State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - More New Yorkers Facing Food Insecurity

 

More New Yorkers Facing Food Insecurity

Food prices in the New York City metropolitan area have risen 25.2% since 2019 and low-income households are paying substantially more toward food than before the pandemic, according to a report by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“My office is keeping a close eye on what is driving affordability issues in the city and state, and it has not escaped anyone that higher food costs have hit household budgets in New York City hard, with price increases outpacing income growth,” DiNapoli said. “Food prices rose sharply during the pandemic, putting more New Yorkers at risk of going hungry. Now the implementation of tariffs and potential cuts to federal food and other support programs may exacerbate the problem. State and local efforts to promote access to high quality, affordable food are more important than ever to reduce food insecurity and ensure New York’s families have enough to eat.”

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DiNapoli Releases Analysis of Federal Funding for New York City

New York City’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 operating budget relies on $7.4 billion in federal government funding, accounting for 6.4% of total spending, according to a series of briefs released by Comptroller DiNapoli. DiNapoli’s office estimates that recent federal government actions to cut grant programs could jeopardize at least $535 million of federal aid in FY 2025 and FY 2026, but notes that nearly all federal operating aid that flows to the city could be subject to cuts or elimination. 

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Comptroller DiNapoli Statement on New York City's Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget

“New York City’s proposed budget increases anticipated spending to more than $118 billion in FY 2026, fueled by about $1.7 billion in additional spending to maintain current service levels for students, seniors, parks, sanitation, and healthcare given recent demand," DiNapoli said. 

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Local Sales Tax Collections Total $5.8 Billion, Up 3.2% in First Quarter

Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.8 billion in the first quarter (January-March) of 2025, an increase of 3.2% ($180 million) compared to the same quarter last year. Each of the 10 regions in the state, including New York City, had a year-over-year increase in collections, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli. This marked the second straight year that first quarter growth was below the pre-pandemic average of 3.5%.

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Audits

• Department of Motor Vehicles
• New York City Department of Transportation
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Empire State Development
• Hudson River–Black River Regulating District

Join Comptroller DiNapoli in Celebrating

Public servants at the State Comptroller’s office impact New Yorkers’ daily lives.

This Sunday begins Public Service Recognition Week. Follow Comptroller DiNapoli on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to meet the teams that make up our office and learn how their work promotes accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility in government.

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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

• Food prices in NYC soared over last decade, outpacing income growth
  
  
• Rising Food Costs And Federal Cuts Threaten to Deepen Hunger Crisis
  
  
• New York's nonprofit sector sees decline in employment
  
  
• Artificial intelligence is faster than government. That has to change.
  
  
• Westchester County and NY State Comptroller DiNapoli Put $4.7 Million in Residents’ Pockets

Post of the Week
Office of the NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

2025 VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE (VNNA)–MAY 7–MONTHLY MEETING—7:00PM

 

VAN NEST NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025

7:00 PM

MONSIGNOR FIORENTINO APTS

1830 AMETHYST STREET

GROUND FLOOR, COMMUNITY ROOM

BRONX, NY 10462

BRING A FRIEND! BRING A NEIGHBOR!

Snapchat User Charged In Interstate Scheme To Lure Minors Into Producing Sexually Explicit Material

 Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging BRIAN LIAM FULLERTON with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child. FULLERTON was arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court.  

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged, Brian Fullerton used Snapchat and other social media applications to manipulate and exploit numerous minor victims. We will deploy every resource at our disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us, and we will prosecute those who prey on our children to the fullest extent of the law.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Brian Fullerton allegedly directed several female minors to record and perform sexual acts, while requiring secrecy upon learning the victims’ underage status. The defendant allegedly engaged in unlawful sexual communications and induced the repeated production of explicit content, violating the victims’ privacy and preying upon their innocence. The FBI remains determined to apprehend any individual who sexually exploits minors to fulfill their perverted gratification.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1] 

From as early as September 2022, FULLERTON used social messaging applications, including Snapchat, to prey on victims as young as 14 years old. FULLERTON got these victims to send him sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. Among those FULLERTON targeted was a 14-year-old minor (“Victim-3”), from whom FULLERTON obtained several sexually explicit videos and to whom FULLERTON sent sexually explicit text messages, writing, among other things, “I wish you lived in New York, so I can f*** you for real … You want to be bred by a man three times your age you dirty little girl … I scrolled to make sure my face wasn’t in any pics don’t need them seeing how old I am ;).”

Any individuals with information concerning FULLERTON and any individuals who may have encountered someone using the Snapchat username “lomax518,” the Instagram username “BRADSMITH4187,” the Kik username “lomax518,” or the TikTok username “bradsddysza,” please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.

FULLERTON, 46, of Mahopac, New York, is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child, each of which carries a 15-year mandatory minimum and a 30-year maximum sentence.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carmi Schickler is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Councilmember Kristy Marmorato's Weekly Newsletter

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

Dear Neighbors,

This past week, we continued our commitment to supporting our community businesses, visiting a local school community, and partnering with HPD. 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

 

Hosting HPD in D13! April 23rd, 2025

Last Wednesday, we were proud to host NYC Housing Preservation & Development in District 13!

This was a valuable opportunity to discuss affordable housing, tenant protections, and neighborhood preservation efforts. We’re committed to continuing this vital work with our community and city partners.

Hot Meals/Food Giveaway! April 24th, 2025

Last Thursday, we held a successful hot meals and food giveaway event, providing warm, nutritious meals to families across District 13 at the Morris Park Community Association.

We’re grateful to our partners and volunteers who helped make it happen, and we remain committed to supporting our neighbors in need.

Visit at St Clare of Assisi and St. Francis Xavier School! April 28th, 2025

On Monday morning, the Councilwoman had the distinct pleasure of visiting St. Clare of Assisi – St. Francis Xavier School.

It was truly a joy to spend time with such bright, kind, and talented students whose energy and curiosity were inspiring.

A heartfelt thank you to the school’s leadership, dedicated teachers, and hardworking staff for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you do every day to educate, guide, and uplift our children. Your commitment to their growth and success is deeply appreciated!

Small Business Spotlight April 29th, 2025

For over a decade, Sue and her Green Market have been a cherished part of our community — a place where neighbors gather, local produce thrives, and relationships grow.

When an unregulated fruit vendor suddenly caused Sue’s business to drop by 15% in just two days, we didn’t hesitate to act.

Small businesses like Sue’s are the heart of our neighborhoods, and they deserve strong, fair protection.

We're committed to standing up for them — always!

Constituent Case Highlight!

Several cars were towed in District 13 last week as part of ongoing efforts to address traffic and parking concerns. We thank the NYPD 49th Precinct for their continued partnership in keeping our streets clear and safe for everyone.

Lifeguard Recruitment 

Veterans Services

Upcoming Events

Councilwoman Marmorato  

718-931-1721

District13@council.nyc.gov

Permits Filed for 1779 West Farms Road in Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a nine-story residential building at 1779 West Farms Road in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between the Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road and East 174th Street, the lot is closest to the 174th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Robert Lumaj of Atlantis Development Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 85-foot-tall development will yield 51,389 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 76 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 676 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Yuriy Menzak of Menzak Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

NYC LAW DEPARTMENT, COALITION OF CITIES AND COUNTIES ANNOUNCE LAWSUIT CHALLENGING FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION’S CONDITIONS ON FEDERAL FUNDS USED TO HOUSE THOUSANDS OF AT-RISK AND FORMERLY HOMELESS NEW YORKERS

NYC and National Coalition of Local Jurisdictions Bring Suit Against Federal  Government

Conditions Imposed After NYC Was Awarded More Than $53.5 Million in Funds for Coming Year to Provide Rental Assistance for Chronically Homeless Households to Reside in Permanent Supportive Housing

Loss of Continuum of Care Funding Would Threaten Housing Stability of More Than 2,700 NYC Households Residing in Permanent Supportive Housing and Put Potentially Thousands More at Risk of Losing Their Permanent Housing 

The New York City Law Department announced that the City of New York, as part of a national coalition of eight local governments from across the nation, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), challenging the federal administration’s effort to force cities and counties to agree to unlawful conditions to continue to receive funding for housing assistance programs, putting critical services for some of the nation’s most vulnerable households, including New Yorkers at risk. New York City was awarded more than $53.5 million in Continuum of Care funds from HUD for the coming year that it was planning to provide to nonprofit providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless households that struggle with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse, family trauma, and other challenges. The loss of these funds would directly threaten the housing stability of more than 2,700 households and may put thousands more households in New York City at risk of losing their housing.

“Cities cannot be coerced into adopting federal policies through unlawful conditions on grant funding,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “The new conditions the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has placed on congressionally-approved and previously awarded housing grants to New York City are illegal under longstanding constitutional and statutory principles. Our legal effort seeks to protect tens of millions of dollars in funding that support vital social services in our communities.”

In response to HUD’s grant notice for the federal Fiscal Year 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity, New York applied to HUD for renewal of its existing Continuum of Care grants. On January 17, 2025, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) was awarded 40 grants for a total of more than $53 million to provide rental assistance to chronically homeless households that struggle with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance abuse, family trauma, and other challenges. These 40 grants begin at different times throughout the year. Three of these grants, covering 169 units of permanent supportive housing for $3,276,841, were set to begin on May 1, 2025, and include the conditions challenged in this lawsuit. 

The lawsuit — led by King County in Washington state and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington — states that new funding conditions added by the heads of federal agencies are unconstitutional and an overreach by the executive branch, which does not have the authority to change conditions related to federal grants without the explicit approval of Congress. Despite this, the Trump administration has added several unlawful conditions to the HUD Continuum of Care grant, which covers federal Fiscal Year 2024 grants that HUD awarded New York City in January 2025. These conditions would impose administration policies related to immigration status, reproductive health, “gender ideology,” and discrimination, among others.

The lawsuit resists efforts by the administration to coerce local governments into accepting these unlawful grant conditions, including a condition that puts at risk three times the amount of the grants based on vague and undefined requirements — further endangering critical services for New Yorkers.

As the lead agency for New York City’s Continuum of Care, the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) oversees and manages grant applications for HPD and the city’s wide network of providers, which rely on federal funding to operate programs for exceptionally vulnerable populations, including domestic violence survivors, individuals with HIV/AIDS, at-risk youth, and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

DSS receives approximately $6.7 million annually to provide administrative support to all of the programs that fall under the Continuum of Care, the renewal of which commences on July 1, 2025. There are 165 programs that are vital to shoring up New York City’s social safety net, which are being renewed by HUD through Continuum of Care funding this year; this includes $127 million for supportive housing, $3 million for transitional housing services, $35 million for rapid rehousing supports, and $1.5 million for supportive services projects. The new provisions tied to the approval of this funding undermine equal access to care for all New Yorkers and jeopardize programs that serve as critical lifelines for thousands of at-risk individuals.

The loss of the Continuum of Care funding for HPD would directly threaten the housing stability of more than 2,700 households residing in permanent supportive housing funded by the Continuum of Care grants. The loss of Continuum of Care funding to DSS could have a broader impact due to DSS’s role coordinating the Continuum of Care and supporting the functioning of all grant recipients, putting potentially thousands more stably-housed households in New York City at risk of losing their housing.

In addition to this lawsuit, the coalition of cities and counties will seek a temporary restraining order next week that would block HUD from imposing or enforcing the unauthorized grant conditions.

Joining New York City and King County in filing the lawsuit are the cities of Boston, Columbus, and the City and County of San Francisco; as well as Santa Clara County in California, and Pierce and Snohomish counties in Washington state.

As REAL ID Deadline Approaches, Governor Hochul Calls on Department of Homeland Security to Surge Additional TSA Personnel to Avoid Long Waits or Safety Issues at New York Airports

Governor Hochul Encourages All New Yorkers To Prepare Ahead of REAL ID Deadline

A REAL ID Document Guide and Online Application Pre-Screening Tool Are Available Now

Governor Kathy Hochul is reminding New Yorkers that beginning May 7, 2025, standard licenses will no longer be accepted to fly within the United States and is urging travelers to be prepared and plan ahead before arriving at the airport to help avoid delays. The Governor also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seeking additional Transportation Security Officers for New York’s busiest airports — John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport — to ensure efficient and safe travel during the transition to REAL ID.

“Ahead of the May 7 deadline for airline passengers to provide REAL ID compliant identification, it is critical that travelers in the nation’s busiest airports continue to experience safe and efficient service,” Governor Hochul said. “In addition to calling on the federal government to provide additional TSA officers during this transition and help minimize potential disruptions, I’m also encouraging all New Yorkers who plan to travel domestically in the near future to make arrangements to obtain an acceptable ID and make a plan to avoid delays during this adjustment period.”

On May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, U.S. Passport or passport card (both of which are REAL ID-compliant), or another form of federally compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. In addition to a compliant state-issued ID, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept more than one dozen types of identification after the REAL ID Act becomes enforceable for all airline passengers 18 years and older.

Last year was the busiest year on record at both JFK and LaGuardia, with over 96 million passengers combined between the two airports. New York State, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has taken significant actions to prepare for the transition to REAL ID, including providing increased staff, educating customers, and developing a clear operational plan at security checkpoints. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has also undertaken an extensive public outreach campaign and made a number of accommodations, including expanded appointment availability to Saturdays and extended weekday hours, in an effort to create more opportunities for New Yorkers to transition to REAL ID. However, if someone does not have imminent travel plans or their license is set to expire, customers are asked to put off a DMV visit so that people who need a REAL or Enhanced ID to travel immediately can be accommodated.

Despite these efforts, delays are anticipated at major travel hubs as travelers across the nation adjust to the new requirement. To reduce delays, additional TSA screenings, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint, all travelers should ensure they have a compliant form of identification prior to departure to an airport for either domestic or international travel. While TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, proof of identification for underaged air travelers is subject to airline-specific policies.

The Port Authority recommends that all travelers should check current wait times for TSA security checkpoints at their departure airport terminal before leaving for the airport. Additional airport staff will be available to assist customers at terminals, but travelers should allow for extra travel time, especially during the first few days. Wait times can be viewed below:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport security wait times
• LaGuardia Airport security wait times

New Yorkers who have not yet obtained a REAL ID are strongly encouraged to make an appointment online before their next flight. To avoid mistakes and help New Yorkers prepare, the DMV has implemented several online tools such as a document guide and an online application pre-screening process. New Yorkers applying for a REAL ID are required to provide appropriate proof of residency, and proof of full legal name. There is no additional cost beyond the renewal fee to get a REAL ID.

New Yorkers who have not yet obtained a REAL ID and plan to fly domestically in the near future should remember the following tips:

• Show Up Early: You will be subject to an identity verification process, additional security screening and delays, so be sure to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight.
• Bring your Passport: A US Passport is an acceptable substitute for a REAL ID, so if you have one, bring it.
• Don’t wait: Preparing for a trip is stressful enough, so don’t wait until the last minute to upgrade your ID. Make an appointment with DMV to get a REAL or Enhanced ID well in advance of your next flight.

For more information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, visit Enhanced or REAL ID and watch DMV's REAL ID instructional video on YouTube.