State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

 

Audits Investigate Accessibility at
State Parks and Colleges 

This week, State Comptroller DiNapoli released two audits to review if state parks and state colleges are complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The first found New York State parks generally met the ADA’s minimum standards but could be significantly improved to make them far more accessible.

“The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recognizes the importance of improving accessibility to the New York State parks system but must do a better job incorporating this goal into its processes for maintaining and operating its sites and improve its communications with and responsiveness to the public,” DiNapoli said.

DiNapoli’s audit of six State University of New York (SUNY) campuses found that accommodations have been provided to students who identify as having a disability, including outreach regarding available services. The audit found that the buildings and structures reviewed were ADA compliant, but identified 170 areas where accessibility could be improved. SUNY agreed to actively work to evaluate these areas and improve accessibility, along with improved disability services and required record keeping.

State Comptroller DiNapoli continues to be a staunch supporter and advocate for people with disabilities through the office’s work, including administering the New York’s ABLE program. The latest audits follow DiNapoli’s audit of New York City parks’ accessibility, along with a report on disability unemployment and an audit of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ emergency response in group homes, during the worst waves of COVID-19.

Read More

NYC's 2024 Budget Balanced, but Risks Loom

A $5.5 billion surplus from last fiscal year and $1.7 billion in savings from the City’s Program to Eliminate the Gap have helped New York City balance its $112.6 billion budget for city fiscal year (FY) 2024, despite $2.9 billion in costs in FY 2024 to address the influx of asylum seekers. However, spending and operational pressures from this influx have grown beyond the City’s ability to manage without a comprehensive federal policy response including funding, according to a report on the City’s June 2023 financial plan released by State Comptroller DiNapoli.

Read More

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Check Theft Scheme

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and the United States Postal Inspection Service announced that Gennady Galker pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree following an indictment that accused him of stealing checks totaling $31,149 from mailboxes in Brooklyn and using a false identity to cash them. His thefts included checks from the Jewish Communal Fund for local charities and from DiNapoli’s Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Read More

Oswego Teacher Charged With Stealing Over $4,000 From CiTi BOCES

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Oswego County District Attorney Gregory S. Oakes, and State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli announced that Oswego County adult literacy teacher William Fisher was charged with falsifying his time sheets to steal more than $4,000 from his employer, the Center for Instruction Technology (CiTi) and Innovation BOCES.

Read More

Former Assistant Clerk Charged with Stealing Nearly $4,000 From Village of Horseheads

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Chemung County District Attorney Weeden Wetmore and the New York State Police announced the arrest of Tammy Miele, former Assistant Clerk for the Village of Horseheads, for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 from the Village. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Chemung County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police.

Read More

Municipal & School Audits 

• Town of Ticonderoga – Capital Project Management
• Town of White Creek – Disbursements and Annual Financial Reports
• Brocton Central School District – Financial Management
• Clarendon Fire Company – Financial Activities
• Brocton Central School District – Claims Audit
• Morris Central School District – Fund Balance Management
• Village of Canaseraga – Claims Audit

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK 

Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription.  

Audit finds many state parks lack proper amenities for disabled visitors 

State Comptroller warns NY may not meet its climate goals 

 
NYC Faces Budget Gaps of $40 Billion Through 2027, DiNapoli Says 
 
DiNapoli warns of tougher budget year; urges caution for downstate casino budgeting 
 

Former Horseheads assistant clerk charged with stealing almost $4K in village funds 
 
Oswego County BOCES teacher charged with 3 felonies for stealing more than $4k from school 
 

To Mark National Immunization Awareness Month, Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Stay Up to Date on Vaccines as School Returns and Fall Nears

 

All New Yorkers Are Encouraged to Talk to Their Primary Care Doctor About Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Coming This Fall and Take Common-Sense Safety Precautions as Cases Rise

Parents and Guardians Are Encouraged to Contact Their Pediatrician to Discuss Vaccines for the Upcoming School Year; NYS School Immunization Requirements Published Here

Adults Can Find Out What Vaccines They Need with the CDC Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool

 Governor Kathy Hochul today recognized National Immunization Awareness Month with a reminder to parents and guardians to ensure their children are up to date on required vaccinations before heading back to school. The Governor and the New York State Department of Health also encouraged New Yorkers to prepare for the updated COVID-19 vaccine tailored to guard against new variants expected to arrive in pharmacies and doctor’s offices this fall, especially as the number of reported COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has increased in recent weeks.

“Immunizations are one of the most powerful tools of modern science, and we have seen their tremendous impact in our fight against the COVID-19 virus in recent years,” Governor Hochul said. “As we head into the new school year and into fall when respiratory viruses traditionally spread, it is important that everyone contact their health care providers to prepare and stay up to date on immunizations.”

Staying up to date on recommended vaccines – from required immunizations for schools to CDC-recommended vaccines for adults – can prevent spread of disease and protect individuals from serious illness resulting from exposure to disease.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “It’s about personal protection, personal prevention and personal wellness. We have the safest and most effective vaccines on the planet. During National Immunization Awareness Month, it’s a good time for parents, guardians, and pediatricians to take an active role in ensuring school-age children have all required vaccines before heading back to the classroom. And it is a great reminder to all of us the value of vaccines at preventing spread of and serious outcomes from vaccine-preventable disease.”

Children attending daycare and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines according to the required schedule to attend or remain in school. Parents should speak with a health care provider about their child's immunization records to catch up on any missing immunizations. Most private insurance plans are required to cover recommended vaccines at no cost. Parents or guardians of children who do not have health insurance or have a plan with out-of-pocket costs that are not affordable can still get vaccinated. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost for children under age 19 who qualify. Decades of research shows that vaccines prevent disease, save lives, and are safe and effective.

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for school attendance, the Governor and the Department of Health also recommend everyone speak to their health care provider about staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as a preventive measure. Though numbers remain low compared to the height of the pandemic, the latest data shows an increase in COVID-19 hospital admissions. The Department reminds New Yorkers that those who have symptoms should test for COVID-19, and those who test positive should contact their health care provider about possible treatment, which have been shown effective at reducing the chances of serious outcomes, including hospitalization or death.

National Immunization Month is a good time to highlight the importance of other routine vaccinations among people of any age. While it’s important for infants and children to get their recommended vaccines on time, immunizations are not just for children. Adults of all ages need immunizations to stay healthy because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. There are also risks of different diseases for adults, and vaccination is among the best preventive care measures available. Adults can find out what vaccines they need by using the CDC adult Vaccine Assessment Tool.

Today and every day, the Governor and the Department of Health remind New Yorkers that vaccines are safe, effective, and a critical strategy individuals should use to protect themselves and their local communities to keep them safe and healthy. Find the 2023-24 school year NYS immunization requirements here.

The NYS Vaccines for Adults program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible adults. Learn more here. Information on vaccine recommendations for international travel can be found here.