New Guidance to Combat Discrimination in Affordable Housing Insurance

Guidance Informs Insurers That They Are Prohibited From Inquiring About or Making Coverage Decisions Based on a Property’s Status as an Affordable Housing Development or a Tenant’s Source of Income

June 24, 2024 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced new guidance informing insurers that they are prohibited from inquiring about or making coverage decisions based on a property’s status as an affordable housing development or on the level or source of a tenant’s income within the building, such as government assistance.  The guidance from the New York State Department of Financial Services follows legislation secured by Governor Hochul as part of the FY 2025 Budget to prohibit discrimination in insurance based on tenants’ source of income or the existence of affordable dwelling units within the building.

“With this new guidance, we are putting insurers on notice: New York will not tolerate bias against our affordable housing providers,” Governor Hochul said. “Insurance discrimination drives up costs for property owners and renters and puts countless affordable homes at risk. My administration is stepping up our enforcement of housing discrimination of all kinds to ensure fairness in our housing market and to keep costs down for all New Yorkers.”

Launch of New York Mobile ID is a Secure, Digital Form of State-Issued Driver License, Learner Permit, or Non-Driver ID

June 14, 2024 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has launched the New York Mobile ID, a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit or ID on a smartphone. The Mobile ID is a voluntary product designed for the convenience and security of New Yorkers and is available to IOS and Android users. Anyone who has a valid, state-issued driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID can download the secure Mobile ID app through Google Play or the App Store.

“We’re thrilled to give New Yorkers access to this cutting-edge technology which provides convenience and added security for Mobile ID users and those who accept it,” Governor Hochul said. “Not only will New Yorkers be able to quickly display their IDs, but they will have control over the personal information they share.”

Through a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the New York Mobile ID (MiD) will be accepted at TSA security checkpoints at nearly 30 participating airports across the country including all terminals at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports. This will allow New Yorkers to verify their identity easily and securely for airport security screening.

$18.4 Million Pavement Improvement Project on NYS Thruway in Rockland County Starts

June 10, 2024 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of an $18.4 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in Rockland County. The work will cover more than 30 lane miles on a more than five-mile stretch between north of exit 14A (New Jersey – Garden State Parkway) to south of exit 15 (New Jersey – I-287 – NJ Route 17 South) in the town of Ramapo. Approximately 116,000 vehicles travel this corridor each day.

“New York State continues to invest into its transportation system by creating safe, reliable roadways that are used by New Yorkers and visitors alike,” Governor Hochul said. “Reliable transportation networks enhance daily commutes and boost local economies through the efficient movement of goods and services. By prioritizing these investments, New York State is paving the way to smoother, safer, and more sustainable travel for drivers on the Thruway.”

The Rockland County project will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on the roadway (from milepost 24.0 to 29.4), down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction. Covering more than 30 total lane miles, the repairs will improve the existing roadway’s structural integrity. Crews will also address less stressed areas of the roadway by removing the existing asphalt overlay and installing a two-inch asphalt overlay for an improved riding experience, including on the ramps to and from exit 14B (Airmont – Montebello – Airmont Road).

Safety improvements will include new guiderail, bridge joint work, drainage improvements, reflective line striping and replacing lane delineators. Paving operations will take place overnight on weekdays to reduce impacts however, motorists may still encounter lane closures on the highway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

JRCRUZ Corp. is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process and the work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

More New York Pensions Hit $200,00

February 8, 2024 – According to the Empire Center, an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank based in Albany, the number of retirees eligible for $200,000+ pensions from the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) reached 54 last year, according to new data posted on SeeThroughNY, the Empire Center’s government transparency website.

The $200,000+ pensioners include public hospital doctors, police officers, psychiatrists, government administrators and others. Fifteen pensioners retired from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and another 10 retired from Nassau Health Care Corporation. Only nine NYSLRS pensioners were eligible for annual payments of more than $200,000 a decade ago.

The largest pension went to Dr. Shashikant Lele, who was eligible to collect $437,328 for his time working at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Dr. Lele was also one of several hundred New York public employees who collected a pension while continuing to work, receiving $377,355 from Roswell Park during its 2023 fiscal year. The next-highest pensions went to:

• Richard J. Batista, Nassau Health Care Corp., $339,874
• Paul E. Scott, Nassau Health Care Corp., $328,919
• Brian M. Murray, Erie County Medical Center Corp., $317,219
• Leonard O. Barrett, Nassau Health Care Corp., $316,256
• Jorge L. Benach, SUNY Stony Brook, $297,284
• Harlan Kosson, Wayne County, $274,421
• George M. Philip, NYS Techers Retirement System, $263,593
• Narasimhan L. Narasimhan, SUNY Downstate, $259,642
• Elsie M. Santanafox, Nassau Health Care Corp., $259,317

“New York’s pension system was designed over a century ago—and it wasn’t designed for this,” said Ken Girardin, research director. “The prescription here is for Albany to put future hires in a more modern, more flexible retirement plan such as the ones offered to SUNY faculty, or political appointees.

The new data include names and pension amounts for 467,419 retirees from state agencies, public authorities and local governments as well as non-teaching school district positions. The amounts, which are exempt from state income tax, show what retirees were eligible to collect during the plan’s 2023 fiscal year, which ended March 31.

Governor Hochul Announces Mid-Hudson Region Winners of Seventh Round of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Second Round of NY Forward Program

February 8, 2024 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced that White Plains will receive $10 million in funding as the Mid-Hudson Region winner of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, as well as Highland Falls and Montgomery as this year’s Mid-Hudson Region NY Forward winners, receiving $4.5 million each. For Round 7 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, each of the state’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total state commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

The City of White Plains DRI application—entitled, “The Heart of White Plains”—focuses on the City’s traditional urban core, which is considered a walker’s paradise, having achieved a walk score of 98 out of 100. The area is home to numerous multi-family developments, the soon to be redeveloped Galleria and City Center shopping malls, a thriving restaurant row and hospitality center and the busiest Metro North train station in the lower Hudson Valley.

The Village of Highland Falls has been identified in Orange County’s most recent comprehensive plan as a priority growth area, which makes it an ideal location for downtown revitalization. The Village’s application will build on and expand past incremental downtown improvements, particularly those that have supported its 2020 Local Waterfront Revitalization Strategy. Projects identified include multi-modal improvements to enhance traffic flow and safety, main street façade renovations, branding and marketing and expanded access to the waterfront.

The Village of Montgomery is a quaint historic village with a strong sense of community and a picturesque location along the Wallkill River. The NY Forward downtown area is compact and walkable, containing a high concentration of historic buildings, businesses and civic and cultural amenities. Projects identified will improve connectivity among the Village’s downtown parks and green spaces, improve streetscape safety and walkability, preserve historic structures, enhance the gateways into the community and improve wayfinding, signage and branding.

Highland Falls and Montgomery have each been awarded $4.5 million in state funding and investments to revitalize their downtown neighborhoods and generate new opportunities for long-term growth following the local planning process. They join Sleepy Hollow and Cornwall/Cornwall-on-Hudson, which were Mid-Hudson winners in the first round of NY Forward.

DEC Seeks Feedback On Proposed Revamped Freshwater Wetland Regulations

January 16, 2024 – The 2022/2023 State budget included amendments to the regulations governing New York’s Freshwater Wetlands. The changes are expected to capture approximately one million acres of previously unregulated freshwater wetlands.  The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking information from stakeholders as it considers the revisions to the regulations and develops criteria to implement the changes.

The DEC recently published a notice in the NYS Register identifying: (i) the three fundamental changes to the Freshwater Wetlands Act; (ii) the DEC’s proposed criteria for designating and identifying regulated wetlands; and (iii) a list of targeted questions intended to elicit stakeholder input and information to assist the Department in the development of future rulemaking.

A summary of the Freshwater Wetlands Act amendments and timeline as follows:

• January 1, 2025 – The current official NYS Freshwater Wetlands Maps will no longer limit DEC regulatory jurisdiction to wetlands depicted on those maps. Instead, maps will become informational, and any wetlands that meet the applicable definition and criteria will be regulated by DEC and subject to permitting, regardless of whether they appear on the informational maps.
• January 1, 2025 – Small wetlands of “unusual importance” will be regulated, if they meet one of 11 newly established criteria listed in the new legislation.
• January 1, 2028 – The default size threshold for regulated wetlands will decrease from 12.4 acres to 7.4 acres. Small wetlands of “unusual importance” will continue to be regulated, if they meet one of the criteria listed in the new legislation.

The request for information focuses on the regulation of smaller freshwater wetlands and seeks input from interested parties regarding the proposed criteria for the identification of wetlands of “unusual importance.”

The DEC seeks feedback on the proposed defining characteristics of such wetlands, including the following:

• Watersheds that experience significant flooding and meet specific hydrologic criteria as well as minimum impervious surface coverage, limited floodwater storage zones, and those located within an Urban Area, as defined by the US census bureau.
• Habitat for an essential behavior of an endangered or threatened species, a species of special concern, or a species of greatest conservation need pursuant to federal and state designations.
• Vernal pools associated with amphibian breeding using varying regional factors and species to determine jurisdiction over the wetland; e.g., in the Lower Hudson-NYC-Long Island or Adirondacks Regions, one or more egg masses or larvae of Jefferson Salamander, Blue Spotted Salamander, or hybrids of Jefferson and Blue-Spotted Salamander.
• Wetlands with functions and values that are of local or general significance due to their location designated as a Critical Environmental Area pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617 or within the Adirondack Park and under the jurisdiction of the Adirondack Park Agency.
• Class I Wetlands characterized by a wetland with one of the following criteria: it provides habitat for an essential behavior of an endangered or threatened animal species; it contains endangered or threatened plant species; it falls within or is contiguous to a designated Significant Fish & Wildlife Habitat area; it is a tidally influenced wetland (and not regulated by Article 25); it is continuous to a tidally influenced wetland regulated by Article 25; it contains a wetland plant community identified as critically imperiled; it is a Nutrient-Poor Wetland, or it is located in an area designated as a floodway on the most current FEMA flood insurance rate map.

The lists’ technicality and depth highlights the importance of undertaking pre-acquisition/pre-development environmental diligence so that owners and developers can fully understand the impact wetlands may have on any potential or proposed end-use.

The informational notice also identifies the DEC’s intent to authorize the extension of wetland adjacent areas to 300 feet for Nutrient Poor Wetlands — increasing the regulated area for these specifically designated wetlands significantly.

With the amended regulations expected to capture an additional one million acres of real property across the state, these revisions are bound to impact prospective developments with ground-breaking dates in 2025. The Department is accepting information responses through February 17, 2024

Attorney General James Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Minor League Teams Throughout the Nation

Antitrust Exemption Provided to Major League Baseball a Century Ago is Causing Harm to Dozens of Minor League Teams in Smaller Communities

October 23, 2023 – Attorney General Letitia James today joined a bipartisan coalition of 18 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the baseball antitrust exemption, which has unfairly harmed the four New York-based minor league teams and dozens of other minor league teams nationwide. The case, Tri-City ValleyCats, Inc. and Oneonta Athletic Corporation v. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, stems from a 2020 agreement among 30 Major League Baseball teams to cut the number of affiliated minor league teams from 160 to 120. Due to a series of judicial decisions dating back a century, Major League Baseball is exempt from antitrust laws, meaning the action to cut 40 teams and harm communities throughout the nation cannot be effectively challenged under the antitrust laws. Attorney General James and the coalition urge the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the prior decisions and enable the attorneys general to take action under the antitrust laws.

Due to the 2020 Major League Baseball decision to reduce the number of affiliated minor league teams, the New York-based Auburn Doubledays, Batavia Muckdogs, Staten Island Yankees, and Tri-City ValleyCats, as well as 36 other teams across 23 states, lost both the ability to compete for minor league talent and the financial support they had from their Major League affiliates. In any other sport or business, that unfair horizontal agreement to restrict competition would have been prohibited by state and federal antitrust laws, which are designed to protect consumers and promote competition. But a century-old series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions exempts baseball from such laws. The coalition argues that these decisions should be reversed. The brief focuses on the mistake the Supreme Court made by blocking state enforcement of antitrust laws even though Congress never intended to preempt such state enforcement.

Policy Choices & Housing Permits in the Region (1990-2022)

Restrictive Zoning Is the Culprit, Particularly in Middle-Housing (2-4 Unit Buildings)

September 28, 2023 – A report issued by the Regional Plan Associations concludes that housing development within the New York – New Jersey – Connecticut metropolitan region has been insufficient to meet the needs of its residents. As housing supply has become constrained, available homes for workers, young people, and low and moderate-income households have declined.  The region’s failure to build enough housing has resulted in overcrowded apartments, increasing homelessness, and rents and home prices that have been rising faster than income and inflation. This lack of housing has hampered economic growth, accelerated environmental degradation, and worsened health outcomes. These conditions, and the ways in which the regional housing market has evolved, have been largely dictated by economic forces and policy choices made in each of the three states.

Regarding affordable housing mandates in the tri-state area, New York State does not have a comparable system, which has allowed locally-controlled restrictive zoning to remain unchecked. New York stands alone among its peer states–coastal states with high housing costs and healthy regional economies–in giving its local governments such broad authority over land use and housing production. A recent analysis from the Eviction Lab at Princeton University quantified how difficult it is to build under the zoning codes of different cities and towns, and concludes that New York ranks second among the most restrictive metropolitan areas in the country. The lack of housing production and the enormous disparities between the city and its suburbs are a result of New York having the most exclusionary zoning in the region.

To read the full report, click here.

DiNapoli: Nourish NY Needs Better Oversight to Connect More Food Banks and In-State Farms to Funding

September 11, 2023 – Dangerous heat derailed regular train service on the Adirondack Line this summer with concerns over tracks warping. Now, with cooler weather prevailing, concerns have moved to the back burner (for now) and service from NYC to Montreal will resume shortly, according to Amtrak.

With the return of service though, concerns abound about future the funding of Amtrak, specifically funding from the federal government.  A proposal in the House would cut Amtrak funding by 64%, though skeptics doubt that the cuts will survive Senate intervention.

Members of the House Appropriations Committee’s Transportation Subcommittee proposed an allocation of $875 million for Amtrak in fiscal 2024, a cut from the $2.453 billion it currently receives. Amtrak says it needs $2.66 billion to meet its basic operational services. The Republican-controlled subcommittee views much of Amtrak’s spending proposal as “wasteful.”

Cuts at the federal level, Amtrak’s main source of subsidies, could be met by New York State. Amtrak ridership levels along the Empire State Corridor in New York are up 105 percent since 2019. Hudson’s Amtrak station is the third busiest Amtrak station in the state. Cuts would adversely affect tourism and the second home market for NYC residents who ride the rails to Hudson.

Building Decarbonization Grant Program

September 8, 2023 – Partners for Climate Action (PCA), a local nonprofit, has announced a new grant program, Building Decarbonization Grants (BDG), to assist municipalities and local nonprofits in the Hudson Valley that are reducing the carbon footprint of their buildings.

Eligibility:

• Municipalities and local nonprofits that own their buildings (schools, libraries, houses of worship, and organizations) are welcome to apply.
• Applicants must be located in the Hudson Valley—specifically, the counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, Rensselaer, and Ulster.

Grants are in the range of $5,000 – $100,000.

Interested parties can apply here: www.climateactionhv.org/decarb-grant. PCA will offer an online info session for applicants on September 19; RSVP at the link above.

After Completing Extensive Repairs, Governor Hochul Announces Key Bear Mountain State Park Facilities to Reopen for Labor Day Weekend

September 1, 2023 – Bear Mountain State Park facilities will reopen Labor Day weekend following extensive repairs to damage caused by flooding from a major storm on July 9 and 10. The park’s Trailside Museums and Zoo, Bear Mountain Inn and Perkins Memorial Drive will reopen Saturday, September 2, following an extensive recovery effort that included repairs to the treatment plant that provides water to Bear Mountain’s buildings and facilities.

“New York State is making incredible progress in recovering from the destructive force of the July storm, which dumped more than eight inches of rain over a few short hours in parts of the Hudson Valley,” Governor Hochul said. “With crucial repairs now complete, I’m pleased that Bear Mountain State Park and the famed Bear Mountain Inn will reopen for this Labor Day weekend so that New Yorkers can get back to enjoying these popular destinations.”

The Park’s picnic grounds and Hessian Lake loop trail reopened August 23. Additional facilities to be open for Labor Day weekend include:

• Hessian Lake paddle boat rentals
• Bear Mountain Carousel
• Bathrooms and drinking water fountains
• The Trailside Museums and Zoo – opens on Saturday
• South Entrance Road – between US 9W and the Bear Mountain Circle – opens on Saturday
• Seven Lakes Drive from the Palisades Interstate Parkway Exit 19 to Bear Mountain Circle – opens on Saturday
• Perkins Memorial Drive – opens for vehicular access on Saturday
• Bear Mountain Inn guest rooms, restaurant, bar, hiker’s café, and spa all open as of Saturday. Additional information available here: visitbearmountain.com

Parking remains limited. Visitors should plan ahead, including making alternative plans if Bear Mountain fills to capacity.

Many of the Park’s hiking trails were also damaged and will remain closed until repairs can be completed in the coming months. Bear Mountain’s Trail map will be updated on an ongoing basis as repairs are made to help inform visitors about the status of their favorite hikes. The latest version of the map can be viewed here. The Bear Mountain Pool bathhouse was also damaged and is planned to reopen for the 2024 season.

The storm caused widespread damage throughout Bear Mountain and portions of Harriman State Park, including embankment collapses, rock and mudslides, significant washouts along park hiking trails, roads, bridges, and culverts. Repairs were also needed to address significant damage to the Park’s maintenance garage, and carpentry and plumbing shops.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Rebounds After Slow Start

August 2, 2023 – State Comptroller DiNapoli continues to examine pandemic recovery programs and ensure they are administered efficiently and money is spent appropriately. Two years ago, Comptroller DiNapoli released a report on the emergency rental assistance program and found only a small amount of the much-needed funds had been distributed to people who had fallen behind in their rent payments. In fact, New York was the last State in the country to release these funds because of implementation challenges.

A report released this week identifies several improvements. It shows that the federal and State-funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program distributed nearly $3.1 billion to approximately 250,000 applicants statewide. New York City received $2.5 billion for the program and the funds have assisted about 190,000 households citywide. More efforts are in the works to direct assistance to those living in public housing.

“The Emergency Rental Assistance Program got off to a slow start in New York, at a time of great urgency,” DiNapoli said. “Two years later, funds have flowed to many of the households in need. As rent burdens continue to plague many amid relatively high inflation and housing costs, officials must continue to prioritize keeping people in their homes and avoiding evictions as New York City manages its record-level shelter population and localities across the State deal with a housing affordability crisis and rising eviction actions.”  Read more…

Effective June 20, 2023, New Law Requires Businesses to Post a Notice Warning Consumers About Potential Gift Card Fraud

Model Notice for Businesses Available Here

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez today reminded businesses of a new law to protect consumers from potential gift card scams. Effective June 20, 2023, all businesses selling gift cards must display a notice at or near where any gift card or gift certificate is displayed or sold to caution consumers about gift card fraud. Requesting gift cards as payment has become increasingly popular with scammers as funds are nearly impossible to trace. According to the Federal Trade Commission in 2022, nearly 65,000 consumers filed a complaint related to gift card scams, equating to a total loss of $228.3 million.

To address the growing prevalence of gift card fraud, this new law requires retailers and businesses to clearly post a notice at or near the gift card display or point-of-purchase to help increase public awareness of this scam and provide guidance to vulnerable customers if they believe they are being scammed. Gift card sellers are required to display these notices in an area that is visible to consumers and close to where the gift cards are displayed or the sale occurs.

The Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has created and published model notices that gift card sellers can download and post to comply with this new law. Businesses are encouraged to access these downloadable signs and post them where they sell gift cards. These downloadable signs are available in three different sizes on the Division of Consumer Protection website.

Businesses may also create their own notice that includes the following guidance:

• Cautions the purchaser about pre-paid card scams.
• Instructs the purchaser on what to do if they suspect they might be a potential victim of such a scam.

Gift card scams can take many forms, but are often phone calls targeting consumers, particularly the elderly and immigrants, stating that they owe money and payment is required by gift card.

Legislation Includes New Requirements for Distribution Centers To Disclose Work Speed Data to Current and Former Employees

Protects Workers from Disciplinary Action or Firing Exclusively Because of a Failure to Meet Undisclosed Quotas or Performance Standards

June 19, 2023 – New legislation protecting warehouse workers from unreasonably demanding work quotas is now in effect. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act, signed in December, includes new requirements for distribution centers to disclose work speed data to current and former employees to inform them about their job performance and rights in the workplace. The legislation also protects workers from disciplinary action or firing exclusively because of a failure to meet undisclosed quotas or performance standards, including those that do not allow for proper breaks.

With the Warehouse Worker Protection Act now in effect, employees can request quota information at any time, and are protected from:

1. Being forced to work through meals to make quota
2. Limiting use of bathroom facilities to make quota
3. Retaliation from an employer relating to requesting quota information or reporting violations related to quotas

This law applies to employers and employees at warehouse distribution centers. Under the law, a warehouse distribution center is defined using the North American Industry Classification System codes for warehousing and storage (excluding farm product warehousing and storage), merchant wholesalers, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, and couriers and express delivery services.

If an employee believes their employer is in violation of these protections, they can request a written description of the quota to which they are subject. They can also request a copy of the most recent 90 days of personal work speed data and a copy of the aggregate work speed data for similar employees at the same establishment during the same period. Employers are responsible for distributing this information no later than 14 calendar days after a request is made.

Employers must share quotas with employees through a written description (in their preferred language) of each quota they are expected to meet. This must be done within 30 days of an employee’s start date.

For more information on the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, visit the NYSDOL website. To report a violation of this law, email labor.sm.warehouse.worker.claims@labor.ny.gov.

Kickoff of Bear Mountain Bridge Centennial Celebrations

Iconic Hudson Valley Suspension Bridge Will Celebrate 100 Years in 2024; Time Capsule Dedicated to Celebrate Construction Starting in 1923

April 20, 2023 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the kickoff of celebrations surrounding the upcoming centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge in 2024. Between now and fall 2024, several events and initiatives are underway to celebrate one of the Hudson Valley’s most recognizable structures, including a centennial website, a documentary film and an international bridge engineering conference. Various leaders and community members joined the New York State Bridge Authority at the bridge today to make the announcement. Participants also dedicated a time capsule to mark 100 years since construction of the bridge began.

“New York has a long history of creating world-class infrastructure that has transformed our state — a legacy that continues to this day,” Governor Hochul said. “As we begin to commemorate the centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge, I hope residents and visitors alike continue to appreciate the importance of this beloved Hudson Valley fixture.”

The Bear Mountain Bridge was dedicated on November 26, 1924. It was a groundbreaking engineering achievement for its time, being the first vehicular bridge over the Hudson River south of Albany and the first suspension bridge with a concrete deck. For a brief period, it also held the title of “bridge with the longest suspended central span in the world.” Many consider the innovations with the Bear Mountain Bridge to have spurred a boom in bridge building in New York State and the entire country in the years following.

The bridge was originally built by a private enterprise, the Bear Mountain Hudson River Bridge Company, which had connections with the prominent Harriman family who helped preserve Bear Mountain State Park and other nearby public lands. Construction began in spring 1923 and lasted 20 months, without a single loss of life. Once opened, the bridge offered users of the increasingly popular automobile a more direct connection to the nearby state park.

New Statewide Cannabis Public Education Campaign Unveiled

“Why Buy Legal New York” Will Encourage New Yorkers to Purchase Safer, Regulated Cannabis Products from Licensed Dispensaries

April 20, 2023 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of “Why Buy Legal New York”, a public education campaign promoting safer, informed, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries in New York State.

The campaign focuses on three key pillars: protecting public health and promoting social equity and community reinvestment. Governor Hochul made the announcement alongside the New York State Office of Cannabis Management at CUNY Law School in New York City. The “Why Buy Legal New York” announcements explain and emphasize the potential health risks associated with purchasing cannabis products from unlicensed businesses and why regulated cannabis products are safer. It also outlines how buying legal supports the advancement of New York’s social and economic equity goals for communities across the State.

“To bolster the public health and safety of all New Yorkers, we are providing them with information they need to make informed decisions and enjoy cannabis responsibly,” Governor Hochul said. “As we continue to build a healthier and more equitable cannabis market, I am proud to launch this important public education campaign to promote safer, legal purchases of cannabis from licensed dispensaries throughout our state.”

The primarily digital campaign will target cannabis consumers 21 years old and over and includes various educational materials, such as “The Guide to Safer Cannabis Consumption”. These materials will provide information on how to find legal dispensaries in New York and tips on how to consume cannabis safely. Materials are available at: https://cannabis.ny.gov/consumers.

New York State Comptroller Reports Rockland County Poverty Rate at 14.4%

In a report prepared by the New York State Office of Budget Policy and Analysis, looking at 10-years of data on poverty rates, Rockland County was the only county for which there was a statistically significant increase in the poverty rate during this period. Countywide (for all ages), Rockland’s poverty rate was 14.4% and Rockland County ranked 9th highest (highest poverty as a percentage of population) in the state. More troubling though was data related to Rockland residents under age 18 — where the poverty rate was 25%, with a ranking of second worst in the state, second only to Bronx County, where the rate was 30.6%.

The statewide poverty rate in 2020 was 12.7 percent. New York State counties had poverty rates ranging from 5.7 percent in Nassau and Putnam counties to 24.4 percent in the Bronx. Overall, 34 counties had rates under 12 percent; 11 counties had rates from 12 to under 13 percent; and 17 counties had rates greater than 13 percent. The counties with rates statistically higher than the statewide average were Broome (18.4 percent), Cattaraugus (16.3 percent), and Franklin (15.9 percent), as well as three in New York City — the Bronx (24.4 percent), Brooklyn (17.8 percent), and Manhattan (16.3 percent). Rockland’s rate was 14.4%.

New York State Division of Human Rights Launches Statewide Hate and Bias Prevention Unit

December 13, 2022 – The New York State Division of Human Rights is launching a statewide Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, which is charged with leading public education and outreach efforts, serving as an early warning detection system in local communities, and quickly mobilizing to support areas and communities in which a bias incident has occurred.

The Hate and Bias Prevention Unit also will be responsible for establishing and implementing a statewide campaign promoting acceptance, inclusion, tolerance, and understanding of diversity, as required by legislation signed last month by Governor Hochul. The campaign will coordinate and cooperate with public and private organizations, including, but not limited to, local governments, community groups, school districts, places of worship, charitable organizations, and foundations and will develop educational materials to be published on the internet, social media, and other platforms to reach the public. The Division also works with the New York State Police to educate New Yorkers on the State’s hate crimes laws.

More than $68 million has been awarded to support 74 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Only One Project In Rockland Gets Funded

November 25, 2022 – Round XII included core capital grant and tax-credit funding from Empire State Development, which was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of communities. Funding support impactful projects that align with each region’s strategic goals. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region’s economic development priorities can apply for funding.

Only one project in Rockland County received funding. The Haverstraw Community Chair Factory, located in the Village of Haverstraw, in Rockland County, received $1,000,000 in funding to embark on stabilizing the Hudson River shoreline and the creation of a waterfront promenade and pedestrian walkway. The project is part of a park system that will abut a new expansion to include needed affordable housing and waterfront commercial, retail, and hospitality space. Learn more about the Chair Factory here. The REDC has tagged the Chair Factory Project as a “Priority Project” on the awards schedule.

$300 Million in State Grants for Local Water Infrastructure Improvements

Nearly $300 million is being awarded to communities through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant, Intermunicipal Grant, Green Innovation Grant, and Engineering Planning Grant programs to fund critical water infrastructure projects across New York State. The grants awarded by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation are part of the state’s nation-leading commitment to modernize the state’s aging water and sewer systems by providing the financial resources that municipalities need to undertake critical once-in-a-generation projects. These grants will support water infrastructure projects totaling more than $1 billion that safeguard drinking water from the risk of toxic chemicals, increase community resilience to flooding, regionalize water systems, support local economies, and are critical to protecting public health and the environment.

DiNapoli Releases Annual IDA Report

Net Tax Exemptions Doubled Over Past Decade to $966 Million; Jobs Gained During 2020 COVID Year Were Smallest in Past Decade

June 20, 2022 – New York’s local Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) reported 4,262 active projects with a total value of $114 billion in 2020, an increase of $5.3 billion from the prior year, according to an annual report on IDAs released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. While reported project values have risen, the number of projects has decreased by 58, or 1.3%, since 2019. This continues a long-term trend, where project values have increased by 57% and the number of projects has declined by 4% since 2010.

IDAs reported the following:

• For the 4,262 active IDA projects, it was estimated that a total of 225,227 jobs would be created during the life of the projects, with a median salary of $40,000, and 251,888 existing jobs would be retained, with a median salary of $44,727. A projected 44,636 temporary construction jobs would be created.
• The number of net jobs gained (reflecting current jobs reported by projects minus initial jobs reported) were 167,984 in 2020. This is the smallest number of jobs gained in the last ten years.
• Total tax exemptions for IDA projects amounted to over $1.7 billion, up $273 million, or 19%, over 2019. Property tax exemptions represented $1.6 billion, or 90% of total tax exemptions, and were partially offset by $782 million in payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) in 2020.
• Net tax exemptions (reflecting total tax exemptions minus PILOTs) totaled $966 million, an increase of $171 million, or 21%, from 2019. Over the ten-year period ending in 2020, net tax exemptions just about doubled.
• Regionally, total net tax exemptions granted were much higher downstate, with IDAs in New York City, Long Island and the Mid-Hudson regions together granting 61% of all net tax exemptions. On a per capita basis, the New York City IDA provides the lowest net tax exemptions per capita ($22), while the Capital District had the highest ($93) in 2020.
• In 2020, IDAs had total revenues of $72 million, consisting largely of project fees, a decline of $3.6 million from 2019. New York City IDA had the highest total revenues ($6.7 million), followed by Genesee County IDA ($5.7 million), Chautauqua County IDA ($4.8 million) and Chemung County IDA ($4 million).
• Total IDA expenses in 2020 were $85 million, down $11.8 million from 2019. The largest operating expense category was professional services contracts, such as for accounting, legal or marketing services ($22.2 million, or 26%, of the total). Salaries, wages and benefits for IDA employees accounted for $19.2 million, or 23%, of the total.

New York Says “No” to Good Cause Eviction Bill

June 8, 2022 – The state legislature declined to pass a controversial bill that would have prohibited most evictions and made it harder to raise rents.

The legislature ended its session without taking action on the proposed Good Cause eviction bill, a decision that was cheered by multifamily industry representatives who say it amounts to another form of rent control and will hinder rather than help create affordable housing and decried by housing advocates who say it will lead to higher rent hikes and homelessness.

Read more…

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New York Governor Signs Bill To Convert Underused Hotels Into Permanent Housing

June 8, 2022 – Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill to make it easier to convert underused hotels in the state into affordable housing. The new law allows properties ranked as Class B hotels within residential zoning districts or within 400 feet of those districts to operate as permanent residential spaces.

“As we envision the post-pandemic world, we have an opportunity to rethink everything from work life, education, telehealth services, all the way to housing,” Hochul’s office said Tuesday in a statement. “With hotels hit so hard by the pandemic, many of them never reopened, an opportunity has arisen to use vacant hotels. We’re going to make the rules more flexible, making it easier to convert underused properties into residential space.”

Read more…

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Expansion of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) to Rockland Community College

May 10, 2022 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the expansion of SUNY’s life-changing Educational Opportunity Program to include four additional SUNY campuses: Cayuga County Community College, Corning Community College, Rockland Community College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College. This increases the total number of campuses to 54, with work continuing to ensure every campus provides access to EOP’s academic resources, mentorship, and financial aid.

Rockland Community College Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Dr. Bart Grachan said, “Rockland Community College’s Educational Opportunity Program will provide access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to make higher education possible for 100 first-time RCC students with tremendous talent, but insufficient resources, to break the cycle of generational poverty that has traditionally made higher education out of reach for some New Yorkers. Based on extensive assessment of the needs and diversity in the Rockland County community and RCC’s success with similar projects like TRIO Student Support Services, RCC’s EOP will include a combination of counseling, tutoring, workshops, and pre-freshman services to enhance student retention and success among students who demonstrate academic promise, but whose life circumstances have not permitted them to reach their full potential. All services to be provided by the program are designed to enhance student retention and success.”

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$638 Million in Grants for Water Infrastructure Improvements Across New York State

April 21, 2022 – The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation has awarded $638 million in grants to municipalities and public authorities for 199 water infrastructure projects across the state that protect public health or improve water quality. Nearly $601 million in Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grants and over $37 million in additional federal subsidies will support approximately $1.6 billion in total infrastructure investment. The grants are projected to contribute over 35,000 jobs to New York’s economy and save taxpayers an estimated $1.4 billion.

The only recipient in Rockland County was the Village of Suffern which is to receive a grant of $319,680 toward its project cost of $532,800 to rehabilitate equipment to remove PFAS from its water supply. There were 199 grants awarded statewide.

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Several Rockland Villages Fail to File or Filed Inconclusive Data For Fiscal Stress Monitoring

April 13, 2022 – The Rockland County Villages of Nyack, Piermont, Pomona and Spring Valley are all listed by the Office of the New York State Comptroller as either not filing or filing inconclusive information to enable the Comptroller’s Office to rate the municipalities for fiscal stress for year-end 2021.

The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System (FSMS) and resulting fiscal stress designations rely on data from annual
financial reports submitted by local governments to the Office of the State Comptroller.

This list includes non-calendar fiscal year end municipalities. The above referenced municipalities noted did not file their annual financial report or reported data that was inconclusive for FSMS purposes as of the date their score was to be calculated, and therefore a fiscal stress score could not be calculated.

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66 Percent Worried About Gas Prices; Buying Plans Stay Strong Despite Inflation

The New York State Index of Consumer Sentiment as of March stands at 68, down 5.1 points from the last measurement in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the latest poll by the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI).

New York’s overall Index of Consumer Sentiment is 8.6 points above the nation’s Index of 59.4.

Both the current and future indexes fell about 5 points resulting in New York’s decline from 73.1 last quarter to 68.0 now. The national indexes all decreased between six and nine points.

Overall confidence is higher in New York than nationally with future confidence in New York below the breakeven point of optimism and pessimism but 17.5 points higher than a national low of future confidence not seen since October 2011.

 

 

 

National data compiled by the University of Michigan shows points above/below breakeven point at which sentiment is balanced. Inflation plus war equals uncertainty for New York consumers.

The index has fallen to where it briefly stood when the coronavirus first slammed our economy. New York’s overall and future numbers are much higher than the national outlook owing to a partisan economic sentiment divide in which Democrats – a better than 2-1 advantage in New York – remain upbeat about the future while Republicans in this survey recorded the lowest consumer sentiment score ever recorded in a Siena survey. Gas prices and their impact is taking our collective breath away, hitting Republicans, Upstaters, and women the hardest.

While buying plans remained strong, increasing for cars, major home improvements are nearly seven points under last year’s forecast,” said Don Levy, SCRI’s Director.

In the first quarter of 2022, buying plans were up from the fourth quarter of 2021 measurement for cars/trucks to 20.6 percent (from 17.8 percent) and homes to 11.1 percent (from 10 percent). Buying plans were down for consumer electronics at 40.7 percent (from 47.1 percent), furniture to 27.1 percent (from 32 percent), and major home improvements to 24.4 percent (from 31.1 percent).

Sixty-six percent (up from 61 percent last quarter) of all New Yorkers say gasoline prices are having a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition. Seventy-two percent (unchanged from last quarter) of state residents indicate that the amount of money they spend on groceries is having either a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their finances.

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Second Round of Emergency Home Heating Aid Available for Struggling Households Facing Heating Emergencies Amid Statewide Surge in Energy Costs

February 23, 2022 – $65 million in funding remains available to help low- and middle-income New Yorkers avoid having their home heating disconnected or exhausting their heating source amid fuel price increases this winter. Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Home Energy Assistance Program is now accepting second emergency benefit applications for those New Yorkers who have used up their regular and first emergency benefits and are facing a heating emergency.

To qualify, applicants must meet HEAP eligibility criteria and income guidelines, which vary by household size. For instance, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983.

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Village of Nyack in Rockland County -$3,000,000 WIIA grant to replace approximately 13,000 linear feet of water main.

February 15, 2022 – Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved $41 million in funding that includes low-cost loans and previously awarded grants, enabling the recipients to access these loan and grant funds and move their water and sewer infrastructure projects forward.

Among the awards (under the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act) was a $3,000,000 grant to replace 13,000 linear feet of water main in the Village of Nyack.

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DiNapoli: 23 School Districts Designated in Fiscal Stress; East Ramapo Leads the List

January 27,2022 – Twenty-three school districts statewide were designated in some level of fiscal stress under New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for the school year (SY) ending on June 30, 2021, down from 31 school districts in fiscal stress the prior year.

“Fewer of New York’s school districts were scored as under fiscal stress in 2021, but the operational issues caused by the pandemic for all school districts were extreme,” DiNapoli said. “School districts must watch their finances closely as the pandemic continues, prices rise and staffing issues mount.”

DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System was designed to identify issues that school districts, counties, cities (excluding New York City), towns or villages are having with budgetary solvency, or the ability to generate enough revenues to meet expenses. The Comptroller releases fiscal stress scores for the various categories of government three times a year. School districts are given a fiscal stress score based on several factors: year-end fund balance, operating deficits and surpluses, cash position, and reliance on short-term debt for cash-flow.

The monitoring system found two school districts were designated as being in “significant fiscal stress,” which is the highest category including: East Ramapo Central School District in Rockland County (76.7 points) and Newfield Central School District in Tompkins County (66.7 points).  Read more…

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New Round of New York State Funding Includes Several Rockland Projects

January 1, 2022 – Several Rockland County projects received funding in the latest round of releases. Included in the December releases are a $25,000 award to the Rockland County ESD Planning Projects for Rockland for development of a Strategic Economic Development Action Plan to strengthen the County’s economy by identifying methods to attract new businesses and support existing local businesses and industries. The Strategic Economic Development Action Plan will also prepare Rockland County to implement initiatives that will connect low-income residents with employment, enhance tourism standing in the Mid-Hudson Region, and attract residents to Rockland County.

Orangetown secured $40,000 to develop an update to the 2003 comprehensive plan. The update will include provisions for combating climate change, increasing sustainability, and addressing environmental justice as well as assessing options for a significant stretch of Hudson river shoreline that has become a part of the town after the
dissolution of the Village of South Nyack.

Oak Beverages secured two awards totaling $713,600 to relocate its corporate headquarters to a larger and more
functional space in West Nyack. The new facility will be equipped with a state-of-the-art refrigerated cooler and loading docks to help improve and expand the distribution operation through its service network.

And in November, Clarkstown secured $1,250,000 to  invest in several infrastructure projects for the Revitalization of Historic West Nyack Hamlet. Projects include upgraded streetscape, improve parking, EV charging stations, and a new bus stop along with new sidewalks, curbs, energy-efficient lighting, and expanded green space with an accessible playground and benches that will accommodate and encourage economic activity.

The application for traditional ESD Grant funds remains open, and applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with strong, shovel-ready projects that align with the state and region’s economic development priorities can apply through the Consolidated Funding Application.

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Contracts Finalized for Clean Path NY and Champlain Hudson Power Express to Deliver Clean Renewable Energy from Upstate New York and Canada to New York City

November 30, 2021 – New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has finalized contracts with Clean Path New York LLC for its Clean Path NY (CPNY) project and H.Q. Energy Services (U.S.) Inc. (HQUS) for its Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project to deliver clean, renewable solar, wind and hydroelectric power from upstate New York and Canada to New York City.

The state’s first-of-its-kind renewable energy and transmission projects are expected to deliver up to $7.4 billion in overall societal benefits statewide, inclusive of greenhouse gas reductions and air quality improvements, and $8.2 billion in economic development across the state, including investments in disadvantaged communities. As the largest transmission projects contracted for New York State in the last 50 years, these projects will reduce the city’s fossil fuel use for electricity by more than 80 percent in 2030 when combined with the state’s deployment of clean energy and offshore wind.

Today’s announcement accelerates progress to exceed New York State’s goal for 70 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 on the path to a zero-emission grid as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. It will also help the city of New York achieve its ambitious climate goals.

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Over $81 Million Awarded in Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

November 22, 2021 – over $81 million has been awarded to support 97 priority projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This year, $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of applicants. Additionally, projects within each region are eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in their region.

Only one Rockland County project was awarded funds. The Town of Clarkstown was awarded $1,250,000 and will invest in several infrastructure projects for the Revitalization of Historic West Nyack Hamlet. Projects include upgraded streetscape, improve parking, EV charging stations, and a new bus stop along with new sidewalks, curbs, energy-efficient lighting, and expanded green space with an accessible playground and benches that will accommodate and encourage economic activity.  See the full list of awards and projects here.

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DiNapoli Releases Interactive Map of Local Census Results – Report Profiles Demographic Changes

November 18, 2021 – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today released a report tracking New York’s local demographic changes based on 2020 Census data and an interactive online map that breaks down population statistics by age, race and ethnicity, along with housing trends, in New York’s cities, counties, towns and villages. DiNapoli’s report provides a snapshot of New York state’s population, which totaled more than 20.2 million in 2020, up 4.1% since 2010.

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New “Dark Store” Assessment Law Signed by Governor

October 25, 2021 – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Member Zebrowski and signed into law by Governor Hochul requires assessors in communities with populations of less than 1,000,000 persons to utilize certain standards on assessment rolls prepared after January 1, 2022. The new standards require consideration of comparable properties exhibiting similar uses or uses at the time of sale in the same real estate market. By requiring similar uses, assessors would not be able to use comparables of what the industry calls “dark stores” — that is comparing fully operating, tenanted property with vacant properties to secure valuations closer to the dark store  or vacant property values.

The new law will be part 305-a of New York’s Real Property Law.

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New Workplace Guidance Issued By New York State Department of Labor

October 21, 2021 – The MRTA amended Section 201-D of the New York Labor Law to clarify that cannabis used in accordance with New York State law is a legal consumable product. As such, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on the employee’s use of cannabis outside of the workplace, outside of work hours, and without use of the employer’s equipment or property.

PERMITTED EMPLOYER ACTIONS

The MRTA amended New York Labor Law Section 201-D by adding a new subsection 4-a, which provides that
employers MAY take employment action or prohibit employee conduct where:
• An employer is/was required to take such action by state or federal statute, regulation, or ordinance, or
other state or federal governmental mandate
• The employer would be in violation of federal law
• The employer would lose a federal contract or federal funding
• The employee, while working, manifests specific articulable symptoms of cannabis impairment that decrease or lessen the employee’s performance of the employee’s tasks or duties
• The employee, while working, manifests specific articulable symptoms of cannabis impairment that interfere with the employer’s obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace as required by state and federal workplace safety laws

Detailed workplace policies are outlined in the DOL Guidance, including drug testing, retaliation for use, termination, reinstatement, off-hours or off-site use, and work-from home use. For a more in depth look, review the guidance here.

The MRTA and New York Labor Law Section 201-D do not apply to individuals who are not employees (e.g., students who are not employees, independent contractors, individuals working out of familial obligation, volunteers) or provide any consumer protections. Employees under the age of 21 are also not covered, as cannabis use by individuals under the age of 21 is prohibited by New York Law and not subject to the present protections. The law also does not apply to employees of the federal government.

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New Legislation Requires Documents to Be Discussed at Open Meetings to Be Made Available At Least 24 Hours Prior to Meeting

October 19, 2021 – Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation boosting transparency in state and local government. The legislation requires documents that are going to be discussed at open meetings to be made available on request or posted on the government’s website at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.

This legislation makes documents to be discussed at open meetings available to the public at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. The Open Meetings Law is intended to empower the public through the accessibility of meetings of public bodies. The law requires them to make available to the public relevant documents, such as any proposed rule, regulation, or resolution. However, the current law only requires documents to be made available prior to meetings “as determined by the agency or department.” This standard has resulted in some government bodies failing to make materials available in advance of meetings, reducing transparency. This legislation requires any proposed resolution, law, rule, regulation, policy, or amendment to be made available upon request and to be posted to the body’s website at least 24 hours in advance of their discussion at an open meeting, giving the public access to these important documents in advance

Home Energy Assistance Program Opened October 1st

October 4, 2021- More than $373 million in home heating aid is becoming available for low- and middle-income New Yorkers who need assistance keeping their homes warm during the upcoming winter season. Applications opened Friday, October 1st for the Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, which is overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and provides federal funding to assist homeowners and renters with their heating costs during the cold weather months.

Eligible homeowners and renters may receive up to $751 in heating assistance, depending on their income, household size and how they heat their home. A family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $5,249 or an annual gross income of $62,983 and still qualify for benefits-a modest increase from the previous year’s threshold.

In the 2021 season, 17263 Rocklanders received assistance. 35,129 Westchester residents, 19,541 Orange County residents and 19,541 Ulster County residents received home energy assistance. Apply online here.

Increase in Minimum Wage December 31st

September 29, 2021 – Starting December 31, 2021, the minimum wage is going up to $13.20 an hour in New York State. The Department of Labor said the increase coincides with the scheduled increase to $15 an hour on Long Island and Westchester County.

The state DOL had authority under state law this year to raise the minimum wage above its current rate of $12.50 an hour outside New York City and its immediate suburbs. The agency said the increase is the result of “evidence of pressure for wages to rise in the midst of a pandemic-driven labor shortage.”

The minimum wage was already set to rise December 31st from $14 an hour to 15 per hour on Long Island and in Westchester. But the increase in the rest of the state is new after the state Legislature passed a scale in 2016 to increase the minimum wage over the next five years, first hitting $15 an hour in New York City at the end of 2018 for large employers.

DiNapoli Announces Fiscal Stress Scores

New York Law Makes Contractors Liable for Wages Paid to Their Subcontractors

September 6, 2021 – This legislation (A.3350-A/S.2766-C) makes contractors on construction projects jointly liable for wages owed to employees of their subcontractors. Construction contractors are not currently liable for wages of their subcontractors’ employees unless there is an employment relationship between the contractor and the employee of the subcontractor. This bill applies prospectively to contracts entered 120 days after the bill becomes law. It also allows contractors to demand payroll information from subcontractors and withhold payment if the information is not provided. Read more…

New Moratorium on COVID-related Commercial Evictions, Effective Through January 15, 2022

September 2, 2021 – The legislation’s moratorium on commercial evictions and commercial foreclosure proceedings apply to small businesses with 100 or fewer employees that demonstrate a financial hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Read more…

Legislation Passed Extending Virtual Public Meetings

September 2, 2021 – Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S.50001/A.40001) extending virtual access to public meetings under New York State’s Open Meetings Law, which allows New Yorkers to virtually participate in local government meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation, which was initially implemented by Executive Order during last year’s State of Emergency, allows state and local government meetings that are normally held in person to be held remotely instead, as long as the public has the ability to view or listen to the meeting and as long as the meeting is recorded and later transcribed.

Change to Insurance Law Provides Less-Expensive Way to Protect Wireless Communication Equipment

July 22, 2021 – Legislation amends state Insurance Law to expand the coverage that a credit card issuer, debit card issuer, or bank may offer to their customers. The law specifically authorizes coverage to protect a cell phone and other wireless communication equipment if it is damaged, lost, stolen, or incurs a breakdown. Read more…

New York’s Wide-Ranging Ban of Harmful Pesticide is Among First in the U.S.; Banning Pesticides Containing Chlorpyrifos Protects Public Health and Safeguards Environment and Pollinators

July 21, 2021 – Final regulations were released today prohibiting the sale, distribution, possession, and use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient chlorpyrifos. In 2019, Governor Cuomo directed the State Department of Environmental Conservation to ban the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos to safeguard public health and protect environmental resources, particularly pollinators. New York is the first state in the U.S. to completely ban pesticides that contain chlorpyrifos, and its regulations are the most stringent in terms of the prohibited uses of this organophosphate pesticide. Read more…

Governor Announces More than $7 Million Available to Advance Low Carbon Solutions for Multifamily Buildings

July 9, 2021 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $7.8 million is available through the Low Carbon Pathways for Multifamily Buildings program for owners or managers of multifamily buildings to implement low carbon solutions as part of planned upgrades. This new incentive complements existing capital planning support and free resources, which together provide a step-by-step pathway to decarbonize buildings. Today’s announcement supports New York’s progress toward Governor Cuomo’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Read more…

Governor Cuomo Announces New York Will Explore Potential Role of Green Hydrogen as Part of Comprehensive Decarbonization Strategy

July 8, 2021 – State Collaborating with National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Additional Partners to Study Possible Applications for Green Hydrogen, Making $12.5 Million Available for Long Duration Energy Storage Solutions. Read more…

DiNapoli: 33.55 Percent Annual Investment Return for New York State Pension Fund Is Largest in Its History

$800 Million Small Business Recovery Grant Program to Provide Funding to Small Businesses to Help Them Recover From the Economic Impact of the Pandemic; Online Applications Accepted Starting June 10

May 25, 2021 – The small business recovery grant program makes up to $800 million in funding available for small businesses to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 10 for small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Flexible grants up to $50,000 will be made available to eligible small businesses and can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program, including 57 percent of the State’s certified MWBEs.

ESD has created a website –NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov – to highlight the various resources available to support small businesses seeking pandemic relief. The website will be continuously updated as more details and funding information as it becomes available.

New York Extends the Moratorium on COVID-related Residential and Commercial Evictions and Foreclosure Proceedings for Those Filing a Hardship Declaration Until August 31, 2021

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act. The legislation (S.6362-A/A.7175-A) extends protections prohibiting residential and commercial evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic until August 31, 2021.

Commercial Evictions:
The legislation places a moratorium on evictions until August 31, 2021 for commercial tenants have endured COVID-related hardship. The legislation applies to small businesses with under 50 employees that demonstrate a financial hardship. Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions.

Commercial Foreclosure Proceedings:
The legislation places a moratorium on commercial foreclosure proceedings until August 31, 2021.

Tax Lien Sales
The legislation prevents local governments from engaging in a tax lien sale or a tax foreclosure until at least August 31, 2021. Payments due to the locality are still due.

Read more…

Curfew Will Be Removed for Outdoor Dining Areas Beginning May 17 and Indoor Areas Beginning May 31

April 28, 2021 – The 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning May 17 and for indoor dining areas beginning May 31.

The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted beginning May 17, with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31.

Catered events can resume at residences beginning May 3 above the State’s residential gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer, permitted by the respective locality or municipality, and strictly adhere to health and safety guidance, including social and event gathering limits, masks, and social distancing. Also on May 3, the guidance for dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states, replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks.

Starting May 3, seating at bars will be allowed in New York City, consistent with the food services guidance that is in effect statewide. Read more…

Website Launch for Office of Cannabis Management

April 2, 2021 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the website launch for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. This website educates the public on the OCM’s regulatory structure which, with the Cannabis Control Board, will oversee the licensure, cultivation, production, distribution, sale and taxation of medical, adult-use and cannabinoid hemp within New York State. The website also provides resources for individuals seeking medical cannabis practitioners, caregivers and medical cannabis IDs as well as businesses seeking licensure to participate in adult-use, medical and cannabinoid hemp industries. Read more…

Restaurants Outside New York City Can Move to 75 Percent Indoor Capacity Starting March 19

March 7, 2021 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that restaurants outside of New York City, which have been operating at 50 percent capacity, can now move to 75 percent capacity starting March 19. The data has shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75 percent capacity. New York City restaurant capacity will remain at 35 percent capacity. Read more…

State Pension Fund Calls on Companies to Address Climate Risk, Transition to Cleaner Operations

March 4, 2021 – The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) has reached agreements with five major U.S. companies, including Domino’s Pizza Inc., to set targets to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), adopt new energy efficiency measures and increase their use of renewable energy, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the Fund, announced today. In response to the agreements, the Fund withdrew the shareholder resolutions with the companies. Read more…

Proposed Legislation Would Extend Moratorium on Commercial Evictions Until May 1, 2021

January 11, 2021 – The Governor will advance legislation to codify an existing Executive Order to extend a statewide moratorium on commercial evictions until May 1, 2021 for tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship. Landlords can evict tenants who are creating safety or health hazards.  

The Governor will codify and extend existing Executive Orders to ban late payments or fees for missed rent payments during the pandemic. It will also allow renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.  Read more…

Legislation (S.6829/A.8829-A) Prohibits the Use of TCE as a Vapor Degreaser, Refrigerant, Cleaning Product and Other Uses

December 28, 2020 – Governor Cuomo today signed legislation (S.6829/A.8829-A) banning the most harmful uses of trichloroethylene, or TCE, a toxic chemical used in industrial and commercial processes. The legislation bans TCE’s use as a vapor degreaser, an intermediate chemical in the production of other chemicals, a refrigerant, an extraction solvent or in any other manufacturing or industrial cleaning process or use.

TCE is typically used as an industrial cleaning and degreasing agent in manufacturing processes. It can enter the body through water, air, food and soil. It easily evaporates into the atmosphere and enters groundwater.  Read more…

Sales Tax Deadline for Restaurants Extended Until March 2021

December 22, 2020 – A three-month extension to the deadline for restaurants in orange zones, including New York City, to turn over sales taxes to the state has been implemented. Restaurants in impacted areas were required to suspend indoor dining temporarily. Extending the sales tax deadline for payment of taxes due on December 21 to March 2021 will ease tax burdens for restaurants and bars in communities where COVID-19 metrics necessitated additional restrictions. Affected restaurants should follow guidance from the Tax Department to request this relief.

Legislation Designates a Scheme to Defraud by Disposal of Solid Waste; Imposes Stiffer Penalties on Offenders

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S6758-B/A10803a) to strengthen penalties against the illegal disposal of construction debris, demolition debris, and other hazardous substances. The legislation also designates fraudulent schemes involving the disposal of solid waste as a new crime. These strengthened penalties will provide strong new tools for law enforcement to use as they work to stop unlawful waste dumping activities. Read more…

DiNapoli: NYC Retail Sector Battered by Pandemic

December 14, 2020- The retail sector, one of New York City’s biggest employers, is having an uneven recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with “non-essential” retailers struggling but online sellers booming, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Read more…

Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency; Extension of Commercial Evictions Ban Until January 31, 2021

December 11, 2020 – According to Executive Order 202.81, The directive contained in Executive Order 202.48, which modified the directive in Executive Order in 202.28, as continued by Executive Order 202.75 that prohibited the initiation of a proceeding or enforcement of an eviction of any commercial tenant for nonpayment of rent or a foreclosure of any commercial mortgage for nonpayment is hereby continued until January 31, 2021. Read more… 

New E-Commerce Opportunities Available for Restaurants and Food Service Establishments Affected by COVID-19 | Ritual and PayPal Commit $1 Million Towards Discounted Purchases for Customers of Participating New York Businesses on Ritual ONE

December 11, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the second phase of New York’s Empire State Digital initiative to support the state’s restaurants and food service industry affected by COVID-19 has launched. Beginning today and extending through April 2021, e-commerce company Ritual will offer its commission-free digital ordering platform Ritual ONE to New York’s restaurants and food service businesses at no cost, for pickup and delivery. Additionally, PayPal has committed $1 million towards discounted purchases for customers of participating businesses on Ritual ONE in February 2021, at no expense to the businesses. This follows the Governor’s extension of the moratorium on commercial evictions to support restaurants and small businesses. Read more...

Public-Private Partnership Between Empire State Development, Start Small Think Big and the New York State Bar Association Will Provide Small Businesses and Landlords with Pro Bono Legal Assistance to Renegotiate Lease Terms in Wake of COVID-19

December 10, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the New York Forward Small Business Lease Assistance Partnership. Recognizing the economic impact of COVID-19, this program will provide small businesses and their landlords with informational resources and pro bono assistance to help both parties reach mutually-beneficial lease workout agreements. This service is available to all New York State small businesses and landlords, and participation is voluntary. Over the next year, the partnership has the capacity to serve thousands of small businesses statewide. Read more…

New York State Pension Fund Sets 2040 Net Zero Carbon Emissions Target

December 9, 2020 – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today that the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund), valued at an estimated $226 billion, has adopted a goal to transition its portfolio to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This process will include completion within four years of a review of investments in energy sector companies, using minimum standards to assess transition readiness and climate-related investment risk, with, where consistent with fiduciary duty, divestment of companies that fail to meet minimum standards. Read more…

Going Into Winter Season, Highly Destructive SLF Pest Confirmed on Staten Island, Areas in the Hudson Valley, and in the Southern Tier; Monitoring Ongoing and Public Urged to Continue to Report Findings of Insects and Egg Masses Through the Colder Months

Unemployed and Underemployed New Yorkers Can Access Nearly 4,000 Online Free Courses And Certificate Programs On Coursera

November 17, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of a new online training platform which will enable unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers weathering the COVID-19 pandemic to learn new skills, earn certificates, and advance their careers at no cost. The new tool will provide access to nearly 4,000 online programs taught by leading professors and industry professionals on Coursera, with a focus on high-growth and in-demand sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, and health care, among others.  Read more…

State Must Consider Pros and Cons of Gaming Revenues, Problem Gambling

November 12, 2020 – As policymakers consider possible expansion of revenue streams from gaming, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report today on the industry in the state that calls for improvements in finding an appropriate balance between reliance on revenue generated from gaming activities and problem gambling. Read more…

$11 Million in Volkswagen Settlement Funds to Expand Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations in New York

November 12, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the availability of $11 million to build out the state’s network of fast charging stations to support wider adoption of electric vehicles. The Direct Current Fast Charger program will be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to scale up electric vehicle infrastructure in areas of the state where access to fast charging stations is limited, and will also prioritize improving the availability of charging infrastructure in disadvantaged communities. Applications for the first round are being accepted through February 18, 2021. Read more…

Cashless Tolling to Go Live Overnight on NYS Thruway’s Ticketed System Beginning Friday, November 13, More Than a Month Ahead of Schedule

November 11, 2020 – Cashless tolling will go live on the New York State Thruway’s ticketed system – more than a month ahead of schedule – during the overnight hours of Friday, November 13, into Saturday, November 14. The historic conversion will take place simultaneously at 58 tolling locations across the Thruway’s 450-mile ticketed system. Read more…

New Law Deters Abusive “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation” – Known as SLAPP Lawsuits; Requires Costs and Attorney’s Fees to be Recovered Regarding SLAPP lawsuits

November 10, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation that protects citizens’ rights to free speech and petition by deterring abusive “strategic lawsuits against public participation,” known as SLAPPs. SLAPP lawsuits are frivolous litigation brought by affluent plaintiffs who have the ability to spend large sums of money by using expensive and time-consuming litigation to obstruct those exercising their right to free speech. The legislation amends the Civil Rights Law to require costs and attorney’s fees to be recovered regarding these frivolous lawsuits, which will deter plaintiffs from bringing such lawsuits in the first place. Read more…

Local Sales Tax Collections Down for Third Quarter 2020

Department of Health’s Cannabinoid Hemp Program Will License Processors and Retailers and Set Quality Control Standards

October 28, 2020 – The New York State Department of Health has filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York State. In accordance with legislation signed earlier this year, the Department is creating a Cannabinoid Hemp Program. The Program will license both cannabinoid hemp processors and retailers and set quality control standards that all cannabinoid hemp products must meet. Read more…

New York Extends Moratorium On COVID-Related Commercial Evictions Through January 1

October 20, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an Executive Order extending the state’s moratorium on COVID-related commercial evictions and foreclosures through January 1. This measure extends protections already in place for commercial tenants and mortgagors in recognition of the financial toll the pandemic has taken on business owners, including retail establishments and restaurants. The extension of this protection gives commercial tenants and mortgagors additional time to get back on their feet and catch up on rent or their mortgage, or to renegotiate their lease terms to avoid foreclosure moving forward.   Read the Executive Order here.

Department of Financial Services Calls for Regulation of Social Media Giants After Twitter Hack Investigation

October 14, 2020 – The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) released a report on the Department’s investigation into the July 15, 2020 hack into the Twitter accounts of cryptocurrency firms and well-known public figures. Among DFS’ findings: the global social media platform lacked adequate cybersecurity protections and, at the time of the attack, did not have a chief information security officer. The report recommends a new cybersecurity  regulatory framework for giant social media companies. Read the DFS Report here.

DFS Issues Guidance to Insurance Industry Clarifying Coverage for PrEP and Related Services

October 8, 2020 – New guidance prohibits cost-sharing for PrEP and related services for consumers. The Department of Financial Services has issued a Circular Letter to New York-regulated health insurers, clarifying coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, for the prevention of HIV infection and related services. Read more… 

Suspension of State Debt Collection Renewed for Seventh Time

October 5, 2020 – The state has renewed, for the seventh time, an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection for an additional 30-day period. Read more…

Final Regulations Requiring Insurers to Provide Fair Coverage for Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders Issued

October 1, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced final regulations requiring insurers to put into place policies and procedures that will ensure that they are providing comparable coverage for mental health and substance use disorders. A full copy of the DFS regulations can be found on the DFS website. Regulations will go into effect on December 29, 2020. Read more…

“Empire State Digital” with Global E-Commerce Companies to Accelerate New York’s Small Businesses’ Ability to Compete in the Digital Economy Launched

October 1, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced Empire State Digital, a new initiative accelerating New York State-based small businesses’ ability to grow their online presence through a first-in-the-nation program with leading global e-commerce enablers, including Shopify, Square, Clearbanc, and Etsy.  Options can be reviewed on Empire State Digital’s website which includes additional services available to small businesses. Read more…

$18 Million Initiative to Train Workers and Support Entrepreneurs During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Announced

September 30, 2020 – New York State has been awarded an $18 million federal grant to fund educational opportunities that train New Yorkers for in-demand jobs, support entrepreneurs, and help small businesses recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Read more…

Governor Cuomo Reminds New Yorkers “Pink Tax” Ban Goes into Effect Today

September 30, 2020 – New reforms go into effect today prohibiting businesses from charging a “pink tax,” otherwise known as the practice of charging different prices for “substantially similar” consumer goods or services that are marketed to different genders. The new measure also requires certain service providers provide price lists for standard services upon request and notifies them that gender-based price discrimination is prohibited under State law. Read more…

Initiative to Train Over 1,000 Workers to Install Green Building Technologies to Combat Climate Change Announced

September 29, 2020 – The Career Pathway Training Partnerships program in high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and electric heat pump technologies will help prepare New Yorkers for the growing number of job opportunities in the clean energy industry. The partnerships will target training over 1,000 workers and prioritize the state’s most underserved populations, including low-income New Yorkers and those residing in environmental justice communities, helping support the state’s economic recovery. Read more…