NYC Comptroller Wins $2.7M+ in Back Wages for Healthcare Workers Contracted by NYC Health + Hospitals

 

The New York City Comptroller’s Office reached a monumental settlement with Winston Support Services, LLC (Winston) for prevailing wage violations concerning 332 temporary office workers at hospitals and medical centers contracted by NYC Health + Hospitals Corporation (“H + H”). The settlement payments total $2,730,526.06, inclusive of back wages, civil penalties, and interest.

“Winston misclassified hundreds of temporary office workers, resulting in millions of dollars in underpayments,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “Winston neglected to perform the necessary due diligence and oversight, and as a result many workers missed out on thousands of dollars. This settlement holds Winston accountable and returns the hard-earned wages rightfully owed to these office workers.”

“This settlement marks a huge win for over 300 workers who missed out on their rightful wages due to misclassification. After a lengthy, multi-year investigation and audit, our office reached a victorious settlement for deserving workers. We will continue to vigorously enforce prevailing wage requirements to protect workers’ rights and hold employers accountable,” said Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers’ Rights at the Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law.

This settlement covers temporary office workers hired by Winston Support Services, LLC between April 2015 and June 2018 at various healthcare facilities, including Harlem Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, Bellevue Hospital, Lincoln Hospital, and Elmhurst Hospital. The workers performed clerical work such as maintaining medical and payroll records, making appointments for patients, and providing transcription through a temporary services contract between Winston and H + H.

Winston misclassified 332 temporary workers as lower-paid positions despite performing duties that corresponded to higher-paying titles under the Comptroller’s wage schedule. As a result, many workers lost out on significant wages, with one worker shorted nearly $100,000 during this period.

Under the New York Labor Law, the New York City Comptroller sets and enforces prevailing wage and living wage laws for public works projects and certain service contracts in the City of New York. Temporary office workers are covered by prevailing wage under New York City’s Living Wage Law, NYC Administrative Code § 6-109.

This matter was handled by Agency Attorney Emily Chang, under the supervision of Supervising Attorney Amy Luo. The investigation was conducted by Investigator Annabelle Walters, under the supervision of Director of Investigations Francisco Gonzalez. The audit was performed by Auditor Xiaoyue Lin, under the supervision of Director of Audit Stuart Rimmer. The Bureau of Labor Law is overseen by Claudia Henriquez, Director of Workers’ Rights.

If you have worked on a prevailing wage project and believe your employer has violated the law, you can file a complaint with the Comptroller’s Office here.

Governor Hochul Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Encourage Students to Complete the FAFSA

 

College Students at SUNY, CUNY, and Other New York Colleges and Universities Share Personal Financial Aid Stories and Offer Support for Filling Out the FAFSA

Members of the Governor’s Administration and Education Leaders Release PSAs Emphasizing the Importance of Applying for Financial Aid – Student Videos and PSAs Available Here

Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget Expands Access to Financial Aid by Making FAFSA Completion Universal and Expanding the Tuition Assistance Program

Governor Kathy Hochul launched a public awareness campaign with college students, Administration officials, and education leaders to encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to unlock state and federal financial aid opportunities. This week, students at the State University New York and City University of New York campuses as well as at other New York colleges and universities will assist in the public awareness campaign to help students fill out the FAFSA. Additionally, leaders from Governor Hochul’s Cabinet will participate with video PSAs to post on social media and as a resource for schools to share with students. Student videos and PSAs are available here. This push is a part of Financial Aid Awareness Month, which Governor Hochul launched at the beginning of April to ensure students can access the tools they need to pursue a higher education.

“Higher education can change people's lives, and we are expanding pathways to college for all New York students,” Governor Hochul said. “This week, we’re encouraging every student pursing a college degree to fill out the FAFSA as soon as they can to access the financial support available to them.”

Last year, New York’s high school students left over $200 million in federal aid unclaimed by not filling out the FAFSA. Mirroring national trends, FAFSA submission rates in New York State are down 24 percent compared to the same time last year as a result of federal challenges and delays issuing the new FAFSA form. The FAFSA is free, and opens the door to federal and state aid, including Tuition Assistance Program and Excelsior Scholarship, as well as other college funding awards.

In 2023, SUNY launched the SUNY FAFSA Completion Corps to help prospective students complete the FAFSA. SUNY received a nearly $300,000 grant from AmeriCorps to launch the initiative, and there are currently nearly 50 SUNY students involved across seven SUNY campuses. Earlier this month, CUNY launched the CUNY Financial Aid Support Team (FAST) to help students and families access financial aid. Students participating in the SUNY FAFSA Completion Corps and CUNY FAST are leading the FAFSA completion efforts on their campuses and on social media to offer support and make sure students know what financial aid is available to them. Students can follow #FAFSAReady to hear from current college students about their FAFSA experience.

In addition to students, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY) and academic and community organizations in New York are joining the Governor in her campaign to make sure New Yorkers take every opportunity to access funding for college.

Each institution continues to host multiple events this month to help students and their families complete the FAFSA or the Dream Act, and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) applications. Events include information sessions on how to fill out financial aid applications, virtual drop in opportunities to connect with HESC, SUNY and CUNY experts, and discussions about scholarship opportunities for students. A full schedule of events can be found here.

In the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured provisions to help expand access to financial aid. The initiatives include making FAFSA completion universal in New York State and expanding TAP. The TAP expansion increases the minimum award from $500 to $1,000. Additionally, the Budget increases the dependent student net taxable income (NTI) limit for TAP eligibility from $80,000 to $125,000, the independent married student NTI limit from $40,000 to $60,000, and the independent single student NTI limit from $10,000 to $30,000.

New York State has been working to improve the FAFSA completion statistics by training college students to provide in-person assistance with the financial aid application process.

SUNY and CUNY have taken several steps to assist students and their families in applying for financial aid to make college more affordable including:

• Delaying deposit deadlines at state operated campuses until no earlier than May 15 and June 1 for commitment day at CUNY campuses, so that families have time to make an informed decision with their financial aid offers
• FAFSA information sessions across the state, including FAFSA Completion events in Rochester, Buffalo, Yonkers and New York City
• Virtual FAFSA completion workshops, held in English and Spanish to help families complete the FAFSA
• Working with State partners to develop and promote online resources including print-ready resources for counselors and students to help guide them through the financial aid process; and
• The launch of the SUNY FAFSA Completion Corps, an AmeriCorps funded program that supports nearly 50 SUNY students serving as near-peer mentors to help students complete the FAFSA.
• The launch of CUNY Financial Aid Support Team (FAST) earlier this month to help 100,000 students complete the FAFSA. The Petrie Foundation awarded CUNY $1 million for the initiative.
• Helping high school students complete FAFSA forms through CUNY’s K16 Initiatives College and Career Advisory Programs
• CUNY sent emails to current CUNY students and Fall 24 applicants about changes to the form and launched a social media campaign. The University will also host FAFSA Completion Workshops with Admissions. View workshop dates online.
• CUNY campuses have increased financial aid workshops and completion events all spring and have leveraged Federal Work Study funds in partnership with the National Partnership for Student Success to hire students to support financial aid offices. The University will also host FAFSA Completion Workshops with Admissions. Workshop dates will be posted here.

Justice Department Reaches Civil Settlement with Victims Abused by Lawrence Nassar

 

The Justice Department announced that it has settled 139 administrative claims arising from allegations of sexual abuse committed by former physician and USA Gymnastics official Lawrence Gerard Nassar.

Over the course of nearly two decades and ending in 2016 when he was arrested by the State of Michigan, Nassar sexually abused hundreds of victims under the guise of performing medical treatments. These settlements will resolve administrative claims against the United States alleging that the FBI failed to conduct an adequate investigation of Nassar’s conduct. In July 2021, the Department’s Office of the Inspector General issued a report critical of certain aspects of the FBI’s response to, and investigation of, allegations against Nassar.

“For decades, Lawrence Nassar abused his position, betraying the trust of those under his care and medical supervision while skirting accountability,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “These allegations should have been taken seriously from the outset. While these settlements won’t undo the harm Nassar inflicted, our hope is that they will help give the victims of his crimes some of the critical support they need to continue healing.”

The settlement agreements, which have been approved by the Department, resolve 139 claims for a total of $138.7 million to be distributed to claimants.

Texas Man Sentenced To 27 Months In Prison For Sending Antisemitic Death Threats

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JEREMY JOSEPH was sentenced to 27 months in prison for sending interstate threats to injure or kill two former co-workers.  JOSEPH previously pled guilty, two days after his trial on these charges had begun, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, who imposed this sentence. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jeremy Joseph sent hateful, violent, and antisemitic death threats over email to two former co-workers.  Joseph made these threats as part of a broader scheme in which Joseph threatened dozens of victims, many of whom were Jewish or were perceived to be Jewish.  This prosecution and sentence make clear that this Office will not tolerate crimes of hate and will continue to seek justice for the victims of these offensive and harmful acts.” 

According to Indictment, other public filings, and statements made in court:

From in or about December 2022 through at least in or about January 2023, JOSEPH sent terrifying death threats over email to two former colleagues (the “Victims”) that he worked with over 10 years prior.  The emails detailed how JOSEPH planned to murder his Victims and included photographs of pipe bombs, ammunition, and a firearm.  The emails also included personal information about the Victims and their families. 

JOSEPH’s threats towards the Victims were part of a larger pattern of death threats sent to various other individuals from JOSEPH’s life, as well as politicians, judges, and prosecutors.  The targets of his threats spanned multiples countries and U.S. states.  In these communications, JOSEPH consistently used violent, threatening language that targeted Jewish people. 

In addition to the prison term, JOSEPH, 41, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

Last week, we were proud to host our second State of the Borough address at Cardinal Hayes High School, where we outlined our vision for how we move the borough forward. We highlighted significant investments in education and healthcare and announced support for a Bronx Opioid Center, funding for public safety measures, a $2 million commitment from our office to help reimagine the Kingsbridge Armory, the opening of the first-ever Bronx STEAM Center with a focus on healthcare, life sciences, and analytical research, and other initiatives to support our communities. We want to thank everyone who attended and played a vital role in making this event a huge success!

Our borough is the blueprint for perseverance and resiliency and we will continue to focus on the priorities that unite us and make our communities stronger.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

We stood in solidarity with advocates, community partners, city agencies, and survivors at the Annual Bronx Denim Day march at Bronx Borough Hall to amplify the voices of those impacted by sexual assault and sexual violence. Thank you to everyone who joined us to raise awareness about this important issue in our communities.

The Bronx Zoo is one of our premier cultural institutions in the Bronx and we are proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary! 

The zoo is an opportunity for our youth and families to engage in exploratory learning and explore over 265 acres dedicated to over 6,000 species of wildlife. 

We are so grateful for their partnership and commitment to supporting our communities.

The Bronx is the blueprint for how you overcome adversity and years of historic disinvestment to then come back stronger than ever before. 

With these strategic investments in our schools, healthcare infrastructure, affordable housing, and economic development, we are equipping our communities with the tools to be successful. 

We look forward to our continued partnership with our Bronx Economic Development Corporation, Business Initiative Incorporated of New York, Bronx Tourism Council, colleagues in government, community partners, and residents who are helping to move our borough forward. 

A special thank you to our emcee, performers, faith leaders, BronxNet television, and Cardinal Hayes for hosting us! #uphayes

UPCOMING EVENTS

Partnerships for Parks - Unique Opportunity to Work with Parks Decision-Makers

 

Happy Earth Month! We're excited to share two unique opportunities for people who honor Earth Day everyday by caring for local green spaces across our city. Become part of our Citywide Parks Network Exchange and work directly with Parks decision-makers or apply for our NYC Green Fund Crowdfunding Challenge to receive matching funds up to $3,000 to help our parks thrive!

Citywide Parks Network Exchange

Are you part of a community group that actively works with Partnerships for Parks? Apply to be a part of the Citywide Parks Network Exchange! The Citywide Parks Network is a strategic initiative of NYC Parks, City Parks Foundation (CPF), and Partnerships for Parks (PfP) created to enhance our strong foundation of 550+ community groups caring for local parks citywide.

The Citywide Parks Network Exchange will bring together key decision-makers from NYC Parks, CPF, affiliated nonprofit conservancies and stewardship organizations, and active community leaders from each borough to discuss challenges and opportunities and implement solutions that will help support the work of park partner groups so our parks will thrive. 

In order to be eligible for consideration, your community group must be actively working with PfP to support a local park, have utilized two or more of our resources in the last 12 months, and have two group members who can commit to the Exchange for one year. Being a part of the Exchange will include attending quarterly meetings and participating in occasional follow-up calls and emails around enhancing partnerships and community engagement across the city to benefit our parks and surrounding neighborhoods. Participating community group leaders will receive specialized support and a stipend. 

The deadline to apply is May 8, so apply now!

APPLY NOW

NYC Green Fund Crowdfunding Challenge Looking for funding to support your local park, community garden, green street, or street trees? The NYC Green Fund Crowdfunding Challenge provides up to $2,500 in matching funds to approved community projects that are hosted through an ioby crowdfunding campaign. If approved, the NYC Green Fund contributes one dollar for every dollar raised-up to $2,500 ($3,000 for organizations based in Environmental Justice Areas)! Learn more here. APPLY NOW Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets. Our mailing address is: City Parks Foundation 830 5th Avenue New York, NY 10065

NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection & NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Share Tips for Earth Week

 

Time for Spring Cleaning! Stay environmentally conscious this Earth Day with these earth-friendly and budget-friendly tips

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation Provide Tips to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair!

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

In honor of Earth Week, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is partnering with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to share tips which empower consumers to save money and help the environment. Spring cleaning comes with great opportunities to reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair everyday goods. Following simple strategies to reduce consumption, reuse and repair what you own and recycle right benefits the Earth and your wallet too.

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Earth Week serves as a great reminder for all of us to find ways to protect our environment and promote conservation and sustainability. As many New Yorkers embark upon the annual ritual of Spring cleaning, I encourage them to utilize these easy and creative tips on reducing, reusing and repairing items. Not only will it benefit our state and our planet but also will help conserve a little cash.”

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “As New York State celebrates Earth Week, DEC reminds New Yorkers that sustainable materials management and recycling are critical to keeping our communities clean, safeguarding our shared environment, and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. DEC, the Division of Consumer Protection, and our many state and local partners encourage all New Yorkers to learn more about the benefits of recycling and what we all can do to protect our natural resources and create more sustainable communities." 

 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair this Spring

 

Reduce & Reuse

Participating in reduction and reuse is simple but the impact is lasting and far reaching. Reuse benefits our communities and environment in many ways, like decreasing emissions that contribute to climate change, conserving natural resources and stopping waste before it starts. Using what you have instead of buying new also saves money.

• Choose reusable products over disposable when possible.
• Buy less and buy better. When making new purchases, choosing more durable options can last longer, saving money and reducing waste in the long-run.
• Donate and buy secondhand items and materials.
• Share, lend, and rent items instead of buying new.
• Skip the spoons! When ordering prepared food and beverages, let food service staff know before ordering if you do not need disposable utensils, condiment packets, straws, etc.
• Support businesses and products that encourage reuse.
• Find reuse opportunities with the Recycle Right NY Reuse Locator Tool.

Repair

Sometimes items just need a simple repair to avoid getting thrown away. Repairing what we have conserves natural resources, reduces waste and protects the environment, all while saving money in the process. Learning how to make repairs yourself can be fun and empowering. Easy ways to engage in repair include:

• Look online for repair information: Many websites provide free repair instructions, manuals, and guides for all kinds of consumer products. Search online to see if any guides or tutorials relevant to your product are available. Make sure any source you take any advice from is reputable before attempting to repair yourself.

• Need a tool? Contact your local recycling coordinator to learn if there is a tool lending library in your community.
• Take your item to a repair shop. Repair shops will charge you for the fix, but getting the repair often costs less than buying new. Since you will be paying for repairs if you choose a shop, compare prices for available services.
• Get repair information and parts. Some manufacturers and websites have repair information online for consumers to access and may also have replacement parts and tools available for sale. The New York State Digital Fair Repair Act allows consumers and repair shops to contact the manufacturer for documentation, tools, and parts necessary to maintain or repair certain digital electronics. The New York State Attorney General’s Office enforces the Digital Fair Repair Act. Consumers can file a complaint here.

Recycle

Most New Yorkers (83%) believe that recycling is important. While residents recycle many items “right,” some items that don’t belong in recycling commonly get tossed in the bin. Incorporate good recycling habits into your spring cleaning by learning about the top 5 most confusing items for New York State residents to recycle.

Remember, you are not alone if you’re confused by recycling rules for some items. With so many different products and materials we encounter each day, it’s no wonder many people are confused about what belongs in the recycling bin. Use these tips to avoid recycling mistakes:

• Know Before You Throw. Just because an item contains plastic, metal, glass, or paper does not necessarily mean it belongs in the recycling bin.
• Don’t assume an item is recyclable. A recycling symbol on an item does not always mean it is recyclable.
• Review local guidelines. Local recycling guidelines vary from place to place. That's why it is essential that you Know Before You Throw and check your local recycling guidelines on your municipalities’ website or  https://recyclerightny.org/local-recycling-guidelines. And for paint and battery recycling check out: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/postconsumer-paint-collection and https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/recycling-composting/rechargeable-battery-recycling.

About DEC and the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan: 

To protect communities and mitigate the effects of climate change, DEC last year released the New York State Solid Waste Management Plan, which builds upon sustained efforts to reduce waste and advance the state's transition to a circular economy, helping to change New Yorkers' understanding of waste and their relationship to it. For more information, visit the DEC website here.  

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

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 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.

NYS YOUNG REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN PETER GIUNTA REACTS TO COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY VIOLENCE

"The recent incidents unfolding at Columbia University are troubling, bringing front and center a problem that has long existed on college and university campuses, both public and private, across the nation and especially here in New York State. The targeted harassment of any student for their race, gender, religion, or political ideology is abhorrent and has no place at any academic institution, let alone one as prestigious as this.  

More troubling, however, is that members of the university faculty, those who are entrusted with the responsibility of fostering a safe and respectful learning environment, have been reported to have participated in some of the discriminatory behavior targeting the school's Jewish students. 

As president of Columbia University, Minouche Shafik failed to de-escalate the situation in a responsible and timely manner, which is why we are now calling on the Board of Trustees to remove President Shafik and request assistance from the National Guard to restore order on campus and ensure the safety of all students and faculty. We also demand that the Board of Trustees hold all students and faculty who participated in acts of violence during this period accountable to the fullest extent possible.

As an organization committed to upholding the American principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all, we stand firmly in solidarity with the Jewish students at Columbia University. We unequivocally condemn anti-semitism in all forms and reject any attempts to justify or sympathize with terrorist organizations like Hamas."