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New York State Introduces Public Work Contractor and Subcontractor Registry
Beginning December 30, 2024, a new requirement mandates that all contractors and subcontractors bidding on or performing construction work on public work projects, or private projects covered under Article 8 of the New York State Labor Law, must register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). This requirement falls under Labor Law Section 220-i and aims to ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws across the state.
Who Must Register?
Contractors: Defined as any entity entering into a contract to perform construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repair, installation, renovation, alteration, or custom fabrication.
Subcontractors: Defined as any entity subcontracting with a contractor to perform similar tasks, as outlined in Article 8 of the Labor Law.
Contractors & Subcontractors need to register before submitting any new bids or commencing new work on a covered project on or after December 30, 2024. NYSDOL encourages all contractors and subcontractors to register as soon as possible to obtain a Certificate of Registration to avoid negatively impacting a bidding period or project schedule. Contractors are responsible for verifying that all subcontractors they engage with are properly registered.
The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement at the New York State Department of Labor is responsible for enforcing prevailing wage laws in New York State. The Bureau of Public Work & Prevailing Wage Enforcement publishes the annual prevailing wage schedule every year on July 1. To find information about the prevailing wage rate for your area, or to find contact information for your local Public Works and Prevailing Wage Enforcement District Office, please visit Bureau of Public Work and Prevailing Wage Enforcement website or send an email to labor.sm.pwask@labor.ny.gov.
Electronic Certified Payroll Submissions in 2025
A new subsection, 220-j, in Article 8, will introduce an online database for electronic certified payroll record submissions. This publicly accessible system is set to launch by December 31, 2025. Once operational, all certified payroll records must be submitted electronically through this platform.
For more information on contractor and subcontractor registration or to begin the registration process, visit: NYSDOL Contractor and Subcontractor Registry.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Debuts Master of Public Administration Program – Customized Tracks in Nonprofit and Criminal Justice Leadership
St. Thomas Aquinas College has launched its redesigned Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, featuring specialized tracks in Nonprofit and Criminal Justice Leadership. This 36-credit program is designed for students seeking to develop the skills needed to lead, implement policy, solve problems, and improve efficiency in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public service institutions. It offers flexible in-person and online course options and is led by distinguished faculty who emphasize critical inquiry, hands-on learning, effective communication, and professional development.
“At St. Thomas Aquinas College, we empower our students to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond,” said Ken Daly, the college’s president. “The newly redesigned Master of Public Administration program exemplifies this mission by equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience needed to lead with purpose in today’s nonprofit, criminal justice, and public service organizations.”
“This program, and all of our graduate and certificate programs, reflect our dedication to lifelong learning and our commitment to making graduate education accessible and affordable for students who aspire to serve and lead,” he added.
Students can complete an internship and a required capstone project, gaining experience in public administration, policy development, and grant application. The college has already partnered with the Center for Safety & Change, the County of Rockland, the United Way of Rockland County, and Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland County to provide internship opportunities to MPA students.
MPA Program Director Jamin Sewell, J.D., Esq., brings over two decades of experience as an attorney, social justice advocate, and policy leader. His extensive background enhances the classroom experience, inspiring students to drive change within complex systems of governance. Sewell, and the team of experienced and passionate faculty who teach in the program, are committed to fostering practical, real-world skills to develop future leaders who can effectively advocate for justice and positive social impact.
“This MPA program is strategically designed to meet the evolving needs of public administration across various sectors,” said Dr. Heath Bowen, Dean of the School of Arts & Social Sciences at St. Thomas Aquinas College. “The prognosis for governmental and nonprofit job availability is promising, with several key factors contributing to ongoing demand, especially in the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions. Our graduates will have the knowledge and skills to address global and local challenges.”
The MPA program is part of the college’s “ADVANCE: Graduate and Certificate Programs for Lifelong Learners” initiative, which provides a range of affordable educational paths to support lifelong learning. The College’s Education Partnership Program provides employees of partner organizations, businesses, and groups with valuable opportunities to advance their skills and education through a 50 percent tuition discount on undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students who apply to the MPA program by January 24, 2025, will be eligible for a $10,000 financial award toward their degree. Through the admissions process, applicants will also be considered for scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid opportunities, demonstrating the College’s dedication to supporting students as they advance their education and prepare for impactful careers in nonprofit, criminal justice, and public service sectors. Priced at $1,215 per credit, and with various options for aid, the MPA program is a valuable career investment.
Applications being accepted for the program. The next quarter begins Feb. 28, 2025. Visit stac.edu/mpa to learn more and apply. Contact Dana Caponong, M.A., Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at dcaponon@stac.edu or call 845-398-4220 with any questions.
New Facility in Orange County Will Expand the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley’s Capacity To Serve More Than 179,000 People in the Region, Supporting Families Facing Food Insecurity
Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this month celebrated today the grand opening of the Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley’s 50,000-square-foot food distribution center in the town of Montgomery, Orange County. The state-of-the-art facility will expand the organization’s capacity for food storage and distribution to better meet the growing demand for emergency food assistance in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley.
“No New Yorker should ever go hungry — and we’re investing in facilities and organizations that provide critical resources for anyone facing that devastating reality,” Governor Hochul said. “This brand-new facility will better ensure families and communities in the Hudson Valley have reliable access to fresh and nutritious food, and that we can meet the region’s food security needs well into the future.”
The new distribution center accommodates the safe storage of perishable food, such as fresh produce, dairy and meat, and provides improved sorting and distribution capabilities to support more than 400 local food pantries, shelters and other emergency food providers, according to the facility.
The distribution center was funded by a $10.7 million award from the Community Development Block Grant CARES program from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, which addresses pandemic-related food insecurity and health challenges. Empire State Development supported this project with a $3.7 million capital grant recommended by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. Additional support includes a $1.9 million contribution from the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and $9 million in private donations.
The facility’s opening comes as food insecurity continues to affect communities across the Hudson Valley, with the pandemic having exacerbated the need for emergency food assistance.
“The opening of this new state-of-the-art warehouse is a testament to the State’s commitment to improving food security for all New Yorkers. Our investment of almost $11 million will allow the Food Bank to serve the community with greater efficiency, improve access to healthy, nutritious meals throughout the Hudson Valley, and assist nearly 180,000 individuals facing food insecurity,” said New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas.
