Office of the New York State Comptroller - Child Care Challenges in NY

 

Child Care in NY Challenged by Staff Shortages, High Prices and Too Few Slots

New York’s child care sector continues to face lingering challenges post-pandemic including child care deserts, low wages and high prices that are putting a financial strain on families statewide, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“The pandemic’s disruption of the state’s child care industry is far from over,” DiNapoli said. “Prices in New York are among the highest in the nation, while child care workers earn wages well below the state’s median, making it hard to attract and retain the workforce needed to provide services. An effective child care system is integral to the state’s economic future and must remain a priority for policymakers.”

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New York's Medicaid System Improperly Paid Over $16 Million in Claims

New York State Department of Health’s eMedNY computer system improperly paid $16.2 million in Medicaid claims during a six-month period that started in October 2023, according to an audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

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Growth in Local Sales Tax Collections Slowed in 2024

Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $23.4 billion in calendar year 2024, an increase of 1.6% or $376 million from 2023, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. This was the slowest annual growth seen since the COVID-19 pandemic decline in 2020, and was less than half of the average pre-pandemic growth rate (3.8%) of 2011 to 2019 following the Great Recession.

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Former Vernon Center Fire Department Treasurer Arrested for Stealing Over $300,000

A former Treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from the department, Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and the New York State Police announced. The defendant was charged with grand larceny in the second degree.

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Ithaca Woman Charged With Stealing Nearly $70,000 in Pension Payments

Comptroller DiNapoli, Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten and the New York State Police announced the arraignment of an Ithaca woman for allegedly stealing $69,481 in state pension payments meant for her deceased husband.

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State Contract and Payment Actions in December

In December, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 2,257 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $8.1 billion and approved more than 1.9 million payments worth nearly $16.8 billion. The office rejected 295 contracts and related transactions valued at $6.9 billion and more than 1,800 payments valued at approximately $6.2 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.

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Municipal & School Audits

• Town of Lapeer
• Greece Central School District
• Town of Java
• Town of Columbia
• Town of Babylon

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• Comptroller: 'Child care deserts' a family strain on Long Island and state
  
  
• Ex-Treasurer of Vernon Center Fire Department Charged with Stealing More Than $300,000
  
  
• Comptroller: NY health agency overpaid $16M in Medicaid claims
  
  
• Comptroller to New Yorkers: Find out if you have unclaimed funds

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Housing Lottery Launches for 751 Crotona Park North in Crotona, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 751 Crotona Park North, a six-story residential building in Crotona, The Bronx. Designed by Flushing Engineering Services and developed by Calos Louis under the Crotona North LLC, the structure yields ten residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $82,800 to $181,740.

Residences come equipped with air conditioning and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Amenities include an on-site resident manager. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

751 Crotona Park North in Crotona, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are three studios with a monthly rent of $2,415 for incomes ranging from $82,800 to $161,590, and one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,455 for incomes ranging from $84,172 to $181,740.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than February 28, 2025.

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on January 10, 2025 in the confines of the 69th Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 10, 2024, in the confines of the 69th 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 January 12, 2025 in the confines of the 40th Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 12, 2024, in the confines of the 40th 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

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR VICIOUS ATTACK ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HER BUILDING

 

Surgical Mask and Baseball Hat Left by Defendant Led to DNA Match

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for beating and choking a 12-year-old girl during a gunpoint robbery in her building. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant followed the girl home and brutally attacked her at the front door of her family’s apartment. Despite her injuries, she fought back. Hopefully this sentence will bring a measure of justice to this brave child.”

The defendant, Gabriel Narvaez, 46, formerly of East 164th Street, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison each on first-degree Robbery and first-degree Burglary and seven years in prison for second-degree Assault to run concurrently plus five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Jeanette Rodriguez-Morick. He was found guilty by a jury on November 12, 2024. 

According to the facts brought out at trial, on March 9, 2020, at approximately 3:50 p.m. on East 139th Street in the Mott Haven section, the defendant was outside the victim’s building when she came home from school. He followed her in and pulled a gun, and then pistol-whipped, punched, kicked, and choked her. As she struggled with the defendant, he took her keys and cellphone. Neighbors interrupted the attack, and the defendant ran out the front door. He left behind a surgical mask and baseball hat he was wearing. A DNA profile was extracted from those objects which matched the defendant, and he was arrested on November 19, 2020. The victim was transported to the hospital with gashes to her head, bruises to her body, and internal bleeding. After she was treated and released, she required follow up treatment to include psychiatric counseling. 

District Attorney Clark thanked BXDA Senior Investigators John Might and Modesto Acevedo, Video Technician Stalin Crespo of the BXDA Video Unit, DNA Specialist Nana Lamouse-Welch of the Forensic Science Unit and Crime Victims Bureau Advocate Emelis Santana for their work on the case. 

Affordable Outdoor Adventures: Governor Hochul Announces 2025 Free Fishing Days

‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ With No Fishing License Needed During Free Fishing Days

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the six designated Free Fishing Days in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy these affordable outdoor recreation opportunities statewide. Free Fishing Days will take place on: Feb. 15-16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 28-29, Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.

“Free Fishing Days in New York’s waters are a great, affordable way for residents and visitors to explore new places and provide an opportunity for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether casting a line in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers, New York offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation and allows for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”

To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has partnered with libraries across the state to provide a free fishing rod lending program. In addition to borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before purchasing their own gear. For more information and a list of participating libraries, visit the DEC’s website.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Free Fishing Days offer a perfect opportunity to try fishing for the first time, introduce someone new to the sport, or reconnect with one of the most popular outdoor activities. The benefits associated with fishing extend beyond catching fish. Being near water has a positive impact on mental health and wellness and I encourage all New Yorkers to get outside this year and take advantage of New York’s Free Fishing Days.”

The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

The DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners' Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying catch, and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on the DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. The DEC's Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip. The DEC's official app, HuntFishNY, features “The Tackle Box,” which provides fishing regulations, boating access sites, and stocking information within a map-based interface, all from the convenience of a smartphone.

Free Fishing Days offer New Yorkers a great opportunity to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” an initiative launched by Governor Hochul to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their screens, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and the outdoors, and put their mental and physical health first.

In addition to Free Fishing Days, there are also “learn to fish” opportunities available through DEC-approved free fishing clinics at multiple locations. For a list of what’s currently scheduled visit the DEC website.

Anglers looking to ice fish this winter are reminded to do so safely. Before leaving shore, anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in The HuntFishNY app.

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit the DEC website.