State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - Youth in NYC Face Double-Digit Unemployment Rate

Youth in NYC Face Double-Digit Unemployment Rate

Young workers in New York City between the ages of 16-24 continued to face a high 13.2% unemployment rate in 2024, which was 3.6 points higher than in 2019 and higher than all other age groups, according to a report issued by Comptroller DiNapoli. Despite significant improvement in 2023, the city’s youth unemployment rate was higher than the national rate. Black, Hispanic, and Asian youth, especially males, have even higher unemployment rates, with young Black workers at 23.8%, nine points greater than in 2019.

“Young New Yorkers, who tend to work in lower-wage industries, face serious challenges in finding work,” DiNapoli said. “Recent job-cut announcements in retail around the country and potential federal funding cuts to education and workforce development grants may weaken their job prospects even more. These trends are very concerning, and the city needs to continue to prioritize helping young people find jobs to support upward mobility and build the city’s talent pool.”

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Comptroller DiNapoli Hosts Irish Heritage Event

Comptroller DiNapoli recently hosted a celebration of Irish heritage and culture at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College in New York City, where he recognized Helena Nolan for her outstanding service as Consul General of Ireland. He also honored Eddie Boles, Battalion Chief at FDNY and Mike McGuire, Labor Rising CEO for their years of service to the people of New York.

Action Needed on New York's Long-Delayed Adoption of Crucial Next Generation 911

Next Generation 911 (NG911) is a long-promised upgrade to New York’s emergency communications system that would allow photos, voice and video calls and text messaging to be rerouted to other county call centers when major events like natural disasters overwhelm local centers. However, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, which is the primary agency responsible for overseeing the state’s transition to NG911, is years behind schedule on adopting the required transition plans—and has fallen short in providing counties with needed guidance on moving forward with implementing statewide interoperable communications, according to an audit released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

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State Pension Fund Investments Return 5.84% for State Fiscal Year 2024-25

Comptroller DiNapoli announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s (Fund) investment return was 5.84% for the state fiscal year that ended March 31, 2025. The Fund closed the year with an estimated value of $272.8 billion.

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Comptroller DiNapoli and Ulster County DA Nneji: Father and Son Arrested for Stealing $1.2 million in Medicaid Transportation Fraud Scheme

A father and son, both owners of companies providing Medicaid recipients with transportation services in Ulster County, were charged with stealing over $1.2 million by unlawfully billing Medicaid—inflating charges and billing for services never provided, Comptroller DiNapoli and Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji announced.

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Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Statement on Former Avon Police Chief Sentencing

Comptroller DiNapoli released the following statement on the sentencing of the former Avon Police Chief for stealing federal funds:

“This police chief swore to uphold the law but instead used his position to enrich himself at the expense of his community. He was ordered to pay back what he stole, and he paid full restitution, amounting to over $6,000. My thanks to U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo and the FBI for partnering with my office to hold him accountable.”

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A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• Father, son bilked over $1.2M from Medicaid in Ulster County, officials say
• Former Avon police chief sentenced to probation for stealing federal funding
• State audit critical of next-gen 911 rollout by NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
• NYC youth unemployment remains high despite gains in 2024

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

This week, Senator Rivera joined The Release Aging People in Prison Campaign (RAPP), Center for Community Alternatives, Vocal-NY, and other advocacy organizations to call for the passage of a number of bills to reform our archaic sentencing laws and parole system. These include:

• Fair and Timely Parole (S.159)
• Earned Time Act (S.342)
• Second Look (S.158)
• Elder Parole (S.454)
• The Challenging Wrongful Conviction Act (CWCA, S.6319)

"I believe in redemption but our State’s broken parole system & sentencing laws do not. Instead they unjustly condemn New Yorkers," said Senator Rivera.

Watch a reel here.

This week, Senator Rivera joined a virtual press conference with Protect Our Care New York Coalition and Congressmember Dan Goldman to condemn House of Representatives members, especially those from New York, who voted for Trump's "Big, Beautiful" bill, which would enact significant cuts to Medicaid.

"Congressional Republicans should be ashamed for voting for Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” which includes devastating cuts to Medicaid and food stamps to fund huge tax breaks for the ultrawealthy. Millions of Americans rely on these life-saving programs for their healthcare and to feed their families. This is the MAGA agenda— cruelty is the point. New York Representatives who voted for this disaster must be held accountable for this disastrous vote," said Senator Rivera.

To watch a reel of Senator Rivera's remarks at the press conference, click here.

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY'S NEW DEVELOPER AND THE NORTHWEST BRONX COMMUNITY CLERGY COALITION

This week, Senator Rivera joined colleagues and community members at a press conference to celebrate the agreement reached by the Kingsbridge Armory's new developer, 8th Regiment Partners LLC, and the Northwest Bronx Community Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC). This is an important achievement were the community will have a say in the Armory's future. 

 

"This project is the culmination of a decades-long effort to make the Armory the vibrant space that it was always meant to be. I'm committed to maintaining a watchful eye to ensure that the new project fosters economic growth, leads in sustainability, generates good-paying union jobs, and keeps our community at the center," said Senator Rivera.

Thank you to Steven Ochoa-Camacho, District Deputy Manager from Bronx Community Board 7, for joining Senator Rivera in outreach efforts around the district ahead of the second Kingsbridge Armory Public Hearing last Tuesday. 

Click here to see more pictures.

"To all of my Muslim neighbors in the Bronx and across New York, I wish you peace, harmony, happiness, good health, and prosperity for those celebrating Eid. Eid al-Adha Mubarak to you, my friends!"

Last week, Senator Rivera started Pride Month celebrating the 4th Annual Riverdale Pride Event at Riverdale Neighborhood House! It was a wonderful event that brings all of us together and brings awareness to LGBTQIA+ issues in Riverdale.

With the federal government actively persecuting LGBTQ+ Americans, we must remain as committed as ever to ensure New York’s LGBTQ+ communities feel supported and loved.

Thank you Laura Levine-Pinedo for hosting this event!

This week, Senator Rivera taught a civics class to a group of 9th graders at In-Tech Academy! They learned about how state government works, the state budget process, and the importance of being civically engaged.

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

SENATOR RIVERA VISITED THE BRONXDALE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE SCHOOL'S GENERATION CITIZEN PROGRAM

This week, Senator Rivera visited the Bronxdale High School in Pelham where 12th grade students participating in the school’s Generation Citizen program presented their final projects about a number of issues affecting our borough.

They spoke about the importance of being civically engaged and how their advocacy efforts are crucial to improve our communities’ future.

Thank you all for the invitation and warm welcome!

LOCAL HIRING: GROWNYC MORRIS HEIGHTS FARMSTAND

SUNDAY 06/15: NORWOOD PRIDE 2025 AT WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL PARK

DHS and Idaho Team up in Joint Immigration Enforcement Operation

 

Idaho is helping DHS keep America safe 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Idaho Governor Brad Little announced that the state of Idaho has signed a new agreement to support President Trump’s deportation agenda.

Idaho State Police will be working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send hundreds of criminal illegal aliens in Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation. This agreement was made under the 287g authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“287(g) is critically important to our strategy of having the enforcement that we need to really address the criminal activities that we’ve seen out on the ground," said Secretary Noem. "It has been wonderful to see people jump in and be a part of it to make sure that we have not just the authorities that we need to go out there and to work, but also to have the local knowledge and the people in the community that really want to be a part of the solution. We are looking for more agreements like that across the country, and we will continue to build on it."

Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has expanded enforcement cooperation with state and local law enforcement to historic levels. Since President Trump took office, ICE has signed hundreds of new agreements, bringing the current total to 649.

Announcing the agreement, Governor Little said: “Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport illegal immigrants with criminal histories out of our jails and to ICE facilities, where they will be deported out of our country. These criminals here illegally have committed crimes such as domestic violence, robbery, driving under the influence, and other dangerous activities that threaten Idaho families, but in counties across our state they are being released back into our communities after arrest. This is unacceptable. Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws, and I want to further strengthen our state’s partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration.”

"I’m really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program,” said Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons. “You have to remember that we’re talking about criminals — and often, they won’t take an arrest sitting down — so when local jails are allowed to turn them over to ICE in a safe setting, we don’t need to send dozens of federal law enforcement officers into the public to make arrests. Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends and neighbors."

DHS has recently conducted several successful 287g operations with its partners, including:

• Operation Tidal Wave in Florida, which arrested nearly 1,200 criminal illegal aliens.
• An operation in Nashville, TN that arrested nearly 200 criminal illegal aliens.
• An operation in Salt Lake City, UT that arrested 52 criminal illegal aliens.

CITY OF NEW YORK TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT OVER $820 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS NATIONWIDE

 

Coalition Files Amicus Brief Outlining Why Non-Profits Must Have Federal Public Safety Grants Restored  

 

Continues Adams Administration’s Work To Ensure New Yorkers Get Every Dollar They Are Entitled to at Every Level of Government 

The City of New York — as part of a coalition of cities, counties, elected officials, and prosecuting attorneys from around the nation — took action to protect congressionally-appropriated funding for public safety organizations by filing an amicus brief in the case of Vera Institute of Justice, et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice, et al. This brief strongly supports litigation against the unlawful April 2025 decision by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to immediately terminate more than 270 multi-year grants, awarding more than $820 million in essential funding to non-profit organizations serving to strengthen public safety in communities across the country, including in New York City.  

 

“These grant funding cuts by the U.S. Department of Justice represent yet another example of a massive overreach by this federal administration,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “As detailed in the brief, the nearly billion dollars in funding cuts to our longstanding non-profit partners not only violate the intent of Congress but undermine public safety and vital social services for our communities.”    

 

“These cuts to service providers will have a significant impact on New Yorkers,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan. “The organizations impacted provide critical public safety services to our community, including resources that support victims and lower recidivism. They also provide tools to make our courts more efficient and vital services for individuals transitioning back into the community. New York is the safest big city in America and these cuts undermine its ability to maintain that safety.” 

 

Several organizations that are contractors or sub-contractors with New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice have lost out on more than $18 million in grants in total after the OJP terminated the grants. As the brief lays out, New York City and other localities rely on these and other public safety partners, and if the funding is not restored, New Yorkers and other Americans would bear the impact of reduced services or increased costs, and public safety could be undermined. 

 

Many of the terminated grants support programs that appear to be aligned with OJP’s stated goals for violence reduction, law enforcement efforts, victim services, child protection, and other public safety and justice functions. More specifically, New York City and the other jurisdictions that joined the brief rely on non-profit partners to provide these services, including, among many others, maintaining correctional facilities, improving safety in prisons, updating law enforcement and emergency responses, providing invaluable support for victims of crime, and training and assisting law enforcement and police officers, correctional facilities staff, prosecutors, judges, and amici’s own staff on a variety of issues and services involving mental health, homelessness, substance use treatment, and gun and gang violence intervention. 

 

In the brief, the coalition asks the court to support the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction. 

 

The amicus brief was prepared by the Public Rights Project and was joined by the City of New York, along with the cities of Sacramento and Santa Monica, California; Chicago, Illinois; Baltimore, Maryland; Kansas City, Missouri; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Newark, New Jersey; as well as Santa Clara County, California; Montgomery County, Maryland; Washtenaw County, Michigan; Shelby County, Tennessee; King County, Washington; and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Also joining are elected officials and prosecuting attorneys representing Santa Clara County, California; Ridgway, Colorado; Marrion County, Indiana; Kalamazoo County and Washtenaw County, Michigan; Jackson County, Missouri; Hood River and Wasco County, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Shelby County, Tennessee; Travis County, Texas; Chittenden County, Vermont; Norfolk, Virginia; and Winnebago County, Wisconsin. 

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York Regions

 

In Effect for Sunday, June 8

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Sunday, June 8, 2025, for the Upper Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter

The advisory will be in effect 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m.

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Upper Hudson Valley, which includes Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Washington counties, Adirondacks, which includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, St. Lawrence, and Warren counties; Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates, and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.