Cox: When Democrats Can’t Compete, They Cheat

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today released the following statement on the end of the legislative session:

“Democrats had no interest this session in addressing the mass exodus of citizens out of New York thanks to our crippling, anti-business tax and regulatory regime. Instead, in the session’s waning hours, they passed legislation that will only serve one purpose: to tighten their iron-clad grip on power in Albany.

“Moving local elections to even years effectively nationalizes elections in which voters would otherwise focus on local issues – issues which put Democrats’ atrocious mismanagement of this state in the spotlight.

“But when Democrats can’t compete, they cheat – just as we saw with their illegal gerrymander, which they are still pursuing.

“This bill is unconstitutional and will be challenged in court.”

 

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER PROTECTING ACCESS TO GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTH CARE IN NEW YORK CITY

 

As LGBTQ+ Rights Remain Under Attack Nationwide, EO Prevents Use of City Resources to Detain Individuals for Providing or Receiving Gender-Affirming Health Care Services 

Executive Order Denies Use of NYC Resources to Cooperate with Prosecution or Investigation from Other State of Individuals for Providing or Receiving Gender-Affirming Care 

Reaffirms NYC as National Leader and Supporter of LGBTQ+ Rights During Pride Month

In another effort to strongly support the LGBTQ+ community, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 32 to protect access to gender-affirming health care in New York City. The executive order prevents the use of city resources to detain any individual who is providing or receiving gender-affirming health care services in New York City. Additionally, the executive order denies the use of resources by the City of New York to cooperate with any prosecution or investigation by another state of an individual for providing or receiving gender-affirming care. As LGBTQ+ rights continue to be threatened across the country, Executive Order 32 reaffirms New York City’s historic place as a national leader and supporter for all seeking the health care and medical attention needed, especially for transgender and nonbinary people.

“As states across the nation continue their onslaught of attacks on our LGBTQ+ neighbors, New York City is doing what we have always done — standing up for justice and against discrimination,” said Mayor Adams. “This executive order reaffirms the fact that hate has no place in our city and that all people deserve the right to gender-affirming care and protection against prosecution for being who they are. To LGBTQ+ people across the nation feeling hurt, isolated, or threatened, we have a clear message for you: New York City has and will always be a welcoming home for you.”

Gender-affirming care is essential to the health and wellness of many transgender and non-binary people. Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which collectively represent 1.3 million doctors, have recognized the medical necessity of age-appropriate gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary people.

Nationwide, at least 20 states have passed repressive new laws that restrict the ability for minors to receive gender affirming care, and 34 states have introduced legislation to restrict or prohibit access to gender-affirming care for individuals 18 and older. In some states, if a health care provider violates these laws, that state could request New York City detain them if they are in the city. But, under Executive Order 32 signed by Mayor Adams today, these individuals will now be granted the protection and privacy in New York City to either receive or provide care that is medically needed. If a health care provider in a restricted state works with NYC Health + Hospitals, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or another city agency to provide gender-affirming services to support an individual, the City of New York will not cooperate with that state’s investigation of the provider.

“As LGBTQ+ people nationwide find themselves under attack for receiving the care they need, New York City is leading the nation to show what must be done,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “I applaud this administration for using the power of government to stand up and do what’s right by protecting rights that are under attack. Our city’s history is rooted in the Stonewall Inn and the founding of the modern LGBTQ+ movement. With today’s announcement, we are telling the nation that we have not forgotten our past and will continue to fight for the future.”

“From birthing the modern LGBTQ+ movement at the Stonewall Inn over 50 years ago to today hosting the nation’s largest Pride celebration, New York City remains the home of a vibrant and vital LGBTQ+ community — and we intend to keep it that way,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “That’s why today’s executive order is paramount to reaffirming our commitment to protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This announcement makes it clear that New York City will continue to honor its legacy as a safe haven for all people.”

“From day one, this administration pledged to stand up for those under attack, facing oppression, and being denied their basic rights,” Chief Advisor Ingrid Lewis Martin. “Today’s announcement is a reaffirmation of that pledge by using the power of government to support all of our neighbors in need. I am proud to work alongside colleagues who are stepping up to meet this moment and be a model for our nation.” 

“Across the country, the rights of transgender individuals are under attack from a small and cynical group who are stoking fear and hatred to enact punishing legislation,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Brendan McGuire. “Today’s executive order signed by Mayor Adams sends a powerful message that New York City will remain a safe haven for the entire LGBTQ+ community, and particularly for transgender individuals seeking to live their best and safest lives.”   

“Health care is a human right. This holds for the LGBTQ+ community and for every community across New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The executive order Mayor Adams signed today will add to the city’s efforts to protect gender-affirming care and show, once again, that New York City stands up for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.”

“Public health is public safety, and that includes access to health care for all,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “New York City has always been a place that is safe and welcoming for everyone, and we are going to stay that way.”

“Human rights and public health go hand in hand,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Pride is a time to honor the legacy of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for justice, and nowhere is this fight clearer than in access to lifesaving and life-affirming health care. It is also a time to advance the rights of the community and make even more history. This order does just that and ensures New York City is on the right side of this important history, continuing its commitment to providing high-quality, equitable health care to all.”

“Health care is a basic human right and no one should be punished for providing or seeking care that is essential to a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our Pride Health Centers offer gender-affirming care in a setting that is welcoming, respectful, and empowers patients to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “I applaud Mayor Adams for continuing to make New York City a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community and for allowing us to provide high-quality, comprehensive health care to anyone who walks through our doors.”

“New York City has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix. “Through this executive order, the city makes it clear that it will not aid the discriminatory efforts of other states seeking to restrict the right of individuals to access the health care they need. I commend Mayor Adams for providing these protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community, whose rights continue to be threatened.”  

“As states continue to pass measures stripping away LGBTQ+ rights, we need to fight on every front — from corporate boardrooms to Congress,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Keith Howard. “We must learn from history that health care is a right — not a privilege. The Department of Youth and Community Development joins Mayor Adams during Pride Month in taking this bold step and sending a defiant message: The birthplace of the LGBTQ+ rights movement will firmly stand against oppression and uplift communities that make New York City the greatest city in the world.”

“New York City has long been at the forefront of the movement for LGBTQ+ equality, and today’s announcement reaffirms our unwavering commitment to building a safe and inclusive city for all,” said Mayor’s Office of Equity Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “As the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community come under increasing attack in states across the nation, we must uplift and affirm everyone’s right to access care with dignity and without fear.”

“The freedom to live as your authentic self will always be protected in New York City,” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Annabel Palma. “As transgender and non-binary communities continue to be targeted across the nation, we are proud that New York City protects transgender and non-binary individuals from discrimination. We applaud Mayor Adams for continuing to support those who provide essential care to trans and non-binary people.”

“New York City continues to lead the nation in its support of LGBTQ+ communities,” said Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes Executive Director Hassan Naveed. “I am proud of Mayor Adams and this administration’s commitment in taking a stance against hate and discrimination and providing these protections to LGBTQ+ people.”

Today’s executive order is another step the Adams administration has taken to support the LGBTQ+ community. Last week, Mayor Adams, the New York City Police Department Community Affairs Bureau, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit announced a new process for New Yorkers to contact the NYPD to re-examine cases involving LGBTQ+ victims, including cold cases.

DEC ANNOUNCES OPENING OF 2023 BLACK BASS SEASON

 

Top Quality Bass Fishing Opportunities throughout New York State 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that the open (harvest) season for largemouth and smallmouth bass, collectively known as black bass, begins June 15 and runs through Nov. 30. For most of the state, a catch-and-release season exists from Dec. 1 through June 14. Special fishing regulations exist for some waters, so anglers should check the current fishing regulations before heading out to fish.

“New York is home to some of the world's best fishing destinations, especially for largemouth and smallmouth bass,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage anglers of all abilities to get outside and explore the many special bass fishing opportunities our state has to offer.”

Many New York waters consistently rank among the best bass angling destinations in the country. In September 2022, Bassmaster Magazine ranked the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands) as the best bass ‘lake’ in the nation, with Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River coming in at #8. Other New York waters that made their list of the top 100 bass waters included Lake Champlain and Cayuga, Oneida, and Chautauqua lakes. All of these waters provide the opportunity to catch trophy bass, but anglers don’t have to venture far from home to catch New York's top sportfish. Both species are widespread across the state and thrive in waters of all sizes.

Be sure to check out DEC’s Places to Fish and Warmwater Fishing webpages for more information on where to go bass fishing. Bass anglers are also encouraged to check out DEC's 'Tackle Box' feature in the HuntFishNY App, which provides anglers one-stop shopping for waterbody-specific information on fishing regulations, stocking, and fishing/boating access sites.

Bass can be readily caught both from shore and by boat and there are many simple, yet effective, techniques like wacky rigging, that can be used to catch them. If you’re new to fishing check out the I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Fishing which has all the information you need to get started. There’s also a “how-to” video series on DEC’s YouTube channel.

DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries recognizes catches of big sportfish, including state records, through the Angler Achievement Awards program. Largemouth bass 20 inches and over and smallmouth bass 18 inches and over qualify for awards. Last year, 79 largemouth bass and smallmouth bass qualified for the Catch and Release Category, with the longest measuring 22.5 inches. If anglers catch a big bass this year, please advise DEC.

Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million Commercial and Industrial Accelerated Efficiency Program to Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption

 

Up to $5 Million Per Project Now Available for Eligible Projects Proposed to Be Completed and Operational by 2025

Accelerates Progress Toward State's Nation-Leading Climate Goals of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions 85 Percent by 2050

Helps Ensure At Least 35 Percent of the Benefits of Clean Energy Investments Are Directed to Disadvantaged Communities

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the $10 million Commercial and Industrial Accelerated Efficiency Program. This program assists large energy-intensive entities in their efforts to reduce on-site consumption of fossil fuels through energy efficiency and electrification actions. This program will provide up to $5 million per project that is proposed to be completed and operational by 2025. Today's announcement helps advance the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and ensure at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities.

"Through this new initiative, we are providing the commercial and industrial sectors of New York's economy with critical incentives to implement projects that reduce their carbon footprint and help meet our ambitious climate goals," Governor Hochul said. "I am heartened by the increasing number of companies that are seeking ways to advance our work in creating more resilient communities  especially those historically left behind  as we continue to bring meaningful health and economic benefits to all New Yorkers as part of our expanding green economy."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen Harris said, "Launching this new program demonstrates NYSERDA's commitment to investing in partnerships that help to make some of New York's largest energy users cleaner and more efficient. The commitments to energy efficiency and reducing on-site emissions from these operations will reduce pollution in our communities, pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future, and serve as an example of climate action for other large energy users."

The program is designed to reduce emissions from operations in difficult-to-decarbonize and energy intensive sectors and eliminate harmful co-pollutants in the communities of operation. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) scoring criteria gives preference for greenhouse gas emission reductions that occur in designated disadvantaged communities and deliver benefits in such communities.

The program is open to key manufacturing industries and commercial campus settings such as: paper; petroleum; primary metals; non-metallic minerals; chemicals; food; fabricated metal products; transportation equipment; computers and electronics; college and university campuses; and health care facility campuses. Support operations such as warehousing and distribution sites, miningand extraction, as well as water and wastewater are also eligible. For additional qualification requirements, please visit NYSERDA's website.

The program is open to commercial building owners whose energy expenditures are at least $1 million annually and industrial companies who spend at least $500,000 on energy annually. Additionally, Proposers will be required to identify an energy saving goal and projects they will complete to meet that target. Awards will range from $500,000 to $5 million. Selection will be based on ranked scores that prioritize large thermal energy savings, emissions savings, cost effectiveness, peak load reduction, and accelerated installations. Projects must use commercially available technology and be installed within a two-year period.

Examples of eligible measures include:

• Energy efficiency improvements
• Process efficiency improvements
• Energy/ heat recovery
• Ground-source and air-source heat pumps
• Electrification of thermal loads
• Energy Management Systems and controls
• Operations and Maintenance improvements

Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on August 31, 2023. More information about the program is available on NYSERDA's website.

Funding for this initiative is through the State's 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. More information about this funding is available on NYSERDA's website.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

Comptroller Lander Criticizes Adams Administration’s 6-Months Delayed Deliverista Subminimum Wage Weakened by App Corporate Lobbying

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who as a Council Member lead-sponsored Local Law 115 of 2021 that required the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to promulgate rules establishing minimum payments for food delivery workers by January 1, 2023, issued the following statement on Mayor Adams’ announcement of those rules:

“City Hall acquiesced to the lobbying of multi-billion dollar app companies, delaying the raises owed to deliveristas six months ago and setting a subminimum wage standard that pads corporate profits off the backs of some of the hardest workers in our city.

“Delivery workers should be paid at least the minimum wage after expenses, for every hour they work including the time spent waiting for their next delivery. Today’s watered-down rule fails to require that. Hidden under regulatory double-speak, the rule’s average base wage for a deliverista will be just $12.69 per hour after expenses this year, according to our office’s calculations.

“Workers Justice Project and Los Deliveristas Unidos ran a courageous campaign that commanded attention to the grueling conditions of some of the most vulnerable workers in our city and won a package of groundbreaking legislation, including the first-in-the-nation pay standard. I respect their decision to stand with the Mayor today to announce its overdue adoption.  A subminimum pay standard is better than no pay standard at all.

“But our city can and should do better by the essential workers we applauded during the pandemic and rely on every day.”

Background 

Local Law 115 passed in September 2021. DCWP initially proposed rules in November 2022. The January 1, 2023 deadline passed without a rule in place, so delivery workers did not receive the raise they were owed by law.

After extensive lobbying by DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber, DCWP issued a second, revised set of rules in March 2023 that reduced the pay formula by more than $3 an hour and will result in an average base wage of just $12.69 per hour after expenses.

The Comptroller’s analysis of the adopted rule is available here.

MAYOR ADAMS, DOT COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ BRING “SUMMER STREETS” TO ALL FIVE BOROUGHS

 

New Yorkers Will Enjoy 20 Miles of Car-Free Streets and Programming Over Five Saturdays This Summer, Including Harlem for First Time

 

Builds on Mayor Adams’ Expansion of Summer Streets Into East Harlem Last Year and Ongoing Efforts to Equitably Provide Vibrant Public Spaces Across New York City

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a major expansion of “Summer Streets,” bringing the popular program to all five boroughs over five Saturdays between July and August and doubling its size to span car-free 20 miles. The five-borough Summer Streets program builds on Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Agenda” and game-changing $375 million investment in creating vibrant, accessible public spaces across the entire city.

 

Building on last summer’s two-mile expansion into East Harlem and the restoration of the three-Saturday schedule, this year’s program will be the most ambitious version since Summer Streets launched in 2008 and brings a continued focus on equity. More than 500,000 people walked, ran, cycled, or played on Summer Streets last year.

 

“Something special happens when we open our streets to New Yorkers — so this year, we’re more than doubling the size of the Summer Streets programming and offering 20 miles of car-free streets across all five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “This is a bold new vision for public space in New York City — a bold new way of empowering residents, supporting local businesses, and creating open spaces. Every single New Yorker deserves access to safe, free, open space, and this administration is making it happen.”

 

“For the last 15 years, our city’s highly successful and much-loved Summer Streets program — a.k.a. the best block party in the city — was only held in Manhattan. With today’s announcement, the Adams administration is bringing the fun to all five boroughs,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “Throughout summer 2023, New Yorkers will get to enjoy car-free boulevards in every borough, bringing miles of smiles to all of us who are fortunate enough to spend our summers in the city. Thank you to the Department of Transportation for this incredible program.”

 

“Thanks to Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are bringing an unprecedented number of Summer Streets to the people,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “We are not only expanding the mileage of the Summer Streets program that New Yorkers have grown to love on Park Avenue, but we are also going to the Grand Concourse, Vernon Boulevard, Eastern Parkway, and Richmond Terrace to transform iconic streets in each borough. We thank the community leaders, advocates, and elected officials who so effectively championed this beloved program’s expansion — and we cannot wait to see you out along 20 miles of Summer Streets this summer!”

Summer Streets 2022 in Lower Manhattan. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

Summer Streets 2022 on the Upper East Side. Credit: New York City Department of Transportation

Summer Streets this year will operate during its traditional hours between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM on the following dates and streets:

 

Saturday, July 29: Queens and Staten Island

 

Summer Streets in Queens will run along Vernon Boulevard, from 44^th Drive to 30^th Drive. The program will allow users to enjoy the entire Queens waterfront in Long Island City and Astoria.

 

Summer Streets on Staten Island will run along Richmond Terrace, from York Avenue to Bard Avenue. The program will allow users to access the entire waterfront roadway along Staten Island’s North Shore thoroughfare.

 

Saturday, August 5, 12, and 19: Manhattan

 

Summer Streets in Manhattan will extend the traditional route from Brooklyn Bridge all the way into Harlem, traveling along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue up to 109^th Street; on Central Park North from Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard; and finally along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 110^th Street to 125^th Street.

 

Saturday, August 26: Brooklyn and the Bronx

 

Summer Streets in Brooklyn will travel along Eastern Parkway, from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue, connecting Prospect Heights and Brownsville along the same route as the Caribbean Day Parade — one of the city’s most popular annual events.

 

Summer Streets in the Bronx will follow Grand Concourse, from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway, opening a major corridor to people from the west to the north Bronx.

 

Programming will be updated online periodically. Organizations interested in hosting activities, performances, or other programming should complete DOT’s Summer Streets 2023 partner survey.

 

Summer Streets sponsors this year include Vita Coco, Cabot Creamery, I LOVE NY, C4 Energy, Forager Project, Super Coffee, Boxed Water, and Core Power Yoga. WABC-TV will serve as Summer Streets official media sponsor.

 

Mayor Eric Adams Attends Street Co-Naming for PFC Luis Moreno

 

Mayor Eric Adams Attends Street Co-Naming for PFC Luis Moreno

Private First Class Luis Moreno enlisted in the Army after graduating high school. His dream was to become a police officer and he did his basic training at Fort Riley Kansas before being sent to to Baghdad Iraq. Luis Moreno was only nineteen years old, not able to go into a bar in New York State to get a drink, but he was guarding a gasoline depot on January 23, 2004 when he was shot. Because of his injuries Luis Moreno was transferred to the Lakenheath Medical Treatment Facility in the United Kingdom where he died on January 29, 2004.

On Saturday June 10, 2023 thanks to the Dominican Veterans of America and City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez the Southwest corner of the intersection of the Grand Concourse and Fordham Road directly opposite the Armed Forces recruiting station where Luis Moreno signed up to join the Army was renamed Private First Class Luis Moreno Way. 

To honor PFC Luis Moreno, Mayor Eric Adams, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Luis Sepulveda, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Bronx VFW Commander Gene De Francis, Dominican Veteran Sammy Ravelo, and many others who came to celebrate the street co-naming in honor of PFC Luis Moreno 

A photo of PFC Luis Moreno in his Army uniform.

Veteran Sammy Ravelo of the Dominican Veterans of America was the emcee for the Luis Moreno street co-naming ceremony.

City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez gave the Opening Remarks then Niurka Simo read a biography of PFC Luis Moreno.

Brother Manuel Moreno Jr. gave remarks from the Moreno family.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson gave the Moreno family a proclamation in honor of PFC Luis Moreno. State Senator Luis Sepulveda (left) holds a State Senate proclamation he also presented to the Moreno family. 

Mayor Eric Adams arrived as Congressman Adriano Espaillat was speaking.

Mayor Adams spoke of losing his uncle in the Vietnam war, he then spoke of PFC Moreno giving the highest sacrifice, that of his life so America can be free today.

Mayor Adams is with Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, and family member Manuel Moreno Jr. holding the Borough President's proclamation.

State Senator Luis Sepulveda is with Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth Moreno and Manuel Moren Jr. who holds the State Senate proclamation. 

After a few more speeches the Moreno family was presented with a second street sign Private First Class Luis Moreno Way held by Mayor Adams, Councilwoman Sanchez, and Marine Lance Corporal Kenneth Moreno. Members of the Moreno family hold up the proclamations given to the family by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and State Senator Luis Sepulveda.

The new street sign Private First Class Luis Moreno Way was unveiled as it sits right under the street sign Grand Concourse at the corner of Fordham Road. A photo of PFC Luis Moreno was on the back of t-shirts that were made up for the street conaming.

 

NYS Inspector General Releases Annual Report on Gaming

 

NYS Inspector General Lucy Lang released the 2022 Annual Report on Gaming Commission Oversight, which details the Office’s continued efforts to promote transparency and accountability in New York State’s gaming activities. Since the Gaming Inspector General was brought under the umbrella of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General (OIG) in June of 2021, OIG has embraced the duty to ensure that all lawful gaming is of the highest integrity.

The 2022 Annual Report demonstrates OIG’s commitment to gaming oversight, to training employees of the New York State Gaming Commission in best practices, and to increasing OIG’s visibility in the gaming industry statewide. Specifically, in 2022, OIG saw a nearly 150% increase in complaints received as compared to 2021. Of these complaints, OIG investigations were opened into a number of matters while others resulted in recommendations to the Commission based on investigative findings. Additionally, in 2022, OIG fulfilled its statutory mandate to provide training to the hundreds of Commission employees assigned to 35 facilities statewide.

By ramping up its efforts to establish a presence with Commission employees, OIG also conducted in-person training for over 200 employees and conducted multiple site visits across the state.

Reflecting on her office’s work Lang shared, "As gaming expands across New York State and virtually, I am committed to protecting participating New Yorkers from unfair practices, and to ensuring healthy competition is matched with robust oversight that emphasizes transparency, integrity and equity. Thanks to Deputy Inspector General for Gaming Lisa Lee, OIG staff have taken part in dozens of gaming-focused trainings and we have strengthened our oversight abilities by continuing the process of fully integrating the former Office of the Gaming Inspector General into the Offices of the Inspector General.”

Read the IG’s complete report here, and follow the office’s work @NewYorkStateIG.