100PercentBronx

Friday, July 2, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.44%

54,202 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

2 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday—Lowest Since September 20, 2020

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"New York State is getting closer each day to defeating the COVID-19 pandemic for good, and the key to our success is making sure we vaccinate as many New Yorkers as we can," Governor Cuomo said. "Taking the vaccine helps families, friends and communities stay healthy, and that's why we're continuing to offer exciting incentives to get shots in arms across the state. If you haven't yet taken the vaccine, it's easy to make an appointment or walk into a site and I encourage you to do so today."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

Test Results Reported - 80,956
Total Positive - 411
Percent Positive - 0.51%
7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.44%
Patient Hospitalization - 370 (+6)
Patients Newly Admitted - 58
Patients in ICU - 86 (-5)
Patients in ICU with Intubation - 45 (-2)
Total Discharges - 184,896 (+59)
Deaths - 2
Total Deaths - 42,974
Total vaccine doses administered - 21,197,633
Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 54,202
Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 438,268
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 69.5%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 64.0%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 72.1%
Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 65.4%
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 57.8%
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 52.9%
Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 60.0%
Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 54.0%

Former Construction Executive Sentenced To More Than 4 Years In Prison For Tax Evasion And Bribery Scheme

Other Executives Previously Sentenced in Same Construction Kickback Scheme

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VITO NIGRO, a former construction project manager at Turner Construction Company (“Turner”), was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 51 months in prison for evading taxes on more than $1.8 million in bribes he received from building sub-contractors, in connection with a number of building projects undertaken for Bloomberg LP (“Bloomberg”). NIGRO previously pled guilty to those charges, and was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres.

In related proceedings, co-conspirator Ronald Olson, a former vice president and deputy operations manager at Turner, was sentenced on June 15, 2021, by the Honorable P. Kevin Castel, to 46 months in prison, for evading taxes on more than $1.5 million in the same scheme; Anthony Guzzone, a former director of global construction at Bloomberg, was sentenced on January 19, 2021, by the Honorable Lewis J. Liman to 38 months in prison, for evading taxes on more than $1.45 million; Michael Campana, a subordinate construction manager at Bloomberg, was sentenced on July 24, 2020, by the Honorable Denise L. Cote to 24 months in prison, for evading taxes on more than $420,000.[1]

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Bribery and tax evasion in the construction industry impose hidden, unfair costs on law-abiding builders, contractors, and fellow taxpayers. Appropriately, Vito Nigro has been sentenced to prison for his crimes.”

According to the four criminal Informations filed in these federal cases, as well as other public documents and recent court proceedings:

Between 2011 and 2017, NIGRO was a construction project manager at Turner, a construction firm that performed various building projects in New York City and elsewhere for Bloomberg, a global financial firm. Throughout those years, Guzzone oversaw such building projects at Bloomberg, while NIGRO and Olson worked at Turner. Beginning in 2013, Campana was also a construction manager at Bloomberg, and a subordinate to Guzzone. Each of the defendants participated in a scheme to obtain bribes from construction sub-contractors, who paid kickbacks to the defendants in exchange for being awarded various construction contracts and sub-contracts performed for Bloomberg. Olson and NIGRO also separately schemed to receive kickbacks in connection with construction projects Turner was performing for clients other than Bloomberg.

In all, the defendants have pled guilty to failing to pay taxes, between 2010 and 2017, on bribes exceeding $5.1 million. The defendants received such bribes in various forms, including millions of dollars in cash, as well as construction projects on their individual homes and properties, and the direct payment of personal expenses. Such personal expenses included hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of repeated renovations and improvement projects at NIGRO’s home in New Jersey and OLSON’s homes on Long Island and Long Beach Island, as well as a sham lease of that beach house, through which OLSON received $20,000 per month in payments that he falsely characterized as rent; Guzzone’s receipts of several sets of Super Bowl tickets, worth approximately $8000 per ticket; and Campana’s receipt of charges related to his 2017 wedding, such as approximately $40,000 paid by sub-contractors to a catering hall in New Jersey, over $13,000 to a photography studio, and over $23,000 to a travel agent for airline tickets purchased in connection with Campana’s honeymoon. Each of the defendants evaded federal income tax on this bribery income, by failing to declare it on income tax returns for various years between 2010 and 2017.

NIGRO, 60, of Middletown, New Jersey, pled guilty on October 28, 2020, to a single count of tax evasion for the tax years 2011 through 2017. In addition to the prison term, NIGRO was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to make full restitution, in an amount to be set by Judge Torres within 30 days. The Government is seeking $812,108.93 in restitution for unpaid taxes and interest.

Olson, 54, of Massapequa, New York, pled guilty on July 29, 2020, to a single count of tax evasion for the tax years 2011 through 2017. He was sentenced on June 15, 2021, to 46 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $661,519.57 in unpaid taxes and interest.

Guzzone, 52, of Middletown, New Jersey, pled guilty on September 29, 2020, to a single count of tax evasion for the tax years 2010 through 2017. He was sentenced on January 19, 2021, to 38 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $574,005.33 in unpaid taxes and interest.

Campana, 35, of Tuckahoe, New York, pled guilty to a tax evasion charge on November 26, 2019, for the tax years 2014 thought 2017, and was sentenced last week, on July 24, 2020, to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution of $155,000 in unpaid taxes, and a fine of $10,000.

Ms. Strauss praised the excellent work of the Internal Revenue Service.

[1] In addition, all four defendants have pled guilty in New York State Supreme Court, Indictment No. 04038-2018, to participating in the underlying bribery scheme, and are awaiting sentencing.

VISION ZERO: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES STEPPED-UP HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT AGAINST DRUNK AND DRUGGED DRIVING

NYPD to launch citywide enforcement campaign over July 4^th weekend; DOT to begin major social media-awareness effort

Mayor Bill de Blasio joined NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner Aloysee Heredia Jarmoczuk to announce major Vision Zero enforcement and education action against impaired driving for the upcoming 4^th of July weekend.

“Every holiday weekend brings dangerous driving, and we know what works best: education and targeted enforcement,” said Mayor de Blasio. “If you’re under the influence this holiday weekend, hail a ride home. There’s no excuse to drive under the influence, and NYPD will be out in force to keep New Yorkers safe on the streets.”

“From DOT’s educational campaign, to TLC’s thousands of licensed drivers, New York City offers more ways than ever to know the risks of driving under the influence – and choose a safer way to get home instead,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “Our enforcement efforts will keep New Yorkers safe and hold dangerous drivers accountable this holiday weekend.”

“As is true each year, all facets of the NYPD will be working in unison with our government partners this holiday weekend to ensure that everyone who walks, bikes, drives and travels in New York City can enjoy a safe 4th of July,” said NYPD Chief of Transportation Kim Royster. “Our highway and patrol units are adding extra layers of enforcement, across all five boroughs. We’re raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and other poor choices. We’re asking all New Yorkers to share in the responsibility of keeping our roads and highways safe. Only by working together can we maintain one another’s well-being as we celebrate the joy of our nation’s Independence Day.”

“As fatal crashes have risen this year, the City has mobilized all relevant agencies to fight the nationwide pandemic of reckless driving — including in particular driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “As New Yorkers enjoy the holiday weekend, we will work with the NYPD and our other partners to make sure they do so safely, protecting the lives of all those with whom they share our streets.”

"As New York celebrates Fourth of July, it is critical to keep streets safe. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs," said TLC Commissioner Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. "New York City has the best professional licensed drivers in the world that can ensure safe transportation throughout the holiday celebrations."

NYPD Holiday Enforcement: As increased incidents of impaired-driving related traffic fatalities occur around seasonal holidays, the NYPD will focus on identifying and arresting impaired drivers during the entire Independence Day weekend and beyond. The NYPD’s anti-DWI/drugged driving efforts this season will be citywide and will take place with significant focus in every precinct. NYPD will deploy specialized officers trained to specifically detect and take action against impaired, dangerous drivers.

Vision Zero Messaging: DOT continues its anti-DWI messaging throughout the year on social media channels, with a heavy focus on peak times and holiday weekends. The agency also works with NYPD throughout the year to distribute anti-DWI literature such as The Choice is Simple campaign handouts. This summer, DOT and NYPD will introduce a new campaign on the impacts of other substances on driving.

Taxi and For-Hire Options: New Yorkers can choose from a range of TLC-Licensed services to get home safely during the holiday weekend. Over 170,000 drivers are licensed by the TLC to serve the riding public, and these transportation professionals work across sectors that include Yellow Taxis, Green Taxis, Black Cars, and Livery Cars. Passengers can street hail or use apps to ride taxis, and they can connect with more than 850 For-Hire Bases by calling a car service or tapping an app.

184 Days and Counting

Boy am I glad I am term limited out this year. I don't know what happened at the Board of Elections these past few days, but heads are going to roll. When State senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart -Cousins says there is a national scandal at the NYC BOE, there will be legislation brought out to break up the two party hold on it.

The state however will probably redo the BOE into an all Democratic operation like the state legislature is. This now puts a question on how Rank Choice Voting goes on in New York City, and as your mayor, I am completely powerless on the matter.

Rep. Bowman Announces Additional Pfizer Doses to Be Distributed at Co-op City Vaccination Center

“My office is excited to announce that we have confirmed that the Co-op City vaccine distribution center will be able to continue serving residents with additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. We would like to thank Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio for moving this request forward expeditiously.

“The Bronx currently has the lowest vaccination rate of any borough, with only 47% of residents having received at least one dose, and only 31% of Black residents. The numbers are especially concerning for younger adults; just a quarter of Black Bronxites between 18 and 44 have gotten a vaccine shot.

“At a time when concerning variants of COVID-19 are spreading throughout the country and around the world, it’s urgent that our unvaccinated neighbors get the vaccine as quickly as possible. I’m hopeful that this expansion of Pfizer vaccines — which are safe, effective, and free to all — will help us to close that gap in Co-op City and keep our families safe.”

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Comptroller Stringer Audit: Water Lead Testing and Remediation in New York City Schools Reveals Inefficiencies and Delays

DOE audit found none of the schools received primary lead testing by the October 31, 2016 deadline set by State law

Only 65 percent of the fixtures requiring remediation from 2018 and 2019 testing periods were tested in a timely manner. Fixtures were found to have pending repairs at Brooklyn schools for over three years, including 27 at one school located in Bushwick and 23 at another school located in East New York

Comptroller Stringer recommended actions to ensure a timely and accountable response to protect the safety of the city’s schoolchildren and staff

Follows September 2019 investigation revealing City’s systemic failure to protect children from lead exposure

New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released an audit uncovering weaknesses, inefficiencies, and delays in the New York City Department of Education’s (DOE’s) testing of lead levels in water and subsequent remediation of fixtures with elevated lead levels in the city’s public schools. The findings showed that while the DOE ultimately did perform testing of all schools as required, none of them received the primary testing by the October 31, 2016 deadline set by the Lead Testing in School Drinking Water regulation of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The audit also found, in addition to delays in testing, submission of testing results, and post-remediation testing, a staggering 84 percent of the city’s schools had at least one water fixture tested that had elevated lead levels since 2016, with 10,814 such fixtures identified in the primary testing year (November 29, 2016 through April 26, 2017). Moreover, only 65 percent of the fixtures requiring post-remediation testing from the 2018 and 2019 testing periods were tested in a timely manner. The audit further found that fixtures in Brooklyn schools were awaiting repairs for over three years, including 27 at one school located in Bushwick and 23 at another school located in East New York.

Comptroller Stringer outlined a comprehensive set of recommendations to improve the DOE’s handling and remediation of fixtures requiring lead testing in the city’s schools to ensure all students and staff are protected from dangerous lead.

“No child, teacher, or member of school staff — whether in Washington Heights or Brownsville — should be exposed to lead in our public school buildings,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “Our audit found that the DOE’s testing and remediation of lead was perennially delayed — potentially exposing both students and staff to dangerous levels of lead in school drinking water. The science is clear that lead exposure is extremely dangerous and can cause lifelong health problems — especially for our youngest children. The DOE must improve its lead inspection and remediation processes to ensure lead is detected and addressed immediately. Our children and school staff deserve nothing less.”

The DOE’s lab testing protocols required an immediate tagging of a school water fixture and removing it from service if the lead level in drinking water exceeded a mandated action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). In May 2018, an amendment to the Lead Testing in School Drinking Water regulation was signed that required all State schools be tested for lead in 2020. The DOE obtained permission from the NYSDOH to test one-third of the schools each year for Calendar Years 2018, 2019, and 2020, following the primary testing period deadline of October 31, 2016.

Comptroller Stringer’s audit found the following inefficiencies with regard to the DOE’s controls over lead testing, sample collection and remediation of school water fixtures:

None of the schools tested received their primary testing by the October 31, 2016 deadline set by the State.
84 percent of schools tested (1,323 out of 1,574) had at least one fixture test with elevated lead levels since 2016, with 10,814 such fixtures identified during the primary testing year. Delayed testing placed school students and personnel drinking water from these fixtures at risk for a longer period of time than would have been the case if the testing had been done within the initially mandated time frames.
In total, more than 1 out of every 10 fixtures tested (11 percent) had elevated lead levels at the time they were tested.
95 percent or more of the schools in three zip codes in Brooklyn (East New York, Bushwick, and Brownsville) had at least one fixture that tested with an elevated lead level.

DOE did not ensure that environmental consultants met certain deadlines in part by omitting the period between the collection of samples to their submission to the lab, a portion of the process where delays were observed.
DOE did not assemble the data necessary to monitor whether the environmental consultants conducted the process in a timely manner.
Only 65 percent of the fixtures requiring remediation from the 2018 and 2019 testing periods were tested in a timely manner in accordance with the DOE’s timetable.
DOE had no evidence that it tracked the timeliness of fixture remediation and repair.
Fixtures in Brooklyn schools were found to be awaiting repairs for over three years, including 27 at one school located in Bushwick and 23 at another located in East New York.

5,188 (2 percent) out of 270,822 water samples (from 583 schools) were not collected on days when schools were in full session as recommended, which could result in higher lead results.
325 (<1 percent) out of 152,914 fixtures did not receive all of the required tests (while the number of exceptions are small, each one reflects an increased risk to the health of students and staff in the City’s schools).
15 (1 percent) of the 1,574 schools that were open as of September 2019 did not meet the required stagnation period when they received their initial water testing.
Data in the Lead in Water database generally reconciled with the information contained in the lab reports, although instances of missing or unsubstantiated information were identified.

In response to these findings, Comptroller Stringer recommended the following actions to the DOE:

Ensure timely compliance with State rules and regulations pertaining to lead testing in water.
Track and monitor testing timeframes, to ensure ECs are conducting the tests and submitting the results timely, and incorporate timeframes for the entire process into its written internal policies and procedures.
Track and monitor the timeliness of fixture remediation and repair of out of order fixtures and follow-up with Facilities and the plumbing contractors in instances where remediation or repair is not done timely.
Follow lead testing guidelines recommended by NYSDOH and test water when school is in full session.
Ensure that fixtures which were re-tested during the summer months with elevated lead levels are retested.

Ensure that fixtures without any subsequent tests are retested.
Ensure that appropriate stagnation periods are met when accommodating schools’ requests for testing on specific dates.

This audit follows Comptroller Stringer’s September 2019 investigation that revealed the City’s systemic failure to protect children from exposure to toxic lead. The Comptroller’s investigation found that City agencies charged with eradicating childhood lead poisoning missed crucial opportunities to protect children by failing to take a proactive approach to prevent lead exposure.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s audit of the DOE’s lead testing in New York City schools, click here.

Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, and Mayor Bill de Blasio Announce Agreement on FY 2022 Budget

The $98.7 billion budget includes $500 million in new reserves and major investments in education, housing and quality of life

City Hall, NY – Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Committee Chair Daniel Dromm, and Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $98.7 billion budget agreement for the Fiscal Year 2022 that includes major investments and restorations in education, seniors, youth and quality of life enhancements like sanitation services. The budget will baseline successful Council programs that have been shown to help New Yorkers, and will reverse painful cuts felt across the City, including in our parks, cultural institutions and libraries.

The FY 22 budget, which was on time and goes into effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, was negotiated with a focus on rebuilding, recovering, and reimagining the City in a more fair and equitable way. It will be voted on at the Council’s stated meeting on June 30. This will be the first in-person Council stated in 16 months.

The FY 22 budget includes over $426 million in city-wide initiates, a welcome increase from last year’s $331 million. This allowed the Council to not only restore many programs to pre-pandemic levels, but also launch new initiatives and increase support for key programs in areas such as alternatives to incarceration, housing, foreclosure prevention, senior services, community development and help for small businesses.

The Council also fought for and won an additional $500 million in budget reserves. That money will be deposited in the new Rainy Day Fund Balance to bring it up to almost $1 billion. This fund was created in 2020 by the Council in response to recommendations from the Charter Reform Commission. This is the city’s first multi-year reserve account. It was created to allow the city to build up reserves in a more transparent way.

“No one could have predicted the challenges this city has faced since our last in-person stated 16 months ago, nor the progress we have made to overcome the pandemic and reopen. This budget is focused on rebuilding, recovering and reimagining our City in a more fair and equitable way. Once again, this Council negotiated a fiscally-responsible budget that helps all New Yorkers now and in the future. That was our commitment three and a half years ago when I became Speaker and I’m proud of this legislative body’s work to pass on-time and balanced budgets every year in good times and bad,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

“I’m very proud of this budget and what it will do to help NYC recover from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This budget will help us fortify our health care systems and allow our local nonprofits to continue serving those in need. Additionally, this budget restores almost every funded organization back to FY20 funding levels. I am also proud of the funding I was able to secure in the budget for LGBTQ organizations which for years have been overlooked and underfunded. Most importantly, we put $500 million in the new Rainy Day Fund to offset any future crisis. On a personal note, this is my last budget as Finance Chair and I would like to thank Speaker Corey Johnson for all the faith he has placed in me. I also want to thank all the members of the Council Finance Committee team for putting in long days and nights to make this happen.” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Finance.

The FY 2022 budget includes:

Major investments in education and youth

· One hundred percent Fair Student Funding: This historic level of resources will provide $607 million in additional Fair Student Funding so that every single public school in the City will receive 100 percent of their Fair Student Funding allocation.

o Fair Student Funding is the primary funding source for school budgets and allows school principals the discretion to spend these funds on school essentials such as pedagogical staff, enrichment programs, and support staff.

· Additional Education Investments:

o $18 million for a class size reduction program;

o $24 million to increase the rate paid to the Summer Rising providers;

o $9 million to make community schools whole and $5 million to add ten new community schools;

o $2 million for the LGBTQ curriculum;

o and $10 million for the education equity curriculum;

o and $26 million for a citywide literacy curriculum to help students read at grade level and address the learning loss created by virtual learning.

· Support Students for a Better Tomorrow: The budget will include $160 million for universal summer school, $22 million to expand special education pre-kindergarten, $19.7 million to restore College Access for All, and $500 million to support programs such as small group tutoring to help our students recover from the impact of the COVID-19 education setbacks, and to set them up for success going forward.

· Expand Social Workers in Schools: The FY 22 budget adds $81.1 million for 650 positions to the Department of Education to ensure that every school has access to a mental health professional.

· Mental Health Continuum: DOE will provide $5 million for direct mental health support to students in a mental health continuum as recommended by the Mayor’s Leadership Team on School Climate and Discipline. This continuum of services in high need schools would give students with significant mental health needs access to direct mental health services and behavioral supports so they can remain in school.

Quality of life

· Improving Sanitation Services: The budget included $20 million in sanitation services pushed for by the Council, including $7 million to expand organic drop-off sites, $4 million to fully fund the commercial waste zone program, $451,000 to restore the syringe collection cut, and $1.8 million to start a Zero Waste organics pilot at schools and the New York City Housing Authority.

· Keep Streets Clean: In order to combat street litter, the budget will include $8.6 million for additional litter basket collection, $1.6 million to purchase 200 rat resistant baskets, and $935,000 for new public waste containers.

· Maintain our Parks: One thing that was confirmed during the COVID-19 pandemic was the importance of our Parks which were widely used for recreation and exercise and just a space to breathe and relax over the past chaotic year. This year’s budget will include $25 million to restore 150 Park maintenance workers, hire 80 Park Enforcement Patrol Officers, restore 15 Green Thumb staff, hire 50 Urban Park Rangers, maintain natural forests and trails, and remove tree stumps.

· Honor our Cultural Institutions and Libraries: The budget will restore the $10.3 million cut to libraries and the $30 million cut to cultural programs and the Cultural Institutions Grant subsidy that had previously been announced.

· Help Small Business Recover: The $100 budget will fund various programs to provide a lifeline to struggling businesses, and more than $5 million to restore the Commercial Lease Assistance Program.

· Safeguard our Furry Friends: The budget restores $3 million for the Animal Care Center.

New initiatives and increased support for key programs

· Hate crimes: In recognition of the abhorrent rise in anti-Asian hate incidents and the extreme impact of the pandemic on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, the Council will create a new $4 million initiative called AAPI Community Support which will fund Asian-led and Asian-serving organizations to provide mental health services, racial literacy programs, anti-bias and hate crime work. Additionally, the budget includes $1 million for the Hate Crime Prevention Initiative, which supports community-based work aimed at preventing and responding to hate crimes, and $250,000 for Cure Hate, a program which supports swift, individualized responses to communities and victims of hate crimes, and will serve to heal communities and those affected by hate violence.

· Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Tech Initiative: Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Tech Initiative: This $700,000 budget funding supports career readiness training for residents of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) pursuing careers in the technology industry.

· Digital Inclusion and Literacy Initiative: The budget will fund with $4.6 million this initiative that supports programing in each of the 51 Council Districts that provide computer-based training and learning, technical skill development, improve internet access, and offer free public streaming services.

· LGBT Community Services: The $4.7 million funding will support the outer borough LGBT Services Consortium, which works to increase coordinated delivery of health and human services for LGBT individuals and families in the outer boroughs of the city.

· Trans Equity Programs: This $3.3 million allocation will support a range of services to help empower the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) community. Funding may support education programs, employment services, workforce development, healthcare navigation, legal guidance, community workshops, or academic research, among others.

· Children Under Five: A total of $2 million for programs which provide mental health treatment to children aged five years and younger. Some treatment activities may include screening and clinical evaluation; individual, small group, and child-parent psychotherapy; consultation to pediatricians, preschool teachers, and child welfare workers; and trauma-informed interventions.

· Geriatric Mental Health: Programs funded under this $3.4 million allocation initiative support organizations that provide a range of mental health services to older adults in non-clinical settings, such as senior centers, drop-in centers, religious institutions, social clubs, homeless prevention programs, and individual homes.

Alternatives to incarceration and investments to avoid criminal justice involvement

· Alternatives to Incarceration: Almost $14.5 million for programs which provide individuals involved in the criminal justice system with alternatives to pre-trial detention, jail or prison. The programs include community service and substance abuse counseling, as well as short-term and long-term housing, job placement, and vocational training.

o The Council enhanced the ATI initiative by $2.6 million in two years, including a $1.6 million restoration to the FY 20 level, and an additional $1 million enhancement.

· Over $70 million dollars have been put towards existing and new initiatives to support and expand public safety alternatives to policing and incarceration. These funds, which were announced as part of the policing reform package the Council passed in March, include:

o The expansion of Summer Youth Employment to a total of 75,000 slots with an addition of 5,000 new spots in summer 2021 for CUNY students.

o $14.5 million to fund a new mental health case management program to provide 850 people with mobile and site-based intensive, ongoing case management services in under-served communities.

o An additional $4.4 million to double FY2021’s available funds for Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) Teams, which serve those with recent and frequent contact with the mental health, criminal justice, and homeless services systems, recent behavior that is unsafe and escalating, and those who were poorly served by traditional treatment models.

· Crisis Management System: $2.9 million in Council funding will support the Crisis Management System, which supports community-based anti-violence work and helps us move away from policing as a solution to every problem. The Council funding is in addition to another $27 million, which will be added to the budget to fund Cure Violence programs as part of our agreement with the de Blasio Administration. Cure programs are part of the Crisis Management System. The $27 million is expected to double the cure violence workforce in calendar year 2021 and, with an additional administration funding in out years, triple the workforce by 2022.

Affordability and housing

· Foreclosure Prevention Programs: This initiative will receive $4.25 million for programs like the purchase of distressed mortgage notes, foreclosure prevention counseling and referral services, legal assistance, outreach, education, and advocacy around subprime lending and mortgage foreclosures.

· Stabilizing NYC: The $4 million in funding will help combat the loss of affordable housing at the hands of predatory equity companies, and to defend low-income tenants in predatory equity building from harassment and eviction, by combining legal and organizing resources into a citywide front against predatory equity, helping tenants hold their predatory equity landlords accountable for lack of repairs, bogus eviction cases, and affirmative harassment.

· Community Land Trust: This initiative that supports organizations that work on a neighborhood level to develop and expand the community land trust model citywide will receive $1.5 million in the budget. Community land trusts create and preserve affordable housing through nonprofit ownership of land.

Baselined and social safety net programs

· Adult Literacy Education: Fiscal 2022 baselines the Adult Literacy Initiative with $8 million. This program provides immigrant New Yorkers with the tools to achieve higher levels of literacy. There are more than 2.2 million adults in New York City without English language proficiency or a high school diploma.

· Work, Learn, Grown: Fiscal 2022 baselines this initiative with $9.7 million for the Council’s year-round youth employment program. Work, Learn, Grow helps participants build work skills and aptitude by launching them into the diverse work opportunities available, through direct exposure and access to a paid workforce program.

· Urban Advantage: A $3.5 million baselined allocation to support teaching science through partnerships with eight science-based cultural institutions.

· Prevent Hunger: The budget will include another $25 million for fresh food and community-based food pantries because nobody should go hungry in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

· Protect our Foster Youth: In order to continue the successful Fair Futures program that is making such a difference in the lives of so many foster youth, the budget will include $12 million for this program.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

Statewide Vaccination Rate is 72% -- 54,621 Vaccine Doses Administered OverLast 24 Hours

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.40%

5 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.

"From the darkest days of the pandemic and to this day, New Yorkers showed this nation and the world that if we come together, follow the science and make the necessary sacrifices to protect one another, we can defeat COVID. We have made remarkable progress and we continue to be on a good trajectory - and we should all be proud of that," Governor Cuomo said. "We still have one big job before us, and that is to continue making sure the vaccine is available to every New Yorker and getting more shots into people's arms. If you still need to get vaccinated, I urge you to do so quickly."