State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Monitoring State and Local Finances

 

Oversight and Monitoring of

State and Local Finances

This week, State Comptroller DiNapoli commented on the Enacted State Budget and the Fiscal Year 2025 New York City Executive Budget. He also released a quarterly analysis of local sales tax collections which found that year-over-year growth in collections were being driven by New York City, with many regions of the State experiencing year-over-year declines. 

Statement on Enacted State Budget

Statement on NYC Executive Budget

Quarterly Local Sales Tax Collections

Environmental Challenges and

Opportunities of the Past Year

Over the last year, State Comptroller DiNapoli released audits of the State’s air quality monitoring, the MTA’s preparedness for extreme weather events, the security of our water supply and more. As Trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund, Comptroller DiNapoli continues his market-leading work to protect the Fund’s investments from the impacts of climate change through his Sustainable Investment and Climate Solutions Program and Corporate Governance activities.

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State Retirement Fund Adopts

Workforce Management Policies 

State Comptroller DiNapoli announced the State Pension Fund’s (Fund) adoption of its Responsible Workforce Management Policy and Principles this week, and discussed the importance of adopting strong labor principles in private equity at the White House Workers’ Capital Event. The Fund believes that investment managers in its private equity asset class should encourage their portfolio companies to adopt workforce management practices that prioritize workers‘ rights and protections, health and safety, fair compensation, skills development and training, and other benefits. A diverse, reasonably compensated, and well-trained workforce can deliver higher quality products and services and that provides a competitive advantage for companies and their investors.

“The Fund is dedicated to championing workforce management best practices because they have the ability to enhance the performance and resilience of portfolio companies and, in turn, our investments,” DiNapoli said.

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Renewable Energy Projects Taking Years To Become Operational in NYS

Renewable energy projects have been taking more than three years to receive siting permits due to application delays, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit of the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) found permit applications were often delayed due to missing or insufficient documentation. The audit suggests ORES should be more transparent about the timeliness of the application process and where delays occur, as these projects are meant to help the State meet its ambitious clean energy goals.

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Former NYU Finance Director Pays Over $660,000 in Restitution for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

A former director of finance and administration at New York University paid full restitution of $663,209 after pleading guilty to grand larceny for orchestrating a $3.5 million, 6-year fraud relating to two NYU programs, State Comptroller DiNapoli and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced. 

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Former Utica School District Superintendent Sentenced for Public Corruption, Must Pay Over $160K to District

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and the New York State Police announced that Bruce Karam, the former long-time superintendent of the Utica City School District (UCSD), was sentenced to pay the UCSD restitution of $11,549 for the resources improperly diverted, serve five years’ probation and perform 250 hours of community service. Karam was also ordered to pay UCSD $150,000 by May 17, representing a reduction in his pension earnings from the date of his crime until his termination.

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Municipal & School Audits 

• Town of Lincoln – Disbursements
• Town of Lincoln – Town Clerk
• Raquette Lake Union Free School District – Business Office Operations
• Village of Suffern – Budget Review

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

_{Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription.} 

• White House calls on pension funds to adopt stronger labor standards
  
  
• NY created an agency to approve more wind, solar farms. An audit says it's too slow.
  
  
• Audit reveals NYS renewable energy projects process taking years to complete
  
  
• Former Utica superintendent to pay $160k, gets 5 years’ probation for misusing taxpayer money

Post of the Week
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

News from Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

SENATOR RIVERA ON THE

2024-2025 STATE BUDGET

Last week, Senator Rivera joined with the Senate Majority to vote in favor of the 2024-2025 Budget. While there were disappointments along the way, Senator Rivera was proud that the Senate Majority Conference led by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins fought tirelessly to reduce the harm that many of the Executive proposals would have caused.

The work does not stop with the end of this process. In the few weeks remaining in this legislative session, Senator Rivera will focus on addressing the concerns of working-class New Yorkers that were not addressed in this budget by the Governor’s heavy-handed austerity and misaligned priorities during a period of extreme wealth inequality.

To read Senator Rivera's statement in full, please click here.

SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES HIS BUCKS FOR BOILERS ACT

This week, Senator Rivera introduced his Bucks for Boilers Act (S9099).

This goal of this bill is to transform buildings across the State into energy-efficient, zero-emissions systems that will save New Yorkers hundreds of dollars a year, while making their homes healthier and safer. This bill will bring us one step closer to accomplishing our State's clean energy and climate goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the bill and its potential impact on our State, Senator Rivera invites you to read the study that the think tank WIN Climate commissioned detailing the positive effects of this legislation.

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS

VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

This week, Senator Rivera hosted his first Virtual Office Hours. The Senator held meetings with community members to discuss important topics like access to mental health, cannabis enforcement, and mayoral control of schools. If you are interested in attending the next round of virtual office hours, please call Senator Rivera's District Office at 718-933-2034 or email at grivera@nysenate.gov to schedule an appointment.

FRIDAY 5/10: SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS FREE HOUSING & IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE WITH NMIC

SATURDAY 5/4: NWBCCC COMMUNITY MEETING ON #ENDMEDICALDEBT

Come take a deeper dive around NWBCCC's campaign to End Medical Debt at the next NWBCCC Community Meeting on Saturday, May 4th at 11am at Serviam Hall (2848 Bainbridge Ave). Learn how to eliminate medical debt from your credit history and fight individual healthcare denials from insurance companies. 

Join NWBCCC's campaign to make medical debt a thing of the past, and healthcare for all a reality. Lunch, childcare, and Spanish interpretation will be provided. Be sure to RSVP here or at info@northwestbronx.org.

APPLICATIONS FOR HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NOW OPEN!

Did you know New York's Cooling Assistance benefit can help you with the purchase and installation of an air condition or a fan? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

Before the summer months kick into high gear, check to see if you're eligible. Applications are now open! If you are interested in learning more, click here.