NYS Private Sector Employment Down 10,300 Jobs in October 2023

 

Labor Force Participation Rate Remains at Its Highest Level in Over a Decade

According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased over the month by 10,300, or 0.1%, to 8,252,000 in October 2023. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.1% in October 2023.

New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 97,400, or 1.2%, over the year in October 2023, which was less than the 1.8% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.

New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October 2023. At the same time, New York State's labor force (seasonally adjusted) decreased by 1,900. As a result, the statewide labor force participation rate held constant at 61.6% in October 2023, maintaining its highest level in more than a decade.

The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State

Note: Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, October 2022 versus October 2023.

Statewide Industry Employment

October 2023 – Seasonally Adjusted

• On a net basis, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the state decreased by 22,700 over the month, while private sector jobs decreased by 10,300 in October 2023.
• At the same time, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the nation increased by 150,000, while private sector jobs increased by 99,000.

NYS Trails Nation in Job Growth

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, September – October 2023

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Decreased in October 2023 Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), January 1990 – October 2023 Statewide Unemployment October 2023 – Seasonally Adjusted The statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in September to 4.2% in October 2023. New York City’s unemployment rate increased from 5.3% to 5.4%. Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate increased from 3.1% in September to 3.3% in October 2023. The number of unemployed New Yorkers increased over the month by 17,000, from 392,500 in September to 409,500 in October 2023. NYS Unemployment Rate Increased Over the Month Labor Force Statistics, September 2022, September – October 2023 Labor Force Decreased and Number of Unemployed Increased in October Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, January 2009 – October 2023 Unemployment Rate Increased in NYS and US Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, January 2009 – October 2023 Unemployment Rate Increased in NYC and Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, January 2009 – October 2023 Substate and Industry Employment  October 2023 – Not Seasonally Adjusted New York State Gains Private Sector Jobs Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, October 2022 – October 2023 Note: The sum of sub-state area job estimates will usually differ from the New York State total. This is because the State total is calculated separately from the sub-state areas and is estimated based on an independent sample. Private Education & Health Services Jobs Increased by 5.7% Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector, October 2022 – October 2023 *Government includes public education and public health services. Note: The responsibility for the production of monthly estimates of state and metro area nonfarm employment by industry moved from the NYS Department of Labor’s Division of Research and Statistics to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), starting with the March 2011 estimates. More detailed information on the change is available on the BLS web site. Many economic data series have a seasonal pattern, which means they tend to occur at the same time each year (e.g., retail jobs usually increase in December). Seasonal adjustment is the process of removing seasonal effects from a data series. This is done to simplify the data so that they may be more easily interpreted and help to reveal true underlying trends. Seasonal adjustment permits comparisons of data from one month to data from any other month. In New York State, payroll jobs data by industry come from a monthly survey of business establishments conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data are preliminary and subject to revision. Jobs data by industry do not include agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers, or domestic workers in private households. Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate is based partly upon the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York each month.  Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

The East Bronx History Forum is holding its 179th meeting on Tuesday, November 21st at 7:30 pm with an in-person presentation by retired United States Army Brigadier General Edward V. Kelly. The location of this month’s meeting is the First Lutheran Church located at 3075 Baisley Avenue.

 

The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its 179th meeting on Tuesday, November 21st at 7:30 pm with an in-person presentation by retired United States Army Brigadier General Edward V. Kelly. The location of this month’s meeting will take place at the First Lutheran Church located at 3075 Baisley Avenue.​

Mr. Edward V. Kelly’s subject will be events surrounding the 1895 annexation by the City of New York of the Westchester County towns east of the Bronx River and south of Mt. Vernon and Pelham. The particular focus will be on the expansion of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) into the areas of the east Bronx. Some points of interest of the talk will include discussions about the history of the fire companies, their locations and the architecture of the firehouses.

Some of the original companies when the annexation took place will be discussed in detail such as Engine Company 61 in Westchester Square, Engine 62 in Williamsbridge, Engine 63 in Wakefield and Engine 64 in Unionport. Many firehouses over time have gained nicknames such as two others up for discussion Engine 90 in Van Nest, known as 90 Proof and Engine 97 in Pelham Gardens commonly referred to as the Astor Hilton. Aside from some flashy nicknames, two of FDNY’s properties have gained landmark status within the past six months, Engine Company 88 in Belmont and the Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office Communications Office in West Farms. The History Forum was proud to support and advocate for the designation of these two architectural gems.

Edward V. Kelly is an Honorary Assistant Chief of Department, Fire Department, City of New York and has researched and written the centennial histories of several FDNY units. He was born and raised in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx and graduated from Power Memorial Academy (1965) in Manhattan and United States Military Academy at West Point (1970). He has since retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General.

We look forward to seeing you for this fascinating talk about the architecture and history of Bronx firehouses. The entrance to the lecture is just off of Baisley Avenue on Hollywood Avenue. Bring a friend and make it an enjoyable evening and let’s show our support not just for the firehouses but our appreciation to the individuals who occupy them, New York’s Bravest. For more information, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram or at

our website at www.BronxNYC.com or email us at eastbronxhistory@gmail.com. 

Criminal Defense Attorney Pleads Guilty To Decade-Long Federal Court Bribery Scheme

 

Lawyer Paid Illegal Bribes and Compensation to a Federal Court Employee Since 2011 and Lied to Federal Agents Investigating the Scheme

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TELESFORO DEL VALLE, JR., a/k/a “Ted,” a criminal defense attorney who has appeared in cases in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (“SDNY District Court”) and elsewhere for more than 20 years, pled guilty to charges of conspiracy, bribery, paying illegal compensation to a court employee, and making material false statements to law enforcement to conceal his crimes.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Practicing law, particularly criminal law, demands integrity and honesty.  The public relies on attorneys and court employees to maintain and validate its faith in our criminal justice system.  As he admitted, Del Valle Jr. betrayed that trust by engaging in a scheme that spanned more than a decade and corrupted the fair administration of justice for personal gain.  My Office will always pursue corrupt actors without fear or favor.  The people in our District and this country deserve nothing less.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment:[1]

DEL VALLE is a private attorney who has appeared in numerous federal criminal cases pending before the SDNY District Court.  DIONISIO FIGUEROA, a/k/a “Dionicio,” a clerk in the SDNY Magistrate Clerk’s Office since in or about 2002, was responsible for performing duties that included, among other things, making data entries regarding official case events in criminal cases, making summary entries of documents and proceedings on case dockets, and performing inquiries and furnishing information, either in person or by correspondence, regarding the status of cases.  FIGUEROA also played a role with respect to the intake of criminal cases, including by preparing appearance bonds, advising defendants and their family members about the conditions of the bonds, and ensuring that appearance bonds were signed by all parties prior to a defendant’s release. 

SDNY District Court personnel policies prohibited FIGUEROA from, among other things, having outside employment that would pose a conflict of interest; receiving payments, gifts, or other benefits from persons having business before the District Court; and recommending particular attorneys to members of the public.  FIGUEROA was also subject to the U. S. Courts’ Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (the “Code of Conduct”), which cautioned judicial employees that “[a] number of criminal statutes of general applicability govern federal employees’ performance of official duties.  These include:  18 U.S.C. § 201 (bribery of public officials and witnesses) . . .”  The Code of Conduct likewise admonished, among other things, that “[a] judicial employee should never influence or attempt to influence the assignment of cases, or perform any discretionary or ministerial function of the court in a manner that improperly favors any litigant or attorney, nor should a judicial employee imply that he or she is in a position to do so.” 

Between at least 2011 and 2022, DEL VALLE and FIGUEROA engaged in a scheme whereby FIGUEROA used his position as an employee of the SDNY District Court to encourage criminal defendants to retain DEL VALLE to represent them in pending criminal cases.  In return, DEL VALLE paid FIGUEROA a portion of the fees referred clients paid to DEL VALLE.  Over the course of more than a decade, FIGUEROA referred at least 45 SDNY criminal defendants to DEL VALLE, and DEL VALLE paid FIGUEROA tens of thousands of dollars in referral fees.  DEL VALLE paid FIGUEROA directly and through an intermediary who would pick up envelopes of cash for FIGUEROA from DEL VALLE’s law office.  Many of the clients who ended up retaining and paying DEL VALLE previously had been assigned court-appointed counsel at no cost to them.

In November 2022, federal law enforcement agents separately interviewed both DEL VALLE and FIGUEROA after advising each that lying to federal law enforcement agents is a federal crime.  DEL VALLE and FIGUEROA each made materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements and representations in response to the agents’ questions.  In particular, DEL VALLE, upon being served with a federal grand jury subpoena requiring the production of records from his law firm, falsely denied having any records reflecting client referrals from or payments to FIGUEROA or anyone else.  FIGUEROA falsely denied making any referrals to DEL VALLE, except on a small number of occasions concerning close relations or friends, and further falsely denied ever having received payments from DEL VALLE for referrals.

DEL VALLE, 65, of Leonia, New Jersey, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to bribe a federal employee and pay illegal compensation to a judicial employee, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; one count of bribery of a federal employee, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of paying illegal compensation to a judicial employee, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison; and one count of making material false statements, which carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2024, before the Hon. Mae A. D’Agostino, U. S. District Judge for the Northern District of New York, sitting by designation.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

FIGUEROA has pled not guilty to the charges contained in the Indictment, which are merely accusations, and the trial in his case is scheduled to begin on December 4, 2023.  FIGUEROA is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Balsamello, Jarrod L. Schaeffer, and Stephanie Simon have charge of the prosecution.

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

45 Days After Department of Homeland Security Expanded Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Work Authorization Efforts for Migrants and Asylum Seekers

 

More than 5,500 Work Authorization Applications Have Been Completed Since October

In Upstate New York 716 Work Authorization Applications and 621 TPS Applications Have Been Filed; Nearly 90 Percent of Eligible Asylum Seekers Have Filed or are in the Process of Filing TPS Applications

In New York City More than 4,800 Work Authorization and 2,200 TPS Applications Have Been Filed

Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update on temporary protection status applications for Venezuelan asylum seekers and migrants. In New York State, more than 2,800 applications have been completed since eligibility for TPS was expanded last month. Today's update builds on the State's existing $50 million commitment for casework and legal services, which the Governor announced in September. In total, more than 4,800 work authorization applications and more than 2,800 TPS applications have been completed in the past 45 days.

“Migrants and asylum seekers came here to work, and we can solve this crisis by getting them into stable jobs and independent living," Governor Hochul said. "I have directed my Administration to provide significant resources and support to help as many migrants and asylum seekers as possible attain legal work status. We have more than 450,000 open jobs in New York -- once a migrant or asylum seeker can legally work, they can leave temporary shelters or hotels and begin a new life."

New York State's Office for New Americans has identified 805 Venezuelans who were relocated to Upstate hotels by New York City. All members of this group have been counseled by state contracted local nonprofits and nearly 90 percent of those eligible have filed or are in the process of filing TPS applications. Specifically, 621 TPS applications have been filed and an additional 85 are in process.

Governor Hochul has also assigned Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos to coordinate legal services with New York City. The State has identified locations for the federal team as well as supported expanded services across New York City. This builds on the ongoing work occurring at the State funded, City run, Asylum Application Help Center.

Responding to New York’s Migrant Crisis

Governor Hochul has identified work authorization as the path out of this crisis, allowing migrants and asylum seekers to leave taxpayer-funded shelters and begin living independently as generations of immigrants have done. After months of advocacy from Governor Hochul and a broad coalition of political, civic and business leaders, the White House announced plans to grant Temporary Protected Status to individuals who arrive in the United States from Venezuela on or before July 31, 2023; the City of New York estimates this will allow more than 15,000 Venezuelan individuals to attain legal work status within 30 days.

Additionally, the Governor has surged personnel and resources to case management, to help migrants and asylum seekers fill out the necessary paperwork to attain legal work status. This includes deploying 250 National Guard personnel assigned to full-time case management services, part of a deployment of more than 2,100 National Guard personnel to address this ongoing situation. The Governor has also deployed significant financial resources to support case management, including $38 million for the city for case management and legal services; $20 million allocated to local nonprofits serving asylum seekers and migrants; $20 million to help New York City with a casework surge through NYC Health + Hospitals; $10 million for migrant legal services.

Governor Hochul has led a robust state response to this crisis. Overall, the State has committed nearly $1.9 billion to support asylum seekers and migrants, including for shelter, transportation and social services; the State recently advanced $250 million to the City for these purposes. The State has also offered up multiple State-owned sites, such as the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Manhattan and Building 197 at JFK Airport, to be used as shelters; the State is also covering the cost of multiple Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRCs) at Creedmoor Psychiatric Facility and on Randall's Island.

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

This week, my office continued its work with NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda to inspect several illicit smoke shops throughout the district and shut them down. Together, we are holding bad actors accountable and putting the health and safety of our community first. 
 

In this email, you will find a variety of community resources, including information on how to retrieve a booted or towed vehicle, citizenship eligibility, MetroPlusHealth’s Health Seminars, the 2024 Open Streets application, our annual community shredding event, and more. 
 

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

Smoke Shop Inspections

Through our ongoing partnership with NYC Sheriff Anthony Miranda’s Joint Compliance Task Force, we have conducted several smoke shop inspections throughout the district. Earlier this week, inspections took place in Williamsbridge and Westchester Square, resulting in a ‘Stop Work Order’ to be issued.

These efforts are a part of our broader commitment to holding bad actors accountable and safeguarding the health and safety of our communities. Whether through inspections or through legislation that empowers the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to deny licensure to tobacco retailers that distribute cannabis products without proper authorization, we’re taking action to protect our neighborhoods. Together, we are making a difference now and in the future.

Travel Advisory

Construction

Please be advised that effective now through July 2025, there will be a change in Traffic Pattern on eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) before Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) in the Bronx.

The change in traffic pattern will result in split traffic between motorists accessing Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) and motorists continuing on Bruckner Expressway (I-278). Motorists wanting to access Exit 49 (Sheridan Boulevard) will remain in a single lane to the left of the work zone. All motorists wanting to continue on eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) will be shifted to the two lanes to the right of the work zone.  

Public Transportation

MTA Subway Service

Due to station improvements, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6-trains will skip Westchester Sq-E Tremont Avenue, effective now through early December. For service to this station, take the 6 to Middletown Road and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 6. For service from this station, take the 6 to Zerega Ave and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6.

Notice of Public Hearing - NYC Health + Hospitals

Please be advised that on Wednesday, December 13 at 4 PM, NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi, will host a Public Hearing, related to the “Just Home” proposal. If you would like to speak at the public hearing, please register by calling 212-788-3359 or online using the below link.

Online Registration - https://innovations.nychhc.org/publichearings

Advanced registration will close on Monday, December 11 at 2 PM. In-person registration at the hearing site on December 13, beginning 3:30 PM and will close at 5 PM. Interpretation services in Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), and other languages will be available upon request.

NYC Sanitation Offers Leaf Collection

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced guidance to City residents looking to dispose of their autumn leaves. The following information applies to Bronx residents in Community Boards 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12,

DSNY will collect leaves on Sunday, November 26, and Sunday, December 10. Set out your leaves at the curb after 8 PM the night before these days. Place leaf and yard waste in paper lawn and leaf bags, clear plastic bags, or an open, labeled bin.

Separating leaves and yard waste from trash and other recycling, allows them to be turned into renewable energy or compost, instead of decomposing in a landfill. Residents with curbside composting services already have year-round leaf collection service. Leaf and yard waste may be placed in your food scrap bin, in paper lawn and leaf bags, in an open, labeled bin, or in clear plastic bags. Leaves should be placed with other curbside compost material and will be collected on your recycling day.

Rat Academy Trainings

If you are interested in working with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to host a virtual or in-person Rat Academy Training, now is your chance! Learn more about the Rat Academy through one of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s upcoming trainings.

In-Person

• Monday, December 4, 5 PM - 7 PM at 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips

Lithium-ion battery safety is critical now more than ever, especially as the number of fires and injuries caused by it rises. Just this year, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has responded to 239 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries and has recorded 17 deaths just this year alone. The FDNY strongly recommends that people take precautions, particularly as we approach fire season and the holidays.

Be #FDNYSmart if using any devices powered by lithium-ion batteries:

• When purchasing devices, be sure that the equipment has the Underwriters Laboratories Mark. The UL mark shows that the product has been safety tested.

• Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device.

• Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.

• If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking, or odd noises from a device discontinue use immediately. If safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 9-1-1.    

The FDNY is urging people to visit the fdnysmart.org website for more information.  http://www.fdnysmart.org/

NYC Department of Finance: Booted and Towed Vehicles

The New York City Department of Finance has shared its one-pager with information required on how to retrieve a booted or towed vehicle in New York City. Please be advised that additional documents may be required for those with special cases.

Learn more