In The News – New York State
By the Numbers: Impact of Federal Cuts on NY’s Health and Human Service Programs
Governor Kathy Hochul today shared a breakdown of the Trump administration’s federal cuts to New York State’s health programs, and how these cuts to health funding will affect New Yorkers. The funding loss totals over $360 million statewide and impacts mental health and addiction services, and health departments.
Department of Health
DOH expects to lose over $300 million in funding for organizations across the State, including:
- Public health functioning, including virus surveillance, outbreak response, electronic data exchange, public dashboards, infection prevention activities in hospitals and nursing homes, laboratory reporting, program operations, and support to local health departments.
Office of Addiction Services and Supports
OASAS expects to lose $40 million total in funding, including:
- Transitional housing to help provide short-term housing and case management for individuals leaving OASAS residential treatment or correctional facilitie.
- Expansion of outpatient clinics to offer medication for addiction treatment and to purchase and outfit mobile medication units to bring services where they are needed.
- Administering and implementing Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).
Office of Mental Health
OMH expects to lose $27 million total in funding for programs and services, including:
- Crisis Stabilization and Crisis Residence Programs to provide treatment to individuals experiencing an acute mental health and/or substance use crisis, and a safe place for the stabilization of psychiatric symptoms and support for children and adults.
- Adult Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT) serving individuals with serious mental illness who are in danger of losing their housing/becoming homeless, are homeless, and/or have histories of involvement with the criminal justice system, and Children and Youth Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACT) for youth who are returning home from inpatient settings or residential services, at risk of entering such settings.
- Grants to expand and improve upon the mobile crisis services statewide, including 9-8-8 crisis call centers.
Governor Hochul Pledges to Continue the Fight for Equal Pay for all Workers in NYS
New York State Department of Labor Releases Latest Gender Wage Gap Report indicating women make 87.3 cents for every dollar made by men
Recognizing Equal Pay Day this week, Governor Kathy Hochul explained that the disparity of pay between men and woman remains one of the foremost challenges facing the labor market across the State and nation.
The New York State Department of Labor recently analyzed newly available data from 2023 and found that women working full-time, year-round in New York State were paid 87.3 cents for every dollar that men were paid (12.7%). This gap was slightly smaller in 2022, when women were paid 87.5 cents on the dollar (a wage gap of 12.5%). The national average of 81.1 cents per dollar.
In 2023, the median earnings for women working full-time and year-round in New York State was $62,111 compared to $71,168 for men.
“Women are too often the first to care for a child or an aging parent, sacrificing their own financial security in the process and in New York we refuse to accept this as the status quo,” Governor Hochul said. “We are doing the hard work. We’ve enshrined abortion rights in our constitution, guaranteed women 20 hours of paid prenatal leave, expanded access to childcare, developed workforce development programs to expand opportunities for women and bolster our Minority and Women Owned Business Programs — because when women have the freedom and support to succeed, our entire economy grows. Equal pay isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more equitable future for all and as New York’s first woman Governor, this is a fight I look forward to winning.”
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) analysis also found that women of color continue to face even higher disparities, with Hispanic women and Black women earning 60.6 cents and 67.7 cents respectively for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men.
According to DOL, over the past decade, the gender wage gap in New York State has only narrowed by 1.4 cents. In 2013, women earned 85.9 cents per dollar that men were paid. The wage gap report indicated that even though women today are more likely than men to have graduated from college, the gender wage gap persists. There are several reasons typically cited for the gender wage gap including occupational segregation, gender discrimination, devaluing of women’s work, and societal norms that continue to hold women back.
In 2023, the median earnings for women working full-time and year-round in New York State was $62,111 compared to $71,168 for men, per DOL.
The types of jobs women and men hold and the earnings differences among these occupations also contribute to the gender wage gap. According to ACS data, while men still had a higher share of overall full-time, year-round employment in New York State in 2023 (54.6%), women accounted for most of the gains in employment between 2022 and 2023.
Comptroller DiNapoli: Wall Street Bonus Pool Reaches Record High of $47.5 Billion in 2024
The average bonus paid to employees in New York City’s securities industry for 2024 reached $244,700, up 31.5% from last year, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s annual estimate. The bonus pool for the city’s securities employees reached a record $47.5 billion. Wall Street’s profits rose 90% in 2024.
The total estimated 2024 bonus pool is 34% higher than last year’s $35.4 billion and is the largest amount on record dating back to 1987. According to the Comptroller, increased trading, account supervision, underwriting, and selling revenues, drove profits and bonuses.
Securities employment in 2024 reached its highest annual level in at least three decades with 201,500 employees, up from 198,400 the year prior and exceeding the previous peak seen in 2000. New York continued to have the nation’s largest share of securities industry jobs at 18%. Comptroller DiNapoli estimates 1 in 11 jobs in the city is either directly or indirectly associated with the securities industry.
Wall Street accounted for 19% of the state’s tax collections in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2023-24 and 7% of city tax revenue in City Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. DiNapoli estimates the 2024 bonuses will generate $600 million more in state income tax revenue and $275 million more for the city when compared to the previous year.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget assumed bonuses in the state’s broader finance and insurance sector would increase by 16.4% in SFY 2024-25, while the city’s FY 2025 financial plan assumed an increase of 16.5% in the city’s securities industry bonuses. Based on DiNapoli’s estimate, tax revenue from the securities industry bonuses should meet or exceed expectations for the current fiscal year.
According to the Comptroller, in 2023, Wall Street was responsible for 17.7% of all economic activity in the city (most recent data available). Financial services firms continue to have one of the highest return-to-office rates among all industry sectors in New York City. The Partnership for New York’s May 2024 survey found that office attendance rates for the financial services sector were at 60% compared to 56% for the private sector overall.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s office releases an annual estimate of bonuses paid during the traditional December through March bonus season to securities industry employees who work in New York City. It does not include bonuses paid by firms to their employees located outside of New York City.
In The News – New York City
New York Yankees’ and New York Mets’ Home Games Projected to Generate over $900 Million in Economic Activity for NYC
As baseball season opens in New York City this week, Eric Adams and City leaders released economic estimates highlighting how the Yankees and Mets continue to drive the local economy in New York City and create local jobs.
“With baseball returning to the Bronx and Queens, New York City will receive a significant economic boost of over $900 million,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Baseball is a key driver of our local economy — creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and encouraging both New Yorkers and visitors to spend money in our city.”
The analysis accounts for direct impacts from visitor spending, including tickets, concessions, merchandise, transportation, and lodging for overnight visitors. Additionally, the analysis accounts for stadium employee payrolls and indirect impacts from additional spending by stadium companies and employees.
New York Yankees’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $594 million over the course of the 2025 regular season, while New York Mets’ home games are expected to generate an economic impact of $315 million over the course of the 2025 regular season.
“The Yankees take great pride in being an integral part of the fabric of New York City,” said New York Yankees President Randy Levine. “The significant impact that our home games have on the economic well-being of our city is a tribute not only to our local fans but to those who visit Yankee Stadium from around the world.”
According to NYC Economic Development, the economic impact of Yankees home games is estimated to be higher than the economic impact of Mets homes games because of higher ticket prices and higher expected attendance. While prices are based on current pricing for the 2025 season, expected attendance is based on historical averages for a normal season and should not be viewed as a projection of a team’s performance in 2025. Game attendance is estimated based on home-game averages from 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024.
“New York’s sports culture is a huge part of New York City’s appeal, and the Mets are a vital part of that widespread sports fandom,” said New York Mets President of Business Operations M. Scott Havens. “Through ticket sales, merchandise, job creation and other stadium services, we help generate a significant economic impact for the city and state annually.”
Bills Passed by the City Council
Introduction 391-A, sponsored by Council Member Keith Powers, Requires the Department of Buildings (DOB) to complete a study and recommend new sidewalk shed designs to the Council by September 30, 2025. This bill would also allow more color options for sheds, require corresponding construction fences to match the color of the sidewalk shed, increase lighting beneath sidewalk sheds, and raise the minimum height of sidewalk sheds to 12 feet barring areas where exits, light, or ventilation would be obstructed. Finally, this bill would require DOB to publicize rules on the use of containment netting as a sidewalk shed alternative.
Introduction 393-A, sponsored by Council Member Powers, Reduces the duration of sidewalk shed permits for façade repairs from 1 year to 3 months, unless connected to demolition, a building alteration, or new building construction. This bill would also create new penalties for property owners who delay necessary repairs for sidewalk sheds occupying the public right-of-way. Penalties would be enforced beginning with the second permit renewal, increasing based on the size and age of the shed. When renewing a shed permit, owners must now provide proof of work done since the last renewal or provide documentation to explain any delays.
Introduction 394-A, sponsored by Council Member Powers, Requires DOB to review the frequency of the Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP) and recommend changes to the Council by December 31, 2025. This bill would also extend the inspection cycle from every 5 years to a longer interval time between 6 to 12 years and delay the first required inspection for any new building from 5 to 9 years.
Introduction 660-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, Doubles the required level of lighting under sidewalk sheds and would require that lighting under sidewalk sheds be LED lights. Additionally, this bill would require lighting fixtures within a 20-foot radius of a window or glass door to be adjustable or shielded to prevent excess brightness in surrounding homes.
Introduction 661-A, sponsored by Council Member Erik Bottcher, Strengthens enforcement of façade repairs by introducing penalties for the following: Failure to submit construction documents to DOB within 5 months of completion, failure to file necessary permit applications within 8 months, and failure to complete repairs within 2 years. Property owners would be able to request extensions by submitting documentation that proves delays are unavoidable, and penalties would be tolled until an extension is granted or denied. DOB would determine the duration of an extension based on factors including size of building, scope of repair work, and necessary materials.
Introduction 1047-B, sponsored by Council Member Shaun Abreu, Requires the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), or another agency designated by the Mayor, to establish a 3-year pilot program that provides access to sleep apnea screenings at no cost, as well as access to home sleep apnea tests, if deemed appropriate. The bill would require DOHMH to prioritize individuals without insurance.
Introduction 1194-A, sponsored by Council Member Lynn Schulman, Codifies the eligibility of HIV/AIDS services to include any person living with HIV.
Briefs
Attorney General James Urges 23AndMe Customers to Contact Company to Delete Data
New York Attorney General Letitia James this week issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, urging them to take action to protect their data.
23andMe collects and analyzes people’s genetic code and uses DNA samples to help people trace their ancestry or detect personal health risks, among other factors. The company filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to sell its assets. Due to the trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General James reminded New Yorkers that they are able to request that 23andMe delete their personal data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.
Attorney General James is offering New Yorkers tips on how to delete their data that is stored with 23andMe or destroy test samples. Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
- Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
- Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
- Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
- Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
- Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
Attorney General James encourages New Yorkers who experience issues deleting their data with 23andMe to contact her office by filing a complaint online.
Coming Up
New York State
Tuesday, April 1st
New York State Senate Session, Senate Chamber, Albany, 11 a.m.
New York State Assembly Session, Assembly Chamber, Albany, 9 a.m.
Wednesday, April 2nd
Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee Meeting,
124 Capitol, 10 a.m.
Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Meeting,
124 Capitol, 11:30 a.m.
New York State Senate Session, Senate Chamber, Albany, 3 p.m.
New York State Assembly Session, Assembly Chamber, Albany
Thursday, April 3rd
New York State Senate Session, Senate Chamber, Albany, 11 a.m.
New York State Assembly Session, Assembly Chamber, Albany
New York City
Tuesday, April 1st
Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Thursday, April 3rd
Committee on General Welfare, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.
Committee on Housing and Buildings, Committee Room – City Hall, 10 a.m.