If you missed this exciting show yesterday, you can still see our interview of 36th State Senate candidate Lisa Hofflich on YouTube at the link below.
TALKING POLITICS
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Home Healthcare Agencies Settle Fraud Claims for $5.4 Million and Agree to Pay Wages and Benefits to Underpaid Aides
All American Homecare Agency and Crown of Life NY Obtained Medicaid Funds by Claiming They Paid the Required Minimum Wages and Benefits When They Had Not Done So
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Letitia James, New York State Attorney General, announced today a pair of settlement agreements with two Brooklyn-based licensed home care services agencies (LHCSA), All American Homecare Agency (All American) and Crown of Life Care NY LLC (Crown of Life). The settlement agreements address allegations that All American and Crown of Life violated the federal False Claims Act and New York State’s False Claims Act in claiming that they paid their home care aides the minimum wages required under New York State law. The agencies received millions of dollars in funding from Medicaid, which is funded in part by the federal government, and much of that money was meant to pay the wages and benefits of their aides.
“It is outrageous to cheat home health aides of their hard earned benefits guaranteed under New York law and the Medicaid program,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace. “These settlements reflect this Office’s firm commitment to preventing fraud in government programs and protecting home health aides—who perform physically and emotionally taxing work in caring for some of the members of our community most in need.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the New York State Attorney General for its partnership in the government’s investigation and resolution of this important case.
“Home health aides provide critical care for our most vulnerable, and they must be fairly compensated for their work,” said Attorney General James. “Not only did these companies shamelessly cheat their workers, they also cheated our state and stole from communities that need it most. My office will never tolerate fraud of any kind, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that New Yorkers get their fair pay and treatment.”
The New York Wage Parity Act, Public Health Law sets minimum wage and benefit requirements for LHCSAs that employ home care aides who render services to Medicaid recipients in New York City and in Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester Counties. Under the Wage Parity Law, which is funded by Medicaid aides are to be paid a minimum amount in total compensation. That compensation comes in the form of a base wage and a supplemental benefit. The base wage must be paid in cash. The benefit portion can include the value of vacation, holiday, and sick pay, among other things. It can also include health insurance, pension plans, or educational assistance. Today, the minimum amount of total compensation for an aide in New York City is $19.09 per hour; for Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, the minimum is $18.22 per hour.
Home health aides perform all aspects of personal care for sick or homebound patients and frequently work long shifts lasting up to 24 hours. The tasks performed in caring for patients are demanding and can consist of assisting or lifting patients out of bed and bathing, dressing, grooming, preparing meals and, in some instances, feeding them. Patients may suffer from physical or mental disorders that can make the work of the aides physically and emotionally taxing. In fact, it was in recognition of the difficulty of this work that New York passed the Wage Parity Law.
This Office, in coordination with the New York State Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, commenced an investigation after whistleblowers alleged that certain LHCSAs had knowingly defrauded the federal government and New York State by underpaying home health aides in violation of New York’s Wage Parity Act. The government’s investigation revealed that All American and Crown of Life falsely certified their compliance with the law and sought and received reimbursement from Medicaid.
Under the terms of its agreements with the United States and New York State, All American has paid $1.6 million to the United States and $2.4 million to New York State. The settlement covers All American’s conduct in the years 2014 to 2017. Crown of Life has agreed to pay $560,000 to the United States and $840,000 to New York State, for conduct that took place in the years 2014 to 2018.
In addition to the payments to resolve the government’s fraud claims, All American and Crown of Life are now paying their aides the wages and benefits they were required to pay under the Wage Parity Law, including the wages that were owed to current and former aides in prior years. Moreover, both All American and Crown have admitted, acknowledged and accepted responsibility for underpaying their home health aides by failing to pay Wage Parity Law rates.
Attorney General James Releases Footage From Investigation Into the Death of Judson Albahm
New York Attorney General Letitia James today released police body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Judson Albahm. Mr. Albahm died on March 4, 2021, following an encounter with law enforcement in Onondaga County.
The release of this footage follows Attorney General James’ directive that videos obtained by her office in the course of investigations conducted by the Office of Special Investigation (OSI) be released to the public in order to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
https://ag.ny.gov/osi/footage/judson-albahm
Warning: These videos contain images that viewers may find disturbing.
CITING ENVIRONMENTAL & LOCAL CONCERNS, SCHUMER CALLS ON FEDS TO REVERSE COURSE ON PROPOSED BLIND BAY STATION ASAP; SENATOR SAYS THE AREA IS CRITICAL TO WILDLIFE HABITATS, TOURISM ECONOMY, & FISHERS LANDING RESIDENTS
Blind Bay Is Home To One Of Upstate New York’s Most Prolific Muskellunge Spawning Areas; Current Construction & Dredging Proposal, However, Could Devastate Fragile St. Lawrence River Ecosystem, A Major Hit To The Tourism Economy
After Local Officials And Environmental Advocates Sounded The Alarm, Schumer Joins Chorus Urging Feds To Find Alternative That Protects North Country Communities And Allows Agency To Continue Essential Work
Schumer To CBP: Environmental Risks Could Sink Fishers Landing Economy, Work With Locals For A Mutually Beneficial Solution
Citing environmental concerns and local opposition, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today called on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to immediately reverse course on current plans for construction of a new station in the Blind Bay area at Fishers Landing. In a letter to Acting Environmental Branch Chief John Petrilla, Schumer explained that the proposed new facility expansion could have a detrimental impact on wildlife ecosystems, tourism and everyday life for residents, and strongly urged CBP to choose a different location.
“Blind Bay and the St. Lawrence River basin is one of the North Country’s natural beauties attracting thousands of tourists and anglers to Jefferson County every year – not to mention a critical muskie spawning ground. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s proposed new station in Fishers Landing, however, could not only potentially threaten this fragile ecosystem, but also severely hurt the local economy, still recovering from the effects of the COVID pandemic,” said Senator Schumer. “I have the upmost respect for the hard work Customs and Border Protection Agents do every day, and agree a new facility is needed, but the current plan puts the environment and quality of life at too great a risk. I strongly urge CBP to work with local leaders to consider a different station location that boosts both the vital services of the agency and the local community.”
A copy of Senator Schumer’s letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Environmental Branch Chief John Petrilla appears below:
Dear Acting Chief Petrilla,
I write to express my opposition with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s application to build an expanded facility in the Blind Bay area at Fishers Landing located in the Town of Orleans, New York. I join with environmental groups, businesses, elected officials, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and residents who are concerned that this project will have detrimental effects on wildlife ecosystems, tourism and everyday life for residents.
Blind Bay has been home to 53 species of fish including the most prolific muskellunge spawning area in the St. Lawrence River basin. This habitat has been used in recovery efforts to restore fish populations impacted by habitat loss and invasive species. These critical fish and wildlife habitats that exist in the shallow undeveloped bay support shoreline protection, flood reduction, biodiversity and nature education to name just a few of their benefits. The construction of the Customs and Border Protection Facility in the Blind Bay area could significantly impact the future of these important habitats. The proposed docks at the new facility would require extensive dredging that would damage the important one of a kind habitats. Dock structures are also known to attract devastating invasive species such as zebra mussels. Once settled and established in an environment they can alter food webs and change water chemistry by removing nutrients that native fish species require to survive. The fish species that call Blind Bay home must be preserved and protected. This required their habit not being disturbed by dredging or in any other way.
In addition to wildlife, many people call the Blind Bay area home. Hotels, attractions and over 300 homes are across the river from the proposed new facility. People live and visit this part of the Thousand Islands to enjoy the natural beauty. The proposed large multi building industrial facility that requires a significant amount of lighting would be a detriment to the natural beauty that the North Country offers. Many people visit and have homes in the community to escape and recharge from city life. The Town of Orleans and Jefferson County have invested millions of dollar to maintain their businesses and waterfront and improve their infrastructure. This proposed facility would reverse that progress and have a detrimental impact on the local economy.
I have the upmost respect and appreciation for the work that United States Customs and Border Protection Agents do every day. Our country owes a great debt of gratitude to our law enforcement that can never be adequately paid. Our community and country continue to thrive because of the hard work of these individuals. I agree that a new and larger facility is needed to carry out your vital services. However, I strongly urge you to consider and choose a different location that could fit the agencies needs without detrimentally impacting the wildlife ecosystems, tourism and everyday life for residents in the Blind Bay area.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.
Official AOC Campaign- Not one cent
From day one, Alexandria has said she’s not going to take a cent from corporate PACs or fossil fuel executives. At midnight on March 31, we close the books on our final FEC report before the New York State primaries this June.
Alexandria is one of the most heavily targeted members of Congress. Next Thursday, the report we submit to the FEC will not only be used to measure her public support, but it will also be used by political opponents, pundits, and powerful special interests to measure the strength of the entire progressive movement.
Over the past few months, Alexandria has helped move forward a lot of progress, and now we’re on the brink of going all the way. Just this quarter, Alexandria:
– Successfully pushed back the restart of student debt payment. Now we need to push President Biden to cancel them all together.
– Pushed House leadership to support a bill banning conflicted stock trading for members of Congress who boast an unfair advantage. Now we need to pass it.
– Helped elect Greg Casar to Congress and helped push another Texas progressive challenger – Jessica Cisneros – into a run off. Now Jessica has just a few weeks to go all the way.
We’re so much closer to changing this country for the better. Making a donation now is critical to keeping up this momentum and making these changes reality.
Our campaign would not be possible without all of you, and we’re so grateful for your support.
Team AOC
EDITOR'S NOTE:
All requests for solicitation of money have been removed.
Permits Filed For 671 Tinton Avenue In Woodstock, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for an 11-story mixed-use building at 671 Tinton Avenue in Woodstock, The Bronx. Located between East 152nd Street and Westchester Avenue, the lot is one block from the Jackson Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. John Dibattista of New York Catholic Homes is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 123-foot-tall development will yield 160,162 square feet, with 94,135 square feet designated for residential space and 66,027 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 126 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 747 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar but no accessory parking.
Andrew Knox of ESKW/A is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
Friday, March 25, 2022
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 25, 2022
869 Hospitalizations - Under 1,000 for More Than a Week
5 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"The best way to keep the numbers down is by using the tools we know work," Governor Hochul said. "If you feel sick, get tested and limit your exposure to others. If you test positive, talk to a doctor right away about treatments. The booster dose improve your protection against severe illness and hospitalization, so don't delay in getting one once you are eligible. Together we will continue to move forward safely through this pandemic."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
- Test Results Reported – 138,666
- Total Positive – 3,327
- Percent Positive – 2.40%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 2.14%
- Patient Hospitalization – 869 (-42)
- Patients Newly Admitted – 132
- Patients in ICU – 139 (-11)
- Patients in ICU with Intubation – 65 (-3)
- Total Discharges – 289,970 (+146)
- New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 5
- Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 55,075
The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.
- Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 70,107 *This was corrected by the CDC from 70,108 yesterday.
This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.
- Total vaccine doses administered – 37,376,867
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 14,596
- Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 91,714
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 92.0%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 83.4%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 86.0%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 82.4%
- Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 72.4%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 81.5%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 73.7%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 89.5%
- Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 76.1%
Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:
BOROUGH | Tuesday, March 22, 2022 | Wednesday, March 23, 2022 | Thursday, March 24, 2022 |
Bronx | 0.70% | 0.74% | 0.79% |
Brooklyn | 1.30% | 1.37% | 1.49% |
Manhattan | 2.04% | 2.12% | 2.27% |
Queens | 1.13% | 1.19% | 1.27% |
Staten Island | 1.16% | 1.30% | 1.42% |