NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Report Looks at NY's Social Insurance Programs for Unemployed and Injured Workers

 

Analysis Benchmarks Benefit Levels Against Peer States

The benefits from four major social insurance programs provide crucial financial support during difficult times in the lives of hundreds of thousands New York workers and their families each year, according to a new report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli that reviews the benefit amounts, limits, and wage replacement rate of these programs and how they compare with peer states.

“New York’s social insurance programs play a vital role in helping hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year cope with the impact of losing a job, or being unable to work due to their own or a family member’s injury or illness, pregnancy or the arrival of a new child,” said DiNapoli. “We saw the importance of these benefits in helping employees meet household needs during the pandemic, keeping countless families from slipping into poverty.”

New York’s four major social insurance programs are: unemployment insurance (UI), workers’ compensation insurance (WC), temporary disability insurance (TDI), and paid family leave insurance (paid family leave). More than 138,000 New Yorkers claimed unemployment benefits for the week of Oct. 5, 2024. In 2023, there were almost 170,000 claims for workers’ compensation. In 2022, the most recent year for which data are available, more than 163,000 paid family leave claims were paid.

Assessing the adequacy of benefits can be challenging, and is influenced by the benefit rate, the maximum benefit or cap on benefits, and the wages earned by workers claiming benefits. Adequacy is subjective, and sufficiency may appear differently when assessed against wages lost or cost of living, or in conjunction with household size, other household income and savings, and the duration of benefit provided. In addition, benefit adequacy must also be balanced with other policy goals, such as affordability of funding the benefits and maintaining an incentive to return to work, among others.

DiNapoli’s report looks at how three types of workers – those earning minimum wage, a living wage, and a six-figure salary – would fare under New York’s programs, and compares these results to those of peer states. It shows that New York’s benefit rate for these programs are mostly in-line with other participating states, and New York is one of the only states that offers TDI and paid family leave.

Unemployment Insurance

All 50 states provide this benefit, and New York’s benefit rate of 50% is common. However, in 2024, the state’s maximum benefit of $504 is lower than in 29 other states. As a result, the UI benefit replaces 42% of the weekly wage of a worker earning a living wage in New York City. By contrast, a worker earning the same wage would have 60% of income replaced in New Jersey.

Under current law, increases to maximum benefits are being phased in through October 2026, at which point they will equal 50% of the New York State Average Weekly Wage. Four peer states offer higher replacement of wages for workers earning a wage comparable to a New York minimum wage: Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and New Jersey. Only Florida and California offer less for workers earning a New York City living wage.

As of Oct. 15, New York continues to owe $6.2 billion to the federal government for UI benefits paid during the pandemic, one of three states that continues to carry a balance. As DiNapoli has previously reported, federal and state taxes on employers have risen and federal taxes will continue to rise until this balance is repaid. Employers will also continue to be subject to an interest assessment surcharge. Since Sept. 30, 2021, $452.3 million has been paid in interest assessment surcharges through Sept. 30, 2024.

Workers’ Compensation

New York’s workers’ compensation benefit rate of 67% for temporary total disability is mostly in line with other peer states, although its maximum benefit in 2024 is lower than 29 states. For workers receiving the maximum benefit rate under temporary total disability, New York’s two-thirds benefit rate is in the range of most peer states, with only Texas, New Jersey and Connecticut providing higher rates. However, New York’s $1,171 maximum benefit is lower than all peer states except New Jersey.

Legislation enacted in 2023 will phase in increases to the minimum benefit through 2026, after which it will be set at 20% of the New York State Average Weekly Wage.

Temporary Disability Insurance

Only five states offer TDI to employees for off-the-job short-term illness or injury, which includes pregnancy. New York’s $170 maximum weekly benefit ranks last, with the benefit replacing 27% to 28% of the wages of a minimum wage employee in New York. In comparison, wage replacement rates for minimum wage and living wage workers range from 58% to 85% in the other states that offer this benefit, including California and New Jersey. No changes have been made to the maximum benefit provided under this program since 1989.

Paid Family Leave

Only nine states and Washington, D.C. provide paid family leave benefits in 2024. As of Jan. 1, 2024, New York’s benefit rate is 67% of an employee’s average weekly wage, ranking 8^th among the few states that offer this benefit. The amount is capped at a maximum benefit of $1,151, ranking 4^th. DiNapoli’s report found that Connecticut’s policy is most beneficial to minimum wage workers, replacing 94% – 97% of income; however, New York’s higher maximum benefit makes its policy favorable for workers earning $100,000.

Report

New York’s Social Insurance Programs: Benchmarking Benefits

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TOMORROW: BRAC hosts FREE, touring production of "The Comedy of Errors" - open to the public!

 

On Wednesday, the Bronx River Art Center will welcome the touring company of NYU Tisch / Stella Adler School of Acting’s production of William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” — and the production is free and open to the public. 

The story features a shipwreck, a set of twins, mistaken identities, and lots of laughter and confusion for all. Bronx community members interested in attending can RSVP to join us here! 

BRAC Social Media

socialmedia@bronxriverart.org

Bronx River Art Center

1087 E. Tremont Ave

P.O. Box 5002

Bronx, NY 10460

(718) 589-5819

ASSEMBLYWOMAN RAJKUMAR STATEMENT ON GANG-RELATED GUN VIOLENCE IN NEW YORK CITY

 

I have spoken with Mayor Eric Adams regarding two recent incidents of gun violence our City has faced, both believed to be gang-related. On Friday, two suspects ran into a crowded barber shop on Roosevelt Avenue and opened fire at someone seeking cover. Due to the heroic intervention of barber Rafael Abreu subduing one of the perpetrators, no one was injured.

Yesterday, a seven-year-old girl in Harlem was shot in broad daylight when caught in the crosshairs of a firefight believed to be gang-related. The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening, for which we are grateful. Thank you to the NYPD officers who swiftly transported her to the hospital and apprehended two people in connection with the shooting.

These incidents of gang-related gun violence must end. Going forward, my office will bring stakeholders together to empower at-risk youth, intervene with repeat offenders, and show our young people that there is a way out from gang activity.

Housing Lottery Launches for 1182 Woodycrest Avenue in Highbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1182 Woodycrest Avenue, a nine-story mixed-use building in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Crown Architecture and Consulting and developed by Bluestone Organization, the structure yields 45 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 36 units for residents at 50 to 90 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $42,172 to $173,340.

Residents will have access to a shared laundry room, bike storage lockers, electric vehicle charging stations, community center, senior center, and an outdoor terrace. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there is one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,133 for incomes ranging from $42,172 to $69,900. For the one-bedroom unit with the income limit of 50 percent AMI, eligible households must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older at the time of the application, and must meet the income and household size requirements.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are seven one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,383 for incomes ranging from $50,743 to $83,880; six two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,660 for incomes ranging from $61,303 to $100,620; and five three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,916 for incomes ranging from $71,143 to $115,560.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,708 for incomes ranging from $61,886 to $111,840; one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,051 for incomes ranging from $74,709 to $134,160; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,367 for incomes ranging from $86,606 to $154,080.

At 90 percent of the AMI, there are five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,883 for incomes ranging from $67,886 to $125,820; two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,261 for incomes ranging from $81,909 to $150,930; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,610 for incomes ranging from $94,938 to $173,340.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 7, 2024.

Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $1.3M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Cranial Ultrasounds

 

Brandon Eye Associates P.A. (Brandon Eye), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Brandon, Sun City and Plant City, Florida, has agreed to pay $1.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Brandon Eye has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.

“The payment of kickbacks can bias medical decision making, result in unnecessary services, and drive up health care costs at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates that the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who enter into kickback arrangements that undermine the integrity of federal health care programs.”

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Brandon Eye knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims for medically unnecessary TCDs performed on Brandon Eye’s patients. Brandon Eye and a third-party provider of turnkey mobile TCD services, through an agreement, performed TCDs on Brandon Eye patients who had been diagnosed with common health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma. Before the patient received the TCD result, Brandon Eye and the third-party provider identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis — most commonly of occlusion and stenosis of their cerebral arteries — that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, and that diagnosis was accordingly not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. For each TCD ordered for each Medicare Part B patient, Brandon Eye claimed reimbursement for the technical component of the test, paid the third-party TCD provider based on the volume or value of tests ordered, and referred the patient to the TCD provider’s preferred radiology group for the TCD’s professional component.

The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, Brandon Eye submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Of the $1.3 million total settlement amount, $1,210,245.70 is to be paid to the United States, and $89,754.30 is to be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.

“This settlement demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and hold responsible medical providers seeking reimbursement from federal health care programs for unnecessary medical tests at taxpayers’ expense,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to pursue these actions against providers who exploit federal health care programs for personal gain.”

“We are all victims when the Medicare and Medicaid systems taxpayers fund are cheated,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “This is why the FBI vigorously investigates alleged kickback schemes and false billing practices, because it is our mission to protect the American people.”

“Kickback arrangements meant to boost company profits can corrupt the legitimate medical decision-making process and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue allegations of improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid and those served by those programs.”

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI.

Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Exceeds 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Utilization Goal for Fourth Straight Year

 

Current Nation-Leading 32.21% Utilization Rate Represents Nearly $3 Billion in Public Contracts Awarded to MWBEs

Official NYS MWBE Certified Decal Unveiled at 14th Annual Forum Themed “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs”

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has surpassed its 30 percent Minority- and Women-owned Businesses utilization goal for the fourth year in row – every year since the Hochul Administration took office. This year’s 32.21 percent utilization rate represents nearly $3 billion in public contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, and nearly $12 billion since Governor Hochul took office. The Governor made the announcement and unveiled a new MWBE certified decal at the 14th Annual New York State MWBE Conference Forum in Albany.

“Since becoming Governor, my administration has championed an economic agenda that benefits all New Yorkers, and this year’s utilization rate shows the progress we have made toward achieving that goal,” Governor Hochul said. “We have more to do, but diversity is New York’s greatest strength and our communities are our greatest voice – together, we will continue to promote nation-leading programs and policies that support a fairer, stronger, diversified economy.”

In addition to announcing the state surpassing its utilization goals, Governor Hochul also introduced a new NYS MWBE certified decal, which will serve as the official recognition of MWBEs that have been certified by the state’s MWBE Certification Program. This marker reflects New York State’s continued commitment to propelling MWBE growth, increasing equity in state contracting and enhancing diversity within our economy.

The new MWBE certified decal will provide a substantial number of benefits to MWBEs as they grow and thrive in the competitive New York State economy. These benefits include helping increase MWBE visibility and, in turn, helping small businesses differentiate themselves. It will also position MWBEs positively for potential contracting opportunities with government and private sector entities that prioritize diversity and equity in their projects. This could translate into contracting opportunities that elevate business success. The decal can also support meaningful public-private partnerships that are seeking MWBEs in their initiatives.

This decal is a strong and attractive marketing tool for MWBEs and can be used to leverage their business services, capabilities and certification into opportunities. MWBEs will have the opportunity to display the MWBE Certified Decal digitally via their websites, social media channels, marketing materials and other mediums and physically through brick-and-mortar locations. After January 1, 2025, the digital MWBE certified decal will be available for all NYS MWBE certified firms for download and an order form will be available for physical decal requests. Notification will be sent via email to all certified NYS MWBE firms.

Since its establishment in 1988, New York State’s MWBE program has been a national model for expanding economic opportunity and supporting diverse business growth, equipping MWBEs with the skills, resources and connections crucial for their success.

The annual NYS MWBE Forum caters to both new and established businesses, providing tailored information and resources to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their level of experience. This year’s theme was “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs” and featured facilitated networking opportunities between certified MWBEs, New York State agencies, prime contractors and private companies, in addition to panel discussions and workshops.

The Forum’s panel discussions covered topics including contracts in mega projects, discretionary opportunities and agency capital plans. The workshops focused on addressing access to capital, contract competition strategies, certification process navigation, retail and technology opportunities and training programs including the Business Growth Accelerator.

This announcement continues Governor Hochul’s larger effort to strengthen New York’s MWBEs. Last year, the Governor announced the elimination of the longstanding MWBE certification backlog. In 2022, the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraud and abuse within the program, allowed businesses to use MWBE development and lending program funds to refinance existing debt, and authorized New York City to award contracts up to $1.5 million to MWBEs without a formal competitive process.

Demolition Permits Submitted For 1918-1920 Longfellow Avenue In West Farms, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for the demolition of two neighboring three-story residential buildings at 1918-1920 Longfellow Avenue in West Farms, The Bronx. Atlantis Development Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

Each of the two existing buildings rise 28 feet tall and contain three units. Full demolition is proposed for the structures, both of which sit on 3,000-square-foot lots. Permit filings currently have objections that will need to be addressed prior to the start of construction work.

An estimated completion date has not been announced. Both 1918 and 1920 Longfellow Avenue are located steps from the West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue subway station, which provides service for the 2 and 5 trains.

In Honor of Veterans Day, Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order and Legislation to Support the Heroes Who Served Our Nation

 

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order to Enhance Quality of Supportive Housing Available to Veterans and Military Families

Legislation S.8596-A /A.9205-A Expands The Veterans Tuition Awards Program to Non-Combat Military Veterans Residing in New York

Legislation S.5195-B/A.4611-B Expands Access to Veterans' Benefits For Individuals Who Served Outside Of Wartime

Legislation S.7544/A.7173 Requires State Agencies to Establish A Veterans' Liaison to Coordinate With The Department Of Veterans' Services

Legislation S.9258 /A.9850 Will Improve Veterans' Access to Information About Their Benefits

Legislation S.2413-C/A.4613-C Provides Additional Financial Support For Veterans’ Funerals

Eight New Laws Will Rename State Roads and Bridges to Honor The Memory of Our Fallen Heroes

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package in appreciation of Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans. The legislation enacted today includes the renaming of bridges and highways across the state in honor of fallen heroes as well as measures enhancing access to veterans benefits, reflecting New York’s unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and their families. Governor Hochul also signed an executive order to enhance the quality of supportive housing services available to New York’s veterans and military families by establishing training requirements for supportive housing providers that receive State funds to provide supportive housing to veterans.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the brave men and women who have served our country by ensuring their legacy lives on in communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “These laws not only honor our fallen heroes but also expand vital resources for veterans and their families, making sure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Executive Order 41 mandates annual training for supportive housing providers throughout New York that receive State funds to designate a certain number of their housing units for veterans. The training program, which will be provided free of charge by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, will focus on military cultural competency and access to benefits and services for veterans and military families. This will help ensure that any veteran in a state-funded veteran supportive housing program is served by individuals who understand their unique experiences and can connect them with the benefits and services they earned through their military service.

Through an agreement with the Legislature, Legislation S.8596-A /A.9205-A will ultimately entitle military veterans who served for at least 4 years and reside in the state to be eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award, regardless of whether they served in combat. Under this historic expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award, more Veterans than ever before in New York State will gain access to higher education opportunities, opening new doors for Veterans who reside in New York State in sustainable, rewarding career paths in their chosen post-military professions.

Legislation S.5195-B/A.4611-B removes the requirement that a veteran served during wartime to be granted certain benefits. New York State proudly recognizes that all Veterans deserve the benefits and resources afforded to them by the State that they have protected and defended through their military service. This legislation amends current law by removing the requirement that veterans must have served during a specifically defined period of wartime service to access important state veterans benefits and services.

Legislation S.7544/A.7173 requires the designation of a veterans' liaison in each executive state agency. Numerous New York State agencies offer many vital services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. To exemplify the “no wrong door” approach of State government toward serving those who serve our nation, this legislation directs New York State agencies to designate a Veterans' liaison to provide information and assistance to Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families regarding benefits and services available within that particular State agency, and to coordinate directly with the New York State Department of Veterans' Services.

Legislation S.9258/A.9850 relates to veterans receiving information on benefits. Accurate information about Veterans’ benefits is one of the most important tools to place in the hands of Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. This legislation ensures that individuals requesting and obtaining a Veteran notation on their New York State driver's license or non-driver identification card receive information about the services that New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services provides free of charge, as well as the option to be connected directly with the Department of Veterans’ Services to receive individualized attention and advocacy from the Department.

Legislation S.2413-C/A.4613-C provides for an annual adjustment for reimbursement for certain veterans’ funerals. Providing an honored final resting place for those who have served our state and nation is one of New York’s sacred and essential duties. This legislation will provide for regular increases in New York State’s reimbursement program to aid in covering the funeral and interment costs for Veterans who pass away indigent, ensuring that no Veteran in New York State ever goes without their rightful final honors.

Legislation S.6469-A/A.4089-A renames a portion of highway on State Route 747 in Montgomery as the “Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway.” The honoree Steve Nicoli dedicated his life to public service, his community, and his country. As an Army veteran, Steven served our nation with honor and distinction. Upon completing his service, he then spent his time honoring American veterans. Steve, along with a patriotic group of friends, established the Hudson Valley Honor Flight in Walden, NY. The mission of this organization, which is just one out of more than 100 chapters throughout the country as part of the National Honor Flight Network, is to honor our veterans with an all-expense-paid visit to their memorials in Washington D.C. This trip is a day of honor that many of our veterans never experienced during their years of service. Over the past ten years Hudson Valley Honor Flight has taken more than 2,000 veterans on more than 25 flights serving the Hudson Valley and tri-state area. In 2021, Steve passed away suddenly but his impact continues to be felt today through the honor flight and countless other selfless endeavors he was a part of. The stretch of road to be named in his honor is the road that every group of honor flight veterans drives on as they enter New York - Stewart International Airport. By naming this roadway in Steven's honor, it will forever memorialize his lifetime of service to our veterans and their families.

Legislation S.5937-B/A.4924-B renames the bridge on State Route 79 crossing the Chenango River in Greene as the “SP4 Herman Emil Anders, Jr. Memorial Bridge.”  The honoree Herman Emil Anders, Jr. joined the US Army as an SP4 assigned to the A Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry where he received numerous medals such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense, Military Merit, Gallantry Cross with Palm. He earned the medals for his heroism in connection with military operations serving as part of the Artillery Battery of the 4th Infantry Division against a hostile force. While in Vietnam, SP4 Anders distinguished himself as serving as a Team Leader on a combat operation. There, he exposed himself to highly accurate small arms attack and rocket fire to point out enemy targets while directing his unit to withdraw to the secondary position. SP4 Anders engaged several enemy soldiers before being overwhelmed by enemy forces. SP4 Anders displayed bravery and devotion to duty while keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Legislation S.6715-B/A.9578 renames the bridge on State Route 109 crossing the Southern State Parkway in Babylon as the “Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.” The honoree Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson served his state, his country and his community on Long Island for his entire life. He graduated from the US Merchant Marines Academy and served in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 2001. During his service, he developed Navy Training plans for the Naval Landing Ship tank program, the Naval Reserve Ocean-going Mine Sweeper program and the Naval Reserve Naval Embarked Advisory Teams programs. Following his service, he worked as an engineer designing projects such as the Sunrise Highway project and later working for over a decade for NYCHA. In recognition of his contribution to his country and community, the NYS Route 109 Bridge over Southern State Parkway in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk shall be dedicated in his honor as the “Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.”

Legislation S.4563-A/A.10523-A renames State Route 17M in Wallkill as the “Private First Class Richard Cleveland Dunn Memorial Highway.” The honoree Richard Cleveland Dunn was wounded in France during World War Two and received the service medal, good conduct medal, and WWII victory medal.

Legislation S.8338-A/A.7956-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 19 in Gainesville as the “T Sgt Walter Shearing Memorial Highway.” The honoree TS Shearing served his country with valor and honor during the Second World War. T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing was in General Patton's 7th Army, 324 Infantry Regiment, famed 44th division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. TS Shearing sadly was killed in action on April 17th, 1945. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, with one oak leaf cluster each, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Legislation S.9338/A.10312 renames the bridge on Washington Avenue crossing Interstate 90 in Rensselaer as the “CW2 Casey N. Frankoski Memorial Bridge.” The honoree Chief Warrant Officer 2 ("CW2") Casey N. Frankoski of the New York Army National Guard was patrolling the US-Mexico border near La Grulla, Texas when a tragic helicopter crash took her life on March 8, 2024. Deployed to Texas in October 2023, she was part of the federal government's border security mission. CW2 Frankoski enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2016. She was appointed as a warrant officer in 2019 and trained to become a UH -60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She was promoted to the rank of warrant officer 2 in 2021. CW2 Frankoski deployed to Kuwait from November 2018 to September 2019 with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment. The unit flies the Army's C-12 transport aircraft. CW2 Frankoski's military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.

Legislation S.8939-A/A.9846-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 40 between Carvers Lane and Warren Lane in Schaghticoke (Rensselaer County) as the “Assemblyman Pat M. Casale Memorial Highway.” The honoree Assemblymember Pat Casale served the people of Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Greene and Columbia Counties in the Assembly for seven terms. He was known for his bipartisan approach with his colleagues and genuine connection with his constituents, especially his neighbors in Troy and Rensselaer County. On the Troy City Council, Pat founded the city's Flag Day Parade and was instrumental in the construction of the famous Uncle Sam Monument. He served as Mayor of Troy and later as Rensselaer County Clerk, where his leadership ensured residents accessed efficient government services. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. He received many civic honors, including the Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Award, the LaSalle Institute Distinguished Alumni Award, the Brunswick Lincoln Award, the Father Flanagan Award, and the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club's Frank P. Kennedy Award.

Legislation S.9764/A.6287-D renames the portion of I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to 6th Avenue in Brooklyn as the “Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway.”