Closing NY’s Broadband Internet Gap

New York Office of State Comptroller sent this bulletin at 07/02/2022 07:00 AM EDT

On Monday, Comptroller DiNapoli celebrated Caribbean Heritage Month at Suede NYC honoring inspiring individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Caribbean American community in New York State and nationally. L to R: Angela Yee, Michèle Voltaire Marcelin, Comptroller DiNapoli, Hon. Roxanne Persaud, Mellany Paynter and Christopher Aaron (representing the Brooklyn Literary Festival.) A replay of the event is available on our website.

Closing NY's Broadband Internet Gap

The COVID-19 pandemic increased New Yorkers’ dependence on broadband internet access when it forced daily activities like school, work, medical appointments, and running a business to be conducted remotely. All New Yorkers deserve access to this critical resource, which is why Comptroller DiNapoli is tracking New York’s progress, and holding government accountable on its promise to make broadband available to every household.

This week, Comptroller DiNapoli released an audit examining Empire State Development’s initiative to expand broadband access, New NY Broadband Program. The audit revealed that the program fell short of its goal of delivering universal broadband access because of poor planning and execution. The program experienced delays and provided many communities with slow, satellite-based internet that is inadequate for today’s needs. With the State embarking on new efforts to close the internet gap, it is important that New York learns from the issues this audit uncovered and from Comptroller DiNapoli’s September analysis of broadband access. New York cannot reach its full potential until all residents have access to broadband that is reliable and truly affordable.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is not doing enough to ensure rechargeable batteries are recycled as required by law to protect the environment and public safety, according to an audit released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced a tentative schedule of planned bond sales for New York State, New York City and their major public authorities during the third quarter of 2022.

In May, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,326 contracts for State agencies and public authorities valued at $2.4 billion and approved more than 2.5 million payments worth nearly $15.6 billion. The office rejected 123 contracts and related transactions valued at $276.8 million and more than 4,500 payments valued at nearly $11.5 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.

Town of Carroll
Coeymans Hollow Fire District
Kortright Rural Fire District

Cato-Meridian Central School District
Ellenville Central School District
Johnson City Central School District
Marion Central School District
Newark Valley Central School District
South Mountain Hickory Common School District

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Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller

Today's ruling by the Supreme Court strikes a blow against crucial efforts to reduce pollution and fight climate change. Given the imminent threat we face, Washington needs to join NYS and pass legislation that will protect our planet and future generations. #ClimateCrisis