Saturday, November 21, 2015
Weekly Address: In the Face of Terror, We Stand As One
In this week's address, the Vice President speaks to his and the
President’s commitment to protecting our country from terrorists, while
also providing refuge to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
The President Speaks at a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Town Hall
President Obama delivered remarks at a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative town hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Friday, November 20, 2015
National Security Council Notes: The Mali Terrorst Attack
The folllowing was submitted by National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price.
The
United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s terrorist attack
on the many Malian and international guests and employees of the
Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako.
We can confirm that the attack has ended, and we continue to coordinate
with U.S officials on the ground to verify the location of all American
citizens in Mali. We extend our deep condolences to the families and
loved ones of those who have been killed in
this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers also are with those who
have been injured. We commend the bravery of the Malian, French, United
Nations, and U.S. security personnel who responded to the situation and
prevented even worse loss of life. The United
States stands with the people of Mali and will remain a steadfast
partner to the Government of Mali and others in the region fighting the
terrorist groups that seek to undermine Mali’s efforts to build a
durable peace following the crisis in 2012 and 2013.
We are prepared to assist the Malian government in the coming days as
it investigates this tragic terrorist attack.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Putin Blasts Syria With New Stealth Missile
By David Axe
It wasn’t that long ago that the U.S. Air Force seemed to be the only
one capable of attacking from half a continent away. Then came Russia’s
‘anti-ISIS’ strikes.
Russia apparently deployed for the first time a new, radar-evading cruise missile during its massive Nov. 17 heavy bomber raid on Syria.
The
Kh-101 long-range cruise missile, which reportedly packs an 800-pound
warhead and can fly no less than 1,700 miles under satellite guidance,
has been in development by Russia’s cash-strapped aerospace industry for
three decades. Now that it’s apparently combat-ready, Moscow can claim
to possess a global strike capability that before, only the United
States possessed.
Russia’s mid-November bomber raid startled observers at least as much as did Moscow’s initial deployment of warplanes to Syria in late September and its subsequent barrage of sea-launched cruise missiles at rebel forces in October.
Click here for the full article.
Source: The Daily Beast
Nida Khan: No More Bloodshed (The Paris Attacks)
If you listened to many politicians on both the right and left
discussing the rise of ISIS (or ISIL) and terrorism at large, you’d
think that everything began with 9/11. Even people like Democratic
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton – who, let’s
remember, voted in favor of the ’03 Iraq War – argues that though she
voted incorrectly, terrorism isn’t on the rise simply because of that
invasion. She and other leaders are quick to remind us of the greatest
attack on American soil, 9/11. While no one minimizes the catastrophic
brutality of 9/11 and the thousands of American lives lost on that
tragic day, it is woefully misleading to act as if we weren’t already
entrenched in the Middle East beforehand. Even something as major as
the first Iraq war is somehow left out of context when we discuss
civilian deaths, the rise in terrorism and the current global crisis now
facing everyone. ISIS may have risen out of the instability created
after an unnecessary war in ’03, but terrorism was around long before
then – as was Western aggression.
Click here for the full article and corresponding photos.
Nida Khan is a freelance journalist based in New York City.
Nida Khan is a freelance journalist based in New York City.
Source: HipHopandPolitics.com
The Power of the Pen: New Bills Signed into Law
On Friday, November 20, 2015, the President signed into law:
H.R. 3996, the “Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015, Part II,” which extends through December 4, 2015, authority and funding for the Department of Transportation's
surface transportation programs.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Oval Office Chat: Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy
President Obama spoke by phone with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy
this evening from Malaysia to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and
the counter-ISIL campaign. Both leaders reiterated their unwavering
commitment to defeat ISIL, end the conflict
in Syria, and ensure we are doing all we can to protect our citizens
from terrorist threats.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders Explains His View of Democratic Socialism
The candidate's remarks were made at Georgetown University, November 19, 2015.
Created by Sally P. Krol
on November 19, 2015
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Justice Department Briefing on Counterterrorism Efforts
Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Director James Comey held a briefing on the U.S. government’s
counter-terrorism efforts in response to the attacks in Paris the
previous week. They offered assurances that no credible threat existed
against the U.S. Their remarks came after the ISIL* militant group
released a video threatening an attack on New York City.
*The
Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or the Islamic State of
Iraq and Syria (ISIS or DAISH/DAESH in Arabic), is a militant group that
has called itself the Islamic State.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Data Collection and the Paris Terrorist Attacks
Wall Street Journal National Security Reporter Damian Paletta
discusses his piece on the Paris attackers' use of technology to hide
communications and how this could rekindle debate over data collection
and surveillance in the U.S.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Washington Journal: Gordon Witkin on Corruption in State Government
Gordon Witkin, managing editor with the Center for Public Integrity,
discusses his group’s ranking of U.S. states based on the laws and
systems they have in place to deter corruption.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
From Sadness to Success: Food Drive Brings Hope to Far Rockaway
Darius L. Vinson
On
October 30th 2015, Jesse Kalloo of the Thomas A. Edison High School
Skills U.S.A. Program saw a flyer for a food drive on his Facebook page. The
flyer stated the Darius L. Vinson Foundation was collecting cans of food for families
in Far Rockaway, Queens over the holidays. The technology teacher has engaged
in food drives and fundraisers in and around his community over the last
several years. His program played a vital role in helping his students gain
confidence and a sense of accomplishment. There was no doubt in his mind that
partnering with the foundation would not only help those in
need, it would provide an opportunity for the staff and students to honor a man
that the Far Rockaway community considered to be a hero and humanitarian.
Approximately
three months ago, Darius Vinson, 26 and a native of Far Rockaway, drowned while
visiting the Delaware Water Gap. Darius inspired many people, as an acclaimed
boxer who was studying to be a lawyer, and was considered “a beacon of light
and hope for many of his peers”. Since middle school, he volunteered in his
community and fought for social justice on many levels. His mother, Denise Greig, and his partner,
Raveenga Perera, along with numerous friends and family, launched the foundation
in Darius’s name in order to fulfill his objectives: to become a philanthropist
and to help create a more equitable society.
On
November 5th, 2015, Kalloo informed Perera that the program collected
close to 5,000 cans. Elated over the
revelation, she immediately implemented plans to have the food distributed
throughout the Far Rockaway community. Within
a matter of months, one of the foundation’s goals had become a reality. The following week, Kalloo informed Perera
that the students collected more cans during the drive. To date, the Thomas A. Edison CTE High School
Skills U.S.A. Program has collected 10,000 cans for impoverished Far Rockaway
residents.
“Numerous
pantries throughout the Rockaways will receive between 200-300 cans. The
remaining cans will go towards a pop-up tabling event on Sunday, November 23rd
at 11 a.m. I sincerely thank Mr. Kallo, the students and the Thomas Edison CTE
H.S. Skills U.S.A. Program for partnering with the foundation,” said Perera.
"Additionally, the Darius L. Vinson Foundation would like to
thank SAPIS Ms. Pallavi, the student government, and staff of P.S 92Q, who collected
500 items, and Mr. Closs and Ms. Rahman of the Child Center Of NY P.S 56Q after
school program. They collected a total of 100 items. The contributions from family
members and friends of Darius Vinson are greatly appreciated as well.
“Thanks
to the efforts of all the aforementioned groups and individuals, families
throughout the Rockaways will receive food donations for the holidays, which
will be distributed at the municipal parking lot on Beach 21st Street, between
Mott and Cornaga Avenue. Many volunteers from the foundation and local schools
will assist with handing out bags and smiles. I ask that you please support the
Darius L. Vinson Foundation and its mission by visiting our website, dlvfoundation.org.”
Foundation
contacts: Denise.Greig@dlvfoundation.org or Raveenga.Perera@dlvfoundation.org.
'The Applause Awards', November 21, in New York City
The following was submitted by Imagenation.
"The theme of this year's award, 'The pursuit of knowledge transfer:
Entrepreneurialism in Education', comes from our driving principle that
education is vital to a thriving society."
The event will be held at the
Tribeca Performing Arts Center in New York City on Saturday, November 21st, 2015.
Africa Diaspora Awards Honorees:
Person Of the Year:
Danai Jekesai Gurira, Eclipse (The Walking Dead) [Zimbabwean]
Advocate of the Year:
Akon and
Thione Niang, The Akon Lighting Africa [Senegal]
Life time achievement Award:
David Adjaye [Tanzania]
Entrepreneur of the year:
Chid Liberty, Liberty & Justice [Liberia]
Community Service Award:
Atti Worku,
Seeds Of Africa. [Ethiopia]
Creative artist of the year:
Nicole Amarteifio, Creator, An African City [Ghana]
Humanitarian of the Year:
Kennedy Odede, Shining Hope for Communities [Kenya]
Friend of Africa:
Laurie A. Cumbo, Office of New York City Council Member [America]
Designer of the year:
Alhassan Toure, Toure Design [Mali]
Organizational Impact Award:
Young African MBAs [Africa]
Excellence in Service Award:
Dr. Oluyemi Badero, [Nigeria]
Special Performances:
Eddy Kenzo [Uganda].
For more information, visit info@imagenation.us.
"Flashback Friday": Will Smith and Muhammad Ali (Terrorism is Not from Islam)
Uploaded to YouTube on May 22, 2010
Will Smith and "The Greatest" talk about the tragedy of 9/11.
Source: TheJJkkRR
Trailblazers in Black History: The Ink Spots
From the late 1930's to the early 1950's the original Ink
Spots were one of the most popular and influential singing groups of the time.
The original group, comprising Ivory "Deek" Watson, Jerry Daniels, Charles Fuqua
& Orville "Hoppy" Jones, started out singing fast "jump" tunes beginning
in 1934 and their early recordings (RCA Victor - 1935) and (Decca 1936-1938)
reflected this style. The group became famous after the arrival of Bill Kenny
in early 1936, and the group's addition of a ballad style featuring Bill Kenny's
high tenor and Hoppy's "talking" chorus. While several sources suggest this
style originated with their most famous recording, "If I Didn't Care" in January
of 1939, a partial NBC radio broadcast of February 15, 1938 proves that all
of the elements that made this group so successful were included in performances
at least one year earlier.
More information is available here.
Source: The Original Ink Spots
Could ISIS Strike the West With Chemical Weapons?
France's prime minister has raised the terrifying specter of ISIS
carrying out chemical or biological weapons attacks on the West, but
international investigators have so far confirmed only a single use of
mustard gas by the terror gang in the Middle East.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons, which enforces a global treaty, announced earlier this month
that it had determined with "utmost confidence" that a "non-state actor"
used the outlawed agent outside Aleppo, Syria, in August, likely
killing a baby.
U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News that
ISIS was the non-state actor. The OPCW is continuing to investigate
other suspected uses of chemical weapons by ISIS.
Click here for the full article and related video.
Biggest U.S. Health Insurer Says It May Abandon Public Exchanges
UnitedHealth, the nation's largest health
insurer, chopped its 2015 earnings forecast and indicated it is
questioning its future in public insurance exchanges, a key component in
the nation's health care overhaul popularly known as Obamacare.
The company said Thursday that it would pull
back on the marketing of its exchange business a few weeks after open
enrollment for that coverage began nationwide. It also said that it will
decide in the first half of next year "to what extent it can continue
to serve the public exchange markets in 2017."
Click here for the full article, graphs and related video.
Source: NBC News
First Read: A Week of Overheated Rhetoric on the Campaign Trail
First Read is a morning briefing from Meet the Press and the NBC
Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why
they matter.
A week of overheated -- if not shameful -- rhetoric on the 2016 campaign trail
A week has now passed since the tragic terrorist
attacks in Paris, and let's just say that the week hasn't brought out
the best in the 2016 field when it comes to rhetoric. Especially on the
Republican side. Consider:
- Donald Trump: "I would certainly implement [a database system tracking Muslims]. Absolutely," he said in Iowa yesterday, per NBC's Vaughn Hillyard. "There should be a lot of systems, beyond databases," he added. "We should have a lot of systems."
- Ben Carson: "Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson on Thursday suggested that concerns about Syrian refugees in the United States are akin to a parent's concerns about 'mad dogs.' 'If there's a rabid dog running around in your neighborhood, you're probably not going to assume something good about that dog, and you're probably going to put your children out of the way.'"
- Ted Cruz: "If you want to insult me, you can do it overseas, you can do it in Turkey, you can do it in foreign countries, but I would encourage you, Mr. President, come back and insult me to my face," he said, per NBC's Frank Thorp.
- Marco Rubio: "[Not saying 'radical Islam'] would be like saying we weren't at war with Nazis, because we were afraid to offend some Germans who may have been members of the Nazi Party but weren't violent themselves. We are at war with radical Islam… This is a clash of civilizations."
- Jeb Bush: "I do think we have a responsibility to help with refugees after proper screening," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday. "And I think our focus ought to be on the Christians who have no place in Syria anymore."
- John Kasich: "As part of a broad national security plan to defeat ISIS, Republican presidential candidate John Kasich proposed creating a new government agency to push Judeo-Christian values around the world," NBC's Leigh Ann Caldwell reported.
Donald Trump Retakes Lead in GOP Race; Ted Cruz Makes Gains: Poll
In the Republican primary race, the newest NBC
News/SurveyMonkey online poll shows Donald Trump has the frontrunner
spot to himself, with 28% support among Republican and independent
voters who lean Republican. Support for Ben Carson, who was tied with
Trump in last month's online poll, has fallen off by 8 points and the
former neurosurgeon is now tied with Ted Cruz at 18%.
Source: NBC News
Texas Troopers Will Ask Every Driver to Confirm Race
Texas State Troopers will soon begin asking drivers to confirm their
race during traffic stops. The move is part of an effort to end racial
profiling. KXAN's Brian Collister reports.
New Ebola Case Hits Liberia After Country Declared Virus Free
Reuters, 20/11 15:41 CET
By James Harding Giahyue
MONROVIA (Reuters) – A new case
of Ebola emerged in Liberia on Friday in a setback for the country
declared free of the disease on Sept. 3 and for the region, which is
struggling to end an epidemic that has killed around 11,300 people.
The patient is a 10-year-old boy who lived with his
parents and three siblings in Paynesville, a suburb east of the capital
Monrovia, said Minister of Health Minister Bernice Dahn.
All six family members, as well as other high risk contacts, were in care at an Ebola Treatment Unit in Paynesville, Dahn said.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Israeli Spy Pollard Freed from U.S. Prison; Lawyers Challenge Parole
Reuters, 20/11 15:33 CET
By Roselle Chen and Ari Rabinovitch
BUTNER, N.C./JERUSALEM
(Reuters) – Lawyers for Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, released on
Friday after 30 years in a U.S. prison, said the conditions of his
parole are unreasonable and illegal and should be vacated by a federal
court.
The former U.S. Navy analyst left a federal prison in
Butner, North Carolina, about 45 miles north of Raleigh, early Friday
morning, said Edmond Ross, a spokesman for the Federal Bureau of
Prisons.
According to Pollard’s lawyers, he will be required to
wear an electronic bracelet so his movements can be monitored at all
times. Also, his computers and those of any employer who hires him will
be subjected to “unfettered monitoring and inspection.”
The lawyers called the conditions “onerous and
oppressive” in a statement announcing their legal challenge in a federal
court in New York on Friday.
Click here for the full article.
Commandos Storm Luxury Mali Hotel Attacked by Islamists, Dozens Freed
Reuters, 20/11 15:14 CET
By Tiemoko Diallo
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Malian
commandos stormed a luxury hotel in Bamako on Friday after Islamist
gunmen took 170 people including many foreigners hostage in the capital
of the former French colony, which has been battling rebels allied to al
Qaeda for several years.
Dozens of people were reported to have escaped or been
freed, but at least three were dead. A security source said the gunmen
had dug in on the seventh floor of the hotel as special forces advanced
on them.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
State television showed footage of troops in camouflage
fatigues wielding AK47s in the lobby of the Radisson Blu, one of
Bamako’s smartest hotels. In the background, a body lay under a brown
blanket at the bottom of a flight of stairs.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Italian Leader Renzi Wins Confidence Vote Over Budget
Reuters, 20/11 14:34 CET
By Steve Scherer
ROME (Reuters) – Italian Prime
Minister Matteo Renzi on Friday won a confidence vote in the Senate on
next year’s budget that scraps a hated tax on primary residences and
slows deficit reduction.
The Senate voted 164 to 116 to approve the government’s
spending package, which now faces approval in the lower house. By law,
the budget must be passed by the end of the year.
Renzi staked the fate of his government on the confidence
vote in order to accelerate the bill’s passage in the Senate, where it
may have to return if it is amended in the Chamber of Deputies.
Renzi has said tax cuts will bolster Italy’s fledgling
recovery. This year the economy, the euro zone’s third biggest, emerged
from a three-year recession, but growth unexpectedly slowed in the third
quarter.
Click here for the full article.
Source: Euronews
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Abe in Manila
President Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan deliver remarks before a bilateral meeting in Manila.
Press Briefing with Ambassador Froman, Ben Rhodes, and Dan Kritenbrink
Press Secretary Josh Earnest leads a press briefing with USTR Ambassador
Michael Froman, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic
Communications Ben Rhodes, and NSC Senior Director for Asian Affairs Dan
Kritenbrink in Manila.
'Veep Meet and Greet': General Raheel Sharif
The
Vice President met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Raheel
Sharif today at the White House. The meeting, which followed the Vice
President’s October 22 breakfast
in Washington with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, addressed ongoing
efforts to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. The Vice President
reaffirmed the United States’ interest in building a strong partnership
with Pakistan that addresses our shared counterterrorism,
economic, and regional security concerns. The Vice President thanked
General Sharif for his steadfast support to counterterrorism cooperation
with the United States and underscored the importance of expanding
efforts to help further strengthen regional security. Both leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to peace in Afghanistan
and the important role that the United States and Pakistan can play to
support a reinvigorated reconciliation process in coordination with
Afghanistan.
Source: The White House, Office of the Vice President
The President Delivers Remarks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership
President Obama delivers remarks in a meeting on the Trans-Pacific
Partnership, the President's trade agreement, in Manila, Philippines.
The President Delivers Remarks on Climate Change
President Obama delivers remarks on climate change at a CEO summit,
attended by business leaders from around the region representing U.S.
and Asia-Pacific companies, in Manila, Philippines.
Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton National Security Address
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton delivers a national
security address at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City,
in which she outlines her plans for defeating the Islamic State
(ISIS/ISIL), followed by a conversation.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
The Latest on Climate Change
Ben Kirtman, University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science Professor, talked about climate change, including possible man-made and
natural causes of global warming and the debate over the scientific
theories on climate.
This program was part of “Washington
Journal"'s "Sunshine State Tour” series on four major Florida
universities: Florida State University on November 16; the University of
Florida on November 17; the University of Central Florida on November
18; and the University of Miami on November 19, 2015.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Hearing on Flu Season Preparedness
Public health agency officials testified on their organizations' preparations for the upcoming flu season.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Hearing on Human Trafficking
Witnesses testified on human trafficking, focusing on recent investigation of the classified advertising Web site Backpage.com.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
House Speaker Weekly Briefing
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) briefed reporters and responded to questions on his party’s legislative agenda.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
House Minority Leader Weekly Briefing
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) briefed reporters and responded to questions on her party’s legislative agenda.
Click here for video.
Source: C-Span
Oval Office Chat: President Francois Hollande of France
President
Obama spoke by phone with President Hollande of France this evening
from the Philippines to discuss the latest developments in the
investigation into last week’s
terrorist attacks in Paris. President Obama once again expressed
condolences on behalf of the American people to the families and loved
ones of those who lost their lives in these horrific attacks, to the
wounded, and to the French nation. Both leaders reiterated
their unwavering commitment to degrade and destroy ISIL. President
Obama noted that he looks forward to welcoming President Hollande to the
White House next week, when the two leaders will engage in discussions
on the way forward to defeat ISIL, help to bring
to an end the conflict in Syria, and to ensure we are doing all we can
to safeguard our citizens from the threat of terrorism.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
Cuomo and Schneiderman Partner to Reduce Risk of Litigation Against New York State
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney
General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a new partnership to reduce
litigation risk against New York State agencies. As the State’s chief
legal officer, the Attorney General’s Office is well-positioned to
advise the Governor’s Office in this endeavor. This effort is the first
of its kind in the nation.
The partnership will focus first on the agencies that incur the lion’s share of state litigation including the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and various health and human services agencies. Each Office will contribute staff to a team which will review and improve policies and procedures for administrative hearings, evidence collection and preservation, early claims resolution and diversion programs, and training to reduce the likelihood of litigation. The team will also analyze prior significant and recurring litigation to develop strategies for avoiding them in the future.
“This administration has spent the last five years modernizing state government, making it more efficient and better able to serve the residents of the State of New York,” said Governor Cuomo. “With this new effort, we’re further raising the bar for performance and ensuring that New Yorkers are getting the government that they deserve. I thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his partnership in this important endeavor.”
The partnership will focus first on the agencies that incur the lion’s share of state litigation including the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and various health and human services agencies. Each Office will contribute staff to a team which will review and improve policies and procedures for administrative hearings, evidence collection and preservation, early claims resolution and diversion programs, and training to reduce the likelihood of litigation. The team will also analyze prior significant and recurring litigation to develop strategies for avoiding them in the future.
“This administration has spent the last five years modernizing state government, making it more efficient and better able to serve the residents of the State of New York,” said Governor Cuomo. “With this new effort, we’re further raising the bar for performance and ensuring that New Yorkers are getting the government that they deserve. I thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his partnership in this important endeavor.”
Attorney General Schneiderman said, “Public
officials must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This initiative
will enable agencies to better serve the public while at the same time
reducing the expense of litigation. I appreciate the Governor’s
partnership on this issue to help ensure the public’s money is used as
effectively and judiciously as possible.”
Each year New York State is confronted with tens of thousands of lawsuits in courts across the state, exposing the State to potential damages reaching hundreds of millions of dollars per year. The volume of litigation stems from the sheer size and scope of state agency operations:
· The State operating budget is $94.25 billion for fiscal year 2016 alone.
· New York has 110 agencies and authorities that employ over 224,000 people.
· State agencies had nearly 46,000 active contracts valued at over $198 billion last fiscal year.
· State authorities had over 42,000 active contracts valued at over $92 billion last fiscal year.
· State agencies administer almost $35 billion in federal benefits programs including housing, public assistance and Medicaid annually.
Linda Lacewell, New York’s Chief Risk Officer said, “I am proud that under the Governor’s leadership New York will be the first state in the nation to embark on a comprehensive litigation risk management program, and we look forward to working together with the Attorney General’s Office as the State’s chief legal officer to make this program a success.”
This partnership grows out of the risk management efforts the Governor outlined earlier this year in the State of the State and his appointment of New York’s first Chief Risk Officer. For more about the State’s risk management efforts, visit ny.gov/ethics-risk-compliance.
Each year New York State is confronted with tens of thousands of lawsuits in courts across the state, exposing the State to potential damages reaching hundreds of millions of dollars per year. The volume of litigation stems from the sheer size and scope of state agency operations:
· The State operating budget is $94.25 billion for fiscal year 2016 alone.
· New York has 110 agencies and authorities that employ over 224,000 people.
· State agencies had nearly 46,000 active contracts valued at over $198 billion last fiscal year.
· State authorities had over 42,000 active contracts valued at over $92 billion last fiscal year.
· State agencies administer almost $35 billion in federal benefits programs including housing, public assistance and Medicaid annually.
Linda Lacewell, New York’s Chief Risk Officer said, “I am proud that under the Governor’s leadership New York will be the first state in the nation to embark on a comprehensive litigation risk management program, and we look forward to working together with the Attorney General’s Office as the State’s chief legal officer to make this program a success.”
This partnership grows out of the risk management efforts the Governor outlined earlier this year in the State of the State and his appointment of New York’s first Chief Risk Officer. For more about the State’s risk management efforts, visit ny.gov/ethics-risk-compliance.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York Employers to Receive Significant Savings in Unemployment Insurance Costs
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced
that as a result of this administration’s reforms, employers across New
York will realize an average savings of $1,200 on their unemployment
insurance costs this year.
“In 2013, we put into place sweeping reforms to fix New York’s broken Unemployment Insurance system in a way to help lower costs for employers, offer greater benefits for workers, and increase the integrity of the program," Governor Cuomo said. "Today’s lower assessment is a direct result of these badly needed changes and one more way we are helping to move New York forward.”
The combination of an improved statewide economy and Unemployment Insurance reform measures signed by the Governor in 2013 enabled this loan to be repaid early, saving New York employers an estimated $200 million in interest costs—savings similar to paying off a car loan early. The average employer will see an estimated reduction of nearly $1,200, or $84 per employee.
Unemployment Insurance Reform - For years, New York State's Unemployment Insurance system was broken and could not withstand fluctuations in the economy without borrowing from the federal government, exposing employers to significant and unpredictable liabilities. The system has been either insolvent or on the brink of insolvency for more than a decade.
During the recession, the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund did not have enough funds to pay for claims filed by unemployed workers. New York, along with many other states, was forced to borrow funds from the Federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to cover the difference, and employers had to pay back a $3.5 billion debt plus interest.
“In 2013, we put into place sweeping reforms to fix New York’s broken Unemployment Insurance system in a way to help lower costs for employers, offer greater benefits for workers, and increase the integrity of the program," Governor Cuomo said. "Today’s lower assessment is a direct result of these badly needed changes and one more way we are helping to move New York forward.”
The combination of an improved statewide economy and Unemployment Insurance reform measures signed by the Governor in 2013 enabled this loan to be repaid early, saving New York employers an estimated $200 million in interest costs—savings similar to paying off a car loan early. The average employer will see an estimated reduction of nearly $1,200, or $84 per employee.
Unemployment Insurance Reform - For years, New York State's Unemployment Insurance system was broken and could not withstand fluctuations in the economy without borrowing from the federal government, exposing employers to significant and unpredictable liabilities. The system has been either insolvent or on the brink of insolvency for more than a decade.
During the recession, the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund did not have enough funds to pay for claims filed by unemployed workers. New York, along with many other states, was forced to borrow funds from the Federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to cover the difference, and employers had to pay back a $3.5 billion debt plus interest.
In March 2013, Governor Cuomo signed major reforms into law, which increased benefits for workers, decreased costs to employers, and modernized the Unemployment Insurance system by making it sustainable and self-correcting. The law included a mechanism to pay back the federal loan three years ahead of schedule, resulting in today’s lower costs. In addition, the risk of borrowing from the federal government is now lower and payments for employers will be more predictable than the old system of yearly surcharges.
Unemployment Insurance Reform has also brought new fraud detection and prevention measures to help combat Unemployment Insurance fraud. It also helps to ensure that employers are not charged for a former employee’s claim when the loss of employment was the employee’s fault.
Improving Economy - The other factor contributing to paying off the federal Unemployment Insurance loan early and in full is the improved economic conditions of the past several years. When Governor Cuomo came into office in 2011, the New York State unemployment rate was 8.3%. Today, the unemployment rate is 5.1%, and since the beginning of Governor Cuomo’s administration, New York’s economy has added 711,400 private sector jobs and experienced employment growth in 49 of the past 57 months. In September 2015, the number of private sector jobs in the state was 7,821,700.
At the height of the recession in 2009, New York State paid out of the trust fund $5.1 billion in Unemployment Insurance benefits. Unemployment Insurance benefit payments in 2015 are estimated to be $2.4 billion.
Acting Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Prior to 2013, the unemployment system was in a continuous cycle of borrowing from the federal government, which saddled New York’s employers with additional principle and interest charges onto New York’s employers. But thanks to an improving economy and the reform measures implemented by Governor Cuomo, the debt has been paid off early—saving millions for employers in the state.”
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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