NYS Economy Added 3,700 Private Sector Jobs in October 2022

Labor Force Participation Rate Increased by 0.2 Percentage Points in October 

According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 3,700 to 8,063,300 in October 2022. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.2% in October 2022.

New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 306,400, or 3.9%, over the year in October 2022, which exceeded the 3.8% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.

New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4.3% in September to 4.4% in October 2022. At the same time, New York State's labor force (seasonally adjusted) increased by 15,000. As a result, the labor force participation rate went up from 60.3% in September to 60.5% in October 2022, matching its highest rate since March 2020.

The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data are used to provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, October 2021 versus October 2022.

Statewide Industry Employment

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, September – October 2022  

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Increased in October 2022 Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), January 1990 – October 2022 Statewide Unemployment October 2022 – Seasonally Adjusted In October 2022, the statewide unemployment rate increased from 4.3% to 4.4%. New York City’s unemployment rate increased from 5.6% to 5.9%. Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate held steady at 3.3%. The number of unemployed New Yorkers increased over the month by 10,400, from 404,600 in September to 415,000 in October 2022. NYS Unemployment increased in October 2022 Labor Force Statistics,  September 2021, September - October 2022 The Labor Force and Number of Unemployed Increased in October Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, January 2009 - October 2022 NYS and US Unemployment Rates Increased Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, January 2009 - October 2022 Unemployment Rate Increased in NYC, Held Steady in Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, January 2009 - October 2022 Substate and Industry Employment  October 2022 – Not Seasonally Adjusted New York State Exceeded Nation in Job Growth Over-the-Year Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, October 2021 – October 2022 Note: The sum of sub-state area job estimates will usually differ from the New York State total. This is because the State total is calculated separately from the sub-state areas and is estimated based on an independent sample. The Number of Leisure & Hospitality Jobs Increased by 9.0% Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector, October 2021 – October 2022 *Educational and health services are in the private sector. Government includes public education and public health services. Note: The responsibility for the production of monthly estimates of state and metro area nonfarm employment by industry moved from the NYS Department of Labor’s Division of Research and Statistics to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), starting with the March 2011 estimates. More detailed information on the change is available on the BLS web site. Many economic data series have a seasonal pattern, which means they tend to occur at the same time each year (e.g., retail jobs usually increase in December). Seasonal adjustment is the process of removing seasonal effects from a data series. This is done to simplify the data so that they may be more easily interpreted and help to reveal true underlying trends. Seasonal adjustment permits comparisons of data from one month to data from any other month. In New York State, payroll jobs data by industry come from a monthly survey of 18,000 business establishments conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data are preliminary and subject to revision. Jobs data by industry do not include agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers or domestic workers in private households. Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate is based partly upon the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 3,100 households in New York each month.   Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Attorney General James Announces 45 Guns Turned in at Columbia County Gun Buyback

 

AG James Has Taken More Than 3,700 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that 45 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by her office and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. Today’s event is a part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and protect New Yorkers throughout the state. To date, Attorney General James has taken more than 3,700 firearms out of communities through gun buyback events and other initiatives since taking office in 2019.

“Getting guns off the streets and out of communities is a common-sense way to help protect New Yorkers from gun violence and save lives,” said Attorney General James. “Through our partnership with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, we successfully removed 45 guns from the city of Hudson and the surrounding communities. In our ongoing efforts against gun violence, we held nine gun buybacks and took more than 1,000 guns out of neighborhoods throughout the state this past year. Public safety will always be our top priority, and my office will continue to leave no stone unturned in keeping New Yorkers safe.”

“We believe today's gun buyback event was a success,” said Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf. “The availability to drop off a firearm with no questions asked allows law enforcement to get guns off the street, get firearms that are in questionable condition turned in for destruction, and also affords the possibility of reuniting a stolen or lost firearm with the rightful owner. We look forward to continuing to keep our community safe and assist our citizens in any way we can.”

Today’s community gun buyback resulted in the collection of 45 guns, including 18 long guns, 20 handguns, six non-working guns, and an assault weapon. Since 2013, OAG has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected more than 5,700 firearms. This year alone, Attorney General James has held nine gun buybacks throughout the state and helped remove more than 1,000 guns out of circulation through the program. To date, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 3,700 guns out of communities since 2019.

In exchange for the firearms, OAG offered monetary compensation, in the form of prepaid gift cards, when an unloaded gun was received and secured by an officer on site.

Governor Hochul Requesting Federal Emergency Declaration as Winter Storm Continues in Western, Central, and Northern New York

 

Doubles National Guard Deployment To Aid Residents, Assist Thruway Crews with Snow Clearing, and Help Local Law Enforcement with Stranded Vehicles

11 Counties Remain Under State of Emergency as Winter Storm Continues To Cause Hazardous Travel and Potential for Power Outages in Erie, Jefferson, and Livingston Counties

New Yorkers Urged To Avoid Travel in Buffalo and Watertown Areas and Follow Local Travel Advisories Due to Dangerous Conditions

Total Accumulations of More than Five Feet of Snow Reported in Orchard Park, Blasdell, and Hamburg in Erie County, and More than Six Feet of Snow in Watertown and Fort Drum Area, With Peak Snowfall Rates of Six Inches Per Hour in Hamburg and in Watertown

Travel Ban in Effect for Most of Erie County, Including Entire City of Buffalo; Multiple State Highway Closures in Place, Including Parts of Route 219 and Route 400

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the winter storm impacting parts of Western, Central, and Northern New York. More than five feet of snow has already accumulated in parts of Erie County and more than six feet of snow has fallen in Jefferson County since Thursday evening. Areas in and around the cities of Buffalo and Watertown have experienced consistent snowfall rates of two-to-three inches per hour, with some locations seeing a peak of six inches of snowfall an hour. This intense snowfall has created extremely dangerous travel conditions, and as a result, numerous road closures and travel bans remain in place throughout Erie County. With these conditions expected to continue throughout the weekend, Governor Hochul and local officials are continuing to urge New Yorkers to avoid travel in the impacted areas of Erie County, as well as in areas in the North County experiencing a similar lake effect storm off the eastern shores of Lake Ontario near Watertown. The Governor is also submitting a request to President Biden for a federal Emergency Declaration for 11 counties. Once approved, the Emergency Declaration will provide immediate federal funding to impacted counties to support ongoing response and rescue operations.

"I have spent the past several days here in Western New York working around the clock with my team to coordinate storm preparations with local officials, survey conditions on the ground and deploy resources to keep residents safe, including doubling the number of National Guard members to Western New York," Governor Hochul said. "This is an historic storm, and I want to thank everyone in storm impacted areas for their patience and compliance with local travel ordinances. While we continue our recovery efforts, including requesting a federal emergency declaration, I encourage everyone to continue to look after one another, stay home, and check in on loved ones and neighbors so that we all come out of this safely."

Federal Emergency Declaration

The Governor is submitting a request to President Biden for a federal Emergency Declaration for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming Counties. Once approved, the Emergency Declaration will provide immediate federal funding to impacted counties to support ongoing response and rescue operations. Governor Hochul will also ask the federal Small Business Administration to evaluate how it can help small businesses impacted by the storm in the 11 counties and contiguous counties.

Prior to the arrival of lake effect snow on Thursday, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for 11 counties and contiguous counties, which remains in place. Additionally, New York's emergency management experts have been in constant communication with their local counterparts for days leading up to the event.

The New York State Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, and numerous other agencies also pre-deployed additional resources to Western New York and the North Country. Those resources include:

NYS Equipment in Western New York and North Country

• 484 large and medium plow trucks
• 14 tow plows
• 98 large loaders
• 24 snow blowers
• 39 tracked vehicles (of which 24 are snowmobiles)
• 533 generators in the regions
• 202 chainsaws in the regions

NYS Personnel in Western New York and North Country

• 1,056 DOT and Thruway operators and supervisors
• 142 State Police members
• 150 National Guard members
• 24 ICS (Incident Command System) personnel

The intense band of lake effect snow from Lake Erie will continue impact Western New York throughout the weekend and is forecast to slowly shift north of the city of Buffalo on Saturday and then move south again across the Buffalo metro area bringing another six to nine inches of snow. Similarly, the band off the eastern shores of Lake Ontario will intensify and could bring another six inches of snow throughout the northern portion of Jefferson County, including the city of Watertown, through Sunday evening. Oswego County may see an additional two feet of snow between Sunday and Monday.

Lake Effect Snow Warning and various weather advisories also remain in effect through Sunday and Monday for multiple regions. For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "New Yorkers in Western New York and the North Country were well prepared for this storm, and I want to thank them for staying off the roads and following the travel guidelines from local officials for everyone's safety. I remind everyone we are still expecting more snow from this storm and 11 counties remain in a State of Emergency. Governor Hochul and I will continue working with our partners in all levels of government to ensure New Yorkers stay safe."

National Guard

Governor Hochul also has deployed the National Guard to assist with the State's response and has doubled the total deployment to approximately 150 guard members from the 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry and the 107th Attack Wing from Niagara Falls, the 105th Military Police Company in Buffalo, and the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse. Efforts are focused in the Town of Hamburg, where members are assisting with snow clearance and medical missions, including transporting individuals in need of dialysis and other appointments. Members also are assisting with snow clearing efforts on I-90 and helping local law enforcement responding to stranded vehicles.

Agency Activities

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is closely monitoring weather and travel conditions, coordinating State agency response operations, and communicating with local governments throughout the event. The State Office of Emergency Management (OEM) began interagency coordination calls with the National Weather Service on Wednesday in preparation for the storm.

The State's Emergency Operations Center in Albany was activated on Thursday, as well as a Regional Operations Center in Cheektowaga, Erie County, where DHSES is coordinating field response with State Agency partners including NYSDOT, State Police and the Thruway Authority. Additionally, OEM staff are embedded at the Erie County Emergency Operations Center to further coordination between state and local response. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to local governments to support any storm-related needs.

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control supported local first responders with safely extracting a person from a residential structural collapse and is deploying a six-person collapse response team to Erie County as snow continues to fall overnight.

Department of Transportation

In Western New York, Route 219 from I-90 to Peters Road, and Route 400 between I-90 and State Route 16 are currently closed. Working in coordination with state and local officials, the Department is monitoring conditions and will update the public when these roads are reopened.

The State Department of Transportation is responding with 3,287 supervisors and operators. Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is required, including snow and ice operations, drainage, chipper, load and haul, and cut and toss. Additionally, 75 Incident Command System (ICS) personnel are available to support the event.

The Department sent additional plows and operators from the Western Southern Tier to Erie County on Friday to further assist with snow and ice removal operations, including on local roads in the Town of Hamburg. In addition to existing resources, DOT will bring in contractor resources from Western NY, Finger Lakes and Central NY. This includes 64 loaders, more than 130 large dump trucks, one skid steer, and about 200 more personnel.

All residency locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations. All available snow and ice equipment is ready to deploy. Fleet mechanics in affected areas will be staffing all main residency locations 24/7 to perform repairs and keep trucks on the road.

Commercial Vehicle Ban

DOT implemented a full commercial vehicle ban at the following locations in addition to the ban on the New York State Thruway (I-90):

• Interstate 190 - Route 62 to I-90
• Interstate 290 - full length
• Interstate 990 - full length
• Route 33 - expressway portion only
• Route 219 - Route 39 to I-90
• Route 400 - full length
• Buffalo Skyway Route 5 - full length
• I-81 - Exit 33 to Canadian border - trucks use right lane only

Buffalo Skyway Reopening

The Buffalo Skyway (Route 5) has been reopened, but drivers in Erie County should continue to follow local travel advisories and continue to avoid travel.

To find the latest traffic and travel conditions, call 511, visit www.511ny.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. The online system and mobile app include a state road map, indicating which roads are experiencing snow conditions and where conditions are normal.

Thruway Authority

Thruway Authority personnel are actively engaged in snow and ice operations responding to the lake effect storm with 657 operators and supervisors statewide. Thruway has shifted and deployed additional staff and equipment from its New York, Syracuse, and Albany Divisions to support snow and ice operations in Western New York. Deployed resources include operators and supervisors, mechanics, large plow trucks, and large snowblowers.

Additionally, Thruway Emergency Operations Centers are open and staffed in Buffalo and headquarters for the duration of the storm to assist with managing snow and ice operations, traffic incident response, emergency management, and real-time traveler information.

Thruway Updates

The Thruway has reopened to passenger vehicle through-traffic only between Exit 53 (Buffalo (Downtown) - Canada - Niagara Falls - I-190) and Exit 59 (Dunkirk). Some exits in the area will remain closed to all traffic to allow for snow removal on local roadways.

Commercial traffic continues to be banned on the New York State Thruway (I-90) from Exit 46 (Rochester I-390) to the Pennsylvania border, and the Niagara Thruway (I-190) from I-90 to Exit 22 (Route 62) until further notice. All commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway must exit at Exit 61 (Ripley-Shortman Road). Commercial traffic heading westbound on the Thruway towards Pennsylvania from points east, should use Exit 46 (Rochester - I-390) for I-390 to I-86 West.

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway. The Thruway Authority also encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. You can follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter: @ThruwayTraffic and @NYSThruway and on Facebook at NYS Thruway Authority.

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

DEC police officers, forest rangers, emergency management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure impacted by severe weather. DEC is coordinating resource deployment with agency partners and all available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

DEC is advising backcountry users to be aware of and prepared for winter conditions. Winter hiking safety and preparedness are extremely important no matter your physical ability or destination. Properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safer experience. Additional information is available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/112826.html

DEC encourages hunters planning to take part in the opening weekend of New York's Southern Zone big game season to take extra precautions during this weekend's storm. Safety tips and additional information for hunters is available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/76659.html

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash, and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams which may cause flooding in nearby areas. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after the storm. Additional information is available at https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/water_pdf/togs5111new.pdf

Due to expected inclement weather conditions, DEC facilities may be closed or have restricted access during and after the storm. To check the status of impacted facilities, visit the DEC Storm Information webpage at https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/76659.html

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Access is currently restricted to Buffalo Harbor and Woodlawn Beach State Parks. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,780 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts. This includes an additional 280 external FTEs secured by National Grid. NYSEG has an additional 224 contractor line workers and 99 contractor tree workers staged to respond as needed. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

State Police, State Fire, and EMS

The State Police added extra patrols to the areas most impacted by the lake effect snow, and has staged additional specialty vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles and snowmobiles, in those regions. All four-wheel drive vehicles are deployed, and troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested. As of November 19, State Fire removed 155 people from trapped vehicles and moved them to safety.

Winter Safety Tips

Winter Travel

• Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:
• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods, and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device, such as a two-way radio, available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Heavy Exertion

Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.

To avoid problems:

• Stay warm, dress warm, and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
• Take frequent rests to avoid over-exertion
• If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm, STOP and seek help immediately.

Power Outages

• Call your utility to determine area repair schedules
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

-Follow the manufacturers' instructions

-Use only the correct fuel for your unit

-Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool

-Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects

-When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly

For more safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety.

Team AOC - An email about marijuana

 

A lot of progress has been made on marijuana reform in the past month — but, there’s still a lot that needs to be done.

In this email, we’re going to get you up to speed on Biden’s recent executive order, the difference between marijuana pardons vs. expungements, and what steps Alexandria is calling for next to ensure that everyone is able to participate in society freely regardless of past marijuana possession.  

The TL;DR: 

On October 6, President Biden announced that he would pardon some (not all) simple federal marijuana possession convictions.

While the intent of this executive order should be applauded, additional action is needed from Congress and state governments to actually realize the intent of this order. Let’s dive in! 

What did Biden’s executive order do? 

President Biden issued pardons for all prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana, not expungements – which are not necessarily in his purview – and that’s an important distinction. More on that later… 

There are currently zero people in federal custody for simple possession of marijuana. So, in effect, no one was released from prison from this order.¹ 

President Biden’s pardon only applied to citizens with federal marijuana charges (of which there are about 6,500).² Many immigrants applying for citizenship could continue to face deportation or other adverse consequences for possessing a substance that is now legal in many states.

For those eligible, the pardon will restore civic rights lost due to the felony conviction (like voting, or serving on juries), but only if the marijuana charge was the only felony on their record.

What is a pardon vs. expungement?

A pardon ends a prison sentence, but it doesn’t erase the charge from your record, only expungement can do that.

Pardons allow leaders to release someone who has been incarcerated. But an expungement is extremely important because it’s a judicial process that allows a person's partial or entire record to be concealed. A pardon will reduce or decrease the penalty of a crime, but an expungement is what actually wipes that slate clean. 

If you pardon someone and they apply for a job for instance, the charge and the arrest is still on their record. Therefore, people with simple marijuana possessions are still being blocked from accessing housing, employment, financial aid for education, and other resources. 

We must expunge records in addition to providing pardons. Without expungement, a criminal record for marijuana use can still effectively bar you from participating in much of society. 

What’s next?

President Biden sent an important signal when he pardoned citizens with federal charges for simple marijuana possession. But there’s still a lot more to do. 

Last year, Alexandria introduced a bipartisan bill with Congressman David Joyce (OH-14) calling for the federal government to create grants to hand to states and local municipalities in order to actually fulfill and carry through the process of expungement of criminal records for the tens of millions of Americans who have previously been convinced of marijuana offenses. 

In addition, this week, Alexandria led a letter with Reps. Chuy Garcia and Ilhan Omar asking the President to pardon all simple marijuana possession offenses – regardless of immigration status – and reopen the immigration cases of those who were deported for marijuana-related offenses.

Thank you so much for reading. 

Team AOC

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - 17th Annual Hispanic Business Award Banquet & Scholarship Ceremony

December 07, 2022 Maestro's Caterers 1703 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10462 6:00 pm

RSVP Here

The 17th Annual Hispanic Business Award Banquet and Scholarship Ceremony honors successful individuals who have proven their commitment to upholding the integrity of the Hispanic Community. These individuals advocate for economic development, higher education and promote initiatives that continue to empower the Latino community and beyond. Our mission is to represent and advocate for Hispanic Businesses in New York City in a cohesive and collective manner. The pride of our banquet has always been the scholarships awarded to students in need of financial assistance. Over the past 17 years the NYCHCC has awarded more than 180k to students who attend an accredited university in the New York City area. The sponsorship offers opportunities for businesses to align themselves with the only citywide Hispanic Chamber. We offer benefits such as NYCHCC membership, advertisement, and opportunities to give back to the next generation of Hispanic leaders through a scholarship award.Thank you in advance for your partnership and support. All Ads Submission are due no later than October 28th, 2022 and Should be forward to Cindy at missrubi3@aol.com, Cell number: 646-225-0259 or Hilda at HildaH@nychcc.com, Office number: 212-348-2339