Meet Cheryl Brown and her granddaughter Skye, who started Skye Monroe Skincare, a Black-owned company that offers natural skincare products for kids, teens, and tweens. They want to help young people develop good skin care habits at an early age to ensure healthy skin. Unlike many beauty brands that focus on adult needs, Skye Monroe Skincare offers quality products without harmful chemicals to boost confidence in young girls.
Skye Monroe Skincare offers a 2-step skincare system: the Aloe Gentle Cleanser and Hydrating Face Moisturizer, which work together to deliver fantastic results while being gentle on delicate skin. Cheryl was inspired to create the brand by her granddaughter Skye, who refused to use her adult skincare on her delicate skin during the pandemic. Cheryl’s background in childcare and experience working in a multilevel skincare company helped her create Skye Monroe Skincare, which aims to make children feel confident and healthy with a good skincare routine.
For every purchase, Skye Monroe Skincare donates $1 to Basics International in Ghana to help educate and develop children living in Chorkor, Accra. You can visit their official website at SkyeMonroeSkincare.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about their advocacy for good skincare routines for kids.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following statement today on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s February Financial Plan:
“There is still a lack of clarity on how the MTA will close its $600 million deficit this year. The agency is depending on the state for new revenue to offset ridership loss and balance its budget through 2026, but this funding is not yet assured, and savings have not been identified. The MTA must hold up its end of the bargain and identify how it’s going to save $100 million this year, and more than $400 million annually to stay afloat and avoid impacts to services in the future.
“Steps to generate and publicize savings through efficiencies, rather than cutting services, will likely take on added importance given the current fiscal environment. The MTA potentially faces lower-than-expected payroll mobility and real estate taxes, which could offset increased revenue from fares and tolls. Congestion pricing will also begin later than expected, hindering the MTA’s finances.
“It’s clear the MTA will need all of its funding partners to step up due to its current financial situation; however, the authority must do its part to ensure any funds provided are maximized to increase ridership and enhance operations. Reliable and safe mass transit remains essential to New York City’s economic recovery.”
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Track state and local government spending at Open Book New York. Under State Comptroller DiNapoli’s open data initiative, search millions of state and local government financial records, track state contracts, and find commonly requested data.
The Fellowship Expands from Eight to One Hundred thanks to a $1.5 Million Investment through Mayor Eric Adams’ Blueprint for Economic Recovery
The Program Address Inequalities within the Startup Ecosystem by Supporting Tech Entrepreneurs from Historically Underrepresented Backgrounds to Raise VC Investments
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced a cohort of 100 tech founder teams from across New York City to participate in the second installment of the Founder Fellowship program. Supporting a diverse community of tech entrepreneurs across various industries and sectors, the Founder Fellow program, provides entrepreneurs with access to networking, fundraising, mentorship, business development, and other opportunities necessary to build and scale their enterprises in New York City. Of the teams selected for the 2023 Fellowship cohort, more than 69 percent include at least one female founder and approximately 80 percent are led by Black, Latinx, and/or Asian founders.
NYCEDC received more than 550 applications for the second installment of the Founder Fellowship. The program is designed to address inequities in the tech ecosystem and empower all New Yorkers to seize entrepreneurship opportunities in the industry. The Fellowship expanded from eight to one hundred founder teams thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the City of New York through Mayor Eric Adams’ Blueprint for Economic Recovery.
“This $1.5 million investment will support a diverse group of entrepreneurs and will expand the cohort to 100 teams — helping to create good-paying jobs for New Yorkers and create a more inclusive economic recovery for our city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “At a time when unemployment is falling overall but on the rise among Black New Yorkers, we must create family-sustaining career opportunities accessible to all New Yorkers. Our administration has made building a more equitable economy a top priority since day one in office and the focus of our economic recovery blueprint, and this ‘Promises Made, Promises Kept’ moment will help us get there.”
“The tech sector is a powerful force driving New York City’s economy, and this administration is committed to bringing all parts of the sector together to better our city and diversify our tech workforce,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The Founder Fellowship advances our efforts to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem by providing access to capital and support to innovators from historically underrepresented backgrounds. I am thrilled to see this program expand to support even more entrepreneurs who will scale their projects to solve complex problems and benefit all New Yorkers.”
“The Founder Fellowship champions an equitable tech ecosystem and works to ensure that the industry reflects the diversity of New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “We are thrilled to build off the success of the inaugural Founder Fellowship cohort, working together with our partners to expand the program’s reach this year to 100 tech entrepreneurs and provide them access to critical networks and resources needed to scale their companies in New York City.”
“I am thrilled that NYCEDC has selected the second cohort for the Founder Fellowship program. As the Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, I have worked closely with the NYCEDC on this fantastic initiative that continues to give community-forward entrepreneurs the resources they need for their innovative ideas and solutions to public issues. Thank you again to NYCEDC and congratulations to the second cohort of the Founder Fellowship! I look forward to working with this cohort to continue to bolster our emerging tech industry and cannot wait to see the creative solutions they come up with to help New Yorkers across all five of our boroughs,” said Council Member Amanda Farías.
View the full list of the 2023 Founder Fellows here. NYCEDC selected the following operator partners to host five unique Founder Fellowship cohorts in 2023. Each program operator is providing unique value and offerings to the startups participating in their respective cohorts.
Chloe Capital, a seed-stage venture firm that invests in women-led innovation companies.
Company Ventures, a seed-stage venture firm that offers a zero-equity pre-accelerator for underrepresented founders.
Newlab, a community of experts and innovators applying transformative technology to solve the world’s biggest challenges.
Tech Incubator at Queens College, a startup incubator where underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs can thrive.
Visible Hands, a platform that holistically supports early-stage, underrepresented founders in building high-growth startups.
Lateesha James is the co-founder of Onramp, a workforce development platform helping companies build and scale engineering apprenticeships to create alternative pathways into tech careers for candidates.
“As a Brooklynite, I’m incredibly honored to be in the NYCEDC and Chloe Capital Founder Fellowship and get the opportunity to explore how our company, Onramp, can scale its efforts to help more New York jobseekers gain new skills and land in amazing tech and data careers. We founded Onramp because we wanted to help our corporate partners create more meaningful employment opportunities and increased economic mobility for underrepresented candidates, and we’re excited to work with NYCEDC and Chloe Capital to expand on that vision,” said Lateesha Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of Onramp.
Daryl Holman Jr. founded Revival, a digital platform helping borrowers eliminate their debt at rates typically only offered to debt collectors.
“Frustrated with my growing student loan balance, I decided to launch Revival to help others struggling to put their debt behind them. Through the Founder Fellowship, I’m excited to work with Newlab and NYCEDC to expand these services to help New Yorkers with life after debt and solve this challenging problem that many across the country face,” said Daryl Holman Jr., Founder of Revival.
Going from knowing nothing about the stock market to working as a trader on Wall Street, Brittany Wright created Endex to provide the millions of investors seeking to leverage peer insights and social media with a platform to do so in a convenient, actionable, and safe manner.
“Having launched Endex during the height of the pandemic and primarily working virtually throughout, I’m excited to connect with, work alongside, learn from, and share with an incredible group of other NYC-based founders who are at a similar stage in their startup journey. Equally as exciting is the chance to work with NYEDC and the Company Ventures team and subject matter experts they’ve convened. I’m confident that, upon our completion of the fellowship, I’ll be more knowledgeable, better networked and will be another step closer to scaling Endex into one of NYC’s most prominent startups,” said Brittany Wright, Founder of Endex.
Victor Oribamise and Ayomide Louis are highly skilled and motivated individuals with a passion for utilizing cutting-edge technology to drive innovation in the aerospace and defense industries. Their B2B platform leverages advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence to tackle a $50+ billion problem in aviation by improving operational efficiencies.
“This opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best minds in the industry will be invaluable in helping me take Kquika, Inc to the next level,” said Victor Oribamise, Co-Founder of Kquika, Inc. “I am eager to contribute my ideas and work alongside my fellow founders to create innovative solutions that will have a lasting impact on the great state of New York, the United States and the world at large. I am confident that the resources and support provided through this program will enable me to take Kquika, Inc to the next level.”
“Chloe Capital is thrilled to announce our cohort of diverse founders dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in their respective categories. With so much interest from such a talented group of applicants, it was challenging to narrow down our selections. Now that we have assembled this incredible group of fellows, we can’t wait to work with each founder to deliver an immersive and meaningful experience for all, our team included,” said Chloe Capital Partner and Chief Experience Officer, Myneco Ramirez.
“In a tight market, venture firms can risk stagnation and easily resort to pattern matching. But in reality, market downturns can bring positive disruption, especially when VCs identify and support founders who are building something truly new and visionary,” said Lindsay Siegel, Head of Impact at Company Ventures. “The Founder Fellowship reflects the real opportunity we see in catalyzing the success of historically overlooked founders while reinforcing New York City’s commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future.”
“Addressing the world’s toughest challenges requires more entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and wider perspectives, many of which are not commonly found in today’s startup communities. Newlab fosters the unique communities that enable critical technology in critical areas to get to market faster. The 28 companies selected to this year’s Founder Fellowship will be a meaningful addition to our Brooklyn community and benefit from Newlab’s resources, networks and infrastructure to build faster and stronger companies,” said Head of Membership at Newlab, Garrett Winther.
“We are honored to join forces with NYCEDC and support the next generation of diverse founders. We aim to break down barriers and level the playing field for underrepresented founders across tech-enabled sectors. The Founder Fellowship Program at TIQC, in collaboration with NYCEDC, will provide a comprehensive suite of resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help these founders turn their dreams into successful ventures. Our goal is to create an inclusive ecosystem where all entrepreneurs have equal access to opportunities and support to bring their unique perspectives and solutions to market,” said Ying Zhou, Executive Director of Tech Incubator at Queens College.
“New York City is home to some of the most creative individuals out there but so many – people of color and women – lack the networks and resources to start and scale their companies. We know this to be true with our dozens of investments in founders who call NYC home. We are proud to partner with NYCEDC to launch VHNYC to help solve this problem and create the next wave of impactful companies that will shape society,” said Justin Kang, Visible Hands Co-Founder and General Partner.
“WeWork is honored to support NYCEDC’s Founder Fellowship program and help empower its diverse community of entrepreneurs in bringing new ideas to our city,” said Lauren Fritts, Chief Corporate Affairs and Marketing Officer at WeWork. “As a company founded in New York City, WeWork is proud to champion tech companies in all stages of their growth and provide access to spaces that foster new connections and innovation.”
The Founder Fellowship is part of NYCEDC’s Venture Access NYC initiative to bring together investors, tech entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to build a more inclusive tech startup ecosystem in New York City.
New York City is ranked as the number two global tech ecosystem and is home to over 25,000 tech enabled startups. The tech ecosystem employs over 300,000 people, having grown by over 30% in the last decade. However, nationally, startups led solely by women founders received about two percent of venture funding in 2021, while startups led by Black and Latinx founders generally receive less than three percent of total funding raised. To address this challenge, NYCEDC designed the Founder Fellowship to ensure entrepreneurs traditionally underrepresented among venture-backed startups can successfully build and grow their enterprises in NYC.
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About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that creates shared prosperity across New York City by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. We work with and for communities to bring emerging industries to New York City; develop spaces and facilities for businesses; empower New Yorkers through training and skill-building; and invest in sustainable and innovative projects that make the city a great place to live and work. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
(Shareholder Proposals Filed at Walmart, CVS, Netflix, DoorDash and Gannett)
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a series of shareholder proposals filed at several major companies on workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. The proposals were filed with Walmart Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., Netflix Inc., DoorDash Inc. and Gannett Co.
“Freedom of association and collective bargaining are fundamental human rights,” DiNapoli said. “The right to join unions, without interference, and collectively bargain can help improve workers’ health and safety, as well as increase their training, skills and productivity. It’s in the companies’ own interests, and in the long-term interests of shareholders, to ensure workers are treated fairly.”
All of the proposals were co-filed with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, on behalf of the New York City Retirement Systems, with the exception of Gannett.
“Respecting workers’ rights to organize – and not interfering when they do – should be the standard expected of any responsible employer,” Lander said. “Aggressive anti-union practices that spill into the press, violate labor laws, or contradict a company’s own policies can pose reputational and financial risks for businesses. We’re proud to make that standard clear to more of the country’s major employers, as reflected in the New York City Retirement Systems’ agreement with Apple and ongoing efforts with Starbucks. We are pleased to join Comptroller DiNapoli and the New York State Common Retirement Fund to emphasize that the long-term value is dependent on the wellbeing of a company’s workforce, and we expect portfolio companies to act accordingly.”
For Walmart and CVS, the proposals urge each company’s board of directors to commission and oversee an independent, third-party assessment of the company’s adherence to its stated commitment to workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. Those commitments follow the International Labor Organization’s Core Labor Standards and are written in each company’s human rights statement.
The proposals for the other companies ask their boards to adopt and publicly disclose a policy on their commitment to respect their employees’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining in their operations.
DiNapoli noted each company has faced numerous labor and workers’ rights controversies.
Since 2001, the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has received approximately 250 complaints filed by Walmart employees alleging the company used disciplinary actions and retaliation as well as coercive statements and actions to stop employees from unionizing.
In 2018, CVS was accused of attempting to undermine the validity of the election results at a Brooklyn store with the NLRB, delaying negotiations of a collective bargaining agreement. In 2022, CVS was accused of interfering in union elections in California, leading to an administrative law judge ruling for a new election.
DoorDash has faced criticism related to its human capital management and workforce practices, which includes independent contractors who have advocated for better compensation and benefits, and the ability to negotiate with DoorDash on policies like the setting of rates and tips.
Netflix has faced numerous controversies that have led to protests, staged walkouts, demands regarding the company’s culture, and poor overall stock performance, which directly impacts employee compensation.
Gannett has been accused of stalling on bargaining with unionized newsrooms and not bargaining in good faith. Amid news that additional employees have considered organizing unions, Gannett allegedly threatened to lay off workers, cut benefits, force employees to work unpaid overtime and take unpaid leave.
With changing labor trends related to the pandemic, DiNapoli has continued to focus on the impact of the growing labor movement, workers’ efforts to unionize, and the demand for higher wages and benefits. He believes companies need to rethink their approaches toward their workforces, as the ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships with workers is a hallmark of a company with a sound, sustainable and profitable long-term strategy.
About the New York State Common Retirement Fund
The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation.
As Federal Aid Runs Out, Questions Remain on Continued Funding for
Pandemic-era Programs
Like many cities across the United States, New York City has adjusted its budget priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic to help address pressing needs, but some new critical programs and services may face fiscal cliffs, according to a new report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report compared the city’s pre-pandemic and current preliminary budgets for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) to examine how spending priorities shifted.
“The mayor’s preliminary FY 2024 budget reflects the changes to city budget priorities that emerged during the pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “Funding for education, public health and social services have risen to counter the effects of the pandemic, but the loss of federal relief aid will require the city to reassess its priorities once again the coming year to ensure that the programs it deems essential to its recovery can continue beyond Fiscal Year 2024.”
To meet the needs of students and teachers impacted by the pandemic, the city’s current budget for FY 2024 increased funding for education when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. DiNapoli’s report shows the city raised spending on education by more than $1 billion, which was made possible by significant federal pandemic assistance. This funding will support preschool for 3-year-olds and COVID learning loss initiatives, as well as mental health services. However, funding sources for many of these programs remain unidentified in the out-years of the financial plan, representing fiscal cliffs that pose a risk to the city’s budget.
The city’s current budget also includes about $3.24 billion of city funds to support new initiatives and cost mandates to address public safety, social services, and quality of life issues when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. While many of these new programs and services will help address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether they will be funded beyond FY 2024 is unclear.
For example, funding in the city’s current budget rose about $817 million for social service agencies when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. This increased funding is for street homeless programs and shelters ($303 million), education enrichment programs (Summer Rising, $101 million), more Fair Fares public transportation discounts for low-income New Yorkers ($75 million) and expanded slots for the Summer Youth Employment Program ($57 million).
Also, public safety funding rose by $524 million when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan. The added funding will support uniformed agencies and judicial programs focused on reducing violent crimes and recidivism.
Other new initiatives that will receive city funding in the current budget support quality of life improvements such as cleanliness of public spaces and abatement of pests, as well as improving street safety with additional speed cameras. The Department of Sanitation, for instance, received an increase of $94 million for initiatives such as waste export and recycling, an organics program, public space cleaning and snow removal when compared to the pre-pandemic budget plan.
DiNapoli’s report found that many of these new programs and services in the current budget were funded, in large part, by agency cost savings, such as eliminating vacancies and a citywide hiring freeze. With some city operations now reportedly experiencing difficulties in delivering services at pre-pandemic levels, this suggests staffing shortages and highlights the importance of the city more closely monitoring performance at agencies, as recommended by DiNapoli in his previous report on city staffing.
The city also faces additional risks and uncertainties that could impact these newly funded programs and services beyond FY 2024. A significant portion (41%) of the city’s budget is nondiscretionary. It could be more difficult for the city to hold down some costs in the future if there is an economic downturn. In addition, some new recurring costs may not be fully accounted for, such as the outcomes of municipal labor contracts, the recent influx of asylum seekers, public assistance and other social support costs, which may depend on federal pandemic assistance.
DiNapoli said continued efforts to increase reserves and identify cost savings without hurting city services remain a prudent approach to managing the long-term implications of the pandemic.
“Governor Hochul introduced her executive budget while many New Yorkers continue to struggle to make ends meet and concerns of a recession grow. Inflation is still too high, and New York still has not regained all the jobs lost during the pandemic. Federal relief aid has provided critical support to the state budget, but will be depleted by the end of the financial plan. New York needs to fund essential programs and services that support quality of life in our state, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state’s finances.
“With two months left in the state’s fiscal year, tax collections remain relatively strong, exceeding the Division of Budget’s mid-year projection by $7.7 billion through December. These funds should be used wisely in this shifting economic landscape, and I am pleased the Governor has continued her promise to increase rainy day reserves. Robust increases to reserves will better prepare us for future downturns and challenges.
“I remain concerned about New York’s high debt burden and how it hinders our future, which is why I proposed a roadmap for reform to impose meaningful limits on debt and ban backdoor borrowing. This proposal can serve as the basis for discussion and action to give more power back to voters and return to prudent debt limits and practices.
“My office will release a more detailed analysis of the Executive Budget in the coming weeks.”
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Track state and local government spending at Open Book New York. Under State Comptroller DiNapoli’s open data initiative, search millions of state and local government financial records, track state contracts, and find commonly requested data.
Passing on the comptroller’s latest report and press release on drug overdoses during the pandemic. If writing about a specific area in NYS — the report – breaks down the counties and boroughs that have seen the most drug overdoses in 2020 by increase since 2010 (figure 5) here: https://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/continuing-crisis-drug-overdose-deaths-new-york.
Video from the event announcing the findings on Tuesday, which can be embedded is here: https://fb.watch/gx0i3fZD01/. The Comptroller was at THRIVE in Westbury, a community and outreach center for people in recovery on Long Island. There is very good sound from the fourth speaker- a young woman named Samantha Morales, who survived a drug overdose after receiving Narcan 3 times. Her title is Program Manager, THRIVE East End.
Drug overdose fatalities surged during the pandemic.
Opioid-related deaths increased by 68% between 2019 – 2021, claiming the lives of nearly 5,000 New Yorkers in 2021 alone.
The surge was largely due to a significant increase in deaths from opioids with illicit fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids.
Overdose deaths statewide from opioids and all drugs in 2021 surpassed the previous 2017 high by more than 1,700 fatalities and are nearly 3,900 greater than in 2010.
85% of drug overdose deaths involved opioids in 2021. The rise in fentanyl-related deaths has been shocking, growing from 11% of all drug overdose deaths in 2010 to 78% in 2021.
Fatalities grew across all racial and ethnic groups. Death rates for all drug overdoses increased five-fold for Black New Yorkers, quadrupled for Hispanic or Latino New Yorkers, and nearly tripled for White New Yorkers.
In 2020, ten counties or boroughs exceeded the statewide average of 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
(Figure 5) They include all five boroughs — The Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Recommendations
Improve efforts to track funding, as current financial reporting doesn’t clearly identify total state, federal and local resources dedicated to addressing opioid crisis.
Establish clear performance targets and regular reporting on program outcomes.
Ensure direct funding and support for communities facing the greatest challenges.
Drug overdose fatalities surged during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York state, with opioid-related overdose deaths increasing by 68% to nearly 5,000 individuals from 2019 to 2021, according to an analysis released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The surge is largely due to a sharp increase in deaths from opioids related to illicit fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids. Overdose deaths statewide from opioids and all drugs (5,841) in 2021 surpassed the previous 2017 peak by more than 1,700 fatalities.
“Too many New Yorkers have died from the misuse of drugs, but the jump in these numbers is alarming. It is a tragedy that devastates families and impacts our communities in countless ways,” DiNapoli said. “The data shows our battle against drug overdose deaths is far from over. State leaders must ensure an ongoing commitment of public resources and strategies, including new funding from legal settlements, and innovative, evidence-based solutions for the fight against this deadly epidemic to be effective.”
DiNapoli’s report found:
The share of drug overdose deaths in the state involving opioids increased to 85% in both 2020 and 2021 from 69% in 2010.
In 2021, 30 New Yorkers per 100,000 died from drug overdoses and 25 per 100,000 New Yorkers died from opioid overdoses, compared to five in 2010. New York’s opioid overdose death rates exceeded national rates in both 2020 and 2021.
Fatalities grew across all racial and ethnic groups. Death rates increased five-fold for Black New Yorkers, quadrupled for Hispanic or Latino New Yorkers, and nearly tripled for White New Yorkers. In 2020, death rates were highest for White New Yorkers at 28.7 per 100,000 people.
In 2020, drug overdose death rates were higher than the statewide average (25.4 per 100,000) in 10 of the 15 counties for which Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data is available. Due to low death counts in most counties resulting in privacy and statistical reliability concerns, CDC data is only available for certain counties. The highest rate was in Dutchess County, where over 43 per 100,000 people died of drug overdoses, followed by Niagara County, the Bronx, and Monroe County.
“The shocking news in State Comptroller DiNapoli’s report on overdose deaths between 2019 and 2021 simply reconfirms the need for an all-out effort to mitigate this crisis,” said State Senator Pete Harckham, chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. “That means giving proper resources and support to stakeholders and those on the frontlines of Substance Use Disorder treatment, recovery, overdose prevention and harm reduction, so we can work together and save the lives of our loved ones and neighbors.”
“The first step in addressing a problem is understanding it, and thanks to State Comptroller DiNapoli’s new report on the overdose crisis in New York, we have a road map for how to better support New Yorkers who are struggling so that we can stop the senseless tragedies that are impacting far too many families in our community,” said StateSenator Anna Kaplan. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming legislative session to implement the Comptroller’s recommendations and continuing our effort to attack this crisis from all sides.”
“I commend State Comptroller DiNapoli’s dedication in the fight against opioid abuse,” said Assemblymember Charles Lavine. “While I am deeply disturbed by this report showing the worsening of an epidemic which has already claimed the lives of so many Americans, including thousands from here on Long Island, I look forward to working together at the state level to prevent opioid-related overdose deaths.”
“Overdoses continue to wreck families and communities across New York, and the recent post-COVID increase in fatalities creates even more urgency that we do more,” said Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, Family and Children’s Association President/CEO. “At the same time, it’s critical that we recognize this crisis has moved steadily into communities of color and future funding decisions should reflect that fact. We are grateful for State Comptroller DiNapoli’s continued focus on New York’s opioid crisis, his thoughtful analysis of the current challenges and his willingness to ensure that prevention, access to treatment and support for people in recovery remains a priority.”
Trends in Drug Overdose Deaths
For the better part of a decade, drug overdose deaths were on the rise both in New York and across the country, growing 152% in the state between 2010-2017 compared to 83% nationally. Deaths in New York had peaked at almost 4,000 in 2017, when the federal government declared a nationwide opioid public health emergency.
The majority of overdose deaths were from opioids, both in New York and across the nation during this time period. Opioids include different classes of drugs, such as painkillers prescribed by doctors, as well as heroin and other illicit drugs. Nationally, opioid-related deaths grew from 55% to 68% of all drug overdose deaths between 2010 and 2017. In New York, the proportion of opioid-related drug overdose deaths was greater, growing from 69% to 82% in that time period. Opioid overdose deaths surged by 200% in New York between 2010 and 2017. Opioid deaths then declined in New York for two consecutive years after the emergency declaration, only to increase again during the pandemic by 68%.
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and tramadol – often mixed with other drugs – account for much of the increase in drug overdose fatalities in the state, growing from 11% of all drug overdose deaths in 2010 to 78% in 2021. The CDC reports that most recent cases of fentanyl-related overdose are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, which is distributed through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect and often added to other drugs because of its extreme potency, making the drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more dangerous.
Significant increases in mental illness over the past decade, particularly among young adults, are a contributing factor to the growing incidence of substance use disorder and drug overdose deaths. In 2020, 9.7% of young adults aged 18-25, or 3.3 million individuals nationally, experienced serious mental illness, with less than 60% of affected individuals receiving treatment.
State Actions to Address the Opioid Epidemic
New York has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funding in prevention, treatment, recovery, harm reduction and education programs to address the opioid epidemic. According to the Division of the Budget, opioid-related spending by the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) grew from $187.2 million in SFY 2011-12 to $246.2 million in SFY 2020-21.
The Executive projects that current year opioid-related spending will exceed $500 million, including $209 million in resources from an opioid tax, and litigation settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. A portion of settlement funds secured by State Attorney General Letitia James will be deposited into an Opioid Settlement Fund, and an advisory board is required to provide recommendations by Nov. 1 annually on how those funds are allocated by the Legislature. Along with effective use of additional funds, DiNapoli noted workforce challenges facing treatment providers must also be addressed in order to overcome employee shortages, low morale and high rates of turnover.
OASAS finalized a plan in Jan. 2020 that established a series of priorities to address the state’s opioid crisis which included expanding access to medication-assisted treatment and enhancing treatment capacity for opioid addiction; using federal funding to implement treatment innovations in high-need counties; and providing overdose reversal training. Aside from using outcome studies to document the effectiveness of evidence-based programs and strategies, the comprehensive plan proposes few metrics for tracking implementation of its priorities for containing the state’s opioid epidemic.
Recommendations DiNapoli’s report recommended that policymakers:
Seek continued improvements to care systems by improving coordination across state agencies, such as OASAS, the state Office of Mental Health and the state Department of Health.
Bolster interventions to stem the tide on drug overdose deaths using evidence-based practices to achieve the most effective prevention, treatment and recovery outcomes.
Improve efforts to track funding, as current financial reporting does not clearly identify total state, federal and local resources dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis.
Establish clear performance targets and regular reporting of metrics, program evaluations, and outcomes.
Direct funding and support toward communities facing the greatest challenges.
Featured & Post images photo credit: Disneyland & Disney World Resorts
In the words of Marvin Gaye…
What’s Going On?…
During Black History Month in February, the Disney Parks Blog will celebrate Black stories and highlight special experiences at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
Today, Disney is happy to share how you can honor Black heritage and culture at the Disneyland Resort during Black History Month and beyond!
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy Celebrate Soulfully experiences including, the “Tale of the Lion King” stage show, African-inspired cuisine at Troubadour Tavern and training sessions with the Dora Milaje. In February, the celebration expands with more, limited-time offerings you can discover across the resort.
‘Celebrate Gospel’ returns to Disneyland Park – Feb. 18 and 25
A resort tradition for more than a decade, “Celebrate Gospel” returns to the Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park on Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, from 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. PT! This powerful tribute to Gospel music showcases uplifting performances by award-winning Gospel music stars, recording artists and community choirs – each sharing their own distinctive style. If you’re at Disneyland park, you can stick around for the day’s lineup or drop by for a few songs!
Performance Line-Up
Recording artist Jekalyn Carr takes the stage on Feb. 18, with special guest, singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell, III, and a cappella group Sacred Groove. On Feb. 25, “Celebrate Gospel” features GRAMMY® Award-winning singer and radio host Erica Campbell, with special guest DOE and powerhouse vocal ensemble The Singers of Soul. On both Saturdays, you can also admire the amazing talents of community choirs from across Southern California.
Take A Bite of History
In addition to its African-inspired menu items available year-round, Troubadour Tavern will offer a special honey-glazed fried chicken bowl and red velvet Bundt cake during “Celebrate Gospel.”
Special Offerings During Black History Month
During the month of February, the Downtown Disney District will offer family crafts, live music and special offerings in honor of Black History Month. Kids and families can express their creativity with crafts inspired by Black heritage.
Lovepop will feature two cards designed in collaboration with talented artist Anthony Conley for Black History Month. Artists Ryan Riller and Larissa Marantz will be featured in artist showcases and signings from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. PT at Disneyana in Disneyland park on Feb. 25 and the WonderGround Gallery pop-up location in the Downtown Disney District on Feb. 26.
Each evening in February, you can dance and groove along to live musical performances highlighting genres such as R&B, Reggae, Funk, Motown, Jazz, Doo-Wop and Gospel. The Downtown Disney LIVE! stage will host live bands nightly, with scheduled acts including LALA Brass, Forward Motion Band, The Rhythm & Blues Brothas and others. On select weekend days, the festivities start in the afternoon with inspiring Gospel music performances by Sacred Groove and The Singers of Soul.
The Mood Indigo Group will fill the Great Hall of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa with beautiful and energetic live Jazz each evening in February. At the Disneyland Hotel, overnight guests can paint an animation cel, with artwork of Princess Tiana from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”
Restaurants at the Disneyland Resort will celebrate Black History Month with limited-time menu items that are sure to feed the soul. From Feb. 9 through March 5, Black-owned food truck Wings ‘N Waffles will serve up delicious sandwiches, plates and more near the building adjacent to Star Wars Trading Post in the Downtown Disney District. Soon, we’ll share the Foodie Guide to all the Celebrate Soulfully goodness!
Celebrate Soulfully Year-Round
All year long, you can discover culturally rich experiences and offerings across the Disneyland Resort that are inspired by Black history and culture.
A new video, produced in collaboration with National Geographic, will debut in the lobby of the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park, outside of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln,” bringing to life the story of the historic relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Beginning Jan. 27, the video will be played between the busts and portraits of these two giants, recognizing their work together in the fight against slavery. The special presentation is narrated by Robin Roberts and features expert testimonials and the family of Douglass, an American advocate for freedom, justice and democracy.
For a limited time beginning in mid-February at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, you may encounter Moon Girl from the Disney Branded Television and Disney+ series “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” which debuts on Feb. 10 on Disney Channel and Feb. 15 on Disney+. The series follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, whom she accidentally brings through a portal into present-day New York City. They team up to make a difference and protect Lunella’s Lower East Side neighborhood from danger.
At both theme parks, you can celebrate the stories of Black characters from favorite Disney films. Presented on select days at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, the live stage production “Tale of the Lion King,” sweeps you away with the rhythm of the Pride Lands, with every aspect of the show drawing inspiration from the cultural roots of this timeless story. In New Orleans Square, Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets offers home goods, apparel and more in a shop inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.” At Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure park, Super Heroes such as Black Panther, the Dora Milaje and Captain America can often be found greeting and training with recruits.
Which Celebrate Soulfully experience or offering are you most excited for?
Check the latest entertainment details and schedules at Disneyland.com or the Disneyland mobile app. Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.
*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
Report Finds Attrition Continues to Outpace Hiring; Critical Social Services and Education Programs Could Be Most Impacted
Attrition outpaces hiring among New York City’s municipal workforce, which could have an impact on critical city services and programs, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The report shows the city’s full-time workforce declined by 19,113 employees over the last two years, the largest decline in staffing since the Great Recession of 2008. Despite the city hiring over 40,000 new employees in the last fiscal year, city job vacancies stand at more than 21,000.
“The pandemic caused a significant decline to the city’s workforce, and it is particularly troubling that turnover continues to outpace hiring,” DiNapoli said. “Without the hardworking individuals who keep this city running, critical and essential services for our children and most vulnerable residents could be impacted. Budget gaps loom, and while the city needs to find efficiencies, it also must prioritize a clear understanding of staffing challenges at its agencies and be transparent about their potential impact on services.”
The 6.4% decrease in the city’s workforce during the pandemic was found to be uneven across its 37 largest agencies, with 11 experiencing a decline in staffing of more than 13%. The Department of Correction had the greatest loss of employees with a 23.6% decline, followed by the Department of Investigation at 22.2% and the Taxi & Limousine Commission at 20.5%.
DiNapoli’s report noted that while a staff reduction at the Department of Correction was planned, the pace was greater than anticipated, and the Police Department (6.7%), Department of Social Services (13.7%), and Administration for Children’s Services (15.6%) accounted for more than half of the citywide workforce decline from June 2020 to August 2022. Other agencies that saw a significant decline in staff included the City Law Department (18.3%), Department of Finance (16.8%), Citywide Administrative Services (15.6%), City Planning (15.3%), Youth and Community Development (14.8%), Department of Probation (13.8%) and the Department of Social Services (13.7%).
DiNapoli’s report also examines divisions within city departments that deliver and oversee critical programs and services, finding 23 had vacancy rates of more than 14%. Divisions within Social Services, Education, Parks and Recreation, Homeless Services, and Mental Health and Hygiene had the highest vacancy rates of more than 20%. This means services for child support, early childhood education, park facility maintenance, and help for the homeless and individuals facing mental health challenges could be disrupted unless more efficient means of providing those services are found.
DiNapoli’s report notes vacancy rates are mostly driven by the city’s temporary reduction in hiring in city fiscal year (FY) 2021 during the pandemic, as well as due to a sharp rise in separations from service which followed. In September, the Mayor ordered New York City agencies to cut spending by 3% in FY 2023 and by 4.75% beginning in FY 2024. While reducing vacancies may be used to achieve part of these savings, the report shows many city departments have yet to even reach their current staffing targets, due to elevated attrition over the past two years.
Across departments, 14 major occupational groups experienced declines of 15% or more, including executive assistants (-27.2%), correction officers (-25.9%), groundskeepers and gardeners (-24.5%), school safety agents (-22.0), information clerks (-21.6%), counselors (-19.4%), lawyers (-19.3%) and legal assistants (-17.4%). Turnover of more than 13% was also shown among fire inspection and prevention occupations, financial officers, architects, accountants and auditors, general office clerks, mechanics and repairers, school administration support staff, social workers, investigators and adjustors, managers, and sheriffs.
The city’s current financial plan looks to fill 24,969 positions by fiscal year 2023. The report called the goal ambitious given current attrition numbers but said all social service agencies had been trying to hire, and that the Administration for Children’s Services and Department of Homeless Services ranked among the highest in number of job listings. In October, more than half of the city’s major agencies had external job postings for at least 20% of their openings, while other major agencies did not show significant efforts to hire as of October 2022.
To protect and ensure a wide range of important city services, DiNapoli recommends that the city:
Review agencies and divisions for staffing adequacy and consider whether there are staffing challenges or opportunities for efficiencies.
Publish a detailed review of agency operations by creating a table in the Mayor’s Management Report to help the public understand staff workflow and the impact of current staffing levels on the city’s ability to deliver services based on current and anticipated demand.
Use existing reports on agency operations to inform decisions over which vacancies may be eliminated for operating efficiencies and which should be filled to improve or expand services.
From Humble beginnings to major opportunities in the real estate space, Maria Jeanette is a rockstar on the rise.
In 2016 Maria passed her real estate exam and hasn’t looked back since. She started her own brokerage, Cross Realty Group, that services Illinois and Indiana.
Black Media Daily had a chance to sit down with Maria for a brief interview;
BMD: Hello Maria let’s begin with a very transparent question. What has been some of the challenges you have faced as a black woman in real estate?
Maria Jeanette: Thanks for having me, it’s my pleasure to be here. Well, the main thing i have encountered is Sexism and having to take lower commissions to get a client’s listing just because I am not a part of the “boys club”.
Most of the rooms I am in, the people with the power don’t look like me so at times I sense adversity in the air. Once I had a situation where another agent tried to take my client in front of my face. The feeling of being treated like you’re invisible though you’re present is not pleasant. But I was taught by my mother to persevere and get through it.
BMD: Now that you are doing a lot of commercial deals in a big market like Chicago has the treatment from your peers gotten better or worse?
Maria Jeanette: Honestly the treatment has gotten worse but my responses have gotten better. When you enter a space where there are multiple generations of the same type of person and you break into their space the welcome is not warm. The good thing is you will find allies on the way that you can leverage and get the job done for your client.
BMD: The word on the street is you have a very good reputation for acquiring special clients that other brokerages are vying for their business. Why should a client go with you and not a bigger brokerage?
Maria Jeanette: I specialize in creating a boutique environment. Or a place where the client can feel like their included in every aspect of the deal. All my clients know my reputation for hard work and honesty before they contract me to service their needs.
BMD: What would you tell that young outgoing little girl from the southside of Chicago who has alot of passsion but doesn’t quite understand how to leverage her characteristics as a tool?
Maria Jeanette: I will tell her keep working, never give up on your dreams. You have to become unapologetic about winning. When we dominate a space, people sometimes feel nervous, but the right ones will see you as a professional who brings excellence to everything you do.
