With Multi-Million Dollar Medicare Fraud In Connection With False Claims For Durable Medical Equipment

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) New York Regional Office announced the arrest of MATTHEW WITKOWSKI on charges of conspiracy and health care fraud. As alleged in a Complaint unsealed in federal court, and at a presentment held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jared M. Strauss of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, WITKOWSKI, ran a company dedicated to illegally buying written orders for durable medical equipment (“DME”) such as leg, arm, and back braces, and then selling those written orders to DME supply companies, which in turn used those orders to file fraudulent Medicare claims.  These fraudulent claims are estimated to have resulted in payments to WITKOWSKI’s coconspirators of at least $10 million. WITKOWSKI was arrested yesterday evening at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, after he flew in from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Witkowski remains in custody, with a detention hearing scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 27, 2022, before the Magistrate Judge is Alicia O. Valle in Fort Lauderdale. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Medicare is a valuable taxpayer-funded program designed to provide affordable health care to beneficiaries over 65 or with disabilities, not to lining the pockets of those who would enrich themselves through fraud. Here, the defendant is charged with illegally selling written orders for medical equipment used to bilk Medicare out of millions of dollars.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert said:  “The alleged fraud scheme that the defendant engaged in was motivated by pure greed. HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue all those who seek to unlawfully enrich themselves by victimizing participants of the Medicare program.”  

As alleged in the Complaint and at the detention hearing held this morning:[1]

From at least August 2019 through at least April 2021, WITKOWSKI and an unnamed co-conspirator (“CC-1”) engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare and to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits the buying and selling of written orders for goods and services paid for by Medicare, including DME. WITKOWSKI illegally purchased fraudulent written orders for DME, and then sold those written orders to pharmacies and DME suppliers, including in New York City.  Those pharmacies and DME suppliers then used those written orders as the basis for millions of dollars of fraudulent claims to Medicare. Many of these fraudulent written orders used names and personal health information of Medicare beneficiaries, without the beneficiaries’ authorization or prior knowledge. Many of these written orders also contained professional information of doctors and other health-care providers enrolled in the Medicare program, as well as the purported electronic signatures of these providers, which were falsified and created without the authorization or knowledge of these providers.

During the course of the scheme, WITKOWSKI and CC-1 took in more than $3.5 million from DME suppliers, who made these payments to True Prospects Marketing, Inc., a company controlled by Witkowski and CC-1. The Government estimates that the orders for DME illegally sold by True Prospects were used to bill Medicare for more than $10 million.

WITKOWSKI, 36, of the Dominican Republic, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years; and one count of health care fraud, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. The maximum potential penalties 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 investigative work of HHS-OIG.

The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. 

Governor Hochul Announces Interagency Efforts to Help Protect New Yorkers from Extreme Heat Risks

 

Advances Governor's State of the State Directive to Develop Statewide Extreme Heat Action Plan

Agency Initiatives Prioritize Protecting Disadvantaged Communities from Effects of Rising Temperatures

Review the Full Report of Interim Recommendations Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions State agencies and authorities will advance to help address the impacts of extreme heat on disadvantaged communities and other New Yorkers vulnerable to the effects of increasingly high temperatures driven by climate change. The actions stem from the Governor's 2022 State of the State directive to develop an extreme heat action plan to coordinate interagency investments and efforts to help mitigate community climate impacts and prioritize assistance to disadvantaged communities on the front lines of heat vulnerability. The interim recommendations released today represent the first phase of a more comprehensive Extreme Heat Action Plan that will identify State-led actions that address the structural drivers of extreme heat and its disproportionate impact on New York's most vulnerable communities.

"Extreme heat threatens the lives and livelihood of many New Yorkers each year, but particularly those in disadvantaged communities and communities of color," Governor Hochul said. "Severe storms and extreme heat will only increase with climate change, and it is critical that New York develops coordinated and effective plans to address heat exposure. The recommendations announced today help build on actions already underway to protect our most vulnerable and disproportionately affected residents this summer, and for years to come."

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul directed the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop an Extreme Heat Action Plan in response to the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events caused by climate change. DEC and NYSERDA convened the Extreme Heat Action Plan Work Group (EHAPWG), consisting of more than 20 State agencies working together on immediate steps across all of State government that will begin addressing extreme heat inequities in disadvantaged communities.

The interim recommendations released today include actions for rapid implementation to address acute needs while the working group continues to develop longer-term coordinated efforts that focus on mitigating extreme heat and the systemic societal inequities that exacerbate its effects. The interim recommendations received input from key stakeholders, including representatives of disadvantaged communities and heat-vulnerable population groups. The plan specifically focuses on communities disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution and climate change and identifies gaps in the State's existing approach to mitigating extreme heat impacts on areas of employment, recreation, and disadvantaged communities.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "Sustainable and affordable access to both indoor and outdoor cooling options is a pressing need for many vulnerable New Yorkers, especially with the excessively hot temperatures we are seeing across the state now. This collaborative interagency effort is an important step to alleviating energy and health burdens caused by these heat waves and the recommendations put forth today are just the beginning of a final comprehensive action plan that will deliver widespread resiliency and protection from more frequent extreme weather events as a result of climate change."

The interim recommendations include actions to prepare communities for a heat emergency and address acute extreme heat-related impacts and needs this summer. The recommendations identify six opportunity areas for action: planning, coordination, public cooling spaces, heat health warning systems and protocols, community partnerships, and housing and cooling. Immediate actions being implemented and planned during the development of the EHAP include:

• Expanding the availability of cooling centers and shelters by identifying potential partners to provide their facilities as cooling centers, promoting their use, and extending access to State Parks, swimming areas, recreational lands, and other State facilities that provide relief from extreme heat;
• Developing uniform utility hot weather provisions to help improve communication with consumers and prevent disconnections during hot weather events;
• Improving access to existing energy efficiency and weatherization programs and expanding the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) available to eligible low- and moderate-income New Yorkers for projects to heat and cool their homes;
• Exploring the State's long-term ability to mitigate energy cost-burden impacts associated with cooling and electrification to give further consideration to the health implications of energy burden on low-income households;
• Developing an Extreme Heat Adaptation Plan with a focus on disadvantaged communities and increasing the capacity of environmental justice organizations and other community groups to collaborate, and find local solutions to provide services that help mitigate extreme heat impacts;
• Improving alert systems for extreme heat and/or humidity and ensure the use of clear, consistent, and accurate language;
• Convening a heat emergency coordination team and developing an extreme heat-specific hazard annex to the State's comprehensive emergency management plan by June 1, 2023; and
• Providing a comprehensive assessment of existing resources and capacities to help ensure effective implementation of recommended short- and long-term actions.

With the extreme heat this week, New York State agencies are ready to help keep New Yorkers safe. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is monitoring the weather conditions and coordinating response. The New York State Department of Public Service is working with utilities to ensure they are prepared for heat indices reaching into the 100s. DEC and DOH will issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Information about the Air Quality forecast for New York State can be found here. For additional information about the impacts of extreme heat, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/125801.html.

'The Unveiling of 'Hon. Aurelia Greene Way'

 

The Mentor and the Student at a Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson community event in August 2019

It was a hot sunny Saturday for the unveiling of Aurelia Greene way. Aurelia Greene was a member of the State Assembly from 1982 through 2009 when newly elected Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. convinced Aurelia Greene to be his Deputy Bronx Borough President where she served until 2017 when she retired from politics. While in the assembly Aurelia Greene was a mentor to many new members including Ruben Diaz Jr. who was elected to the State Assembly in 1997. 

Assemblywoman Greene would also mentor interns in her office, one such intern being a young Vanessa Gibson. Gibson would take over the assembly seat when Assemblywoman Greene became the new Deputy Bronx Borough President. After  eight term-limited years in the City Council, Greene's pupil Vanessa Gibson would then win the election to become the 14th Bronx Borough President. During her speech Bronx BP Gibson thanked Aurelia Greene for all the help she gave her, and said she wouldn't be the Bronx Borough President if it wasn't for Aurelia Greene. 

Also speaking were Congressman Ritchie Torres, State Senator Jose Serrano Jr., Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner, Councilwoman Althea Stevens, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark former Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. There were many other Bronx elected officials and judges in the audience as well as friends and neighbors. The Master of Ceremonies was Aurelia Greene's son in law Michael Leonard James. The New York State Police Ceremonial Unit presented the Colors, and the National Anthem was sung by Music With a Message who also did a musical performance later in the show. The family was presented with a duplicate of the new street sign 'Hon. Aurelia Greene Way', which was placed in the corner of her husband's street sign 'Rev. Jerome A. Greene Place' on the corner of Teller Avenue and East 168th Street.

The Master of Ceremonies was Michael Leonard Jones, the Son in-law of Aurelia Greene. 

You can see the crowd that was seated under the canopies, but there were even more people either seated or standing under one of the many trees in the plaza.

Music With a Message sang the National Anthem and did a musical performance later in the program.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson proclaimed the day Aurelia Greene Day during her speech. She told the story of becoming an intern in the assembly office of Aurelia Greene, and how Aurelia Greene mentored her to become the leader she now is. BP Gibson ended her speech thanking Aurelia Greene as one could see the solemnity in BP Gibson's voice with tears about to flow from her eyes that her mentor Aurelia Greene was now with her husband Rev. Jerome A. Greene. 

Assemblywoman Latoya Joiner spoke of how she also was mentored by Aurelia Greene, which has made her the fine assembly member she now is. Assemblywoman Joiner is also the head of the Bronx Democratic County Committee. 

State Senator Jose M. Serrano spoke about his father Congressman Joie Serrano and Aurelia Greene, and said that his father wished he could be here but he can not due to his health.

Mayor Adams arrived during the ceremony sitting next to Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, but as soon as he sat down he was called to the stage to speak. 

Mayor Eric Adams spoke of his time in the State Senate and his interactions with Aurelia Greene. He added that Aurelia Greene was a very smart woman who helped many people move up the political ladder. 

Former Assemblyman Marcos Crespo spoke after Mayor Eric Adams, and said how do I follow what the mayor said. One can see the word MAYOR on the back of Mayor Adam shirt, which reminded me of the movie Blazing Saddles where Mel Brooks played the governor of a state, and wore the word GOV on the back of his jacket because no one knew he was the governor. Mayor Adams may of had the word MAYOR on the back of his shirt so his security detail could easily find him in a crowd. 

The extended Aurelia Greene family was presented with a ceremonial street sign 'Hon. Aurelia Greene Way'. 

It was then time to unveil the new sign on the corner of Teller Avenue and East 168th Street, 'Hon Aurelia Greene Way'.

The new sign 'Hon. Aurelia Greene Way', is on the same street pole as her husband 'Rev. Jerome A. Greene Place'. 

In 2018 after Aurelia Green retired as Deputy Bronx Borough President she is given a portrait of herself by then Bronx Democratic Party Chairman Marcos Crespo Chairman.