Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

 Governor Hochul: "We've been through a lot in this country, we've been through so much before, but we'll always rise up because that's what the women of this country and the women of New York always will do."

 My responsibility as the first woman Governor of New York is to welcome you to this great celebration, overdue, but as I said on the first day I took office, "I didn't come here to make history, I came here to make a difference," and that's exactly what the women on this stage have done, each of you have made a profound difference in the lives of others.

I want to thank Betsy Fantone for being the president of this organization and as you saw, heard from Jennifer, we have great leadership and I want to commend you for what you're doing today, but also a look back to the women who over 30 years ago had a vision, a vision that maybe people thought was a little bit bold, a little bit audacious, but isn't that what New York women do. The women here who had the vision who brought us here all these years later.

Great to be back in this beautiful space. I have seen a resurgence in new energy in upstate communities from Seneca Falls to Geneva and so many others. And those of you who've been studying the history of this, a lot of it began when we had an amazing Senator who actually put the spotlight on upstate New York and our communities and that would happen to be our Secretary, our friend, Hillary Clinton who's here with us today. She never, she may have traveled all over the world, but she never forgot the heart of our state. And I welcome her back today with a heart full of love from so many people delighted to see you.

I will talk briefly about why we're here, but also where we came from. And it was 1848 when a group of individuals, not a small group, think about this, how 300 individuals came from near and far to gather in a tiny place without social media telling them where to go. Wait, how, how did that happen? How did that happen? But they came to this crossroads of Native American rights and the abolitionists and the Quakers, and just a bunch of really brave women who stood up and said no more.

They wrote this declaration of sentiments after spending a number of days writing. If you read the words that are inscribed on the walls near the Hall of Fame across the river, you can feel the anger dripping from every word as they wrote them. They were so sick and tired of being viewed simply as property, having no rights, why'd they even exist? And they stood up, boy, were they courageous, they went against the tides of their time, their communities, society, churches, and in some cases, their own families. But they launched a revolution that was long overdue and the revolution got people focused on elevating the lives of the women in our country. And I am so proud, as the Governor of the state where it started right here, just down the road in Seneca Falls.

And that's why this location has to be finished. We will complete this. And it continues to be a beacon of hope for so many others. And what is shocking to me is we think about that history and it took even longer for us to get the right to vote. I'm happy to say that New York was three years ahead of the rest of the nation, but we always like to be first,1917, 1920 for the rest.

So there was only one woman from the original gathering that lived long enough to see the right to vote. So it's a reminder that sometimes changing the world takes some time, but we've always been on a path where we made progress. We enhanced rights, we added rights, we elevated rights, but for the last 174 years, we assumed that would always be the case until three months ago today.

And for the first time in our history, perhaps, and certainly in my lifetime, we've seen the removal, the stripping of basic rights. And so I call upon the women of this country and this state to stand up as they did all those years ago, right in this place. stand up and say, "We have the rights that we've had for over 50 years in this country with Roe V.

Wade and we also deserve to have the right to be paid equally and to be able to work without being harassed in a sexual way in a workplace. We have the right to have childcare. We have the right to have paid family leave. We have basic human rights as Hillary Clinton said years ago because women's rights are human rights." She said it first. And that is what we are called to do.

My friends, my friends, the torch that was first lit it Seneca falls in 1848 has been passed to us. And as our responsibility as this generation right here and right now to not just pass it on to our daughters and granddaughters, but is also to make it glow even brighter.

What are our accomplishments going to be? And we look back through history. We know what they are. We know what Susan B. Anthony did. We know what Lucretia Mott. We knew what Harriet Tubman. We know what Sojourner Truth did. We have all heard the stories. And now these new women added to the list of over 300, who graced, the names graced the Hall of Fame here. We're so proud of that, but in 2022, and they look back at us 100 years from now, well, they say we advanced the rights of women as our foremothers had done before us.

That is the question I pose today. And that is the one we will leave here, but hopefully more invigorated as we approach upcoming elections, empowered to make sure that our rights are always protected and enhanced.

And that's something all of us across this nation must do. Don't take for granted the right to vote that women did not have not that long ago. Oh, cherish it. Honor it. Protect it. And while you're here in the state of New York, have a spectacular time because there's no place more beautiful, more giving, more steeped in history and not just women's rights, but the labor movement started here, the LGBTQ movement started here, the NAACP started here, as well as the environmental justice movement started here.

So I take that legacy very seriously as your governor and the Governor of this great state, but I want the next generation to know that we will support them and bring them into the cause. And I don't want the young generation to give up hope. You cannot give up hope. Promise me that. Because hope is what we have to lead us onto the next challenges. We've been through a lot in this country, we've been through so much before, but we'll always rise up because that's what the women of this country and the women of New York always will do. Thank you everybody.

And congratulations. Congratulations.

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

This week, many of our neighbors were met with fear, uncertainty, and deep concerns for the families and friends living in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. This has taught us that we must stand together and support our fellow Americans and neighbors in the Caribbean while navigating the most difficult times. While we are no strangers to natural disasters, there is always room for improvement and change to build for a better reaction time and recovery period. I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to my office in the wake of Hurricane Fiona with donations to send to our partners on the island.

As we continue to identify the immediate needs of our neighbors, let’s also remember that here in New York City, we are fortunate to have organizations that provide vital programming to help shape our communities and build up our future leaders. Through initiatives like Participatory Budgeting (sent in a separate email) and our robust arts and culture programs, there are endless opportunities for our youth and adults of all ages. No one is too young or old to make a difference in their community, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

In this week’s newsletter, you will find information about upcoming events and opportunities for all ages. If you have any questions or would like further information, you can reach out to my office Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at (718) 931-1721 or via email at District13@council.nyc.gov.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

What’s Happening In District 13?

Community Needs Assessment

The Department of Youth and Community Development is in the process of conducting a Community Needs Assessment (CNA). The CNA is a stakeholder engagement process through DYCD collects feedback from the community in Neighborhood Development Areas (NDA) about programs and services in their community. DYCD and Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NAB) use this feedback to develop program priorities and allocate funds for the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).

This year we are sharing the online survey, which can be found by clicking here.

Individuals who live, work, or spend time in NYC is eligible to complete this survey to inform what services and programs will be funded throughout NYC neighborhoods.

Resources Provided By The Department of Housing Preservation and Development

NYC DCAS Announces New Effort to Support City’s Cycling Ecosystem

DCAS Seeks Public Input on Using City Property to Bolster Biking in NYC, Including Ideas for Secure Bike Parking and Last-Mile Cargo Relay Facilities

NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock today announced a new effort to support New York City’s cycling ecosystem. DCAS has issued a request for expressions of interest (RFEI) to solicit public feedback on how City properties could be used to ensure the widespread availability of:   Secure bike parking: Facilities where customers can park bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and other bicycle-based freight vehicles. Ideas would provide security for individual bicycles and be both inexpensive and easy to use.  Last-mile cargo bike container relay facilities: System or network of facilities where containers suitable for transport via cargo bike would be picked up and dropped off. In such a system or network, a given container would be received and relayed, its contents would be distributed to recipients, and it would subsequently be reloaded for outbound shipments. Such facilities would enable cost-effective deliveries by cargo bike to most or all of the city’s population and land area. Last-mile bike rentals: Facilities where a user can rent a bike for a round trip between a public transit stop and a destination up to a few miles away. Bike retail and rental: Bike retail facilities, especially those which contribute to the widespread availability of bikes—and the parts, service, and accessories associated with them—which are inexpensive, durable, long-lasting, easily repaired, and suitable for everyday use on city streets for a wide range of riding distances. Bike rental facilities which, when considered along with retail facilities, cover a range of locations and durations suitable to cover as wide a swath of demand as possible. Bike supply, recovery, and repair: Provision of bicycles to most or all city residents, restoration or remanufacturing of bicycles, and provision of ongoing repair services to bike recipients and other bike owners. Small-scale bike repair: Self-serve and full-serve small-scale facilities, whether fixed-location or mobile, where the cyclist or facility operator can wash a bike, fill the tires with air, and do small repairs. Cargo bike rental: Facilities where customers rent cargo bikes, especially facilities whose locations and bike capabilities enable the convenient and cost-effective transport of goods for which a customer might otherwise feel compelled to use a motorized vehicle or carry the goods by hand or dolly. Traffic gardens and amusements: Car-free places where kids can become accustomed to navigating streets by riding or driving child-friendly vehicles including bikes. A broad range of facilities and associated amenities is possible, from pavement to theme park.   “A safe, accessible, and thriving biking ecosystem is essential for our city’s future,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “We want to tap the ideas and creativity of New Yorkers to transform City properties into resources to support cycling across the five boroughs.” “Under Mayor Adams, we have made unprecedented investment in the expansion of cycling, including over $900 million in new investment this year,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This RFEI is the next natural step for us to find ways for City-owned properties to both accommodate the cycling boom and support its continued growth. We thank Commissioner Pinnock and our partners at DCAS for this creative effort -- and we are excited to hear how stakeholders will want to tap this market and to see how their responses might inform our work going forward.”   In its role managing the City of New York's real estate portfolio, DCAS authorizes the license of City-owned properties by the private sector. The RFEI announced today is the first step to gather feedback that may be used to solicit requests for proposals (RFPs). The process could lead to opportunities for private entities to license City property to support the local biking ecosystem.   The goal is to find ways to make it safer, easier, and more convenient to bike New York City and to alleviate congestion on city streets. Public input will be accepted through October 21, 2022. The RFEI is available online and includes instructions on providing submissions via email.

About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services   The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:    Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.   Managing 55 public buildings.   Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.   Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.   Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.   Leading the City’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations. Learn more about DCAS by visiting nyc.gov/dcas and by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and listening to the Inside Citywide podcast.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES MAJOR PROGRESS IN NYC’S TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES

 

City Has Accelerated the Expansion of Electric Vehicle Fleet, Meeting Electric Vehicle Goals Three Years Ahead of Schedule

 

Critical Investments in Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Discounts for TLC-Licensed Drivers Will Speed Up Electric Vehicle Adoption Among Privately-Owned Vehicles and Taxi Fleet

To cap off Climate Week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a series of major milestones in three critical efforts to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles across the city. Through initiatives spearheaded by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), the Adams administration is accelerating and facilitating the transition to electric vehicles among the city’s vehicle fleet, private vehicles, and the for-hire vehicle industry. 

 

As of September 2022, DCAS has reached its 2025-goal of transitioning 4,000 vehicles in the city fleet to electric vehicles — three years ahead of schedule. DOT has advanced projects to install publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the Bronx and Brooklyn. And DOT, in partnership with the TLC, will offer discounts to TLC-licensed drivers for the use of fast charging hubs. The transition to electric vehicles is helping to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and offer cost savings on maintenance and fuel costs for city government and New York City taxpayers. 

 

“As we mark the end of Climate Week, we are proud to announce a suite of investments in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure that cement New York City’s status as a global leader in fighting climate change,” said Mayor Adams. “By delivering on our goals ahead of schedule, we are not only taking steps to make our city greener and more sustainable — we are increasing the public’s faith that our city can ‘Get Stuff Done.’” 

 

“I applaud DCAS for working with all of our agency partners to reach this milestone today ahead of schedule,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “The transition to electric fleet is a major step forward in reducing pollution on our streets and shows this administration will continue to lead on addressing climate change.”

 

“New Yorkers deserve clean, livable streets and neighborhoods,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “That starts with removing more polluting vehicles from the road and making it easier than ever to go electric. New York City is leading the way with this suite of investments in our electric city fleet and charging infrastructure.” 

 

“We are committed to making our city government greener by accelerating our transition to an all-electric fleet,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “At DCAS, we are elated to meet our goal of 4,000 electric vehicles three years early. That’s three more years of emissions-free driving to protect the health of our planet for future generations.” 

 

“Equity is a guiding principle as this administration works to expand access to electric vehicle charging,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Facilitating the adoption of electric Vehicles among New Yorkers is a critical step in fighting climate change and reducing emissions — and that’s why we’re making conscious efforts to expand charging access across the five boroughs where the private sector hasn’t invested.” 

  

“TLC is committed to transitioning all the vehicles we license to zero-emission electric vehicles,” said TLC Chair and Commissioner David Do. “Ample and affordable charging is key to making that transition, and we’re looking forward to building on the progress by our agency and our partner agencies to ensure the city has the infrastructure and programs to make electric vehicles the best option for TLC drivers.” 

 

City Electric Vehicle Fleet 

 

This month, the city surpassed 4,050 electric vehicles in the citywide fleet managed by DCAS, all replacing fossil-fuel powered models. This milestone surpasses the New York City Clean Fleet Plan goal of adding 4,000 electric vehicles by 2025 — three years ahead of schedule. 

 

The electric fleet includes a wide range of vehicle types and categories from over 200 Ford Mustang Mach Es (used mostly for law enforcement purposes) to nearly 850 GM Bolts. DCAS has also completed orders for almost 300 Ford E Transit cargo vans and submitted its first order for an all-electric Ford pickup truck. These units are expected to arrive this winter and will be the largest medium-duty purchase of electric vehicles for the fleet. DCAS expects to own and operate over 4,500 EVs as soon as June 2023. 

 

DCAS has also ordered seven electric garbage trucks for the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY); marking the city’s effort to transition these iconic trucks to an all-electric model. The agency plans to order seven all-electric sweepers and 30 plug-in hybrid electric sweepers for DSNY. The agency also plans to order all-electric buses for the New York City Department of Corrections, along with box trucks and pickup trucks, to carry out other critical services citywide. 

 

In addition to increasing the electric vehicle fleet, DCAS also operates the largest electric vehicle charging network in New York State, with nearly 1,300 charging ports available to fleet units. DCAS will deploy another 600 charging ports in the next 18 months. 

 

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure 

 

DOT is advancing two major electric-vehicle charging initiatives that will speed the transition to electric vehicles among privately-owned vehicles across the city. First, the agency issued a contract for the installation of fast charging stations at the White Plains Road Municipal Parking Field in the Bronx and the Bensonhurst #1 Municipal Parking Field in Brooklyn. Each site will be equipped for four direct-current (DC) fast chargers, which will allow drivers to quickly charge their electric vehicles. 

 

Additionally, DOT is kicking off an effort with the New York Power Authority to procure over 150 Level 2 electric-vehicle chargers that will be installed across 12 municipal parking fields in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. 

 

These efforts represent progress towards the goals of DOT’s charging plan: “Electrifying New York,” including growing the city-operated fast charging network to over 80 plugs and equipping 20 percent of all spaces in municipal public parking lots and garages with Level 2 chargers by 2025. These projects also build on the city’s existing PlugNYC electric vehicle charging network, which provides affordable and convenient charging for New Yorkers at 100 curbside Level 2 chargers and fast charging stations at the Delancey-Essex and Court Square Municipal Parking Garages. 

 

Electric Vehicle Charging Discounts 

 

In an effort to support electric vehicle adoption, DOT is working in partnership with the TLC to offer discounted electric vehicle charging to TLC-licensed drivers at DOT’s fast charging hubs in different boroughs. DOT currently has two fast charging hubs, at the Court Square Municipal Garage in Queens and the Delancey-Essex Municipal Garage in Manhattan. 

 

Starting September 30, 2022, TLC-licensed drivers will be able sign to up for a 15-percent discount on charging at both locations via the TLC website. TLC-licensed drivers will have access to fast and affordable charging in convenient locations, with additional charging stations opening soon. 

 

“Thirty percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York City come from the transportation sector. It comes in second only to buildings,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Reducing emissions from the transportation sector requires both shifting more trips to sustainable modes, like public transportation, walking, and cycling, and transitioning automobile trips to electric vehicles. I applaud our colleagues at DCAS, DOT, and TLC for implementing these bold steps to fight climate change by pursuing the transition to electric vehicles.”  

  

“Electrifying transportation, and doing so equitably, is crucial to meeting our climate goals,” said New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Executive Director Kizzy Charles-Guzman. “This investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is critical to ensure that New Yorkers have access to more sustainable and reliable transportation options, which will improve air quality and health, especially in communities most impacted by pollution from traffic.” 

 

“It’s amazing to see New York City leading in such a big way when it comes to decreasing our carbon emissions by growing our city’s electric vehicle fleet at an accelerated rate,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are proud to support with nearly 80 percent of our fleet being comprised of alternative fuel units, showcasing the largest electric vehicle fleet and charging station network in the city.” 

 

“Zero-emission and electric vehicles are the future of transport,” said DCAS Deputy Commissioner for Fleet Management Keith Kerman. “City agencies are leading the way, showing that electric vehicles are ready to support critical and demanding city services. DCAS is completing our largest rollout of electric light duty replacement vehicles ever, taking the fleet to more than 4,000 electric vehicles and accelerating efforts to electrify medium and heavy-duty units. You’ll soon see DCAS powered electric vehicles in every neighborhood of the city.”

 

“The expanding influx of electric vehicles into the NYPD fleet will continue the department’s commitment to maintaining the greenest police fleet in the world as rated by the National Association of Fleet Administrators,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Deputy Commissioner for Support Services Robert S. Martinez. “At the same time, our NYPD pilot program is ongoing to continue determining how electric vehicles can best be used to advance the NYPD’s public safety mission.” 

49th Precinct 9/11 memorial and 5K Run Across Pelham Parkway

 

A cool Saturday morning greeted those who came to the 49th Precinct 9/11 memorial and 5K run sponsored by the 49th Precinct, the 49th Precinct Council, and Simone at the Hutch Metro Center.

The 49th Precinct Community Council as they prepare for the annual 5K 9/11 Run, (L - R)

Andrea Seigel, Hazel Mura, Joe Thompson, Phyllis Nastasio, Elio Morales, and Brian.

49th Precinct Community Affairs officer James Graham reads off the names of officers who perished in the 9/11 attack. 

Pastor Jay Gooding offers a prayer as people bow their heads.

Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez says a few words during the 49th precinct 9/11 memorial.

The 2022 49th Precinct 5K 9/11 Memorial Run across Pelham Parkway to White Plains Road and back is off. 

Attorney General James' Statement Urging MLB and Apple to Let More Fans Watch Tonight’s Potentially Historic Yankees Game

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement urging Major League Baseball (MLB) and Apple to open up tonight’s game and let it play on the YES Network:

“History is in the making as Aaron Judge electrifies Yankees fans, and everyone who loves baseball. To deny millions of New Yorkers, and fans around the nation, the opportunity to watch as Aaron Judge steps up to the plate, is wrong and unfair. New Yorkers paid their cable bills expecting to see live sports programming. Now they are being asked to do extra if they want to watch this exciting home run chase, and potentially historic game. That is why I am calling on Apple and the MLB to reach a fair accommodation with the YES Network so that fans can watch what we all hope will be history made this evening.”

Chappaqua Man Sentenced To 21 Years For Participating In A Gunpoint Robbery Of 176 Kilograms Of Cocaine And Smuggling A Firearm Into A Federal Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DEEJAY WHITE was sentenced to 21 years in prison for his participation in a May 29, 2019, gunpoint robbery in the Bronx targeting more than 150 kilograms of cocaine; his participation in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband, including narcotics and a firearm, into a federal detention facility; and his possession of that firearm while incarcerated.  On July 23, 2021, WHITE pled guilty before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, who imposed this sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Deejay White was responsible for a dangerous gunpoint robbery of more than 150 kilograms of cocaine that left several victims injured.  Even more troubling, after he was arrested and in jail, White continued to commit crimes.  White devised a perilous scheme to bring a gun and drugs into a federal prison.  White placed inmates, prison staff, and court personnel in grave danger.  This lengthy sentence sends a clear message that those who endanger others will be brought to justice.”

According to the Information, court documents, and statements made in open court:

In or about late May 2019, DEEJAY WHITE learned that a Bronx-based member of a Puerto Rico-based drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) was expecting a delivery of furniture, which concealed approximately 176 kilograms of cocaine.  WHITE and others planned a violent, gunpoint robbery of the DTO’s cocaine.  On May 29, 2019, WHITE drove to the Bronx apartment where the DTO’s cocaine was stored and parked outside with his wife and young child in the car.  Minutes later, four coconspirators forced entry into the apartment and held up the 10 victims, including four children, at gunpoint.  Two victims were pistol-whipped during the robbery, and a third sustained serious injuries after jumping out of the apartment’s third-floor window in an attempt to flee to safety.  One of the robbers threw a duffel bag containing dozens of kilograms of cocaine into WHITE’s car, which then drove off.

WHITE was arrested on November 25, 2019, on charges relating to the gunpoint robbery and conspiracy to distribute the stolen cocaine, ordered detained, and housed at the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”) in Manhattan.  Days after entering the MCC, WHITE began using contraband cellphones to conspire with others, including his wife, to commit additional crimes.  Among other things, WHITE directed his wife to smuggle drugs into in the MCC, including cocaine and oxycodone, which his wife did on multiple occasions.

In or about January 2020, WHITE conspired with his wife and others to have a loaded firearm smuggled inside the MCC, which they did successfully.  When Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) officials discovered a contraband cellphone in WHITE’s cell on or about February 26, 2020, WHITE reported to an MCC investigator that there was a gun inside the MCC.  WHITE lied to the MCC investigator about his own role in smuggling the firearm into the MCC.  Once alerted that there may be a firearm inside the MCC, the BOP imposed a lockdown, which lasted several days, while officials searched for the gun.  Following a search of the MCC, on or about March 5, 2020, WHITE’s loaded firearm was located inside a wall of WHITE’s MCC jail cell.

In addition to his prison term, WHITE, 45, of Chappaqua, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives , the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration , the New York Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New York State Police, the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New York, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General New York Field Office.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Governor Hochul Announces Second Phase of Third-Party Commercial Driver License Road Test Program to Address Truck and Bus Driver Shortage

Qualified Public and Private Entities Now Eligible To Participate

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the second phase of her plan to allow third parties to offer the Commercial Driver License road test, expanding eligibility to public and private entities. The program is one of a series of steps the Governor has taken to ease the critical shortage of bus and truck drivers. Any qualified third party is now eligible to apply for certification through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Governor Hochul announced the pilot phase of the program in January, which permitted certain agencies and authorities to work with the Department of Motor Vehicles to become certified.

"We are doing more than just getting drivers licensed and on the road — we are creating new avenues that will keep New York moving," Governor Hochul said. "By allowing third parties to offer road tests for truck and bus drivers, we will help get children to school, get vital goods where they need to go, and much more. My administration is committed to continuing efforts that will address commercial driver shortages, helping drive the state's economy forward."

This next phase will allow any qualified third-party entities in New York State, including school bus, tour bus, and trucking companies, to administer commercial driver's license road tests. This statewide effort is aimed at addressing the severe shortage of commercial drivers by increasing the number of testing sites statewide and reducing the wait time so that more licensed commercial drivers will be on the road faster.

After a successful pilot program earlier this year, which involved more than a dozen testing administrators statewide, the DMV is taking this next step to open up eligibility to all eligible third-party entities. The DMV has established a rigorous training and monitoring system to qualify CDL examiners to safely administer the road tests in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The application for becoming a third-party testing entity, including opportunities for "for-hire" entities, can be found on the DMV website.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "New York, like every state in the nation, has been experiencing a shortage of licensed commercial drivers, and empowered by Governor Hochul, we at DMV are taking action to change that. By approving these third parties to conduct commercial road tests, we are giving trucking and transportation companies the tools to get their newest drivers licensed and qualified to work, faster. These drivers are crucial to almost every aspect of life in New York in every corner of the state, and we are need more of them. DMV will be taking all measures possible to ensure the road tests administered by the third parties are done properly."

This new proposal is one of many steps the State has taken under the direction of Governor Hochul. Last year, Governor Hochul introduced a variety of measures by multiple state agencies to remove barriers and recruit more school bus drivers.

As part of that effort, the DMV expedited the process for obtaining a CDL by removing the 14-day waiting period between the permit test and the road tests. The State also increased capacity to administer road tests and, through cooperation with county-operated DMV offices, to increase testing capacity for written exams.

In addition, New York opened new CDL Driver Testing sites by partnering with SUNY, the Thruway Authority, New York Racing Association, and the New York State Office of General Services to use large lots on their various sites for the road test. For school staff who held an existing CDL, the State set up expedited testing to obtain a permit that allows them to drive vans and buses temporarily.

The Vehicle and Traffic Law was also amended in May to establish an intrastate CDL class A young adult training program. The law change has allowed the DMV to issue a Class A CDL to a person who is 18, 19, or 20 years old. A Class A CDL has expanded employment opportunities for young drivers and provided much needed relief to trucking companies facing a shortage of drivers. A Class A CDL is required to drive combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. Previously, drivers under the age of 21 can only obtain a Class B or Class C commercial license.

New Yorkers can find more information on obtaining a Commercial Driver License and find out how to become a school bus driver on the DMV website.