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DiNapoli Report Examines Troubling
Child Poverty Trends

A new report by State Comptroller DiNapoli details troubling child poverty trends across the State, including a child poverty rate that is one of the worst in the nation and alarmingly high in some cities.

“A staggering number of children live in poverty in New York,” DiNapoli said. “Research shows that poverty presents serious barriers to healthy child development. Despite unstable economic conditions during the pandemic, child poverty dropped by half because the government expanded programs to help families and children. When these measures expired, the problem got worse. The State and federal government have the solutions to lift more children out of poverty, and we should act with urgency to use them.”

May is Asian American Pacific
Islander Heritage Month 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are integral to our nation’s history and culture. In tribute, we celebrate their heritage and their enormous contributions to America during May.

In New York, home to the second largest Asian American/Pacific Islander population in the country, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate the vast diversity of their traditions. One group that has greatly increased in New York over the last two decades is the Himalayan population, including Tibetans. Today, New York State is home to the biggest Tibetan population in the United States.

Recently, State Comptroller DiNapoli joined Pema Genkhang, his office’s Intergovernmental and Community Affairs representative for Queens, to discuss her family's experience.

Born in exile to Tibetan refugees, Pema shares the story of their journey and the growing Himalayan community in New York.

Two Arrested for Stealing More Than $200,000 From 86-Year-Old State Pensioner

State Comptroller DiNapoli, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly and the New York State Police announced the arrests of Amber Diacetis, a 30-year-old Albany resident, and Devin Zielinski, 33, for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from an elderly victim.

DiNapoli Releases Analysis of SFY 2024-25 State Budget

The estimated $237 billion Enacted Budget for State Fiscal Year 2024-25 increases spending for vital state services like Medicaid and school aid and includes new funding and policy changes to spur the creation of much needed housing, but the State’s financial outlook includes several risks, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Local Sales Tax Collections Up 1.5% in April Compared to Last Year

Local sales tax collections in New York State increased by 1.5% in April compared to the same month in 2023, according to data released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. Overall, local collections totaled $1.76 billion, up $26.1 million from the same time last year.

State Contract and Payment Actions in March

In March, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 2,095 contracts for State agencies and public authorities valued at $52.1 billion and approved more than 3.6 million payments worth more than $33.1 billion. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York. State Comptroller DiNapoli’s Contracts by the Numbers search tool allows users to perform more robust searches on State agency and public authority contracts.

Audit Finds Poor Financial Management by Central New York Regional Market Authority Board

The Central New York Regional Market Authority’s financial position has deteriorated, and the cash available to pay operating costs declined from fiscal year (FY) 2020-21 to FY 2022-23, according to an audit released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. If authority officials do not take measures to increase revenues, reduce expenses, or both, the authority will continue to have annual net losses and will not have sufficient funds for its operations.

Audits

• New York City Department of Education – Mental Health Education, Supports, and Services in Schools
• New York City Emergency Management – Hazard Mitigation and Coordination
• Department of Health – Medicaid Program – Excessive Premium Payments for Dual-Eligible Recipients Enrolled in Mainstream Managed Care and Health and Recovery Plans
• Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – National Directory of New Hires Data Security
• Office of Mental Health – Reporting of Community-Based Services Under the Transformation Reinvestment Plan
• Department of Health – Medicaid Claims Processing Activity April 1, 2023 Through September 30, 2023

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• 'Talking about over 700,000 children': Sobering statistics in NYS Comptroller report on child poverty rates
  
  
• NYS pushes to boot Boeing bigwigs, block executive raises using pension fund after series of company mishaps
  
  
• NYS Comptroller's Office talks scams targeting elderly amid $200k fraud investigation
  
  
• State audit finds poor financial management at Central New York Regional Market 

Post of the Week
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller