GM and Justice Department Reach Settlement Over Faulty Ignition Switches

 

By Pete Williams and Jonathan Dienst

The Justice Department has reached a settlement with General Motors over the issue of faulty ignition switches that led to over 100 deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to officials familiar with the case.

The Justice Department will announce the settlement Thursday at a news conference in New York. It will include a fine of hundreds of millions of dollars, the officials say.

The agreement will settle charges that the company failed to obey federal laws that require prompt disclosure of safety problems. Last year, GM began recalling two-and-a-half-million cars with ignition switches that could suddenly shut off the engine — disabling the airbags and cutting off the power steering and power brakes. 

Click here for the full article and video. 

Source: NBC News 

Report: Minority Teachers Are Quitting at Rapid Rates

 

By Maya Chung

Although small strides have been made toward diversifying the U.S. school system over the past couple of decades, a new report shows there's still a long way to go.

At a national level, schools have made progress in the hiring of minority teachers, according to a report by the Albert Shanker Institute, "The State of Teacher Diversity in American Education." The attrition amongst minority teachers, however, is higher.

According to the report, the conditions of the schools teachers work in play a significant role.

Click here for the full article.

Source: NBC News

No Hike: Fed Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged

 

 By Jeff Cox and NBC News

The Federal Reserve declined to raise its benchmark federal funds rate on Thursday, saying that uncertainty abroad, volatility in financial markets and stubbornly low inflation persuaded members that the U.S. economy is not yet growing strongly enough to merit a light tap on the brakes.

Speaking at a news conference shortly after the decision was announced, Fed Chairman Janet Yellin said that most members of the Fed's Open Market Committee remain persuaded that a rate hike will be appropriate before the end of the year.

The committee announced the decision at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Washington to assess the state of the nation's economy.

Click here for the full article and related video.  

New Greek Government Will Toe Bailout Line, At Least for Now

Reuters, 17/09 20:05 CET

By Lefteris Papadimas

ATHENS (Reuters) – European unease that Greece may falter on its bailout promises after elections on Sunday looks misplaced, at least initially, as its pressing need for money means that whoever wins is likely to toe the line.

Both leftist Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras and conservative New Democracy rival Vangelis Meimarakis, who are running neck-and-neck in opinion polls, have said that if elected they will push on with the fiscal reforms demanded by Greece’s creditors.

But euro zone creditor governments remain wary. Germany stressed on Wednesday that the new government would be bound by all the terms and timeframes in the bailout agreement.

“We have formulated clear conditions that must be fulfilled and they apply to any future government,” finance ministry spokesman Martin Jaeger told a news conference in Berlin.

Both party leaders know that if they fall short, Greece will face problems this autumn when the creditors are due to make their first review of progress under the 86-billion-euro ($96.5 billion) programme which Tsipras, as prime minister, accepted in July.

Click here for the full article.

Source: Euronews

Exclusive – Syrian Army Starts Using New Weapons from Russia: Military Source

Reuters, 17/09 19:23 CET

By Tom Perry

BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian military has recently started using new types of air and ground weapons supplied by Russia, a Syrian military source told Reuters on Thursday, underlining growing Russian support to Damascus that is alarming the United States.

“The weapons are highly effective and very accurate, and hit targets precisely,” the source said in response to a question about Russian support. “We can say they are all types of weapons – be it air or ground.”

The source said the army had been trained in the use of the weapons in recent months and was now deploying them, declining to give further details other than saying they were “new types”.

The Russian government said on Thursday its military support for Damascus was aimed at fighting terrorism, safeguarding Syria’s statehood and preventing a “total catastrophe” in the region.

It includes a larger Russian military presence on the ground in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad has faced increased pressure this year from rebels fighting to topple him, but its full scope and intentions remain unclear.

Washington, which wants Assad gone from power, has said it believes Russia is undertaking a significant military buildup which could exacerbate the war.

Click here for the full article.

Source: Euronews

Ukraine Backtracks on Some Media Sanctions After Backlash

 

 
Reuters, 17/09 18:39 CET

By Alessandra Prentice and Pavel Polityuk

KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko ordered six European journalists to be removed from a newly-published sanctions list, officials said on Thursday, in a swift U-turn after the list was criticised by the country’s Western allies.

Poroshenko signed a decree on Wednesday naming more than 900 people to a blacklist to face penalties for reasons of “national security”, after pro-Russian separatists who have seized parts of Ukraine set a date for what Kiev sees as “illegal elections”.

The government has not specified precisely what penalties it would impose on those on the list, but these are thought to include bans on travel and financial restrictions for those with Ukrainian assets.

While mostly made up of Russians and separatists, the list included 34 journalists and seven bloggers from 

countries including Britain, Germany and Spain.

The European Union responded sharply.

“I am surprised and I am concerned and I will certainly discuss it with the colleagues in Ukraine because this is not European in spirit,” Johannes Hahn, the EU’s commissioner in charge of enlargement, said in Brussels.

Click here for the full article. 

Source: Euronews

Hungary is Slammed Over Treatment of Migrants

Source: Euronews

Burkina Faso: War of Words Follows Mlitary Coup

France has condemned the military coup in Burkina Faso and urged its residents in the country to stay indoors.

The former colonial power called for the release of those arrested, and for the return to government of interim authorities.

“(President François Hollande) calls for the immediate liberation of all those arrested, for the interim authorities to be put back in place and for the continuation of the electoral process,” the French leader’s office said in a statement.

Click here for the full article and video.

Source: Euronews

At Least Five Dead as Magnitude 8.3 Earthquake Strikes Chile

Source: Euronews

Japan: Angry Tussles Ahead of Controversial Security Vote

Source: Euronews

MEPs Back EU Migrant Relocation Plan

The European Parliament on Thursday voted to back a European Commission plan to relocate 120,000 migrants across the EU based on mandatory quotas.

They would be relocated from Greece, Italy and Hungary in a move to relieve the pressure on those three states, which have struggled to cope with the recent migratory flows from the Middle East and Africa.

372 parliamentarians voted for the plan, which was put forward by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in a speech on September 9th.

But 124 MEPs voted against and there were 54 abstentions.

“We’re not advocating the opening of all borders. but we are advocating staying in touch with our souls. and not saying to people who flee from war and persecution: ‘you should stay away from Europe’s shores,” said Frans Timmermans, the European Commission’s first vice-president.

Click here for the full article and video.

Source: Euronews

Politics in Action: H.R. 3134, H.R. 348 and H.R. 758

STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY

H.R. 3134 – Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015

(Rep. Black, R-TN, and 176 cosponsors)

H.R. 3504 – Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act

(Rep. Franks, R-AZ, and 82 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes House passage of H.R. 3134 and H.R. 3504 because the bills, while different, would have the same consequence of limiting women’s health care choices. 

H.R. 3134 would defund Planned Parenthood based on its provision of abortion services.  Planned Parenthood uses both Federal and non-Federal funds to provide a range of important preventive care and health services, including health screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups to millions of men and women who visit their health centers annually.  Longstanding Federal policy already prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions, except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the woman would be endangered.  By eliminating Federal funding for a major provider of health care, H.R. 3134 would limit access to health care for men, women, and families across the Nation, and would disproportionately impact low-income individuals. 

H.R. 3504 would impose new legal requirements related to the provision of abortion services in certain circumstances, which would likely have a chilling effect, reducing access to care.

If the President were presented with H.R. 3134 or H.R. 3504, he would veto them. 

H.R. 348 – Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development Act of 2015

(Rep. Marino, R-PA, and 21 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 348, which would undercut responsible decision-making and public involvement in the Federal environmental review and permitting processes.  As the Administration said when virtually identical legislation was considered previously, H.R. 348 would increase litigation, regulatory delays, and potentially force agencies to approve a project if the review and analysis cannot be completed before the proposed arbitrary deadlines.  This legislation would complicate the regulatory process and create two sets of standards for Federal agencies to follow to review projects – one for "construction projects" and one for all other Federal actions, such as rulemakings or management plans.

This Administration is committed to modernizing the Federal permitting and review process for major infrastructure projects to provide certainty for project applicants, reducing the aggregate time it takes to conduct reviews and make permitting decisions, and producing measurably better environmental and community outcomes.  However, the Administration strongly rejects the legislation's premise that public input and responsible agency decision-making under current law hinders job creation.  The Administration believes that H.R. 348, if enacted, would lead to more confusion and delay, limit public participation in the permitting process, and ultimately hamper economic growth. 

The Administration supports efforts to improve the efficiency of the environmental review processes without diminishing requirements for rigorous analyses, agency consultation, and public participation.  Since 2011, the Administration has prioritized improving the environmental review process and continues to make advancements in this space that will improve interagency coordination and synchronization of reviews to increase decision-making speed; improve project siting and application quality; expand innovative mitigation approaches; and drive accountability and transparency through the expanded use of an online permitting dashboard.  For example, under Executive Order 13604, the interagency infrastructure permitting steering committee established the permitting dashboard, which makes project schedules transparent to the public and is designed to improve the timeliness and environmental outcomes of the permitting process.  In the coming months, additional projects requiring complex permitting actions will be posted to the dashboard in an effort to improve project delivery.

If the President were presented with H.R. 348, his senior advisors would recommend that he veto the bill.

H.R. 758 – Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015

(Rep. Smith, R-TX, and 6 cosponsors)

The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 758 because it is both unnecessary and counterproductive.  H.R. 758 would limit the discretion of courts for violations of Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.  Rule 11 requires attorneys to certify pre-filing that pleadings are not presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation.  H.R. 758 would require courts to impose monetary sanctions, including court costs and attorney fees, for any Rule 11 violation.  The bill would eliminate the safe harbor provision that currently allows attorneys to correct or withdraw a filing before Rule 11 proceedings commence.  H.R. 758 would also circumvent the usual procedure for amending the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

H.R. 758 was introduced to curb a perceived increase in frivolous litigation; however, the proposed changes to Rule 11 will actually increase litigation.  By creating an automatic financial incentive, and by removing the safe harbor provision, the proposed changes to Rule 11 could dramatically increase the number of sanctions motions, including those filed against Federal government attorneys, and correspondingly increase the risk of financial exposure for any conduct that might be considered a Rule 11 violation.  In short, H.R. 758 would raise the amount and cost of civil litigation and provide more opportunity for unnecessary delay and harassment.

The Administration is particularly concerned that the new requirements could be used to target consumer and civil rights plaintiffs.  Consumer abuse and civil rights cases can rely heavily on the discovery process to prove the merits of their claims.  In addition, civil rights cases often seek to challenge the law or to extend existing precedents.  The threat of mandatory sanctions for failure to withstand a Rule 11 challenge could chill meritorious claims by deterring worthy plaintiffs, who often lack the financial resources to pay costs and fees, from challenging existing laws or seeking novel interpretations of them.

The bill is also opposed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the principal policymaking body for the Judicial Branch charged with proposing amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure under the careful, deliberate process outlined in the Rules Enabling Act.  The Congress has tasked the Judicial Conference to serve as the principal policymaking body for the Judicial Branch.  The Congress has thus empowered the Federal judiciary to make its own procedural rules, retaining the right to review those rules and to accept, modify, or reject them.  H.R. 758 is an attempt to amend the rules directly, over the objections of the Judicial Conference.

Source: Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget

Cuomo: 'Carey Was the Epitome of an Outstanding Public Servant'

 

Governor Andrew Cuomo on the Passing of Carey Gabay

“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Carey Gabay. “Carey was the epitome of an outstanding public servant. He held a tremendous commitment to his community, and he chose to use his many talents to better the lives of others. New York is undeniably a better place today because of his service. He was also a friend and role model to the many people who were blessed to have known him, and he will be greatly missed. “Today, the State of New York has lost one of its finest young men. “I thank the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who did everything they could to care for Carey. I also am incredibly appreciative to the men and women of the NYPD who stood watch over Carey and his family day in and day out since his shooting. “I ask that all New Yorkers please join me in keeping Carey’s family in their thoughts and prayers – especially his wife Trenelle Gabay, his mother and stepfather Audrey and Rupert McNaughton, his sisters Crystal Gabay Nurse and Stephanie Gabay Smith, his brother Aaron McNaughton, and his mother-in-law Rosemarrie Campbell. No one should have to experience the pain of losing someone they love to random gun violence, and his family is in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

'Let's Talk': Presidential Conference Call

The President Speaks with Governor Jerry Brown

The following was submitted to From The G-Man on September 16. 

Today, the President called California Governor Jerry Brown to receive an update on the recent wildfires and express his concern about the devastating impacts on the state of California and its citizens. He expressed his gratitude for the brave firefighters, local authorities, and emergency managers who have worked tirelessly to combat these devastating fires and evacuate people out of harm’s way. The President made clear that his Administration will continue to support the state and local efforts. He reiterated that the Administration is committed to fixing the way the nation pays for wildfire suppression, reducing the risk of future catastrophic wildfires, and continuing to work closely with Governor Brown in preparing California for the impacts of a changing climate. The President told Governor Brown that his thoughts and prayers are with the people of California during these difficult times.  

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

U.S. Provides Additional Humanitarian Aid to Yemen

 

The following statement was issued by National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price.

The United States today announced over $89 million in new humanitarian aid to help people affected by the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where escalating violence has left 80 percent of the country’s population in need of urgent aid. This new funding will provide emergency food assistance, safe drinking water, improved sanitation, emergency shelter, life-saving medical care, nutrition services, and protection for vulnerable populations. It includes nearly $32 million in food assistance. This latest commitment brings the total U.S. humanitarian assistance for this crisis to nearly $170 million in fiscal year 2015. The United States provided nearly $114 million in fiscal year 2014, and we remain the largest donor of food assistance to Yemen.

This announcement comes as nearly 13 million people in Yemen are facing food shortages, and if current conditions persist, more will struggle to meet their food needs over the coming months. Across the country, 1.8 million children are likely to suffer from some form of malnutrition in 2015 — 1 million more children than last year.

U.S. assistance will be delivered by our implementing partners through Yemen's sea and airports and through distribution networks inside the country. King Salman of Saudi Arabia this month at the White House committed to work with the Coalition and international partners to allow for unfettered access to assistance, including fuel, to the impacted people of Yemen. King Salman also committed to enabling the reopening of Yemen's Red Sea ports to humanitarian and commercial traffic; this will be one critical element of restoring the vital imports that provide the bulk of the country's food, fuel, and other life-sustaining supplies. Consistent with these commitments, we look forward to all parties allowing unfettered access to Yemen's ports and airports, respecting the neutrality of humanitarian workers, and allowing them to travel safely in all parts of the country and cross battle-lines in order to meet the urgent needs of the Yemeni people.

The United States continues to support efforts by United Nations Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed to bring together Yemenis to de-escalate the conflict, which will also significantly help the humanitarian situation. We were disappointed by recent statements that suggested that UN-facilitated peace talks might be delayed. It is clear that the Yemeni people want the fighting to end as soon as possible.  Consistent with the Security Council’s statement last week, we again call on all parties to participate in these peace talks without any preconditions. 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary 

President Obama Remarks to the Business Roundtable

 

President Obama delivered remarks at a quarterly meeting of the Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs from top U.S. companies. 

Click here for video.
 

Source: C-Span

Hearing on Military Operations Against the Islamic State

 

General Lloyd Austin, U.S. Central Command leader, testified at a hearing on the status of U.S.-led military efforts to combat ISIS* militants in Iraq and Syria.

* The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or DAISH/DAESH in Arabic is a militant group that has called itself the Islamic State.

Click here for video.

Source: C-Span

Hearing on Electronic Privacy Reforms

Officials from government and the world of technology testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on updating the 30-year old electronic privacy law. A new bill would require search warrants based on probable cause to get access to certain data. 

Click here for video. 

Source: C-Span

Gina McCarthy on EPA Toxic River Spill

 

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy testified at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing at hearing on the toxic river spill caused by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and one of its contractors near the closed Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado. The rupture released 3 million gallons of waste water from the mine into the Animas River and contained lead, arsenic, and cadmium.

Click here for video.

Source: C-Span

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Visit the White House on November 9

President Obama on November 9, 2015 will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. The President looks forward to discussing with the Prime Minister regional security issues, including implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to peacefully and verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and countering Tehran's destabilizing activities. The President also looks forward to discussing Israel's relations with the Palestinians, the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and the need for the genuine advancement of a two-state solution. Prime Minister Netanyahu's visit is a demonstration of the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel as well as the unprecedented security cooperation, including our close consultations to further enhance Israel's security.

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

'Let's Talk': Presidential Conference Calls

 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore

President Obama called Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore yesterday to congratulate him and his party on their recent electoral success.  The President underscored his admiration for Singapore’s achievements, particularly this year as Singapore celebrates its 50^th birthday.  President Obama and Prime Minister Lee discussed ongoing cooperation on critical issues of mutual interest, including concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership and addressing regional security.

Tony Abbot and Malcolm Turnbull of Australia

President Obama called Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull of Australia yesterday.  President Obama thanked Tony Abbott for his strong support and contribution to the U.S.-Australia bilateral relationship and for his partnership on a number of issues of mutual concern.  He also wished Mr. Abbott well on his next endeavor.

President Obama congratulated Malcolm Turnbull on his selection as Prime Minister.  The President said he looked forward to working with Prime Minister Turnbull on the range of issues that are of mutual interest, including regional security, the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the continuing effort to address national security concerns such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

President Xi Jinping to Visit White House on September 25

 

President Obama will host Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the White House for an official State Visit on September 25, 2015.  This reciprocates President Obama’s State Visit to China in November 2014.

President Xi’s visit will present an opportunity to expand U.S.-China cooperation on a range of global, regional, and bilateral issues of mutual interest, while also enabling President Obama and President Xi to address areas of disagreement constructively. 

The President and Mrs. Obama will host President Xi and Madame Peng Liyuan at an official State Dinner on the evening of September 25.

 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary

Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance in the United States in 2014

WASHINGTON, DC – Jason Furman, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Sandra Black, Member of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Matt Fiedler, Chief Economist, issued the following blog post on today’s report from the Census Bureau.

Today’s report from the Census Bureau shows that real median income rose in 2014 for both family households (e.g., related people living together) and non-family households (e.g., a single person living alone). Overall median household income declined as the share of family households decreased. The official poverty rate held steady in 2014, while the supplemental poverty rate—which includes the effects of key anti-poverty policies—declined. Over the past two years, the child poverty rate has declined more than in any two-year period since 2000. The fraction of the population without health insurance declined sharply as the Affordable Care Act’s major coverage provisions took effect, falling in all fifty states in 2014. Continued employment and wage growth so far this year suggests that incomes are rising in 2015. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other policies have contributed to recent improvements in incomes, and the President’s commitments to extending refundable tax credits enacted under the Recovery Act and implementing an EITC for childless workers will further strengthen these positive trends.

FIVE KEY POINTS IN TODAY’S REPORT FROM THE CENSUS BUREAU 

1. Real median income for family households rose $408 in 2014, while real median income for non-family households also rose but overall median household income declined. All households are considered either “family households” (those with persons related by birth, marriage, or adoption) or “non-family households,” and median income for both these groups rose in 2014. At the same time, overall median household income fell as the number of family households (who have a relatively high median income of $68,000) fell and the number of non-family households (who have a relatively low median income of $32,000) surged. Fuller analysis is needed to understand the dynamics between family and non-family households and the implications for income comparisons.

 (Click on the graph to increase its size.)

2. Median household income growth tends to follow aggregate weekly earnings growth—which would suggest strong income growth in 2015. Aggregate weekly earnings reflects the total amount earned by private sector workers—the product of employment, hours worked per week, and wages earned per hour. Accordingly, aggregate earnings are conceptually linked more closely to household income than to wages, since both income and aggregate earnings reflect the influence of rising employment as well as rising wages. The below chart shows that median household income growth has been closely related to growth in aggregate weekly earnings in recent decades—with an unusually large disconnect between the two measures in 2014. Aggregate weekly earnings growth in 2014 implied a 1.0 percent increase in real median household income—as compared to the 1.5 percent decrease that was realized. The reasons for the disconnect are unclear, although it could reflect the changing composition of family and non-family households against a backdrop of rising household formation (see point 1). Aggregate earnings in 2015 so far have grown much faster than last year as the long-term trend of labor market improvement has persistent. The historical relationship implies strong median household income growth in 2015 when the data become available next year. 

3. Over the past two years, the child poverty rate declined more than in any two-year period since 2000. The child poverty rate declined 1.9 percentage points in 2013 and 0.4 percentage point in 2014. The overall official poverty rate was unchanged in 2014. But when using the supplemental poverty measure—an alternative poverty gauge that reflects the impact of key anti-poverty policies—overall poverty declined from 15.8 percent to 15.3 percent in 2014. The child poverty rate also declined under the supplemental poverty measure in 2014, by a full 1.4 percentage points from 18.1 percent to 16.7 percent.

4. The supplemental poverty measure (SPM), which declined 0.5 percentage point in 2014, includes the direct effects of key anti-poverty policies like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The SPM is widely acknowledged to measure poverty more accurately than the official measure. Unlike the official measure, the SPM uses a post-tax and post-transfer concept of resources that combines earnings with assistance from government programs, including cash transfers and the cash-equivalent of in-kind transfers like food assistance—minus net tax liabilities, which can be negative for families receiving refundable tax credits like the EITC or Child Tax Credit (CTC), and necessary expenditures on work, child care, and health care. Together, 9.8 million Americans are above the poverty line who would fall below it but for refundable tax credits, and other programs account for similar totals. Social Security (whose benefits are also included in the official poverty measure) accounts for 25.9 million people who would otherwise fall below the poverty line. The President supports continuing these trends by extending the refundable tax credits enacted under the Recovery Act and implementing an EITC for childless workers.

5. The share of people without health insurance coverage declined in every single state in the country in 2014—for the first time in the history of the series—as the Affordable Care Act’s major coverage provisions took effect. The new American Community Survey (ACS) data show that all states saw coverage gains in 2014, but the magnitude of those gains varied widely by state. Notably, states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act saw a 3.4 percentage point decline in their uninsured rate, about 1.5 times as large as the 2.3 percentage point decline in states that did not expand the program. The causal effect of Medicaid expansion on state uninsured rates is likely even larger since non-expansion states had higher uninsured rates prior to 2014, and states with more uninsured tended to see larger coverage gains during 2014. Although the ACS is not the first survey to report estimates of state-level trends in insurance coverage in 2014 and beyond, the survey’s extremely large size allows it to provide particularly precise estimates. 

Today’s Census release also included estimates of the national change in the uninsured rate based on the Current Population Survey (CPS). According to the CPS, the national uninsured rate dropped by 2.9 percentage points from 13.3 percent in 2013 to 10.4 percent in 2014, broadly consistent with findings from earlier Federal and private surveys for that time period. These other surveys have found that rapid progress in reducing the uninsured rate has continued during 2015, with further declines in the uninsured rate of at least 2 percentage points as of early 2015. Following these sustained declines, the uninsured rate is now at its lowest level ever. 

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary 

$3.3 Million in Back Wages, Damages and Settlements for 800 Workers

Recent investigations to protect exploited workers in New York State have led to nearly $3.3 million in back wages, damages and settlements for 800 workers. These efforts have included a targeted wage investigation of car washes that uncovered more than $446,000 in underpayments; an investigation of supermarket locations that found hundreds workers who hadn’t been receiving the proper wages; and more than $1 million in settlements or ordered damages for employees who alleged unlawful discrimination against their employers.

“A fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work is a right and New York has zero tolerance for those who seek to exploit workers and deny them what they are rightfully owed,” Governor Cuomo said. “This administration will continue to crack down on wage theft and other unlawful employment practices across this state, helping to ensure opportunity and equality are available to all.”

The Governor announced the results of these recent investigations at the Upstate Latino Summit, where he received the “Champion of Diversity in Upstate Communities Award,” in recognition of his commitment to generating economic opportunities and employment for Latinos in the Upstate region. The award was presented by Hilda Rosario Escher, President and CEO of the Ibero-American Action League.

As part of the Governor’s state-wide efforts to crack down on worker exploitation, state investigators conduct investigations spanning MANY industries where there are low-wage workers -- including nail salons, restaurants, construction companies, grocery stores and car washes. Workers are often victimized through wage theft, human trafficking, retaliation, unsafe or unsanitary working conditions, unstable or unscheduled hours and illegal deductions for supplies, training or uniforms.

The State works with a variety of stakeholders, including advocacy organizations, labor unions, BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, employees and members of the public, in identifying potential violations of law and regulations. 

Protecting Car Wash Workers
In late May, State investigators -- acting on tips from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, New York Communities for Change and Make The Road New York -- visited 11 car washes in Brooklyn and interviewed 77 workers. The Department of Labor met off-site with groups of workers after hours to gather additional information. Since the investigation, the State has identified more than $446,000 in underpayments, along with more than $111,000 in liquidated damages, both owed to 97 workers. The businesses must also pay $30,000 in penalties.

Since January 2011, the Department of Labor has investigated wage theft complaints at 98 car washes throughout the State. These investigations found 91 violations and have led to more than $211,000 being returned to more than 130 workers.

Protecting Restaurant Workers
Between January and June 2015, State investigators identified more than $680,000 in wage underpayments and liquidated damages against restaurants in located in Queens. Investigators visited 10 restaurants in Queens and found 43 workers who were not being paid the proper wages or overtime. Businesses were also assessed $35,000 in penalties.

In Manhattan during the same time period, State investigators visited nine restaurants and found $588,000 in wage underpayments and liquidated damages for 64 workers. The businesses were also assessed $25,000 in penalties.

Earlier this year, Acting Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino issued a wage order, based on the recommendations of the Hospitality Wage Board, to raise the wages for tipped hospitality workers state-wide beginning Dec. 31, 2015.  

Protecting Supermarket Workers
A similar investigation was launched at 25 C-Town Supermarket locations in Brooklyn. Between December 2014 and January 2015, State investigators have uncovered more than $360,000 in wage underpayments for 323 workers. They have also assessed nearly $90,000 in liquidated damages which will also be paid to workers.

Several of the locations were found to be in compliance with the law and some have already paid their workers the wages owed. Other locations have entered into payment plans or remain under investigation.

Protecting Farm Workers
During the first six months of 2015, State Agriculture Labor Specialists assisted in recovering more than $9,000 in back wages for 23 farm workers who were underpaid.

Agriculture Labor Specialists on Long Island and north of New York City also found and referred state and federal law violations related to farm worker housing. These included unsafe housing conditions, non-potable water, overcrowding and more. Suspected cases of retaliation and labor trafficking were also referred.

During the first half of 2015, State investigators conducted more than 380 field visits and met with 300 agricultural businesses to offer hiring assistance and educate employers about labor law compliance and available resources. The agency has increased the number of field visits, reduced the number of violations and is protecting workers by helping more businesses comply with the law.

Providing Relief for Workers Subject to Unlawful Discrimination
In addition to recovering wages for workers, the State is working to continuously protect workers from race, national origin, disability, sex and other discrimination in the workplace. Since June 2015, the Division of Human Rights has achieved settlements or ordered damages totaling over $1 million on behalf of over 250 employees across New York State who alleged unlawful employment discrimination against employers in a variety of industries, including retail, food service, hospitality, building maintenance and health care. 

For example, in the supermarket industry over the past three months, the State Division of Human Rights ordered damages or achieved settlements totaling over $100,000 in 10 discrimination complaints statewide. After a July hearing, the Division ordered a supermarket located in Queens to pay $8,215.90 in back pay and compensatory damages and fined the store an additional $5,000 after a diabetic cashier was terminated for asking to take breaks during her shift to use the restroom. Although store policy was to allow employees two breaks per shift, the cashier’s manager only permitted her to have one break per eight-hour period. After complaining of feeling faint one day, the store fired the cashier.

In August, the Division settled a complaint for $5,500 from an employee of a waste management company in Holbrook who filed an employment discrimination complaint based on race and retaliation. The employee alleged he was harassed, denied promotions and other benefits, and eventually terminated.

Helping All Exploited Workers
These targeted investigations into abuses in certain industries are part of Governor Cuomo’s efforts to help all exploited workers.
 

In May, Governor Cuomo announced the Nail Salon Task Force to lead a multi-pronged effort to improve the nail salon industry in New York State. The efforts have already included statutory, regulatory and administrative changes.

In July, building upon his initiative to protect nail salon workers, the Governor announced a first-of-its-kind state-wide task force to root out worker exploitation issues in multiple industries in New York State. The Task Force, composed of 10 State agencies, will identify and halt illegal practices in more industries across the State.

Enforcement efforts will focus on industries with the highest rates of employer non-compliance and where workers are least likely to come forward, for fear of retaliation. Specifically, industries were selected based on geographic or community isolation of the workforce within the industry, danger of the occupation based on reported death rates, state-wide investigator experiences, prevalence of off the books employment by industry and statistics, and percentage of the immigrant workforce in each industry.

Anyone with questions or who is concerned about proper wages, safe working conditions or other violations, should contact the Task Force Hotline at (888) 469-7365.

Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign
In addition to efforts to combat worker exploitation, earlier this month, the Governor launched the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign. This will include pushing to further raise New York’s minimum wage in 2016, with a goal of $15 an hour. As the Governor said, this is the “single most progressive action we can take to help the families of this state.”

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo    

Complaints of Scams Involving Online Car Purchases on the Rise in New York

Governor Andrew Cuomo today issued a consumer alert advising New Yorkers to exercise caution when making used car purchases from private sellers over the internet following an increase in the number of complaints about online used car scams received by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles investigators. Each year, these state investigators, working with other federal, state and local officials, recover as much as $1.5 million in stolen vehicles and parts purchased online.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said Governor Cuomo. “Many of the protections afforded to consumers who buy from licensed dealers do not apply to private sales, making the Internet a target-rich environment for fraudsters. I advise all New Yorkers to know the facts and thoroughly research what you’re about to purchase in order to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.”

State investigators receive an average of two dozen complaints per month from across the state, a majority of which are related to online scams. Such complaints led to the arrests of six individuals for engaging in fraudulent vehicle sales in the month of August alone.

The Department of Motor Vehicles has identified two common used car and online scams:

Individuals who sell stolen and cars post them online using ads that state they “need quick cash” or are selling the vehicle “before a divorce,” or similar “fire sale” situations. Typically the cars are offered for far below market value or are “cash only” sales, and the titles are counterfeit or belong to a different vehicle.  

Individuals who conceal or alter vehicle ownership documents by covering “brands” on vehicle titles or altering odometer information to conceal alterations to the odometer. Scammers do this to increase the value of the vehicle at the point of sale.  

This summer, investigators encountered nearly 20 victims of these types of scams. Individuals arrested in these cases can face criminal charges for forgery, criminal impersonation, criminal possession of stolen property and other felonies.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan said, “A vehicle purchase is typically one of the largest consumer purchases that an individual makes, so buyers should take some extra time to make sure the car they are buying is a car that can be sold legitimately. Buyers should consider the red flags. If cars are priced very low, if sellers can’t meet you in person or want cash only, and if postings are missing personal information for sellers, take extra caution. I urge everyone to be familiar with the risks of buying cars online.”

Used car scams happen across the state, and are not unique to the internet; scams can happen even if the car is being sold in front of a seller’s house or by a used car dealer. While purchasing a vehicle from a private seller over the internet may be cheaper, there are disadvantages to buying cars online. Private sellers rarely offer a warranty, and if a buyer has a complaint about the vehicle or purchase, they are typically left to resolve the problem with, or take legal action against, the seller. By contrast, the Used Car Lemon Law requires dealers to give consumers a written warranty under which dealers must repair, free of charge, any defect in covered parts.

There are several precautions New Yorkers can take to protect themselves against scammers. When buying a used car online:  

Check for flood damage and evidence that a vehicle has been damaged by a natural disaster. If the vehicle has been exposed to water, over time, parts of the car will start corroding. Check under the carpets, dashboard, and elsewhere for signs of rust or mold.

Be wary of cars that may have been involved in a serious crash. Look for differing colors or signs of body damage, especially in the engine compartment or trunk of the car. Start the car and make sure the airbag and other warning lights come on and then off to ensure the systems are operating correctly.

Have the car examined by a qualified mechanic to ensure that the car is safe. 

Don't pay with cash.

Make sure that you receive acceptable proof of ownership. If you are purchasing a vehicle in New York State, be cautious if the proof of ownership is out of state title or the prior owner listed is different than the person selling you the vehicle.

Become familiar with the Department Motor Vehicle’s requirements for registering and issuing title certificates for used cars. 

If available, check the vehicle identification number (VIN) against the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCheck service. A link to this free service is available on the Department Motor Vehicle’s webpage. This will assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by coopering National Insurance Crime Bureau member insurance companies.

Check the VIN with a service that will conduct a complete vehicle history such as CARFAX or NMVTIS.

For more information about the Department of Motor Vehicles, visit dmv.ny.gov.  

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo