U.S. Attorney Announces $6.8 Million Settlement With New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital For Paying Kickbacks To A Westchester Oncology Practice In Order To Obtain Referrals

 

New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Repeatedly Paid Remuneration to a Westchester Oncology Practice That Referred Medicare and Medicaid Patients to the Hospital Without a Proper Justification for Such Payments

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), Naomi D. Gruchacz, announced today that the United States has filed and settled a healthcare fraud lawsuit against NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN HUDSON VALLEY HOSPITAL (“NYPHV”), which, prior to 2015, was known as Hudson Valley Hospital Center (“Hudson Valley”).  The settlement resolves allegations that NYPHV improperly paid millions of dollars to a Westchester-based oncology practice (the “Oncology Practice”) to induce patient referrals to the hospital, which NYPHV then billed to Medicare and Medicaid. 

Specifically, the Complaint alleges that in 2011 and 2012, NYPHV entered into three contracts with the Oncology Practice.  Together, those contracts provided that NYPHV would pay hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to the Oncology Practice in exchange for, among other things, work on a proposed melanoma center (the “Melanoma Center”), work on a proposed breast cancer center (the “Breast Center”), and the development and management of an intraoperative radiation therapy service line (the “IORT Service Line” and, collectively, with the agreements concerning the Melanoma Center and the Breast Center, the “Agreements”).  After entering into the Agreements, Hudson Valley and NYPHV subsequently made millions of dollars in payments to the Oncology Practice.  But in reality, many of these payments were not made in exchange for the services identified in the Agreements.  Instead, the Oncology Practice frequently failed to perform or document the central services identified in the Agreements.  All the while, NYPHV continued to receive referrals from the Oncology Practice that generated millions of dollars in reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. 

Under the settlement approved today by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román, NYPHV agreed to pay a total sum of $6,836,764.30 plus interest, with $6,469,410.32 to be paid to the United States and the remainder to be paid to New York State.  As part of the settlement, NYPHV also admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the Government in its complaint, including that NYPHV paid the Oncology Practice over $4 million pursuant to the Agreements for work that was either not performed or not performed as called for in the Agreements, or for which NYPHV lacks any time records. 

“Hospitals and physicians are expected to make medical decisions based on the needs of their patients, not improper financial arrangements,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “When hospitals provide improper payments to induce patient referrals, they compromise the integrity of federal healthcare programs that serve New Yorkers.  We cannot afford corruption in our healthcare industry.” 

“Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, like those alleged in this case, can improperly influence referral decisions and undermine the integrity of federal health care programs,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi D. Gruchacz.  “HHS-OIG is committed to safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs and ensuring that provider decisions are not compromised by inducements.”

As alleged in the Government’s Complaint:

In 2011 and 2012, NYPHV entered into the three Agreements with the Oncology Practice.  The Agreements provided, respectively, that NYPHV would pay the Oncology Practice an annual fee in exchange for, among other things: one of the Oncology Practice’s physician principals (“Physician A”) serving as the Medical Director of a proposed Melanoma Center at the hospital (the “Melanoma Directorship Agreement”); the Oncology Practice’s other physician principal (“Physician B”) serving as the Medical Director of a proposed Breast Center at the hospital (the “Breast Center Directorship Agreement”); and the Oncology Practice developing, managing, marketing, and integrating the IORT Service Line as part of the hospital’s Department of Radiation Oncology (the “IORT Management Services Agreement”).  Each of the three Agreements expired in 2016.

By October 2016 at the latest, NYPHV was, or at minimum should have been, aware that the Oncology Practice was performing only a portion of the work called for under the IORT Management Services Agreement and was not performing the majority of the work being called for under the Melanoma Directorship Agreement.  In addition, despite the fact that all of the Agreements expired in 2016, NYPHV continued to pay the Oncology Practice the fees in the Agreements through 2019.

All told, between January 2011 and December 2019 (the “Covered Period”), NYPHV paid over $4 million in fees to the Oncology Practice in connection with the Agreements—including payments for work that was not performed—to induce the Oncology Practice to refer its patients to NYPHV for oncology-related medical services in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law.  As a result of this conduct, NYPHV submitted false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid for services provided to these patients in violation of the False Claims Act.

Under the settlement, NYPHV admitted, among other things, that:

• Between 2011 and 2019, Hudson Valley and NYPHV together paid the Oncology Practice over $4 million pursuant to the Agreements for work that was either not performed, not performed as called for in the Agreements, or for which NYPHV lacks any time records.  The Oncology Practice was required to submit these records to Hudson Valley, and later NYPHV, under the Melanoma and Breast Center Directorship Agreements.
• By October 2016, NYPHV was, or at minimum should have been, aware that the Oncology Practice was performing only a portion of the work called for under the IORT Management Services Agreement and was not performing the majority of the work being called for under the Melanoma Directorship Agreement.  Nevertheless, NYPHV continued paying the Oncology Practice its fees under each of these agreements for another three years.
• The Oncology Practice and Physician A never developed or established the Melanoma Center as envisioned by the Melanoma Directorship Agreement and, accordingly, Physician A did not perform the primary duties of a Medical Director as envisioned by the Melanoma Directorship Agreement.  Further, at least by 2012, Physician A did not provide 50 hours of work per month toward developing or establishing the Melanoma Center and NYPHV was unable to identify any time records from the Covered Period documenting Physician A’s or their designee’s work related to the Melanoma Directorship Agreement.

In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had previously been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HHS-OIG.

Attorney General James Secures Over $616,000 from New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital for Illegal Kickback Scheme

 

HVH Allegedly Paid Oncology Practice Millions to Refer Cancer Patients to the Hospital

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured over $616,000 from New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital (HVH) for violating the law by making illegal kickback payments to a Westchester County oncology practice in exchange for its doctors allegedly referring approximately 114 patients to the hospital. A joint investigation between the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) revealed that from January 2011 through December 2019, HVH and its predecessor, Hudson Valley Hospital Center, paid millions of dollars to the oncology practice, which then referred its patients for oncology services at the hospitals. Under a settlement with OAG and SDNY, HVH will pay over $616,000 in damages for false claims to New York’s Medicaid program.

“New Yorkers should be able to trust that their doctors are making decisions based on their best interests, not financial incentives,” said Attorney General James. “HVH’s illegal kickback scheme undermined cancer patients’ critical relationships with their health care providers. I will continue to go after illegal financial schemes that corrupt our health care system and prevent patients from getting the care they deserve.” 

The investigation found that from January 2011 through December 2019, HVH and Hudson Valley Hospital Center offered and paid the oncology practice over four million dollars in fees. These fees were paid in connection with three agreements – including for work that was either not performed, not performed as called for in the agreements, or for which HVH lacks any time records – to induce the oncology practice to refer its patients to Hudson Valley and HVH for oncology-related medical services. As a result of this scheme, HVH submitted false claims to Medicaid in violation of the New York State False Claims Act.

Under the settlement, HVH will pay $616,676.14, representing damages to Medicaid, with over $367,000 going directly to New York’s Medicaid program. The remainder will be returned to the federal government. The case against HVH was initiated by a former employee, who will receive a portion of the settlement because the former employee filed a whistleblower lawsuit under the federal and New York False Claims Acts, which allow people to file civil actions under seal on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.

The investigation and settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between OAG and SDNY. Attorney General James thanks SDNY for their partnership and assistance.

Reporting Medicaid Provider Fraud: MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online or call MFCU at (212) 417-5397. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911.

New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 is $70,793,651. Of that total, 75 percent, or $53,095,240, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,698,411 for FY 2026, is funded by New York State.

Attorney General James Secures $2.4 Million in Debt Relief for New Yorkers Misled by Predatory Debt Servicer

 

Monterey Finance Unlawfully Charged Consumers to Lease Products and Services They Believed They Were Purchasing

Illegal Fees Often Raised Costs by 200 Percent; Consumers Urged to Give Away Pets to Shelters When They Could Not Make Monthly Payments

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $2.4 million in debt relief and $175,000 in penalties, as well as other reforms, from Monterey Finance (Monterey), a financial services company that knowingly misled New York consumers with unlawful lease agreements disguised as traditional consumer financing agreements. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that until 2017, Monterey purchased and serviced payment plans for goods and services that were misleadingly presented to consumers to hide their exorbitant fees and other terms. Consumers who accepted these agreements believed they were purchasing a product or service. In reality, they were only leasing it, and were charged for monthly payments and fees that totaled well above the sticker price for the product or service they believed they were purchasing. In many cases, consumers paid more than 200 percent above the sticker price by the end of the transaction. Under a settlement with OAG, Monterey must cancel all outstanding leases in New York, pay $175,000 in penalties, stop collecting all outstanding debt from any leases, and make other reforms to end its deceptive and unlawful business practices. The agreement will provide approximately $2.4 million in debt relief to 835 New York consumers.

“Monterey preyed on consumers who needed financial assistance by charging illegal fees and deceiving them to make a profit,” said Attorney General James. “These misleading tactics cost New Yorkers millions of dollars. I am proud to have secured debt relief for those affected by Monterey’s deception and will always hold predatory lenders accountable.”

Monterey partnered with businesses to service and collect on contracts that offered “financing” to consumers at the point of sale. While consumers believed they were receiving a traditional retail loan to purchase a product or service, these contracts were actually lease agreements. Under these agreements, consumers were charged fees on top of monthly payments, including fees at the beginning and end of their lease terms. Many consumers were shocked to find out that they did not actually own the items they purchased, such as family pets and wedding dresses, and would not own them until they paid a final fee.

Monterey collected on these lease agreements, often charging consumers additional fees to pay their monthly lease payments. These illegal pay-to-pay fees further drove up costs. Consumers who fell behind on their monthly lease payments were threatened with repossession or transfer to Monterey’s nonexistent “legal department,” even for purchases like pets. In these cases, consumers – who were led to believe they owned their pets – were advised to deliver their pets to shelters when they could not make their monthly payments.

Consumers ended up paying well above the sticker price for purchases made with Monterey’s approved lease agreements. One consumer who signed a finance agreement to purchase a $2,000 puppy ended up paying $3,592.95 after all fees and monthly payments.

The OAG’s investigation found that Monterey violated New York laws by misleading consumers and servicing lease agreements for services, such as car repairs, that cannot be returned and have no residual value. While lease-to-own agreements should give consumers the right to return items they are leasing if they no longer wish to continue making payments for them, Monterey did not allow customers to return goods they purchased.

Under a settlement with OAG, Monterey will pay $175,000 in penalties and cease collecting on any debt originated from a lease – erasing approximately $2.4 million in debt for New York consumers. Monterey will also cancel all of its leases in New York and request that Consumer Reporting Agencies erase any factors that negatively impacted a consumer’s credit score due to its leases. In addition, Monterey cannot be involved with any leases for services, pets, and other goods with no clear resale value that cannot be leased. 

Governor Hochul Announces Increased Local Law Enforcement and State Police Patrols During Holiday Travel Season

One of Several Annual Alcohol- and Drug-Related Enforcement Campaigns Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee

Construction Closures Temporarily Suspended To Ease Holiday Travel

Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers that State Police and local law enforcement agencies are participating in an ongoing nationwide enforcement strategy to remove impaired drivers from our roads this holiday season. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign — an initiative funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) — will run through Thursday, January 1, 2026.

"Anyone making the decision to place themselves or other drivers in danger this holiday season will be ticketed or face criminal charges," Governor Hochul said. “Our state has zero tolerance for impaired and reckless driving because the safety of New Yorkers is always my top priority.”

In addition to the driving while intoxicated (DWI) checkpoints and patrols, law enforcement officers will be watching for speeding drivers, distracted drivers and drivers violating the “Move Over Law,” which requires drivers to exercise extreme caution when passing any vehicle that is stopped in or on the side of the road.

New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate, but you must celebrate responsibly. If you drive impaired and break the law, you will face consequences and be held accountable. Take the time to plan for a sober ride home, avoid distractions behind the wheel and slow down, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “As motorists drive throughout the state to see family and friends this holiday season, we encourage them to make safe driving practices a priority. There’s no excuse for driving impaired, and when someone makes the choice to drive after using alcohol or drugs, they are endangering the lives of everyone. The State Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to discourage and detect impaired motorists. I thank the GTSC for their partnership in educating and bringing awareness to all who get into a vehicle in New York State.”

Construction Closures Suspended

In an effort to ease travel during the busy holiday weekends, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24 through 6 a.m. Monday, December 29, and again from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 31 through 6 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026.

The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of drivers to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Drivers should be aware that some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

Drivers must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation urge drivers to stay alert while driving, slow down and safely move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of drivers, employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on it.

Texting stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. The New York State Thruway Authority will also continue its tradition of offering free coffee and hot tea to travelers along the Thruway from 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve through 7 a.m. New Year’s Day morning to promote safety and alert driving.

All 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are now open. Drivers can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority's website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides drivers direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Drivers can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Travelers can also check NYSDOT's 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

These traffic enforcement campaigns are funded by the GTSC, which promotes and supports participation of law enforcement agencies at the state, county and local levels in high-visibility enforcement efforts. Grant funding is intended to provide for supplemental traffic enforcement and engagement during those times of the year, like the holidays, when there is greater potential for drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs to be on the road.

During last year’s crackdown law enforcement statewide issued 129,686 tickets. Of those tickets 23,339 were for speeding, 4,205 were for distracted driving, 3,230 were for seatbelts, 981 for the “Move Over Law” and 4,264 individuals were arrested for impaired driving. 93,667 drivers were ticketed for other infractions.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services data shows that felony and misdemeanor arrests for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs result in a conviction in approximately 90 percent of cases.

The State Police, the GTSC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips to make the holidays safer for all:

• Plan a safe way home before the celebrating begins;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi or ride sourcing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
• Use your community’s sober ride program;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement;
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind drivers that their “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver. 

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE GROUNDBREAKING FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND JOBS AND EDUCATION HUB, CELEBRATE FOUR YEARS OF DELIVERING HOUSING, JOBS, AND TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING-CLASS NEW YORKERS

 

SPARC Kips Bay Will Create Over 15,000 Jobs, Generate $42 Billion in Economic Impact Over 30 Years, and Deliver State-of-the-Art Life Sciences Space to CUNY Community 

Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul Have Consistently Set Tone for a Focused City-State Relationship That Delivers a More Affordable City for New Yorkers

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball, and The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez today celebrated progress on the Science Park and Research Campus (SPARC) Kips Bay project, a first-of-its-kind life sciences innovation, career, and education hub they have been working in partnership to make a reality since year one of the Adams administration. Deconstruction of the current campus on the site is expected to begin in February 2026, with construction of the new SPARC campus expected to begin in 2027. Today’s announcement is yet another example of the successful city-state partnership Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul have achieved for the last four years, working together to address the affordability crisis, create new housing, lower taxes, advance bold infrastructure projects, and make the city safer.

“SPARC Kips Bay will transform an entire New York City block into a state-of-the-art destination for the life sciences and healthy industry. It will create 15,000 good-paying jobs and generate over $42 billion in economic impact for our city. We thank our partners, NYCEDC, CUNY, and, especially, Governor Hochul for her steadfast support and leadership,” said Mayor Adams. “From day one, Governor Hochul has been a real partner in ‘Getting Stuff Done’ for our city and working people. Over the past four years, we have worked together to make our city more affordable, delivered the ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,’ expanded the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit for the first time in nearly two decades, and eliminated the personal income tax for over 582,000 New Yorkers through our ‘Axe the Tax for Working-Class’ plan. We have worked in partnership to get big, visionary projects planned, approved, and built, including the reimaging of the Kingsbridge Armory and our historic plan to turn the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a modern maritime port. Together, we have invested in a bold vision for the five boroughs that has made New York City safer, more affordable, and the best place to live and raise a family.”

“The new SPARC campus will drive innovation and research for New York’s nation-leading life sciences ecosystem, ensuring that groundbreaking medical advances are done right here in this city,” said Governor Hochul. “Over the past four years, Mayor Adams and I have made bold strides to uplift New York City’s economy, create good-paying jobs for New Yorkers, address the affordable housing crisis head-on, and forge ahead with critical infrastructure projects — showcasing what can be accomplished through state and city partnership.”

“SPARC Kips Bay will expand pathways into public health careers for our students and provide state-of-the-art facilities for our faculty who are conducting research for the public good,” said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “I’m pleased to mark this milestone and grateful to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams for their leadership and support of this transformational project, which will strengthen our city and university.”

Next Steps for SPARC

The transformation of SPARC will bring over 2 million square feet of academic, public health, and life sciences space to the community. First announced by Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, NYCEDC, and CUNY in October 2022, the historic project is expected to create more than 15,000 total jobs, generate $42 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years, and establish a pipeline from New York City’s public schools and public universities to future-forward and family-supporting careers in the life sciences and health care sectors. 

The Innovation East development — located at 455 First Avenue in Manhattan — will replace the former and obsolete Public Health Lab with a new state-of-the-art life science hub. The Public Health Lab will relocate to a new, modern facility in Harlem to continue its critical work, which is expected to be complete in 2026. Demolition of the existing 455 First Avenue building is anticipated to occur once the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene vacates, which is expected in 2026. SPARC Kips Bay passed Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULRUP) and received New York City Council approval in February 2025.

The SPARC Kips Bay and Innovation East projects are key initiatives to advance the LifeSci NYC with the goal of creating and attracting accessible jobs in life sciences, health care, and public health; and cementing New York City as a global leader in the sector.

Addressing New York City’s Affordability Crisis

Last year, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked together to pass “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity,” the most pro-housing zoning proposal in New York City history. The citywide rezoning plan will enable the creation of 80,000 new homes over the next 15 years and invest $5 billion — including $1 billion from the state — towards critical infrastructure updates and housing. Additionally, in 2024, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked with the New York state Legislature to pass a comprehensive housing agreement as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. That agreement — which included new tools to encourage more affordable housing, convert offices into homes, allow more density in housing, and create safe basement apartments — is already delivering more housing for New Yorkers across the city.

Further, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul worked together to establish the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust, paving the way for the overdue repair, rehabilitation, and modernization of 25,000 apartments under control of the New York City Housing Authority.

Over the last four years, under Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul’s leadership, the city and state worked together to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in tax relief for working-class New Yorkers, including the first expansion of the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in nearly two decades and Mayor Adams’ “Axe the Tax for the Working-Class” proposal to eliminate and lower city personal income taxes for nearly 500,000 New Yorkers and their dependents. When combined, both Axe the Tax for the Working Class and the new, enhanced NYC EITC is putting more than a collective $408 million back into the pockets of 2 million New Yorkers.

Delivering on Big, Bold Infrastructure and Economic Development Projects

Since 2022, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul have worked together to advance bold economic development and infrastructure projects that had previously languished for decades and bring new housing, jobs, and public space to New York City.

Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul — as well as local elected officials and community leaders — helped pass a historic vision plan to turn the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Backed by $418 million in city, state, and federal investments, the ambitious plan will transform the dilapidated marine terminal into a 60-acre, all-electric maritime port, as well as create 6,000 new homes, 28 acres of public space, 37,000 construction jobs, and 275,000 square feet of commercial space along the Brooklyn waterfront.

Additionally, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul helped pass a historic plan to transform the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx into a thriving, community-centered hub. With a state-of-the-art venue space for entertainment, new cultural and commercial space, light industrial manufacturing space, over 25,000 square feet of dedicated community space, and approximately 500 permanently-affordable homes, the new Kingsbridge Armory will deliver a more affordable Bronx for working-class New Yorkers.

Along with the “New” New York initiative to ensure an equitable economic recovery after the pandemic; a joint planning effort for the future of Roosevelt Island; an agreement to replace and expand the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan; a $500 million investment from the Battery Park City Authority’s Joint Purpose Fund into affordable housing; new incentive programs to encourage businesses to maintain offices in or move to New York City; and more, the Adams and Hochul administrations have consistently delivered a productive partnership and real results year after year.

NYGOP Statement on Latest ADL Report on Mamdani Anti-Semitism

 

The NYGOP released the following statement in response to the ADL's latest report on anti-Semitism in New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's administration. 

From the report:

 

"At least 20 percent of the 400-plus appointees have ties to anti-Zionist groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which openly glorifies Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack and regularly sponsors protests and events that can create a hostile campus environment for Jewish students; Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), a fringe group that advocates for the eradication of Zionism and demonizes Zionists; Within Our Lifetime (WOL), a New York-based radical anti-Zionist organization that is known for leading protests outside synagogues and facilitating some of the most heinous antisemitic rhetoric and incidents seen in New York City since Oct. 7, and others."

 

NYGOP Statement:

 

"Another day, another reminder that the incoming Mayor of New York City is an anti-Semite. Kathy Hochul's continued silence on this matter is an act of moral cowardice of epic proportions. 

 

"Bruce Blakeman has defended the rights of Jewish New Yorkers to live in peace and free from harassment his entire career. Governor Blakeman will defend Jewish New Yorkers from Zohran Mamdani and his band of brownshirts."

 

-NYGOP Spokesman David Laska

New Park Police Candidates Sought by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

 

Officers to Help Protect Park System's Record Numbers of Annual Visitors 

Applications accepted through February 18, 2026

New guidelines and requirements open the door to more applicants for a new class of Park Police candidates at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks). Applications to join the ranks of police officer protecting visitors to the State Park system will be accepted until February 18, 2026.

"With updated guidelines and requirements, we are proud to welcome a new generation of Park Police candidates," said State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. "Our Park Police officers play a vital role in protecting the people, places, and experiences that make our state park system so special. As visitation continues to grow, we are seeking dedicated individuals who are committed to public service and to ensuring our parks remain safe and welcoming for everyone."

Candidates must be at least 20 years of age at the time of hire and must not have passed their 43rd birthday as of October 1, 2026. Previously, it was age 35. OPRHP is looking for candidates with education and experience that includes 60 college semester credit hours completed by 06/30/2026, military service or municipal police training. Details can be found here on our website.

State Parks maintains a welcoming environment and offers new recruits hands-on field work and classroom education in Criminal Procedure Law, Penal Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, Park and Recreation Law and criminal investigations. Recruits receive training in firearms, first response, snowmobile operation, ATV operation, emergency vehicle operation, and a wide variety of other law enforcement-related topics and skills.

Park Police Chief Michael Daddona said, "Park Police are relied upon to help people in need during extreme events across various park environment, which include rushing waterways, high peaks and winding trails. This is a challenging and rewarding career. Candidates will be joining a team of dedicated officers who provide a great public service to all the people of New York State."

Visit the Park Police website for more information regarding the application process, agility test, and written exam.

Park Police officers are highly trained specialists dedicated to our New York State Park Police mission of P.R.I.D.E.: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. They provide New York State residents and visitors with safe and enjoyable recreational experiences at State Parks and Historic Sites.