Wave Hill Weekly Events: Sept 19 – Sept 26 | Family Fiesta on the Hudson, Gardeners' Party, Woodland Soundwalk

 

As fall kicks in, there is still so much growing in the gardens and more events happening than ever. 

 

• We will be closing early at 2PM on Thu, Sep 19 for our annual Gardeners’ Party fundraiser. Join us as we celebrate of the art of gardening and peruse our legendary plant sale.

• Don’t miss an incredible new soundwalk launch event how fragile, we bloom with musical artists Chromic Duo Sep 22. They have created a site-specific soundwalk for our woodlands. To launch this meditative soundwalk, the artist will lead a walk and group reflection following a live performance. Self-guided walks will be available all season long. 

• And get ready to dance at our free, family-friendly evening in the garden, Fiesta on the Hudson, Sep 26, with dance instructor Talia Castro-Pozo. Picnicking permitted. 

 

2024 Gardeners' Party 

Thu, Sep 19, 5:30PM – 9:00PM 

Ticket Levels Vary 

 

Meet and mingle with Wave Hill's gardeners, this year's John Nally interns, and other distinguished colleagues in the horticulture community for an evening celebration of the art of gardening!  

This year, Wave Hill is delighted to honor John Gwynne and Mikel Folcarelli of Sakonnet Garden, for their dedication to the artistry of nature and to sowing the seeds of horticultural goodwill through their international seminars and wildly popular annual Sakonnet Plant Fair. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails as you peruse our legendary plant sale and silent auction. Garden Champions have early access to the party and plant sale beginning at 5PM.  

 

Family Art Project: Sun Turning 

Sat, Sep 21, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Sun, Sept 22, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

 

The autumn equinox is the start of fall and a rare moment when day and night are in perfect balance. Let’s learn about the sun’s movements in our sky and make sundials to discover a simple way of telling time. 

At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. We will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a reading of the book Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramos.  

 

Kids on the Move! The Energy of Art 

Sat, Sep 21, 1:00PM – 2:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

 

Find new ways of experiencing art and movement as you explore Judy Pfaff's energetic sculptures currently on view at Glyndor Gallery. Our family gallery adventure begins with a tour of Pfaff's solo exhibition with museum educator Corinne Flax, focusing on Pfaff's use of color, shape and found materials and their connection to the landscape. After the gallery tour, head outside to the Glyndor Terrace Garden to express your experience through yoga-based movements and games. 

Recommended for ages four to eight. Severe weather cancels. 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Sat, Sep 21, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Today’s tour features current exhibitions by artists Soeun Bae, Jordany Genao, Dario Mohr, and Judy Pfaff. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.  

 

Yoga in the Garden 

Sun, Sept 22, 10:00AM – 11:00AM 

$25; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required 

 

Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica (Sep 8 through Oct 6) and Pam Kelly (Oct 20, 27). All levels welcome. Continues through October. 

 

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Sept 22, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.   

 

Afternoon Tea 

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30AM or 2:00PM 

Adults $50; Children $30 with adult. 

A minimum of 2 guests and 7 days’ advanced booking are required. 

Complementary admission to Wave Hill is included with purchase of tea package. 

 

Every Tuesday and Thursdays, enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection served on our Kate French Terrace, weather permitting, or in our quaint Tea Room at the historic Wave Hill House. Provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances, the menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm. Limited service on select dates.  

 

Framing Fall: Plein Air Watercolor Series 

Thu, Sep 26 10:00AM – 1:00PM (First of 6 weekly sessions) 

$330, including admission to the grounds 

Registration required 

 

Capture Wave Hill’s shifting autumn colors from lesser-known locations including the Secret Garden, Lower Lawn, Shade Border, and Abrons Woodlands, as well as iconic views from the Aquatic Garden, Flower Garden and Pergola in this plein air watercolor workshop with artist Wennie Huang. Weekly demonstrations focus on framing foliage and fall flowers within and around built structures, applying a variety of watercolor approaches and techniques. Each weekly workshop includes individual guidance as well as an informal group share. A list of suggested workshop materials will be shared with registered participants. All workshops take place out of doors, with an indoor location reserved for rainy days. No class October 3. 

Registration required; online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Space is limited. 

 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Sep 12, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

 

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Today’s tour features current exhibitions by artists Soeun Bae, Jordany Genao, Dario Mohr, and Judy Pfaff. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. 

 

Fiesta on the Hudson 

Thu, Sep 26 4:30PM – 8:30PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration encouraged 

 

Dance the night away as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Learn the basic steps and traditions of dances like salsa and cha-cha, while enjoying live music on the Great Lawn overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades. As the sun sets, the party continues indoors. Specialty food and drinks will be available in Wave Hill House with more music and dancing into the night. Hosting and dance instruction provided by Talia Castro-Pozo and guests. All ages are welcome at this special community event. 

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

Picnicking is permitted on the Great Lawn for this special community event. Visitors may bring folding chairs and blankets for use on the Great Lawn only. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

MAYOR ADAMS, WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION ISSUE STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT WEST INDIAN AMERICAN DAY PARADE

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and West Indian American Day Carnival Association President Roger Archibald tonight released the following statement on the shooting that occurred earlier today at the West Indian American Day Parade:

 

“The West Indian American Day Parade is a joyous event that celebrates the multitude of culture and diversity in our city. But instead of allowing all to enjoy a momentous occasion for our city, a gunman turned today’s celebration into tragedy when he senselessly fired into the crowd, hitting multiple revelers. The NYPD is investigating this incident, and we are grateful for the brave men and women who quickly responded and helped to ensure New Yorkers could continue to be safe while celebrating. While we are keeping the victims and their families in our prayers as they fight to recover, we know we must do more to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of every New Yorker and visitor.”

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE SHOOTING AT THE WEST INDIAN DAY PARADE

 

"I’m praying for the victims of a shooting at Eastern Parkway today, and for their families. The parade is a celebration of joyous expression of cultural heritage, and gun violence should have no place at this event or in our communities. Many thousands of people gathered on the Parkway in peace and unity with their families and neighbors, yet one person came armed with violent intent. I am sure we’ll learn much more about this shooting in the coming hours and days, and my heart is with not only those who were directly harmed, but the community of New Yorkers feeling pain and fear in a moment which should be festive. 

 

"I am grateful to the emergency personnel who quickly responded, and know that sadly, this issue is not confined to one event, weekend, or neighborhood – we must do much more to combat the plague of gun violence, every day of the year and across the entire city." 

United States Seizes Aircraft Used by Nicolás Maduro Moros in Violation of U.S. Export Control and Sanctions Laws

 

The Dassault Falcon 900EX Aircraft Was Illegally Exported from the United States and Used for the Benefit of Maduro and His Representatives

The Justice Department today announced the seizure of a Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro Moros and persons affiliated with him in Venezuela. The aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and transferred to the Southern District of Florida at the request of the United States based on violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

“This morning, the Justice Department seized an aircraft we allege was illegally purchased for $13 million through a shell company and smuggled out of the United States for use by Nicolás Maduro and his cronies,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Department will continue to pursue those who violate our sanctions and export controls to prevent them from using American resources to undermine the national security of the United States.”

“Let this seizure send a clear message: aircraft illegally acquired from the United States for the benefit of sanctioned Venezuelan officials cannot just fly off into the sunset,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce.  “It doesn’t matter how fancy the private jet or how powerful the officials – we will work relentlessly with our partners here and across the globe to identify and return any aircraft illegally smuggled outside of the United States.”

“The United States’ seizure of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft illustrates our unrelenting commitment to enforcing U.S. export control laws and imposing U.S. sanctions for any violations,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “This successful seizure was the result of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government, with invaluable assistance by the authorities in the Dominican Republic. Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to forfeit this plane and all other assets that circumvent the law.”

“The seizure of this aircraft is another significant action by Homeland Security Investigations working with our domestic and international partners against the illegal activities of the Maduro regime,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami. “The efforts here highlight HSI’s global reach and our continued commitment to enforce US sanctions and stemming the flow of illicit proceeds being generated from high level foreign public corruption.”

In August 2019, the President issued Executive Order 13884, which prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with persons who have acted or purported to act directly or indirectly for or on behalf of, the Government of Venezuela, including as a member of the Maduro regime. To protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, the Department of Commerce has also imposed export controls for items intended, entirely or in part, for a Venezuelan military or military-intelligence end user. 

According to the U.S. investigation, in late 2022 and early 2023, persons affiliated with Maduro allegedly used a Caribbean-based shell company to conceal their involvement in the illegal purchase of the Dassault Falcon 900EX aircraft (which at the time was valued at approximately $13 million) from a company based in the Southern District of Florida.  The aircraft was then illegally exported from the United States to Venezuela through the Caribbean in April 2023. Since May 2023, the Dassault Falcon, bearing tail number T7-ESPRT, has flown almost exclusively to and from a military base in Venezuela and has been used for the benefit of Maduro and his representatives, including to transport Maduro on visits to other countries.   

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security Miami Field Office is investigating the case, along with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Dorado Task Force Miami.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Paster and Jorge Delgado for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are handling the matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and HSI in Santo Domingo provided significant assistance in working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. The United States thanks the Dominican Republic for its assistance in this matter.

The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.

On Labor Day, Governor Hochul Highlights Labor and Workforce Accomplishments To Support, Protect and Train New York Workers

 First State in the Nation To Create Paid Prenatal Leave

Other Major Accomplishments Include Over $200 Million Investment To Support Four ON-RAMP Advanced Manufacturing Training Centers To Prepare New Yorkers for the Jobs of the Future, More Than $646 Million To Recruit and Train Thousands of Health Care Workers

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted New York's labor and workforce accomplishments in celebration of Labor Day. Governor Hochul has worked diligently to enact a nation-leading worker agenda, including: historic plans to increase New York’s minimum wage and index it to inflation, offering 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to more than 150,000 state employees, and other initiatives to increase wages and benefits, expand prevailing wage, connect job seekers to employment opportunities, and help ensure retirement security for private sector workers. The Governor has also continued an aggressive crackdown on wage theft and advanced new initiatives to protect workers from discrimination, harassment, abuse, secure major labor benefits on transformative New York projects; and distribute grants through the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development to create training opportunities for all New Yorkers.

"New York workers are not only the engines behind our economy – they’re the teachers who educate our children, the law enforcement who protect our communities, the construction workers who take our state to new heights, and so much more,” Governor Hochul said. “On Labor Day, we honor the tremendous gains of the American organized labor movement and the ongoing fight for workers' rights and protections as we reaffirm our commitment to fair wages, health care, and dignity and respect for all workers. The union card continues to be a powerful symbol that has helped lift millions of New York families, including my own, out of poverty, and my administration will continue making sure all New Yorkers have the benefits and opportunities they need and deserve."

Governor Hochul has been a longtime supporter of New York’s labor unions and remains committed to supporting New York workers. The Governor has taken the following actions to support, protect and train workers in the past year, building on major labor and workforce accomplishments from last year:

Improving Wages and Benefits

Ratification of 3-Year Labor Agreement with PBA: In June 2024, Governor Hochul announced the ratification of a three-year labor agreement with the Police Benevolent Association of New York State, which includes more than 1,100 members.

Project Labor Agreements on SUNY Construction Projects: As part of the FY 2025 Budget, any construction projects over $10 million on SUNY campuses require the signing of a project labor agreement.

Strengthening Recruitment and Retention Efforts by Reforming Tier VI: As part of the FY 2025 Budget, Governor Hochul announced two reforms to the retirement benefits for Tier 6 members: changing the final average year salary to determine a public employee’s retirement benefit from highest five consecutive years to the highest three consecutive years, and extending the two-year exclusion of overtime earnings when determining a Tier 6 member’s contribution rate to their pension benefit.

$5 Million to Expand Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Workers: In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced a $5 million expansion of the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program to extend eligibility to licensed mental health professionals.

Increased Minimum Weekly Workers’ Compensation Benefit: In September 2023, Governor Hochul signed legislation that increased the minimum weekly benefit rate for workers' compensation indemnity benefits effective January 1, 2024. The minimum weekly benefit had been $150 per week since 2013. On January 1, 2024, the minimum weekly benefit increased to $275 per week, and will increase to $325 per week on January 1, 2025. Starting July 1, 2026, the minimum weekly benefit will be indexed to the New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW) annually.

Increased NYS Paid Family Leave Benefit, Lowered Costs: In January 2024, the maximum weekly benefit rate for Paid Family Leave increased more than $20 from 2023. Employees taking Paid Family Leave receive 67 percent of their average weekly wage, up to a cap of 67 percent of the current New York State Average Weekly Wage (NYSAWW). For 2024, the NYSAWW is $1,718.15, which means the maximum weekly benefit is $1,151.16. Paid Family Leave is funded by employee payroll deductions. In 2024, the employee contribution rate was lower than in 2023, reducing the annual maximum employee contribution by $66.18.

Expanding Opportunities for Employment and Training

Nearly $40 Million for Next Phase of Youth Employment Program to Bring Down Gun Violence: In August 2024, Governor Hochul announced nearly $40 million had been awarded for the next phase of the Youth Employment Program, which will help New York continue reducing gun violence by providing job opportunities and training to at-risk youth in communities across the State.

$646 Million to Recruit and Train Thousands More Health Care Workers: In August 2024, Governor Hochul announced three Workforce Investment Organizations (WIO) will receive awards totaling up to $646 million over the next three years to implement the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health, and social care workers across New York.

Investment in Gateway Tunnel Project: In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced a $6.8 billion federal grant to boost the Gateway Tunnel Project, which is expected to create 95,000 jobs and generate $19.6 billion in economic activity.

$54 Million in State Funding to Support the Second Avenue Subway Project: In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced that New York State will provide $54 million in state resources to support the Second Avenue Subway expansion project that would extend the Second Avenue line to 125th Street in East Harlem.

$22.5 Million Grant to Increase Health Care Workforce Training: In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced that 28 health care facilities statewide will receive $22.5 million in awards during the next year for training — a part of the Governor’s $10 billion multi-year investment in health care.

Start of Construction on New York’s Largest Offshore Wind Project: In July 2024, Gov. Hochul announced the start of construction on New York’s largest offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, a 924-megawatt project developed by Ørsted. It will support more than 800 direct jobs and be built under industry-leading project labor agreements ensuring local union labor’s participation in all phases of construction.

Opening of Push Buffalo’s First Green Jobs Training Center. In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced a ribbon cutting marking the official opening of the Sustainability Workforce Training Center, the region’s first green job training center, on the West Side of Buffalo.

New $3 Million Climate Justice Fellowship Plus Pilot Program in Bronx and Queens: In July 2024, Governor Hochul and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced $3 million in U.S. Department of Labor funding, now available through a new pilot program, the Climate Justice Fellowship Plus Program (CJF Plus), in the Bronx and Queens.

Funding for SUNY Community Colleges to Prepare the Health Care Workforce, Meet Student Mental Health Needs: In June 2024, Governor Hochul announced $8 million in recurring annual funding for the State University of New York’s 30 community colleges — the first increase in nearly a decade — to advance health care and mental health goals for New York State and the SUNY system.

$55 Million to Help At-Risk Youth Enter the Workforce this Summer: In May 2024, Governor Hochul announced that more than 20,000 youth from low-income households were expected to be employed across the State that summer through New York State’s Summer Youth Employment Program. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance distributed $55 million to all 57 counties and New York City to help youth who might not otherwise have access to summer jobs enter the labor market, acquire professional skills and explore possible career paths.

$11.6 Million to Develop Clean Energy Industry Workforce: In May 2024, Governor Hochul announced $11.6 million in funding to support clean energy industry workforce development initiatives in New York State.

More Than $8.7 Million Awarded Through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development: In May 2024, Governor Hochul announced the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development had awarded an additional $8.7 million in grants to 11 projects across the State through the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance Operating Grant Programs.

Governor Hochul Highlights Commitment to Supporting the Public Workforce: In May 2024, Governor Hochul highlighted her administration’s commitment to supporting New York’s public workforce in honor of Public Service Recognition Week. Governor Hochul unveiled an updated StateJobsNY website with thousands of job openings in state government and launched a public awareness effort to promote state hiring and boost recruitment.

Launch of $10 Million Mohawk Valley Empowers Grant Program: In April 2024, Governor Hochul announced the launch of Mohawk Valley Empowers, a three-year, $10 million initiative designed to strengthen the Mohawk Valley’s regional workforce ecosystem.

CDL Simulators at NYSDOL Career Centers: The DOL is taking an innovative approach to get more skilled operators behind the wheel. Through an exciting partnership with the Trucking Association of New York, the agency has rolled out a cutting-edge CDL simulator program at Career Centers in Albany and Utica to accelerate career training.

Expand the Office of Just Transition: The FY 2025 Budget bolstered the Office of Just Transition by $25 million to support legislation enacted in the FY 2024 Budget targeting workforce training and retraining to prepare workers for employment in the renewable energy field.

Plan to Transform New York’s Economy and Workforce as Part of FY 2025 Budget: The FY 2025 Budget included a $500 million capital investment to jumpstart a $10 billion partnership for next-generation chips research; a $200 million investment to support for ON-RAMP advanced manufacturing training centers and prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of the future; and expands the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward, FAST NY and Restore NY to catalyze economic growth across New York State. The Budget also adds $80 million in capital funding to strengthen the arts and cultural sectors and support new public art initiatives; provides new support for immigrant entrepreneurs; and eliminates outdated pandemic-related sick leave requirements.

Increase in AIM Funding: The FY 2025 Budget included a $50 million boost in AIM funding for municipalities.

$13.7 Million to Support Education Workforce Training Programs: In April 2024, Governor Hochul announced $13.7 million in Workforce Development Awards had been allocated to State University of New York, City University of New York, and private colleges and universities as part of the Education Workforce Investment.

$32 Million to Grow Workforce to Support New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities: In March 2024, Governor Hochul announced a $32 million investment to expand the Direct Support Professional microcredential program offered by the State University of New York (SUNY) in partnership with the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

Governor Hochul Celebrates New York’s Full Economic Recovery from the Pandemic: In March 2024, Governor Hochul celebrated New York’s full economic recovery from the pandemic following the release of New York State Department of Labor data showing a total statewide private-sector job count of 8,346,200 jobs – the highest level on record.

Economic Development Awards Spurring More Than $5.2 Billion in Capital Investments: In March 2024, Governor Hochul announced low-cost power awards to 11 firms that will spur more than $5.2 billion in capital investments. The awards, approved by the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees, support 5,781 jobs throughout the state.

Launch of Tuition Assistance Program Eligibility for SUNY and CUNY Workforce Development Programs: In March 2024, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the first-ever Tuition Assistance Program eligibility to cover hundreds of SUNY and CUNY non-degree programs that lead to jobs in high-demand, growing fields.

$500 Million Investment Through State Small Business Credit Initiative: In February 2024, Governor Hochul announced that New York will participate in the federal Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, a national effort led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to expand access to capital for socially and economically disadvantaged individual owned small businesses. The Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship aims to help small businesses owned by people from historically disadvantaged populations and ensure equitable implementation of the U.S. Treasury’s $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative – of which New York received more than $500 million.

$4 Million in Grants for Offshore Wind Training and Workforce Development: In February 2024, Governor Hochul announced the second round of nearly $4 million in Offshore Wind Training Institute grants awarded for workforce development. The funding supports eight State University of New York campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this emerging offshore wind industry.

Major Enhancements to Teacher Support and Education Workforce Programs: In February 2024, Governor Hochul announced major advancements in two New York State educational initiatives designed to strengthen the State’s teaching workforce. The first initiative is the expansion of the Educator Career Development Ambassador Program, which doubled in size to 60 participants in the second cohort. The second is providing $12 million to the New York City Department of Education to support 400 teacher residents pursuing master’s degrees or certification, and $442,930 to Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to support fifteen residents as part of the Empire State Teacher Residency Program.

Expansion of Program to Provide State-Issued IDs to Incarcerated Individuals Prior to Release: In January 2024, Governor Hochul announced the expansion of a project under her historic ‘Jails to Jobs’ initiative that provides non-driver ID cards to individuals released from Department of Corrections and Community Supervision custody, making it easier to rejoin the workforce.

$45 Million Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative: In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced a new $45 million Apprenticeship and Pre- Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative to expand the capacity of labor organizations to offer training as a pathway to clean energy careers.

$4.8 Million to Help Grow New York’s Teacher Workforce: In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced $4.8 million as part of the second round of funding awards through New York’s $30 million Empire State Teacher Residency Program to grow and diversify the educational workforce by fully or partially funding master’s degrees for teacher residents.

Transformative Investment to Prepare Central New York Students for Jobs in Tech Manufacturing: In December 2023, Governor Hochul broke ground on the Syracuse Science, Technology, Arts and Math High School – Central New York’s first regional technical high school, which will open in 2025 thanks to a $71 million state commitment.

Elimination of Certification Backlog for Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses: In November 2023, Governor Hochul celebrated the elimination of New York’s yearslong certification backlog for minority- and women-owned business enterprises following a transformative $11 million investment secured by the Governor in the FY 2023 Budget to improve certification efficiency.

New Funding for Pre-Apprenticeship Programs During NYS Apprenticeship Month: In November 2023, Governor Hochul today announced a significant investment of $2 million to enhance Direct Entry pre-apprenticeship programs across New York State. Governor Hochul also proudly proclaimed November as New York State Apprenticeship Month.

More than $57 Million Awarded Through REDC Initiative: In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced that more than $57 million had been awarded to support 238 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

$90 Million Awarded Through FAST NY Program: In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced that nearly $90 million had been awarded for six locations under the Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program. First announced in February 2022, the program is designed to prepare and develop sites across the state to jumpstart New York’s shovel-readiness and increase its attractiveness to large employers and high-tech manufacturing companies.

More than $12 Million in Strategic Workforce Development Grants Awarded: In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development has awarded more than $12 million in grants to 15 projects across the State through the fourth round of the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance Grant Programs.

Nation-leading Manufacturing Job Growth with More Than 13,300 New Jobs Since 2021: In October 2023, Governor Hochul celebrated National Manufacturing Month by unveiling New York’s nation-leading manufacturing job growth numbers, which indicated that New York State has added more than 13,300 new manufacturing jobs since 2021 – leading the nation in manufacturing jobs brought back from overseas.

18,000 Jobs Available to Asylum Seekers and Migrants. In October 2023, Governor Hochul announced the State has identified more than 18,000 job openings with nearly 400 employers who are willing to hire migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status in the United States. This announcement comes just one month after Governor Hochul directed the New York State Department of Labor to begin connecting businesses with job openings to migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status.

New Fellowship Program to Support Addiction Workforce Development: In September 2023, Governor Hochul announced more than $7.7 Million in funding will be distributed through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to support a new workforce development and fellowship program at four medical schools across New York State.

Strengthening Worker Protections 

New Law Requiring Paid Break Time for Breast Milk: In June 2024, Governor Hochul celebrated a new law requiring employers to provide 30 minutes of paid break time for employees to express breast milk. This mandate applies whenever employees have a reasonable need to express breast milk and extends up to three years following childbirth.

More Than $63 Million Recovered for Nearly 65,000 Workers Across New York State: In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced that in the two years since she announced a major crackdown on wage theft, the New York State Department of Labor has investigated and recovered more than $63 million in stolen wages for nearly 65,000 workers across New York State.

Five-Point Plan to Fight Organized Retail Theft and Protect Workers: As part of the FY 2025 Budget, Governor Hochul instituted a five-point plan to fight organized retail theft:

• Increases criminal penalties for anyone who assaults a retail worker by elevating it from a misdemeanor to felony.
• Allows prosecutors to combine the value of stolen goods when they file larceny charges.
• Makes it illegal to foster the sale of stolen goods to go after third-party sellers.
• A person will be found guilty if they use any website or physical location to sell stolen goods.
• $40.2 million for dedicated Retail Theft Teams
• $5 million tax credit to help small businesses invest in added security.

Paid Sick Leave for Prenatal Care: As part of the FY 2025 Budget, employees are now able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care in addition to the existing sick leave.

Settlement Agreement Between NYSDOL and Uber: In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced an unprecedented settlement agreement between the New York State Department of Labor and Uber Technologies Inc., which resolves both past and future unemployment insurance contributions on behalf of Uber and Uber Eats drivers and couriers.

Preventing Workplace Violence in Public Schools: In September 2023, Governor Hochul signed legislation amending the Workplace Violence Prevention Law, extending coverage to elementary and secondary public education that was previously exempted. This requirement became effective January 4, 2024, requiring school districts to develop a written workplace violence policy statement that describes the district’s goals and objectives for workplace violence prevention.

Other Major Accomplishments

Digital Portal to Help New York State Deliver Free or Low-Cost Child Care to More Families Statewide: In July 2024, Governor Hochul announced the launch of ny.gov/childcare – a digital portal to help make free or low-cost child care more accessible to eligible families statewide through New York State’s Child Care Assistance Program.

Small Business Summer Series: In June 2024, Governor Hochul announced New York’s “Small Business Summer Series” – a slate of informational events and workshops to connect New York entrepreneurs to free resources, support, and services. The series includes the second interagency Small Business Tour as well as the 2024 Regional Minority- and Women-Owned Business Expo Series.

Record School Funding: The FY 2025 Budget included nearly $36 billion in total School Aid ($24.9 billion in foundation aid) for the 2024-2025 school year – the highest level of school funding in state history and maintained “hold harmless” provisions.

First-of-its-Kind Report Detailing Employment Experiences of Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Non-Binary New Yorkers: In January 2024, Governor Hochul announced the results of the Transgender Employment Study, a first-of-its-kind report that details the experiences of transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary New Yorkers in the workplace.

Legislative Package to Support Food and Beverage Industry: In December 2023, Governor Hochul signed a legislative package to support New York’s food and beverage industry. The pieces of legislation aimed to increase the number of cuisine trails in the State and showcase local farms and producers and authorized the manufacturing of alcohol at SUNY Broome Community College and Cornell University.

Apprenticeship Month: In November 2023, Governor Hochul issued a proclamation declaring November as New York State Apprenticeship Month.

Safe & Sound Week: In August 2024, Governor Hochul kicked off National Safe + Sound Week, which ran August 12-18, by highlighting New York State’s initiatives and programs to ensure the health and safety of workers across the State. This included announcing free webinars the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board held that month to help New Yorkers understand critical rights and protections.

New Injured Worker Toolkit: In January 2024, the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board launched a new online resource to help workers who become injured or ill because of their job. The Injured Worker's Toolkit is designed to ensure anyone who suffers a work-related illness or injury can easily understand their rights, how to file a claim, and the resources available to them as they heal and get back on their feet. The resource is available in multiple languages.

Workers’ Compensation Virtual Hearings Hit 1M: In July 2024, the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board announced that since March 2020, it had held more than 1,032,500 hearings through its virtual hearings system. This system enables injured workers and other parties to attend Board hearings from the convenience of their homes, workplaces, and other locations, via a computer or mobile device. Developed in partnership with the New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS), the Board's virtual hearings system was the first high-definition, all-access system for legal hearings in the nation. It has made hearings much more accessible to injured workers, many of whom have difficulty traveling due to their conditions.