Office of the New York State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Reports on City and State Budgets

 

Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Analysis of Enacted State Budget

The Enacted Budget for State Fiscal Year 2025-26 is projected to total $254 billion, a 5.2% increase in spending at a time when new federal actions on funding and policy may change the relationship between the federal government and states. Actions that have already occurred at the federal level, paired with potential Congressional action, may mean that in the upcoming months New York will see challenges to the recently Enacted State Budget, according to a report by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“The stakes are high for New York if the cuts being discussed in Washington occur,” DiNapoli said. “The state needs to do what it can to stabilize finances, build reserve funds, focus on efficient service delivery and develop a strategy for how to contend with federal changes. The final budget had some measures built into help navigate this uncertainty, but the state needs to do what it can to prepare in a transparent manner before our options are even more limited.”

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NYC’s Finances Benefiting From Better Than Expected Revenues

Stronger than anticipated revenues and lower costs for asylum seekers will help New York City balance its $118 billion fiscal year 2026 budget, according to a report by Comptroller DiNapoli. However, potential fiscal challenges are emerging, including continued uncertainty regarding federal policy and economic conditions, and fiscal risks from anticipated federal budget cuts. These challenges could limit the city’s potential revenue upside and make it harder to continue to fund recent spending additions for discretionary programs and maintain services.

“New York City’s fiscal outlook has improved since January as revenues have surpassed the city’s expectations, supported by the financial industry’s strong performance,” DiNapoli said. “But the economic conditions that drove higher revenues may be softening and local fiscal pressures could be exacerbated by decisions made at the federal and state levels. Boosting budget contingencies and setting money aside in its Rainy Day Fund would help the city manage fiscal challenges that may arise and help mitigate the impact to public services.”

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Physical and Financial Conditions at Selected Mitchell-Lama Developments in New York City (Follow-Up)

Comptroller DiNapoli released a follow-up report on the physical and financial conditions of selected Mitchell-Lama developments in New York City. This report assesses the extent to which previous recommendations to protect residents' health and safety and ensure proper use of funds have been implemented.

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Livingston County Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $25,000

Comptroller DiNapoli, Livingston County District Attorney Ashley Williams and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that a Livingston County woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $25,000 in New York state pension payments made to her deceased mother.

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A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s analysis of the state budget
• More comptroller oversight is needed on NY state budget
• Vacant apartments, questionable spending plague some NYC affordable housing, audit finds
• Woman admits to stealing $25K in pension from late mother
• NYC May Face Annual Budget Gaps of $13 Billion, DiNapoli Says
• Comptroller DiNapoli: NYS Budget may not be ready to deal with fed cuts

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Law Enforcement Offers $10,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest of 4 Dangerous Criminal Illegal Aliens who Escaped from Delaney Hall Detention Facility

 

Call 911 or 866-DHS-2-ICE with any information that may lead to locating these dangerous criminal illegal aliens

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the four criminal illegal aliens who escaped from Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey. The safety of Americans and the Newark community is the DHS’ top priority.

“DHS has become aware of four detainees at the privately held Delaney Hall Detention Facility escaping. Additional law enforcement partners have been brought in to find these escapees and a BOLO has been disseminated,” said a Senior DHS Official. “We encourage the public to call 911 or the ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE if they have information that may lead to the locating of these individuals. DHS and the FBI are offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of these public safety threats.”

On June 12, four criminal illegal aliens breached security at Delaney Hall. Contrary to current reporting, there has been no widespread unrest at the Delaney Hall Detention facility. This privately held facility remains dedicated to providing high-quality services, including include around-the-clock access to medical care, in-person and virtual legal and family visitation, general and legal library access, translation services, dietician-approved meals, religious and specialty diets, recreational amenities, and opportunities to practice their religious beliefs.

The four criminal illegal aliens currently evading federal law enforcement are public safety threats.

Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes is an illegal alien from Honduras who illegally entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration. On May 3, 2025, the Wayne Township, New Jersey Police Department arrested Bautista for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez is an illegal alien from Honduras who illegally entered the U.S. as a minor in 2019. On October 3, 2024, the New Jersey Passaic Police Department arrested Sandoval for unlawful possession of a handgun. He was arrested again on February 15, 2025, by the Passaic Police Department for aggravated assault.

Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada is an illegal alien from Colombia who illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 under the Biden administration. On May 15, 2025, the New Jersey Hammonton Police Department arrested Castaneda for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.

Andres Pineda-Mogollon is an illegal alien from Colombia who overstayed a tourist visa and entered the U.S. in 2023 under the Biden administration. On April 25, 2025, the New York City Police Department arrested Pineda for petit larceny. On May 21, 2025, the Union, New Jersey Police Department arrested Pineda for residential burglary, conspiracy residential burglary, and possession of burglary tools.

Anonymous tips may be reported on the ICE Tip Form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423.

ICE’s 24-hour tip line gives Americans the ability to report suspicious criminal activity by illegal aliens including terrorist activity, gang related crimes, and suspected sex trafficking. The tip line is manned by highly trained specialists who take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on the more than 400 laws enforced by ICE. Secretary Noem will be providing more resources. 

Rwandan Immigrant Arrested for Concealing Role as Perpetrator of Genocide After Fraudulently Entering the United States

 

A federal grand jury in Ohio has returned a three-count indictment unsealed charging Rwandan national Vincent Nzigiyimfura, also known as Vincent Mfura, 65, of Dayton, Ohio with lying on his U.S. immigration and naturalization applications. Specifically, the indictment alleges that he concealed his role as a perpetrator of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, among other misrepresentations. Nzigiyimfura was arrested Wednesday in Dayton and made his initial appearance yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

According to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura participated in the genocide that took place between April and July 1994, when members of Rwanda’s majority Hutu population killed hundreds of thousands of the country’s minority Tutsi ethnic group in an attempt to eradicate the ethnic group. An estimated 500,000 to 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed during the three-month genocide. Nzigiyimfura, a Rwandan businessman and butcher, was allegedly a leader and organizer of the genocide against Tutsis in the area in and around Gihisi and Nyanza. Nzigiyimfura allegedly provided weapons, transportation, and material inducements to other Hutus and directed them to search for and apprehend people to be killed based on their status as Tutsis. He allegedly set up roadblocks to detain and kill Tutsis, using his personal vehicle to transport materials to build the roadblocks. According to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura devised a scheme to trick Tutsis in hiding to believe that the killings had stopped only to have them rounded up and murdered. 

“As alleged, Vincent Nzigiyimfura directed and encouraged murders during the genocide in Rwanda and then lied to U.S. authorities to start a new life in this country,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The United States is not a safe haven for human rights violators. Those, like the defendant, who commit immigration fraud to hide their violent pasts will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Mr. Galeotti thanked the prosecutors from the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), agents from HSI Cincinnati and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio for their work in bringing this important prosecution.

“The indictment alleges this defendant facilitated the killings of Tutsis during the Rwandan genocide and then lied about it on immigration applications in the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris for the Southern District of Ohio. “This egregious conduct will not be tolerated.”

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) is committed to pursuing justice for victims of genocide by ensuring that those who committed atrocities in foreign lands cannot hide in Ohio or any other community in the United States,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of ICE HSI Detroit. “No one wants a war criminal as their neighbor and these allegations paint a grim picture of the horror Nzigiyimfura inflicted on the Tutsi people. His indictment and arrest is a step toward justice for those victims. ”

When the genocide ended in 1994, as alleged, Nzigiyimfura fled Rwanda and later lived in Malawi. While living in Malawi in 2008 to 2009, Nzigiyimfura allegedly submitted materially misleading applications for an immigrant visa and alien registration, including by falsely representing that he was not an alien who had engaged in genocide. In the presence of a U. S. Consular Officer, Nzigiyimfura affirmed he understood that any willfully false or misleading statement or willful concealment of material facts could subject him to criminal prosecution. Additionally, according to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura submitted an affidavit in which he misleadingly claimed he “left Rwanda in 1994 due to the Genocide,” when in fact, he fled the country because of his participation in the persecution and massacre of Tutsis. His alleged misrepresentations and omissions yielded an immigrant visa to enter the United States in 2009.

Five years later, Nzigiyimfura submitted an application to naturalize as a U. S. citizen. Here, too, according to the indictment, he knowingly made false statements and omitted material facts, including claiming he had never persecuted any person, never committed a crime or offense, and never lied to any U. S. Government official to gain entry to the United States. In a November 2014 interview with a U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, Nzigiyimfura verbally reaffirmed these false statements, as well as others, according to the indictment. His application for naturalization has not been granted. Nzigiyimfura has lived in the United States since 2009.

In 2018, according to the indictment, Nzigiyimfura submitted an application and supporting documentation for a replacement Permanent Resident Card (green card) that was due to expire in 2019 and obtained a new fraudulently procured green card with an expiration date in 2029. On July 27, 2021, Nzigiyimfura allegedly used his fraudulently procured replacement green card in connection with an application for an Ohio driver’s license.

Nzigiyimfura is charged with one count of visa fraud and two counts of attempted naturalization fraud. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U. S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

HSI Cincinnati is investigating the case, with assistance from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC). Established in 2009, the HRVWCC furthers the government’s efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, and the use or recruitment of child soldiers. 

Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U. S. Attorney Rob Painter of the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Historian/Analyst Dr. Christopher Hayden and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

Members of the public who have information about former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U. S. law enforcement through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also email HRV. ICE@ice. dhs. gov or complete its online tip form at www. ice. gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips. asp. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

The Seal of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul Re: Israel and Iran

“My Administration has been closely monitoring the situation in Israel and Iran, and I received a security and intelligence briefing from my public safety team earlier today. I have also spoken to Israel's Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis to express my concern for the security of his nation. I pray for the safety and well being of all the people in harm's way in the region from the attacks.

“Many New Yorkers have close family and community ties to this region, and I recognize this is a time of fear and uncertainty. While there are no credible threats to New York at this time, I have nonetheless directed the New York State Police and other State personnel to continue providing security support at sensitive sites -- particularly Jewish and Muslim houses of worship and community centers. This heightened state of alert will continue for the foreseeable future, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe.”

 

Attorney General James Announces Election Protection Hotline Ahead of June Primary Election

 

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Consult Frequently Asked Questions, Call (866) 390-2992, or Request Assistance Online 

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will make its Election Protection Hotline available for the June 24, 2025 primary election and during the early voting period, which runs from Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues voting by absentee ballot, early mail ballot, or in-person at their polling place. A guide addressing frequently asked questions is also currently available to assist voters with, among other things, the absentee and early mail ballot process and voter registration issues.

“New Yorkers deserve to feel safe about casting their ballots when they head to the polls for this month’s primary,” said Attorney General James. “Free and fair elections are foundational to our democracy. Whether you choose to vote absentee, during early voting, or on election day, my office’s Election Protection Hotline is here to help voters every step of the way.”

New Yorkers are protected from voter intimidation, deception, suppression, and obstruction under state and federal law. Attorney General James urges voters experiencing election-related problems while voting to call the OAG hotline at (866) 390-2992 or submit a complaint online to request assistance. The telephone hotline will be open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. during early voting (Saturday, June 14 through Sunday, June 22), and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, June 24. The hotline will also be available on the day before and after Election Day, Monday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 25, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form. Hotline calls and written requests for assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its Election Protection Hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required by law.

All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. On Election Day, polls are required to be continuously open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and if voters are in line before closing, they must be allowed to vote. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces, including the New York Voting Rights Act, which upholds fair, open, and accessible elections.

NYSOFA Promotes Resources to Prevent, Identify, and Report Elder Abuse

 

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Shining Spotlight on Hidden Tragedy

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and our partners throughout the state highlight resources to help the public prevent abuse in all its forms and identify and report abuse, including scams and other financial fraud tactics targeting older adults.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “According to the World Health Organization, abuse of older adults happens to about 1 in 6 people aged 60 years and older. Scams and financial fraud have exploded, costing older adults tens of billion annually. Therefore, it’s vital that family, friends, neighbors and caregivers know the signs of abuse, talk to loved ones about it, and utilize the many resources in New York State to prevent abuse, report it, and help victims."

Forms of Elder Abuse

Elder abuse takes several forms: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). Elder abuse is not always easily recognized. Older adults who are socially isolated are at increased risk for elder abuse, and NYSOFA offers many resources to help overcome this root cause, including socialization programs available through local county Offices for the Aging and digital tools to help connect older adults.   

Identifying Elder Abuse

An older adult could be a victim of elder abuse if they:

• Seem depressed, confused, or withdrawn.

• Are isolating from friends and family.

• Have unexplained bruises, burns, or scars.

• Exhibit poor hygiene or appear underfed, dehydrated, overmedicated or undermedicated, or are not receiving needed care for medical problems.

• Have bed sores or other preventable conditions.

• Exhibit recent changes in banking or spending patterns.

Reporting Elder Abuse

• To report abuse, individuals should call the Adult Protective Services (APS) helpline at 1-844-697-3505.

• For emergencies that require immediate attention, call 9-1-1.

• For non-emergency assistance, or if you are worried about a friend or loved one, call the helpline for concerned individuals at 1-844-746-6905. This is a confidential resource.

Programs to Combat Elder Abuse

NYSOFA, in partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester and its contractors, provides a statewide Elder Abuse Education and Outreach Program (EAEOP) for older adults, their families and caregivers.

NYSOFA has also pioneered the use of Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) to intervene in cases of elder abuse through the Elder Abuse E-MDT Initiative. E-MDTs, now in every region of the state, convene local agencies in individual counties working together to help address cases of elder abuse. From 2014 to 2024, E-MDT interventions led to a reported $6.5 million in restitution in financial exploitation cases. Of this, $1.6 million was reported returned to the victims. To learn more, visit the E-MDT Initiative website. You can also read NYSOFA's report on the E-MDT model to learn more about program outcomes.

NYSOFA Livestream on Elder Abuse Awareness and Prevention

Watch the latest episode of LIVE With Greg, hosted by NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. During the program, NYSOFA and guest experts discuss ways to recognize signs of abuse, its prevalence, and resources for getting help. During the program, NYSOFA also presented the 2025 Art Mason Award for Elder Justice. This year’s recipient is Paul Caccamise, Vice President for Program at Lifespan of Greater Rochester, recognizing his “over 50 years of leadership and his ongoing commitment to elder justice,” devoting his career to “awareness, outreach, training, education and direct intervention to ensure that older people in New York State live lives free of abuse and mistreatment.” 

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “Elder abuse tends to be under-recognized and under-reported. In fact, only one in about 24 abuse cases are reported to adult protective services or law enforcement. It is vital that family, friends and neighbors look out for the well-being of our vulnerable adults and intervene if they see signs of abuse. If you believe abuse is happening, call the New York State Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505, or your local county adult protective services office or law enforcement. I invite you to visit the Adult Protective Services page on the OCFS website for more information on ways to identify and stop elder abuse.

Scam Resources

Financial exploitation – including scams and other fraud tactics that target older adults – is the most common form of elder abuse. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that fraud cost victims 60 and older $4.8 billion in 2024.

NYSOFA's Don't Get Scammed: A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft provides tips, resources and more to help older adults avoid scams. Please also watch and share NYSOFA's series of videos on some of the most common scams targeting older adults.

Additionally, NYSOFA has partnered with GetSetUp, an online health and wellness learning community, to feature online classes through its Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub and Financial Hub, as well as an Elder Abuse Awareness Series and National Safety Month.

These special classes in the safety and cybersecurity series are among hundreds available for older adults to meet with their peers for online learning and social connectedness.

Other Resources

The Division of Consumer Protection can help victims of scams and fraud. It also offers consumer prevention and education information. For more information, call 1-800-697-1220.

The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to help crime victims with medical bills, counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance.

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a directory of programs that includes residential services and/or assistance, information, referral, counseling, advocacy, community education and outreach services.

These and other resources can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/elder-abuse.

Partnerships for Parks - It's My Park will Pause for the Summer

 

Dear Community Partners,

We hope you have been enjoying springtime in parks! As we do each year, together, we’ve welcomed the season with over 590 It’s My Park beautification and clean-up projects, alongside enriching events, powerful community conversations, and more, making our parks and green spaces that much more welcoming, vibrant, and green.

As we look ahead into the summer season, we want to share an important update. Because we have seen significant changes in weather patterns in recent years, with much more intense rain and heat, forcing a great percentage of projects to be cancelled at the last minute and creating scheduling and resource challenges, we will be pausing It’s My Park activity for July and August. But you can still host your own volunteer activities! Just be sure to reach out to your local park manager to let them know when you’d like to volunteer, what work you’re planning to do, and if you need any extra support! Contact your Community Engagement Coordinator or Catalyst organizer if you need your Park Manager's information. Just remember to submit a permit application if more than 20 people are expected.

And this pause doesn’t mean we’ll be slowing down! This summer, we are excited and look forward to: 

• Connect with you one-on-one 
• Help you apply for grants opportunities 
• Visit your events 
• Host skill-building workshops 
• Prepare for a robust Fall season – including the return of our Community Connections Social, celebrating your impact (more to come on this)! 

Stay tuned for the It’s My Park application to reopen on July 15 for September projects. In the meantime, this brief pause is a great opportunity to promote your group, find new partners in your neighborhood, and invite new volunteers to join you! Grow your network and connect with new partners and volunteers through the NYC Parks Volunteer Group Directory! Visit https://www.nycgovparks.org/opportunities/volunteer/groups for more information and to get your group listed on NYC Parks’ website. You can also always explore www.PartnershipsforParks.org to learn more about the many resources we offer to help support your group’s work.

Thank you for everything that you do, and for your continued efforts to care for one of our city’s most precious resources. Parks are vital to our city – and you are vital to our parks.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Your friends at Partnerships for Parks 

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - Reserve Your Kitchen Compost Bin

 

Friends,

We still have a very limited number of kitchen top compost bins left for members of our community.

As you may know, the New York City Council has passed a law mandating that all residents and businesses compost their food scraps beginning April 1, 2025. To help with this transition, we are happy to provide a limited number of FREE kitchen top compost bins by reservation only. 

To reserve your kitchen top compost bin today, please see our flyer below and scan the QR code or click here.  

If you have any questions about NYC's composting program, please call our office at 718-409-0109.

With Gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.