State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

State Comptroller DiNapoli’s Hispanic Heritage Month event was a celebration of the rich cultural contributions and achievements of the Hispanic and Latino communities in New York. The event, held in New Rochelle on Tuesday, served as an opportunity to recognize the vital role Hispanic and Latino individuals play in shaping the State’s economy, culture and society.

Honorees were: 

• José Alvarado, Westchester County Legislator District 17 

• Yadira Ramos-Herbert, Mayor, City of New Rochelle 

• Maria Kercado, President Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Westchester Chapter, AFL-CIO and Executive Vice President, Retired 1199 SEIU, UHWE 

• El Centro Hispano, Inc. 

“We can see the influence of the growing Hispanic community everywhere we look. Just under a third of the immigrants in the State are of Hispanic descent. By highlighting stories of success and community leadership we honor the diversity and resilience of our communities while reaffirming our commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity for all New Yorkers. Their success is a continued reminder of the lasting impact Hispanic individuals and communities have had on our country,” DiNapoli said.

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Supporting Community Banking in

Historically Underserved Communities

State Comptroller DiNapoli and Department of Financial Services Superintendent Harris announced the approval of Community District 9 as a Banking Development District (BDD) and presented $35 million in New York State deposits to Ponce Bank’s Westchester Avenue Branch. The BDD program, administered by the Department of Financial Services, supports the establishment of bank and credit union branches in areas across the State where there is a demonstrated need for banking services.

“We are proud to provide $35 million in public funding to Ponce Bank to improve community banking in the Soundview, Parkchester and Castle Hill neighborhoods of the Bronx,” DiNapoli said. “This is a smart, sound investment to ensure more financial services are available to help increase access to capital, supporting personal wealth, home ownership, entrepreneurship and jobs.”

As of September 17, 2024, the State Comptroller’s office had deposits totaling approximately $530.3 million in 14 banking institutions that have opened branches in BDDs across the State. Banks can apply for the program through the Department of Financial Services.

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SED Needs To Improve Oversight of School Districts' English Language Learners Programs

The State Education Department (SED) needs to improve its oversight and work to remove barriers to ensure school districts are providing the required services for students learning English, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit examined whether SED was adequately overseeing if school districts outside New York City were providing the required services to English Language Learners.

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State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on MTA's Release of Its 2025-2029 Capital Program

“The MTA’s proposed $68.4 billion 2025-2029 Capital Program is the largest in the MTA’s history, but it will still leave many needs unaddressed. As the MTA moves forward with the program it must be fully transparent on how the projects it has chosen to prioritize are the right ones to improve safety, frequency and reliability of service. This will help underscore the importance of the work to the MTA’s funding partners as they examine the proposal," DiNapoli said. 

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Local Sales Tax Collections Up 3.8% in August

Local sales tax collections in New York State increased by 3.8% in August compared to the same month in 2023, according to data released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.85 billion for the month, up $68 million year over year.

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New York City Man Charged with Stealing Over $50,000 in Pension Benefits Meant for Deceased Sister-in-Law

A 69-year-old Manhattan man, Randy Ray, was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 in pension benefits meant for his deceased sister-in-law, State Comptroller DiNapoli announced.

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Audits

• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
• New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board
• State Education Department
• Office of Children and Family Services
• Office of General Services
• Department of Health

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• NY state funds help Bronx small businesses thrive

• Audit reveals gaps in English learner programs across New York school districts

• Report: $115 billion needed to keep MTA running over five years

• The Capitol Connection - New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli

• NYS Comptroller report shows higher education sector boost

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Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller 

MAYOR ADAMS, DSNY COMMISSIONER TISCH’S STATEMENTS ON DEATH OF SANITATION WORKER

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) Commissioner Jessica Tisch released the following statements following the death of Richard Errico, a 19-year DSNY veteran who died in the line of duty. 

“Our thoughts are with Richard’s family, friends, coworkers, and everyone who knew and loved him,” said Mayor Adams. “I met with Richard’s family tonight and shared how deeply sorry I was for their loss. Richard kept our streets and communities safe and clean for more than 19 years, and we should all be keeping Richard and his family in our prayers. He, like 8,000 uniformed sanitation workers, went to work every day to make a difference in their communities. New York’s Strongest work tirelessly every day in incredibly difficult and physically taxing jobs. Too often, we don’t stop to thank them for all they do to make our city a better place for us all to live. Next time we see one of our trucks pass by or a sanitation worker keeping our neighborhood clean — let’s all give them the thanks and recognition they deserve.” 

“Tonight, our department mourns the loss of Sanitation Worker Richard Errico, a 19-year veteran who served the people of Douglaston, Littleneck, and Bayside as one of the Strongest,” said DSNY Commissioner Tisch. “He did it proudly. I ask all New Yorkers to pray for his family — for Carol, Brooke, Paige, and Tommy, as Mayor Adams and I did. May Richard’s memory be a blessing.”

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on September 15, 2024 in the confines of the 73rd Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 15th, 2024 in the confines of the 73rd Precinct..

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on May 26, 2024 in the confines of the 83rd Precinct

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 26th, 2024 in the confines of the 83rd Precinct..

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here