State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Better AI Guidance Needed for State Agencies

 

Improved Guidance Needed for State Agencies Using AI To Avoid Risks

New York State’s centralized guidance and oversight of agencies’ use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is inadequate and creates a risk that the technology could be used irresponsibly, according to audit by Comptroller DiNapoli. The audit looked at the state’s overall AI policy and how AI was used at four state agencies: the Office for the Aging, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Transportation.

The audit, the second in a series on AI Use in New York Government, follows a 2023 audit of New York City’s AI Governance.

“New York State agencies are using AI to monitor prisoners’ phone calls, catch fraudulent driver’s license applications, assist older adults, and support government services,” DiNapoli said. “Our audit found insufficient central guidance and oversight to check that these systems are reliable and accurate, and no inventory of what AI the state is using. This audit is a wake-up call. Stronger governance over the state’s growing use of AI is needed to safeguard against the well-known risks that come with it.”

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Financial Empowerment Resources

for New Yorkers

April is Financial Literacy Month. Identity theft is a problem in New York State and it can happen to anyone. Learn more about what to do if your personal information has fallen into the wrong hands, and find other educational resources and tools from Comptroller DiNapoli to help you improve your financial outlook.

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ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• DiNapoli audit finds state agencies largely flying solo with AI
  
  
• DiNapoli: Women in New York still earn far less than men
  
  
• Hochul Says Trump’s Tariffs Are Already Hurting New York Economy

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Thomas P. DiNapoli

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTACK ON MTA BUS

 

Defendant Stabbed Victim in the Head

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man was sentenced to nine years in prison for Attempted Murder in the second degree for stabbing a man in the head. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant got onto a bus and attacked a man by stabbing him in the head. A trivial argument about holding open a door had far-reaching and devastating effects.” 

District Attorney Clark said Dayshawn Bannister, 29, of the Bronx was sentenced today to nine years in prison and five years post release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Cynthia Isales. The defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the second degree, firstdegree Assault, and second-degree Gang Assault on February 6, 2025. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for each charge which will run concurrently. His co-defendant, Destiny Bryant pleaded guilty to third-degree Assault on March 20, 2025, and was sentenced to a conditional discharge, to include a period of community service.

According to the investigation, on February 15, 2024, at approximately 8:25 a.m., Bryant got into a dispute with Cheddie Defrietis, 38, over an apartment door not being held open at 869 East 147th Street. Shortly after, Bryant followed Defrietis to a bus stop and called her boyfriend, who in turn called his brother, Dayshawn Bannister. Bannister got on the bus and ordered passengers to get off. He asked a passenger, Peter Crosby, 35, if he knew Defrietis before stabbing him in the head, puncturing his brain.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Brian Destefano of the 40th Precinct Squad for his work in the investigation.

Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration to Protect Libraries and Museums

 

AG James Co-Leads Coalition Suing to Stop Dismantling of Federal Agencies That Support Libraries, Museums, Minority-Owned Businesses, and Workers 

New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of three federal agencies that provide services and funding supporting public libraries and museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide. In March, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress that collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars for programs in every state. As a result of this Executive Order, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – one of the targeted agencies – has placed almost its entire staff on administrative leave and will cut hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums. The lawsuit filed by Attorney General James and the coalition seeks to stop the targeted destruction of the IMLS and two other agencies targeted in the administration’s EO that millions of Americans rely on, especially those in underserved communities.

“The Trump administration is launching another attack on vulnerable communities, small businesses, and our children’s education,” said Attorney General James. “The agencies they are attempting to dismantle support workers nationwide, provide funding to help minority-owned businesses, and make sure our libraries and museums stay open so children can engage in lifelong learning. My office will continue to stand up to this administration’s chaos and destruction, and defend critical services that communities throughout New York and the nation depend upon.”

This Executive Order is the administration’s latest attempt to dismantle federal agencies in defiance of Congress. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking to stop the dismantling of three agencies targeted in the administration’s Executive Order:

• The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which supports museums and libraries nationwide through grantmaking, research, and policy development;
• The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which promotes the growth and inclusion of minority-owned businesses through federal financial assistance programs; and
• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), which promotes the peaceful resolution of labor disputes.

As Attorney General James and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, dismantling these agencies will have devastating effects on communities throughout New York and the nation that rely on them to provide important services to the public, including funding their libraries, promoting minority-owned businesses, and protecting workers’ rights.

In 2024, IMLS invested $180 million in libraries nationwide under its Grants to States Program. New York received over $8 million, which helped to fund literacy programs for children and adults, provided training for over 200,000 library staff across New York’s 7,000 libraries, improved internet access in libraries, and paid the salaries of two-thirds of New York State Library employees. The administration’s action will threaten hundreds of library staff across the country who provide essential services to their communities.

In addition, the Trump administration has cut the staff of MBDA from 40 to just five individuals and has effectively stopped issuing new grants, hurting vulnerable small businesses across the country. The FMCS has slashed its staff from roughly 200 to fewer than 15 individuals and announced the termination of several of its core programs, making it harder for unionized workers to secure their rights.

Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the Executive Order violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by eliminating the programs of agencies without any regard for the laws and regulations that govern each source of federal funding. The coalition argues that the president cannot decide to unilaterally override laws governing federal spending, and that this Executive Order unconstitutionally overrides Congress’s power to decide how federal funds are spent.

“The White House’s Executive Order eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services has a direct impact on all New Yorkers,” said New York State Librarian Lauren Moore. “This institute provides $8 million in federal support, sustaining 55 state library staff members – two-thirds of our state library workforce – and essential programs that directly serve local library communities and residents across the state. Our libraries are more than just buildings; they are vibrant hubs of knowledge, culture, and community connection that empower individuals and strengthen society. We stand firm in our mission to ensure all New Yorkers continue to have equitable access to the library resources they need. As the New York State Librarian, I firmly support the merits of this lawsuit and am thankful for the leadership of Attorney General James on this matter.”

This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Rhode Island and Hawaii. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Dr. Oz's Confirmation as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

 

“The Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Mehmet Oz as the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is another sobering reminder of the Trump administration’s full fledged attack against our public health institutions and programs. 

Dr. Oz, who is better known as a TV personality with a history of elevating bogus medical advice, has neither the professional experience nor the healthcare policy acumen that should be required of the person overseeing our country’s key healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, CHIP, or the ACA health insurance marketplaces among others. It is important to remember that CMS administers programs that provide healthcare coverage to over 160 million Americans that rely on these otherwise cost prohibitive healthcare services.

With Republicans aiming to cut almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid nationwide in order to secure substantial tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, this confirmation further demonstrates this administration’s willingness to jeopardize access to healthcare for millions of Americans. 



This administration keeps promoting that they want to make America healthy again. However, it is going to be impossible to make that happen if we further privatize our healthcare. This is why New York must lead by example. This is the time for forward thinking solutions like my bill, the New York Health Act to finally guarantee access to healthcare to all New Yorkers.”

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches for Bruckner Heights in Soundview, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Bruckner Heights, a pair of mixed-use buildings at 2070 Chatterton Avenue and 1017 Olmstead Avenue in Soundview, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Azimuth Development Group, the structures yield 330 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 274 units for residents at 30 to 70 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $19,372 to $134,820.

Amenities include indoor and outdoor recreation area, a community room, bicycle storage, shared laundry room, and on-site parking. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are nine studios with a monthly rent of $454 for incomes ranging from $19,372 to $37,290; 12 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $577 for incomes ranging from $24,138 to $41,940; 11 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $680 for incomes ranging from $29,143 to $50,310; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $774 for incomes ranging from $33,806 to $57,780.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 21 studios with a monthly rent of $1,010 for incomes ranging from $38,435 to $62,150; 41 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,271 for incomes ranging from $47,932 to $69,900; 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,514 for incomes ranging from $57,738 to $83,850; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,738 for incomes ranging from $66,858 to $96,300.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are eight studios with a monthly rent of $1,243 for incomes ranging from $46,423 to $74,580; 34 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,563 for incomes ranging from $57,943 to $83,880; 22 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,864 for incomes ranging from $69,738 to $100,620; and four three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,142 for incomes ranging from $80,709 to $115,560.

At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 19 studios with a monthly rent of $1,255 for incomes ranging from $46,835 to $87,010; 29 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,578 for incomes ranging from $58,458 to $97,860; 26 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,881 for incomes ranging from $70,320 to $117,390; and 12 three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,162 for incomes ranging from $81,395 to $134,820.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 2, 2025.

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we continued our commitment to supporting our community members in hosting a Vietnams Veterans Luncheon, providing Hot Meals, and gathering at our Shredding Event! It is always a joy to engage with our amazing community and ensure we keep providing valuable events that meet the needs of our constituents.

In this newsletter, you will find details about the district events that took place this week, along with information on various upcoming events we have planned.

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and continue fighting to keep our community safe, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

Public Hearing for Preston High School!

The Attorney General will be hosting an important public hearing regarding the proposed closure of Preston High School. This is a crucial opportunity for the community to voice concerns and learn more about the impact of this decision.

For more details and to stay informed, visit: https://ag.ny.gov/preston-public-hearing

Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon

 

Last Saturday, Councilwoman Mamorato proudly hosted and sponsored the inaugural Vietnam Veterans Day Luncheon, celebrating a historic moment for our city. Thanks to her legislation (Reso 441), March 29 is now officially recognized as Vietnam Veterans Day in NYC—a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.

Many Vietnam veterans were never properly honored, so today we presented citations to every veterans post in District 13, recognizing those who served, those we lost, and the families who carry their legacy forward.

We also honored Sgt. Oscar Ruiz, whose advocacy made Councilwoman Marmorato aware of this lack of recognition. His dedication inspired both this resolution and today’s luncheon.

Thank you to our elected official colleagues Vanessa L. Gibbosn and Bronx District Attorney Clark for showing up and helping us honor our vets

On this day and always, we stand with our Vietnam veterans, their families, and caregivers. Your service will never be forgotten. 

Hot Meals Highlights!

Hot Meals at Pelham Parkway

Over the past week, we were proud to deliver hot meals to residents of Pelham Parkway as part of our continued commitment to ensuring food security for our community.

This initiative is just one of the many ways we’re working to provide support and assistance to those who need it most. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and let’s continue to work together to build a stronger, more connected community!

Hot Meals at Janel Towers

This week, we continued our efforts to support the residents of Janel Towers by providing hot meals as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening food security in the community.

Our work doesn’t stop here—together, we can continue to make a positive impact and support those who rely on our help. Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible!

Shoutout to DEP!

A huge shoutout to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection for their swift and effective response in fixing the water main break!

We truly appreciate your dedication and hard work in keeping our community running smoothly. Thank you, DEP, for always being there when we need you!

Birch School's Bubble Parade

On Tuesday, I was honored to be the Grand Marshal at The Birch School’s Bubble Parade!  It was such a joy to see the smiles and excitement as we celebrated the wonderful students and their amazing achievements. Just like bubbles, every child is unique, bright, and meant to rise.

Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift all abilities, ensuring every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential! 

Shredding Event!

Our shredding event was a huge success! 

A special thank you to the NYC Department of Sanitation for their incredible support and for ensuring everything ran smoothly. Your hard work is truly appreciated!

Big thanks to everyone who showed up to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help keep our community secure and clean. It’s amazing to see such strong community participation!

Let’s keep up the great work in protecting our environment and making our neighborhoods cleaner and greener! 

Clean Up Corner

A big shoutout to the NYC Department of Sanitation for keeping our streets clean and safe!

Your commitment to making our city shine doesn’t go unnoticed, and we’re grateful for the hard work you put in day after day. Let’s keep working together to build a cleaner, greener future!

Lifeguard Recruitment 

Free Tax Prep Services

Your Feedback on E-Scooters Matters!

Report E-Scooters that are blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants, ADA-accessible entrances, or creating any other hazardous conditions in our community.

Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov

Let us Know! Illegal Smoke Shops

Please let us know about illegal and unlicensed smoke shops operating within District 13!

Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov

Councilwoman Marmorato  718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov