As Federal Student Loan Payments Resume This Month, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Borrowers to Avoid Scams

 

Student Loan Borrowers are Reminded to Only Use Trusted Government Websites and Not Respond to Unsolicited Offers of Student Loan Relief or Assistance

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help federal student loan borrowers avoid scams. As federal student loan borrowers resume payments this month after a three and a half year-long pause, this may cause confusion about the repayment process and make borrowers vulnerable to potential scams. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“The pause on federal student loan payments has officially ended, and many New Yorkers may be searching for new solutions to ease the burden of making their payments,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Unfortunately, potential scammers will also be using this time as an opportunity to take advantage of unsuspecting borrowers looking for relief or assistance. I’m reminding all student loan borrowers to be extra vigilant during this time and to read our tips to protect yourself from falling victim to a student loan scam.”

What You Need to Know to Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams:

• Don't trust any person or program that promises you special access or guaranteed eligibility. You might be contacted by a scammer saying they will help you get your loan cancelled or reduced for a fee. You will never need to pay for advice or help with your federal student loans or any deferment or income-based plans. All federal student loan borrowers can enroll directly and stay updated at no cost by contacting the U.S. Department of Education directly at StudentAid.gov. If you’re contacted unexpectedly with any of these offers, it's a scam. 

• Be wary of scammers that make false claims or say you have an incomplete application. If you have any questions about your application status, go directly to the U.S. Government federal student loan portal to access your account and confirm any details. To access the portal, go to StudentAid.gov.

• Stay updated with trusted information and sources.The U.S. Department of Education webpage provides borrowers with accurate and the most up-to-date information about the program. They also recommend logging in to your StudentAid.gov account to ensure your contact information is up to date and to sign up for alerts for when new information becomes available.

• Protect yourself from phishing scams. If you didn’t initiate the communication, don’t share your personal information. Keep your personal information, including your Federal Student Aid ID and social security number private. The U.S. Department of Education will never call or text you with a request of confidential information. Make sure you work only with the U.S. Department of Education and never reveal your personal information or account password to anyone. Genuine emails to borrowers will only come from noreply@studentaid.gov; noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov and gov@public.govdelivery.com.

• If you encounter a scam, report it.Contact the official Federal Student Aid website to file a complaint, or contact the Federal Trade Commission. The U.S. Department of Education offers additional tips and resources  You can also contact your loan servicing company or the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243. 

• Don’t forget to regularly monitor your credit report and score. As you begin the repayment process, stay one step ahead and make it a routine to check on your credit report and look for inconsistencies. Visit annualreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to get your free reports.

• Looking for help navigating your student loans? EDCAP (Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program) is an independent, New York State funded, nonprofit program of the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) that helps New Yorkers navigate the student loan system. They offer free, one-on-one counseling with their student loan experts. To schedule an appointment call (888) 614-5004 or email them at edcap@cssny.org for more information.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

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

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

Joint Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams and Housing & Buildings Chair Pierina Sanchez on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Denial of Legal Challenge to Rent Stabilization Law

 

“New York City needs more truly affordable housing, not less, and preservation of existing units under the Rent Stabilization Law enables New Yorkers to afford and remain in their homes. The Supreme Court’s decision today to deny a case challenging the legality of rent stabilization follows previous court precedent and is a welcome relief for New Yorkers. In the face of a national affordable housing shortage, the Rent Stabilization Law remains necessary in order to prevent harmful rent increases that threaten the stability of families and communities. As our city continues to confront a housing crisis that undermines affordability, contributing to record homelessness and a rising number of evictions, programs that preserve affordable housing must be a focus of our city, state and federal governments to protect from potential threats.”

Nigerian Man Sentenced To 66 Months In Prison For Business Email Compromise Scams

 

The Scams Perpetrated by Chibundu Joseph Anuebunwa and His Co-Defendants Resulted in More Than $2.5 Million in Losses

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHIBUNDU JOSEPH ANUEBUNWA was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 66 months in prison for his role in fraudulent business email compromise scams that targeted thousands of victims around the world, including in the United States.  Collectively, the scams attempted to defraud victims of over $3.5 million, resulting in over $2.5 million in actual losses to victims.  On June 29, 2023, ANUEBUNWA pled guilty to participating in a wire fraud conspiracy before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, who imposed today’s sentence.  In connection with the same conspiracy as ANUEBUNWA, co-defendant DAVID CHUKWUNEKE ADINDU was previously sentenced to 41 months in prison, and co-defendant ONYEKACHI EMMANUEL OPARA was previously extradited from South Africa and sentenced to five years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “From halfway around the world, Chibundu Joseph Anuebunwa tried to victimize thousands of people by stealing millions of dollars using fraudulent and deceptive emails that were sent to company employees in the United States and elsewhere.  He will now spend time in prison for these serious crimes.  Today’s sentence should deter scammers outside of the United States who may be tempted to steal money from American victims with cyberattacks and email scams.”

According to publicly filed court documents and statements made at public court proceedings:

Between 2014 and 2016, ANUEBUNWA, OPARA, and ADINDU participated in business email compromise scams (“BEC scams”) targeting thousands of victims around the world, including in the United States.  ANUEBUNWA sent bogus emails to employees of various companies directing that funds be transferred to specified bank accounts.  The emails purported to be from supervisors at those companies or third-party vendors that did business with those companies.  The emails, however, were not legitimate.  Rather, they were either from email accounts with a domain name that was very similar to a legitimate domain name, or the metadata in the emails had been modified so that the emails appeared as if they were from legitimate email addresses.  After victims complied with the fraudulent wiring instructions, the transferred funds were quickly withdrawn or moved into different bank accounts.  In total, the BEC scams attempted to defraud the victims of over $3.5 million, resulting in over $2.5 million in actual losses to victims.

ANUEBUNWA was arrested on March 16, 2021, in the United Kingdom and was extradited to the Southern District of New York on May 20, 2022.

In addition to the prison term, ANUEBUNWA, 30, of Lagos, Nigeria, was ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Mr. Williams also thanked United Kingdom authorities and the Yahoo E-Crime Investigations Team for their assistance in the investigation.  The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from the United Kingdom.

Governor Hochul Announces Auction of First Build-ready Project to Advance Large-scale Renewable Energy Development

Progress Under New York's Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act

Seeking Partner to Transform Former Mine in St. Lawrence County into One of the Largest Solar Projects in the Adirondack Park

Supports New York’s Goal for 70 Percent of the State’s Electricity to Come from Renewables by 2030

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the auction of New York State’s first Build-Ready project to advance large-scale renewable energy development across the state. The New York Energy Research and Development Authority is seeking a partner to transform a former mine in St. Lawrence County into one of the largest solar projects in the Adirondack Park. Today’s announcement represents progress under the State’s Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act and supports New York’s goal for 70 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“New York is leading the nation with our innovative approach to reach our clean energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “The Benson Mines solar project will transform otherwise underutilized land, supporting local industry while advancing New York’s clean energy transition. I look forward to moving forward with this project to provide lower-cost, zero emission energy to St. Lawrence County residents.”

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is the administrator of the State’s Build-Ready program and will facilitate the auction. Sited within the boundaries of Benson Mines on a former tailings pile, once operational, the 12-megawatt solar project to be located at the site is estimated to generate enough renewable energy to power up to 3,000 homes annually, which accounts for approximately 4 percent of St. Lawrence County’s residents.

NYSERDA has entered into an exclusive lease option agreement with Benson Mines Inc. for the project area and has fully permitted the project with the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). NYSERDA has also advanced the project to the mid-stage of the State’s interconnection process and will be providing interconnection cost estimates to eligible bidders. The awarded bidder will enter into agreements with NYSERDA to buy the project and complete the remaining development and construction needed to bring the envisioned solar project into operation.

NYSERDA will host an informational webinar to provide an overview of the project and the auction process on October 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interested parties can register for the webinar here.

The Request for Proposal is being implemented through a two-step process. Step one eligibility applications are due on December 7, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Proposers must meet all minimum eligibility qualifications and be invited to submit a proposal in step two. Step two proposals are due on March 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Interested proposers can review the application process here. NYSERDA anticipates notifying the awardee in the second quarter of 2024.

NYSERDA has worked with community leaders, business partners, and regional partner agencies to explore and advance community benefits associated with the project. NYSERDA also collaborated with the Town of Clifton to ensure the project complements the community's character and long-term economic development plans. NYSERDA and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (SLCIDA) are establishing a Host Community Improvement Benefit Fund to be managed by SLCIDA. The fund’s purpose is to advance and support projects that have local impact and align with community and regional interests. NYSERDA and SLCIDA are also advancing the project’s PILOT Agreement.

Benson Mines Inc. continues to operate as an aggregates and timber company. Developing the site for coexistent solar energy generation is consistent with Benson Mines' long-term goals to promote sustainable industrial development that revitalizes the local economy. Since the 19th century, Benson Mines has played a foundational role in the Towns of Clifton and Fine’s history and at its peak, the mine was considered the largest open pit iron-ore mine in the world, employing 840 workers. This solar project complements efforts by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council to encourage and support economic growth in the region's small cities and rural communities and aligns with the Adirondack Council's principles for the State, including the APA, to responsibly guide development of expanded renewable energy capacity inside the park, to fight climate change, and to provide benefits to communities.

 The Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act established the Build-Ready Program and directed NYSERDA to identify, assess, and facilitate the development of suitable sites for renewable power-generating facilities, giving priority to “previously developed sites” and “existing or abandoned commercial sites,” such as brownfields, landfills, or other disused or underutilized sites, and provide benefits to host communities. In October 2020, the New York Public Service Commission issued an order formally approving the Build-Ready Program. The Order reiterated that the Build-Ready Program will prioritize (1) advancing renewable energy projects on previously developed and existing or abandoned commercial sites and (2) providing benefits to communities hosting these sites.

The Build-Ready Program is currently advancing a pipeline of sites across New York State, having screened over 5,000 locations, and progressing dozens of sites through more advanced assessment and development as it prepares multiple solar projects across the state for future Build-Ready auctions. Local community members, elected officials, private companies, environmental justice communities, and other interested parties are encouraged to nominate potential Build-Ready sites, which will be considered on a rolling basis, through the program’s Site Nomination Process. More information about the program’s progress and NYSERDA’s plans for actively expanding the pipeline of potential sites on both public and private lands across New York State can be found on the Build-Ready program’s webpage.

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - This Week in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

Fall is in full swing and we are looking forward to all the great events happening throughout the district this season. Over the next few weeks, we hope to keep you updated on events occurring around District 13 centered on community outreach – such as the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study Community Engagement Public Workshop which will keep us informed about the our new Metro-North stations set to open at Hunts Point, Parkchester / Van Nest, Morris Park, and Co-Op City; as well as small business support services such as free legal services.

From movie nights to ‘HPD In Your District,’ I am committed to providing a variety of resources and programs across our community. For more information on these upcoming events, scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find construction and utility advisories, information regarding the Department of Corrections Exam, career development opportunities, English as a Second Language classes, mental health services, and more.  

To contact my office for additional information or for assistance, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Construction Advisory

Shore Road

The New York City Department of Transportation will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-land closures will continue from Monday, September 18 through Friday, October 20.

Daytime

• Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM

• Northbound and Southbound - 9 AM to 1 PM

Nighttime

• Northbound and Southbound - 10 PM to 7 AM

On Monday, October 2nd to Friday, October 27th, the New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue maintenance on the Hutchinson River Parkway Bridge over the Hutchinson River.

As a result, two northbound lanes of the bridge will be closed weeknights from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM (early morning). At least one lane of traffic will be accessible at all times

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study Community Engagement Public Workshop

With four new Metro-North stations set to open at Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park, and Co-Op City, in 2027, we want to hear from YOU!

Join us to learn more about Metro-North’s planning efforts, ask officials questions about the project, and provide feedback to support this ongoing project.

Upcoming events:

• 10/3 Public Workshop: Parkchester / Van Nest and Morris Park - Tuesday, October 3, 6-8 PM, P.S. 106 - The Parkchester Elementary School, 1514 Olmstead Ave, Bronx, NY 10462. Click here to register.

  
  

• 10/16 Public Workshop: Hunts Point Station Planning - Monday, October 16, 6-8 PM, The Point Community Development Corp, 940 Garrison Ave, Bronx, NY 10474 (Entrance on Manida St) - Click here to register.

  
  

• 10/18 Public Workshop: Co-Op City Station Planning - Wednesday, October 18, 6-8 PM, Section 5 Community Center, 135 Einstein Loop, Bronx, NY 10475 - Click here to register.

MTA Mobile Sales Van The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road, from 1 PM to 3 PM, on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace expired or damaged cards, and more. Notice of Public Hearing: Subcommittee on COVID Recovery & Resilience + Committee on Health On Wednesday, October 4 at 10 AM, the New York City Council Subcommittee on COVID Recovery & Resiliency and the Committee on Health will hold a public hearing: “Oversight: Analyzing the Summertime Surge in Covid-19 Cases.” If you are planning on testifying live in person or via video conferencing, please register in advance of the hearing at council.nyc.gov/testify. Each person who intends to testify live via Zoom should register separately. If you plan to testify in person, please bring twenty (20) copies double-sided of your written testimony to the hearing. Written testimony may be submitted without registration by emailing  testimony@council.nyc.gov or via the City Council’s website at council.nyc.gov/testify up to 72 hours after the close of the hearing.

Genomic Health Inc. Agrees to Pay $32.5 Million to Resolve Allegations Relating to the Submission of False Claims for Genetic Cancer Screening Tests

 

Genomic Health, Inc. (GHI), a Delaware corporation headquartered in Redwood City, California, has agreed to pay $32.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by engaging in a nationwide scheme to improperly bill Medicare for certain laboratory tests used to diagnose and treat cancer patients. GHI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation, which acquired GHI in November 2019.

GHI provides genomic-based clinical diagnostic tests. Its principal test, Oncotype DX®, is used for patients diagnosed with breast, colon and prostate cancer. The United States alleged that GHI perpetrated a scheme to evade Medicare’s 14-Day Rule, which governs the billing of genomic laboratory tests like Oncotype DX®.

During some or all of the time period covered by the settlement, Medicare’s 14-Day Rule prohibited laboratories from separately billing Medicare for covered tests if a physician ordered the test within 14 days of the patient’s discharge from a hospital stay in an inpatient or outpatient setting. For inpatient beneficiaries, such tests were covered under a lump-sum payment hospitals receive from the Medicare Program called the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment. For outpatient beneficiaries, Medicare’s 14-day Rule required (for most of the relevant time) tests ordered within 14 days of the patient’s discharge to be billed to the hospital but the hospital could then seek reimbursement from Medicare. However, if the test was performed more than 14 days after discharge from a hospital stay either in an inpatient or outpatient setting, then Medicare’s 14-Day Rule permitted laboratories to bill Medicare directly for the test. The United States contends that GHI improperly manipulated the 14-Day Rule in four ways:

• GHI sought direct reimbursement from the Medicare Program for claims on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries, when Oncotype DX® tests were ordered and submitted for testing within 14 days after an inpatient discharge. By submitting separate claims for these tests, GHI received direct payment for tests that should have been covered as part of the DRG payment to the hospital.
• GHI sought direct reimbursement from the Medicare Program for Oncotype DX® tests ordered within 14 days of a beneficiary’s outpatient procedure. By submitting separate claims for these tests, GHI received direct payment from Medicare for tests that should have been billed to the hospital.
• GHI conspired with and encouraged hospitals and physicians to cancel and reorder Oncotype DX® tests and failed to discourage providers who ordered tests within 14 days from canceling and reordering the tests after the 14-day time period had elapsed.
• GHI failed to send timely invoices to hospitals for laboratory services that fell under the 14 Day Rule and instead wrote off the unpaid fees for laboratory services, thereby violating the Anti-Kickback Statute.

“Participants in federal health care programs must comply with applicable rules when providing and billing for their services,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will use the tools at its disposal to prevent companies from manipulating these programs for their own monetary benefit.”

“This settlement rightly requires the payment of double damages caused by delayed tests for cancer patients for no reason other than to circumvent a Medicare requirement and allow improper payment to GHI,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to enforce Medicare rules to protect the program and its vital role in our health care system, especially for those suffering from the ravages of cancer.”

“Health care providers that unnecessarily delay services to evade Medicare requirements put their own profits over the well-being of vulnerable patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi D. Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “With our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG is committed to investigating potentially fraudulent billing that can compromise patient well-being and the integrity of our federal health care programs.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of allegations brought in two separate actions filed against GHI under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The relator’s share from the proceeds of the settlement in this case will be $5,687,500. The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Caughron v. Genomic Health, Inc., Civil Action No. 16-CV-4038 (EDNY) and United States ex rel. Doe v. Genomic Health, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 17-CV-4460 (EDNY).

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The cases were handled by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah B. Zwany and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anjna Kapoor for the Eastern District of New York and monitored by Senior Trial Counsel Sanjay M. Bhambhani of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch. The HHS-OIG and the FBI assisted in the investigation of these cases.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING $6 BILLION IN SPENDING WITH NYC’S M/WBE FIRMS IN FIRST FISCAL YEAR OF ADMINISTRATION

 

 Adams Administrations Contracted With Over 1,900 M/WBE Firms in Last Fiscal Year, Making City’s Budget More Equitable

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city set a new record for spending on city-certified minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23), the first full fiscal year of the Adams administration. City agencies and affiliated entities awarded over $6 billion in total to M/WBE firms in FY23 through OneNYC, contracting with a record-setting 1,903 certified vendor firms. The new city M/WBE figures include more than $1.4 billion in contracts awarded to M/WBEs under the Local Law 1 program — setting a record in M/WBE contracts since the program’s creation in 2013 — and tied the city’s highest-ever M/WBE utilization rate of 28 percent for one fiscal year. Mayor Adams made the announcement at the opening of the 15^th Annual Citywide Procurement Fair.

 

Earlier this year, Mayor Adams implemented expanded discretionary authority under the non-competitive purchase method, unleashing millions of dollars in additional contract awards to M/WBEs. Using that method, the city also awarded a record-setting $175 million dollars in contracts to M/WBEs — a 60 percent increase over FY22 and more than double the contract value in previous fiscal years.

 

“From our first day in office, we promised to place equity at the center of our administration, and our record-breaking investments in minority- and women-owned businesses are proof that we’re keeping that promise,” said Mayor Adams. “In Fiscal Year 2023, the city and its agencies in the OneNYC program awarded more than $6 billion in total to M/WBEs. That puts us well on our way to hitting our ambitious goal of $25 billion awarded to M/WBEs by 2026. Through these historic investments, we are giving underrepresented groups a chance at succeeding in the business world and creating a more equitable business landscape. We will continue moving full speed ahead to address the disparities certain business owners still face and expand our support of M/WBEs.”

 

“This administration is dedicated to driving more opportunities for diverse firms across our entire procurement — and the data we’re releasing today shows that our work is paying off,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “We’re delivering on our commitment to create an equitable business environment for all New York companies, and we’re proud of the work our M/WBE partners are doing to help us build a better city.”

 

“The city’s M/WBE program is one of our most powerful tools for expanding economic opportunity for businesses across the five boroughs, especially those that have historically been overlooked,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Fiscal Year 2023 was a banner year for the M/WBE program, and I look forward to partnering with my colleagues in government to push the city’s M/WBE program to even greater heights by actively engaging M/WBEs and providing them with the tools they need to be successful in landing contracts with the city.”

 

These figures represent major progress towards the aggressive OneNYC goals set forth by Mayor Adams to award $60 billion in M/WBE contracts by FY30 and come after a year of significant investments and new initiatives prioritizing M/WBEs, including:

 

Increasing affordable financing assistance for M/WBEs: In August 2023, the Adams administration expanded the Contract Financing Loan Fund, a revolving low-interest loan fund for M/WBEs, operated by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), that can be used for growing capacity, hiring, and capital improvements as they fulfill city contracts. The expansion will provide an additional $50 million in affordable financing to M/WBEs.

 

Expanding agency discretionary authority: Following the passage of a new state law, sponsored by New York State Senator James Sanders and New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and signed into law by New York Governor Kathy Hochul last year, the city implemented a policy authorizing agencies to award up to $1 million through the city’s M/WBE non-competitive procurement method, doubling the previous discretionary limit of $500,000. This expansion has paved the way for M/WBEs to better compete for small purchase contracts, and more than 60 percent of contract award value has gone to firms owned by Asian women or Black and Hispanic New Yorkers.

 

Addressing the “disparity within the disparity”: Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) launched its BE NYC Access series, which engaged Black-owned businesses to address their unique challenges. The series follows Mayor Adams’ Executive Order 26, addressing disparities among M/WBEs doing business with the city and his appointment of Michael J. Garner as New York City’s first-ever citywide chief business diversity officer.

 

Creating a more streamlined and accountable M/WBE program: Earlier this year, Mayor Adams signed Executive Order 34, ensuring that each city agency has a senior staff member empowered to prioritize M/WBE programming; standardizing data collection from city-affiliated entities that will help facilitate the city’s full, real-time M/WBE performance outcome tracking; creating more contracting opportunities for M/WBEs wherever practicable; and prioritizing M/WBE vendor firms for the city’s emergency contract procurements.

 

The announcement kicked off the 15th Annual Citywide Procurement Fair, hosted by SBS at Barclays Center and supported by the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation’s Social Justice Fund which was founded in 2020 by Clara Wu Tsai, the Vice Chair of BSE Global and owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.  The Fair showcased many of the city’s services designed to help M/WBEs find success, including on-site technical assistance for city certification, workshops to help firms leverage their profiles in the Online Directory of NYC Certified Businesses into competitive contacting bids, and networking opportunities with the city’s procurement leaders. The fair also highlighted procurement opportunities at city agencies and non-Mayoral authorities, with more than 80 exhibitor tables attracting 1,000+ M/WBEs. Local business owners learned about contracting processes at New York City Public Schools, the city’s Offshore Wind initiatives, prequalified lists, and major technology, construction, and human services initiatives in 10 “Opportunity Rooms” throughout the arena.

 

Additionally, SBS introduced the #CityCertified engagement campaign to encourage city agencies to work with the city’s pool of more than 10,000 experienced and successful M/WBEs ready for business and highlight the impact M/WBEs have on hiring local and building wealth in communities of color.

 

“The successes our M/WBE program have achieved this past fiscal year are a testament to the mayor’s vision to firmly place the city’s M/WBE program as a national model” said Chief Business Diversity Officer Michael J. Garner. “I commend the hard work our agencies’ M/WBE staff have invested into our program this past fiscal year and relish in our shared commitment to our city’s M/WBE community.  There is certainly a lot more work left to be done, but I firmly believe that we’re on the path towards achieving the mayor’s aggressive vision.  It’s documented that access to government contracts equals job creation, homeownership, better educational opportunities, and health care options.”

 

“M/WBEs get the job done — and the city’s annual procurement fair is the perfect opportunity to ensure M/WBEs play a central role in the city’s biggest projects,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “With over 10,000 city-certified M/WBEs ready to work, SBS is here to support their growth, provide financial assistance and business supports, and connect these local businesses with city contracting opportunities. Thanks to Mayor Adams’ continued focus and bold vision, we are working with our city agency partners to unleash the full potential of our M/WBE community. SBS is proud to have organized today’s procurement fair with the generous support of the Joe and Clara Wu Tsai Foundation and the Barclays Center, and we are all eager to demonstrate how today’s event will lead to stronger engagement with M/WBEs across the city.”

 

“The historical lack of equal representation in our procurement process makes our entire city worse off. It limits the availability of goods and services we can acquire, stunts the growth of local business in our great city, and signifies a process that is overly ridden with complexity and inequity,” said Mayor’s Office of Contract Services Director Lisa M. Flores. “Equal representation in New York City procurement has never existed, because the system has not been accessible for M/WBEs. Today, we can say the word ‘opportunity’ and have it mean the same thing for our M/WBEs as it does for all businesses operating in our city. Through necessary program reform and implementation of new processes, New York City is contracting smarter. It is putting money in the pockets of businesses serving our most vulnerable New Yorkers. This is evident by the record-breaking $1.4 billion in contracts awarded to M/WBEs in Fiscal Year 2023.”

  

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE’S STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT REJECTING A CHALLENGE TO RENT STABILIZATION

 

"I am relieved to see the Supreme Court reject this challenge to rent stabilization, an unconscionable effort by landlords to further put profit over people and exacerbate the housing and homelessness crisis. Even with a Rent Guidelines Board that under this mayoral administration has inexplicably continued to raise rents in an affordability crisis, our rent stabilization system and the protections that come with it are invaluable and indispensable.

"With two similar cases still pending, I remain wary, and hope that the Court will reject these challenges, which would undo decades of precedent and ultimately force countless New Yorkers from their homes in a city that already has the highest rents in the nation."