Thursday, January 25, 2024

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS $43 MILLION PLAN TO LEAD ON GENDER EQUITY, LAYS AMBITIOUS GOAL TO MAKE NYC MOST WOMEN-FORWARD CITY IN U.S.

 

“Women Forward NYC” Outlines More Than $43 Million in Holistic Investments to Help All Women, Including Transgender and Gender Expansive New Yorkers Thrive

 

Vision for Gender Equity Focused on Increasing Economic Mobility, Providing Holistic Services for Women to Access Stable Housing, Dismantling Barriers to Health Care, and Reducing Violence Against Women

 

Announced in Mayor Adams’ State of the City, Action Plan Builds on Administration’s Policies and Investments to Support Women in New York City


New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled, “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity,” a more than $43 million investment aimed at making New York City a national leader on gender equity, including for transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers, with the ambitious goal of becoming the most women-forward city in the United States. Supported through city dollars, private and public partnerships, academic institutions, and federal grant funding, the action plan addresses gender disparities by connecting women to professional development and higher-paying jobs; dismantling barriers to sexual, reproductive, and chronic health care; reducing gender-based violence against women; and providing holistic housing services, including for formerly incarcerated women and domestic and gender-based violence survivors. New Yorkers can now visit the re-launched women.nyc, a one-stop shop website, to learn more about the action plan and access city services to support women and families. Announced yesterday, as part of Mayor Adams’ State of the City address, the action plan builds on the Adams administration’s record of investments and policies that uplift and support women across New York City.

“As a child, my mother worked three jobs just to make ends meet, and for too long, women like her have been left behind, failed by systems that pay women less than their counterparts, overlook and even dimmish their health needs, and neglect their safety,” said Mayor Adams. “This plan builds on our administration’s existing efforts by creating a clear path to holistically and comprehensively address the inequities women face today. New York City leads the nation in many ways — now, it’s time we lead on gender equity and take the steps to make this the most women-forward city in America.”

Women across the country are still facing systemic, gender-based inequities. In New York State, women continue to be paid 86 cents for every dollar a man is paid — 64 cents for Black women and 57 cents for Hispanic women.​ During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 250,000 mothers left or downshifted their jobs in New York City due to lack of access to quality child care. Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women.​ Finally, 75 percent of women in New York City reported being harassed during their daily commutes in 2018.​

Women Forward NYC employs a holistic approach to address immediate needs, tackle long-standing disparities, and position New York City as a national leader for advancing women’s issues. The action plan encompasses new and ongoing investments dedicated to supporting gender equity totaling over $43 million between city funding, private funding, academic institutions, and federal grants — representing a successful model for public-private partnerships to address equity across the five boroughs.

“The strong leadership from women in the Adams administration is responsible for creating and enacting policies that move our entire city forward,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Today’s announcement is an example of just that — sharing the vision of a city that embraces equity, from economic mobility to women’s health to public safety, and action items that relate to improving our everyday lives. This plan is the result of my fellow deputy mayors who have brought their decades of both professional expertise and personal experience to put forth programs that will move our entire city forward.”

“Mayor Adams — and the exceptional team of women leaders I’m proud to work alongside every day — knows that when New York City’s women succeed, our city succeeds,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “This $40+ million action plan will help make this city a better, safer place for women to work and live.”

“In New York City, we stand up for women and girls in every place and in every space, from our infants and moms to our older adults,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “With ‘Women Forward NYC,’ we are investing in every stage of the life course, including maternal and child health, workforce issues, mental health, and equity, among so many others. We are also showing that New York City stands with every woman through life’s challenges: while in shelter, experiencing postpartum depression, dealing with domestic or gender-based violence, or being formerly incarcerated. Ultimately, we are working to make New York City the most supportive city in the world, a place where every mom, grandmother, daughter, sister, and woman, young or older, can thrive.” 

“I am proud to be in an administration where not only do women have a seat at the table, but are empowered to speak up and make a difference,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “New York City leads in so many ways, but today’s announcement is an opportunity to model for the entire country what true gender equity can — and should — look like. For the women in our city, this action plan is for you: to help you access your endless potential, remove any and all barriers in front of you, and continue to shatter every glass ceiling.” 

“Women are undoubtedly the backbones of their households and their communities, but too many disparities in economic, health, safety, and housing outcomes still exist,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I am excited to see New York City lead the effort — in partnership with community-based organizations, businesses, philanthropy, academia, and other levels of government — to tackle these gender and racial disparities head on so all women in the five boroughs can reach their full potential.”

“This administration puts strong women at the center. Women are doing the work and it shows,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “We are committed to making life easier and the future better for female-identifying people in New York City. The 'Women Forward NYC' action plan is a significant step in the right direction.”

While the action plan makes investments in a wide-range of areas, it has three key focuses, with a special emphasis on supporting historically marginalized populations:

Economic Mobility

The action plan will build pipelines toward higher-wage, in-demand career pathways, improve financial literacy and access to financial resources, and dismantle barriers to work and education by:

  • Providing funding to the Girl Scouts of Greater New York Troop 6000, made up of young girls in New York City Department of Homeless Services’ (DHS) shelters, through a first-of-its-kind program designed to provide age-appropriate financial literacy training and $10.00 to each young girl to start bank accounts;
  • Expanding career opportunity programs for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) residents to start their own food or child care business; and 
  • Starting career and college prep for young women, specifically women of color, through the expansion of NYC Service’s mentoring initiatives.

Women’s Health

By addressing inequities in sexual, chronic, and reproductive health; taking action to reduce Black and Brown maternal mortality rates; providing additional access to comprehensive medical treatment; and enhancing mental health education and outreach, the plan will:

Public Safety and Housing Stability

To increase initiatives that reduce violence toward women, particularly LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary New Yorkers, and women of color; expand interventions to prevent domestic and gender-based violence and support survivors; and provide a continuum of services for low-income families to keep them in their homes or accelerate their leave from shelter and back into their communities, the action plan will:

  • Support domestic violence survivors, including by expanding the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence’s (ENDGBV) Home+ program, which provides personal security devices and resources to keep survivors safe in their homes;
  • Restart the Girl Talk mentorship program between female New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers and teenage girls to serve thousands annually; and 
  • Provide funding to support services and housing assistance targeted directly to formerly incarcerated women.

Finally, the Adams administration will lead the way, incorporating more women-focused programming, planning, and partnerships to better serve and support women in the workforce across the city.

“There cannot be a health agenda for New York City that doesn’t prioritize women’s health,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “When we center health, educational and economic opportunity for women, we are doing what’s right and what’s just, while also standing up for the health of our children, families, and our communities. Women’s health is essential to create a healthier and fairer city for all. We are proud to be a part of this work and energized to make even more progress in the years ahead.”

“We know that domestic violence and gender-based discrimination are primary drivers of homelessness for women and gender non-conforming New Yorkers, and the lack of financial independence puts these already vulnerable communities at greater risk of losing their housing,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “Which is why, at the Department of Social Services, we are constantly working to strengthen equity and dedicated supports for marginalized communities who face tremendous barriers to obtaining long-term housing stability. With the Women Forward NYC action plan, this administration is implementing a visionary plan to get at the very root of these crises by empowering our most vulnerable New Yorkers while ensuring a more secure tomorrow for our future generations.”

"As educators and leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure the city our students’ education is increasingly equitable for all," said Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. "Menstrual equity is gender equity, and ensuring that period products are free, easily accessible in schools, and available to all students who menstruate is essential in creating a safe and comfortable learning environment. I'm proud of my city partners for the work being done to prioritize gender equity for the health of our city and the betterment of all New Yorkers."

“Women Forward NYC is a huge leap forward in this administration's mission to empower women across New York City,” said Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “SBS is proud to further this mission by connecting women entrepreneurs from all five boroughs to the resources and mentorships they need to find success through our WE NYC initiative and M/WBE certification program. I'm excited to see how this historic investment will build on that important work. The success of our women-owned businesses is integral to building the City of Yes.”

"All New Yorkers should feel confident and inspired to cycle in New York City. That's why we are thrilled to launch a campaign focused on encouraging cycling by women, transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers, through marketing, skills training, and events to build community through cycling," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Inspiring more New Yorkers to bike helps promote a healthful, environmentally friendly, and efficient travel option—​not to mention that it's often the fastest way to get around our city."

"It is fantastic to see the Adams administration's focus on making New York City the most women-forward city by ensuring that women have access to vital resources, including workforce initiatives targeted at closing the gaps in gender equity and ensuring equal access to economic opportunities,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “Women are a driving force in our economy, and it is essential that all women feel safe and empowered. The women of New York help contribute to a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy, and today marks a huge victory towards investing in their futures.”

“I know firsthand the value of programs that uplift women. While raising seven children, my single mom received training that led to a bachelor’s degree and a nursing career, so she could put food on the table,” said New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. “Through the Summer Youth Employment Program and year-round programming, DYCD will collaborate with REBNY, Con Edison, and the Intrepid Museum to provide opportunities in industries where girls and women have been historically underrepresented—from real estate and engineering to aviation and aerospace. We also look forward to supporting NYC Service in offering career mentorship, as we build on Mayor Adams’ investment in the women of New York City through this landmark initiative.”

“With this plan, Mayor Adams is building on the administration's commitment to addressing gender disparities and supporting women in New York City,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Advancing gender equity means setting an example for a fair future and creating resources that improve equity and access in the workforce. This action plan will make New York City a beacon for women's advancement and will further our work at NYC Parks in providing an inclusive and supportive environment for women in our parks system.”

“As a woman and mother, I know firsthand the challenges that women in this country face,” said Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “With this groundbreaking new investment, this administration is centering women, especially those who have been historically disadvantaged like immigrants and women of color and combating gender-based inequities.”

"The city's support for women extends to our media and entertainment industries, where we strive to promote female voices that have historically been excluded,” said Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman. “We are especially proud of the NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre, which has provided $4 million in grants during this administration with another round of recipients to receive an additional $1.3 million in 2024; as well as SoundThinking NYC, a free summer program focused on opening doors for young women in music. We look forward to supporting even more women in the creative industries with the launch of Women Forward NYC."

"As seen in the women that make up the frontlines of our daily operations to our senior executive staff; our capital work alongside women-owned businesses across the five boroughs; and our resident-based, career and entrepreneurship initiatives to help develop primarily female-owned businesses, NYCHA places a great deal of emphasis on gender-based equity for staff and residents alike," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "We thank the Adams administration for their ongoing efforts to make New York City the most equitable city in the country for all New Yorkers."

“We cannot meaningfully achieve gender equity as long as women, transgender, and gender expansive New Yorkers continue to experience disproportionate rates of violence in and outside of the home,” said Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV) Commissioner Cecile Noel. “Recognizing this fact, the Women Forward NYC agenda deepens the city's investment in responses that meet the complex needs of survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, enhancing both interpersonal and public safety. We would like to thank all of our city agency collaborators for developing this initiative and we are grateful for the ongoing support of the Adams administration as we expand ENDGBV’s work to support survivors.”

"With the Adams' administration investment in creating a more gender-equitable city, we are taking bold action to address disparities and advance economic mobility, health outcomes, public safety, and stable housing for girls, women, transgender, and gender expansive New Yorkers,” New York City Commission on Gender Equity (CGE) Chair Silda Palerm. “The five-borough approach will improve the lives of many families across all communities and make New York City stronger and a model for gender equity. I applaud the efforts of the administration to make the Women Forward NYC action plan a reality.”

“As we celebrate this monumental investment, we also recognize the profound impact this will have on the lives of women across New York City—especially our women veterans, military families, and their caregivers,” said New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon. “In addition to addressing gender disparities, this initiative holds the promise of recognizing and uplifting the experiences of women who have worn the uniform and those who support them. A women-forward New York City creates a future that empowers all New Yorkers.”

"Women Forward NYC continues Mayor Adams’ commitment to providing resources for women and families," said Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan. “We are proud to play a role in the action plan, providing robust support that addresses the unique challenges of women who are criminal justice involved through comprehensive reentry services, which are pivotal to successful community reintegration and overall public safety, in addition to permanent housing, gainful employment, and resources that help facilitate smooth family reunification. "

“Women’s issues are older adult issues: economic opportunities, health, caregiving, and safety. Because women represent 57 percent of older adults in New York City, Women Forward NYC directly supports the mission of the Department for the Aging,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “I applaud Mayor Adams for putting this important initiative forward to further advance his vision for an inclusive city for all, regardless of age and gender.”

"Women Forward NYC is the city’s robust plan to enhance safety and security for women and LGBTQ+ New Yorkers," said Mayor's Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) Executive Director Hassan Naveed. "Through city initiatives like P.A.T.H. Forward, OPHC empowers and includes vulnerable communities in collective efforts to build community safety that fights to end hate, bias and discrimination.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, and the Women Forward NYC action plan will help us provide high quality care through a new substance use clinic for families,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Women’s Health Service Officer Wendy Wilcox, MD, MPH, MBA, FACOG. “This is another way we’re innovating to provide needed health services to the women of New York City, adding to telehealth abortion care that we launched last fall.”

"The Women Forward NYC agenda will expand the Childcare Business Pathways program for NYCHA residents, not only creating new pathways for aspiring child care business owners, but also strengthening the overall quality of early care and learning for children across New York City” said Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Interim Executive Director Tovah Gottesman. “Women Forward NYC recognizes investing in child care and early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and provide families in New York City with economic stability." 

Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, the city has made significant investments and enacted policies to support women in New York City. The Adams administration created a “Women’s Health Agenda” to close the gaps in women’s health care caused by long-standing structural inequities, including lack of access to care, lack of inclusion, and lack of innovation. Building on his work as Brooklyn borough president to address Black maternal mortality, Mayor Adams announced expansions to the city’s doula services, the midwifery initiative, and general maternal health services programs.

Mayor Adams also launched New York City Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers, an innovative new talent development initiative to bring women into emerging high-growth sectors.

Finally, child care is an issue that disproportionately impacts women, specifically women of color, who often act as primary caregivers while also representing a large number of child care sector employees. The Adams administration’s multi-billion-dollar child care blueprint invested in making child care more affordable and accessible for parents to get the care they need while simultaneously investing in the non-profit sector’s workforce.

New Yorkers can donate directly to the action plan online as New York City seeks to become the most women-forward city in the country.

"Women Forward NYC represents a monumental step toward empowering and uplifting the women of our city, particularly those in NYCHA communities, and exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships, said Alex Zablocki, executive director, Public Housing Community Fund. “By bridging the funding gap, we can support women and invest in their dreams, their families, and their businesses. The fund is proud to support Women Forward NYC through collaboration with generous donors and program partners to serve public housing families, expectant mothers, and NYCHA entrepreneurs in the food and childcare industries. This commitment by Mayor Eric Adams, city agencies, and many partners will ensure a nurturing environment where every woman can thrive and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of New York City."

"The Fund for Public Health in New York City is proud to partner on this ground-breaking initiative and grateful to our private supporters,” said Sara Gardner Fund, chief executive officer, The Fund for Public Health in New York City. “We have so far raised over $10 million to support the health initiatives outlined in Women Forward NYC, designed to create a positive and lasting impact on women's health in our city, especially for women of color.”

“Troop 6000 represents the best of New York City’s future, and the unparalleled resilience and passion of the girls living in city shelters who are leading this incredible troop continues to serve as an inspiration for so many children experiencing similar challenges across the city,” said Jimmy Van Bramer, chief growth and strategic partnerships officer, Girls Scouts of Greater NY. “As the troop continues to grow, the mayor’s Women Forward NYC action plan will further our efforts and these critical investments are vital to paving the way for economic mobility for the girls in Troop 6000 across the city. We applaud Mayor Adams for taking such an important and significant step to close the gender equity gap, especially for our most vulnerable girls and women.”

NEW! NYS Comptroller's Local Government & School Accountability Newsletter


local gov 

The Division of Local Government and School Accountability (LGSA) at the Office of the State Comptroller is committed to helping municipal and school officials stay informed about fiscal matters. To that end, it is my pleasure to provide you with our inaugural LGSA newsletter. LGSA News will be packed with information you can use to help your community, including emerging local government issues, takeaways from recent audits, opportunities for training, reminders about upcoming important filing deadlines, and highlights from recently released reports.

It is fitting that this is the inaugural issue as we began 2024 with our newly appointed Deputy for Local Government and School Accountability, Robin Lois. Please join me in welcoming Robin to the LGSA management team. The entire LGSA management team including Assistant Comptrollers, Randy Partridge and Simonia Brown, are ready to assist you, so please do not hesitate to reach out to them at 518-474-4037.

I hope you will enjoy the articles below and share LGSA News with others you think might want to subscribe!

10 Years of Monitoring Fiscal Stress

The Office of the State Comptroller recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System (FSMS), which evaluates local governments’ finances on a range of indicators. The system’s fiscal stress scores provide an early warning to local officials about potential fiscal issues and give the public insight into their communities’ financial health. Access the most recent local government FSMS report with the link below.

Read the Report

lgsa

Check Washing Fraud
Is Your Local Government Safe?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently alerted the public to an uptick in “check washing” fraud. The process of check washing generally involves intercepting a check and then removing the payee and/or dollar amount from a check through a chemical or digital process. The now blank signed check can be sold, deposited, or cashed to a new payee.

Local governments are just as susceptible to this type of fraud as any other entity or person that uses checks as a form of payment. We encourage you to review and discuss with your financial institution all options for making and receiving payments. Our Local Government Management Guide on Cash Management Technology can be found at the link below and goes over many of the options. Additionally, below are a few tips to help reduce the risk of check fraud.

  1. Consider using a “positive pay” system as a check fraud prevention tool. 
  2. When possible, use a blue or black non-erasable gel pen (indelible ink).
  3. Don’t allow incoming or outgoing mail to sit in the mailbox.
  4. Monitor bank transactions and report discrepancies quickly.

If you have additional questions or believe you are a victim of check fraud, contact your financial institution and our Division of Investigations immediately.

Cash Management Technology

Investing Wisely:
Protecting Public Funds

The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) recently issued a series of Investment Program audits that found each local government and school district audited either did not have or were not managing a comprehensive investment program.

A comprehensive investment program should serve four basic objectives – legality, safety, liquidity, and yield. A sound program for protecting public funds requires prudent strategies, including procedures to ensure the safety of investments and deposits while maximizing earnings on any money that is not required for operations.

OSC encourages all local government and school district officials to develop or review your investment program’s policies and procedures to confirm they meet your needs.

Learn more about the benefits of establishing a comprehensive investment program from our Local Government Management Guide on Investing and Protecting Public Funds and recently released audits (links below).

Investing and Protecting Public Funds
Investment Program Audits



Important Reminders

The Electronic Filing System (EFS) used to file Annual Update Documents (AUD) has been decommissioned. All delinquent reports must now be filed in the new Annual Financial Report (AFR) application.
 
Don’t forget to enroll in our Online Services portal. When enrolling, please remember:
- accounts are created for each new user. Previous user accounts are non-transferable;
- authorizer permissions are reserved for the CFO user account under the enrollment tab;
- do not edit the CFO name on the existing account;

Not getting our emails?
- Ask your clerk to visit our Contact Update page at the link below to update your contacts.
- Add our email addresses to your trusted senders list: 

  • Need help with something? Contact the Local Government Help Desk at:         1-866-321-8503 or 518-408-4934 or localgov@osc.ny.gov.

Contact Update Page



Annual Financial Report Tips & Trick

  • If your Annual Financial Report (AFR) gets returned to you because we are requesting changes, you have 30 days to re-certify your report or it will revert back to the previously certified data. Any work in progress will be lost.
  • Statement of indebtedness changes:
    - The prior year adjustment field should be utilized to record debt issued prior to 2023;
    - all debt should be entered by issuance, not by purpose. In the past you may have had many lines of debt on the statement of indebtedness if you showed them issued by purpose. You will need to combine them all into one line and by issuance date;
  • for help understanding the validation rules, please click the link to our Validation Rules Manual below.
local gov

Upcoming Training Events
from The Academy 





Check out our upcoming training events, REGISTER at the link below:

February:

  • Improving the Effectiveness of the Claims Audit Process (February 7)
  • The Association of Towns Annual Meeting in NYC (February 18-21)
  • Capital Region Association of Fire Districts Conference (February 29 - March 1)

March:

  • Reporting Elected and Appointed Government Officials (March 6)
  • Introduction to Governmental Accounting School (March 13-14)

Will Your Local Government Be Receiving Adult-Use Cannabis Tax Revenue?

Retail dispensaries for recreational adult-use cannabis are now operating throughout the State. OSC has an Adult-Use Cannabis (AUC) information page online for local governments, covering issues such as the tax revenue distribution process; OSC guidance on how to account for tax received by counties, cities, towns and villages; and links to sections of the State Office of Cannabis Management’s website pertaining to local governments. As the AUC marketplace is ever-changing, OSC’s website will be updated with the latest information to assist local governments.

Adult-Use Cannabis Information Page
  

Contact LGSA

Website: www.osc.ny.gov/local-government
Tel: 518-747-4037

Audits, Local Government Services and Professional Standards
Tel: 518-474-5404

Help Line
Tel: 866-321-8503 or 518-408-4934
Email: localgov@osc.ny.gov

Westchester County Jail Correction Officer And Co-Conspirator Charged With Robbery And Witness Intimidation

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Joseph Spano, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Correction (“WCDOC”); and Anthony W. Geraci, the Chief of Police of the City of Newburgh, announced that RECALDO FRAY, a correction officer at Westchester County Jail in Vahala, New York, was charged on Monday, January 15 with committing an armed robbery in Newburgh, New York, and later returning to Newburgh to intimidate the robbery victim.  FRAY was arrested and presented on Tuesday, January 16 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. KrauseDuring his presentment, FRAY made an application for bail, which the court denied, and he has been detained.  Additionally, a Mount Vernon man, KAHEEM PALMER, was charged on Monday, January 22 with committing the armed robbery along with FRAY.  PALMER was arrested and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.  PALMER made an application for bail, which the court denied, and he was detained. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Recaldo Fray, a correction officer at Westchester County Jail, and Kaheem Palmer are alleged to have committed a gunpoint robbery of two individuals, restraining them and stealing their cash and marijuanaFray allegedly betrayed his sworn duty to uphold the law, and he will now experience the justice system not as a partner, but as an accused violent offenderBoth men will be held accountable for their alleged violent and brazen behavior.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “As a correction officer, Recaldo Fray swore an oath to uphold the law, not break it.  Fray violated this oath when along with Kaheem Palmer, they allegedly committed an armed robbery.  Frey compounded his problems by later attempting to intimidate his victim.  Frey and Palmer now face significant time inside a jail cell.  The FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force will continue to put violent offenders – no matter their profession – behind bars.”

WCDOC Commissioner Joseph Spano said: “It’s both disgraceful and upsetting when one of our correction officers betrays their oath to serve and protect as sworn peace officers.  Moreover, the alleged actions of this individual tarnishes the reputation of all honest and dedicated correction officers.  I commend all of the involved law enforcement agencies for their dedication to uncovering this unlawful behavior and our Major Case Squad for providing assistance.  Mr. Fray’s employment with the Westchester Department of Correction has been terminated.”

As alleged in the Complaints against FRAY and PALMER:[1]

On or about December 4, 2023, FRAY and PALMER forced entry into a residence in Newburgh, New York, restrained the two victims inside, and stole, at gunpoint, various items of value, including a large quantity of marijuana and approximately $4,500 in cash.  FRAY then returned to the same residence on or about December 16, 2023, and attempted to threaten and intimidate a victim.  

FRAY, 31, of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of use, carrying, and possession of a firearm, which was brandished, in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a minimum sentence of seven years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of tampering with a witness or victim, and attempting to do the same, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

PALMER, 31, of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of use, carrying, and possession of a firearm, which was brandished, in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a minimum sentence of seven years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the City of Newburgh Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County Department of Correction and its major case squad for their assistance in the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret N. Vasu and Jennifer N. Ong are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Former Employee of Medical Device Manufacturer Sentenced for Forging Two FDA Letters that Led to Illegal Sale of Medical Devices

 

The Justice Department announced that a federal judge sentenced a Philadelphia-area man to prison yesterday for his role in distributing medical devices without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance.

Peter Stoll III, 35, pleaded guilty last year to one felony count of violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by causing the introduction of misbranded and adulterated medical devices into interstate commerce. U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Leeson sentenced Stoll to 12 months in prison and one year of supervised release.

According to court documents, Stoll was a regulatory affairs specialist at a medical device manufacturer located in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and was responsible for making submissions to the FDA that were required before the company could sell its medical devices. In pleading guilty, Stoll admitted that in 2017, he created two false letters that purported to show that FDA had granted clearance to sell two different medical devices. As a result, the company illegally sold tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of medical devices throughout the United States.

According to court documents, Stoll was responsible for shepherding two of the company’s devices through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance process: the ELAN-4 Air Drill, a high-speed surgical drill used for bone cutting, sawing and drilling, and the JS Series SterilContainer S2, a reusable sterilization container for medical instruments. Stoll admitted that he never submitted any 510(k) documents to FDA regarding either device. Instead, Stoll created a fraudulent letter using FDA letterhead and bearing the forged digital signature of an FDA official that falsely stated that FDA had cleared the ELAN-4 Air to be marketed. Stoll later created another, similarly fraudulent letter on FDA letterhead for the SterilContainer JS Series medical device.

“Individuals who subvert the FDA clearance process for medical devices put patients’ lives at risk,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who falsify documents and violate the law.”

“The FDA’s checks and balances exist for one reason: to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “One of the medical devices illegally sold in this case is meant to be used in invasive surgeries; the other, to sterilize instruments, preventing infection or contamination. Evading the prescribed FDA clearance process can literally be a matter of life and death, which is why we take these cases so seriously and work to hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.”

“The FDA must be notified and given the opportunity to clear certain medical devices before they are distributed into interstate commerce,” said Assistant Commissioner for Criminal Investigations Justin D. Green of the FDA. “A medical device distributed without FDA clearance can put patients at risk. Our office will aggressively pursue those who place patients at risk by failing to follow the law. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) protects the American public by rigorously investigating allegations involving FDA-regulated products and violations of the FDCA. In this case, OCI worked with the Justice Department to ensure a just resolution, and we applaud the exceptional work done by the team.”

FDA’s OCI investigated the case.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Team AOC - Last night in New Hampshire

 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress


Despite facing 91 felony charges, it’s looking more and more likely that Donald Trump’s demagoguery will secure the Republican nomination for President.

After campaigning on lies about the 2020 election, abortion, and immigration, Trump won both the Iowa and New Hampshire GOP caucuses, and is currently leading in the polls by 37 points as we head into the South Carolina caucus next month. On Monday he was even endorsed by South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace.

Statement from Governor Hochul on Mayor Adams' State of the City Address

Governor Kathy Hochul New York State Seal

“Today, Mayor Adams outlined a set of bold ideas that will advance our shared vision of a more affordable, more livable and safer New York.

“The Mayor and I are both united in the fight to solve our affordability crisis by increasing the housing supply. As Mayor Adams said today: the City wants more housing – it's time to let them build! I've committed to fight for legislative changes in Albany that will allow him to do just that.

“Mayor Adams' focus on the issues facing New York's working families is also commendable. I share his concern that social media is having a negative effect on too many young people, and I'm pleased to see him take action to protect their mental health. The Mayor's work to cancel $2 billion in medical debt will also change lives for working-class New Yorkers, and financial counseling will help patients avoid debt in the first place.

“We've built a strong, productive partnership over the past two years, working together to fight crime, build housing and address the migrant crisis. Working together, we'll make sure New York's future is bright.”


State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on New York City Mayor's 2024 State of the City Address


Office of the New York State Comptroller News 

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released the following statement on the New York City Mayor’s 2024 State of the City address:

“Public safety, affordability, and economic growth must guide future investments for New York, but the city is facing serious challenges, including unsustainable spending on the migrant crisis, growing housing costs and federal pandemic aid coming to an end.

“The city needs federal funding and policy changes to help manage asylum seeker costs. At the same time, the city must work with the state to bring rising housing costs under control, and I commend the Mayor’s proposals to help keep New Yorkers in their homes.  

“Going forward, reducing spending will be harder because programs and services that help working families afford the city will likely need to be paid for when federal pandemic aid runs out. While better than projected revenues and city savings initiatives have helped balance the budget through fiscal year 2025, sizable budget gaps exist in the outyears. Finding new ways to reduce spending that avoid hurting city services and limit impacts on the city’s economic recovery will be necessary.”

 
Reports & Fiscal Tracking Tools

Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York

NYC's Shifting Population: The Latest Statistics

Residential Real Estate in NYC: Rising Tax Bills During COVID Fuel Disparities

New York State Rent Relief Update: Spotlight on New York City

Agency Services Monitoring Tool

The Cost of Living in New York City: Housing

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON MAYOR'S THIRD STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS


"While the mayor included some promising proposals in his address, including recognizing the harm of social media on public health and safety, what was left unsaid was his attempt to pit the city against itself over a basic data reporting bill that strengthens public safety.  

"I invite Mayor Adams to have a public, honest discussion with me about my office’s legislation so that New Yorkers can hear what the bill actually does: provide greater transparency in policing practices. After months of misinformation, I think the people who elected us both deserve to hear the truth."