Governor David Paterson and legislative leaders have announced today that any state bailout for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will not include tolls on the East and Harlem River Bridges.

“The framework I see is that the Senate has really eliminated what my choice would be, which would be to have the tolls. If that’s the case, then we’re going to have to try to find alternative ways to come up with several hundred million dollars that would replace what would have been the revenues generated by the tolls,” said Gov. Paterson.

The State Senate’s Democrat majority has taken the tolls completely off the table, most senate republicans are also against the tolls. Another proposal to bailout the MTA’s massive fare and toll hike would be an increase in payroll tax; a business tax within the counties served by the transit authority.

Starting tomorrow, April 1, New York City smokers will have to pay $9 or more for a pack of cigarettes.

Press Release from the NYC Department of Heath and Mental Hygiene Website:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Release # 010-09 Tuesday, March 31, 2009 CONTACT: Health: Jessica Scaperotti/Sara Markt, PressOffice@health.nyc.gov, (212)788-5290 HHC: Evelyn Hernández, evelyn.hernandez@nychhc.org, (212) 788-3339

	Cigarette Prices Will Top $9 per Pack in New York City Tomorrow Health Department and the Health & Hospitals Corporation offer to help New Yorkers quit
	<!– –> March 31, 2009 – Starting tomorrow, New York City smokers will have to pay $9 or more for a pack of cigarettes. The 62-cent federal excise tax increase that takes effect on April 1st will push the cost of cigarettes to more than $250 a month for people smoking a pack a day. As many as 20,000 adult New Yorkers are expected to quit smoking as a result of the measure – a response that would prevent more than 6,000 premature deaths. To help New Yorkers who want to quit, the City will offer free nicotine patches at Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) locations and other community sites across the five boroughs. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit one of the locations below to take advantage of this one-day giveaway. “Now is the time to quit,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Smoking is hurting your health and your wallet. For the many New Yorkers looking to save money during these tough times, this is a great way to do it. You will feel better, your families will be safer, and you will save thousands of dollars.” “Smokers who quit at any age reduce their risk of tobacco-related disease and prolong their lives,” said Alan D. Aviles, president of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. “Over the past three years, we have helped more than 25,000 patients to quit smoking successfully. Research suggests that at least one-third of these patients, or about 8,000 former smokers, will avoid smoking-related disease and premature death as a result.” QuitSmoking Clinics at the city public hospitals provide comprehensive treatment for tobacco use. HHC offers individuals a variety of ways to stop smoking, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and case management to help patients remain engaged in treatment. New Yorkers can call 311 for more information. Tax increases are the single most effective way to help smokers quit. When New York State’s cigarette tax rose by $1.25 per pack last year (from $1.50 to $2.75), the jolt prompted more than 2,700 calls to 311 for help to quit over the course of one week – three times the number of calls during the same period in the prior year. New York City has 300,000 fewer adult smokers today than in 2002 – thanks in part to price increases – and smoking has dropped 52 percent among public high school students since 2001. Making cigarettes more expensive is especially effective in preventing young people from starting smoking because few can afford such an expensive habit. “The increase will prevent many children from ever starting smoking,” added Dr. Frieden. “This is a powerful way to improve the health of future generations.” New York City cigarettes became the most expensive in the nation last June, and will remain the priciest tomorrow, when the federal tax jumps from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack, pushing the total tax to $5.26 per pack. Tips on Quitting Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes. Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan. Make a list of reasons why you want to quit. Make a list of family and friends who will support you. Avoid triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and other smokers. Exercise to relieve stress, and improve your mood. Try a brisk 30-minute walk at least four days a week Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as patches, lozenges or gum, which can double your chances of quitting. No-cost patches will be available throughout the city on April 1. Get them by visiting one of the following locations or by calling 311. Click to enlarge. ###

Press Release from Con Edison’s Website:

Con Edison Media Relations
For Immediate Release: March 30, 2009
5:30 p.m.

EARTH HOUR NETS POSITIVE RESULTS

New Yorkers Shave Off 65 Megawatt Hours

NEW YORK – New Yorkers trimmed their electrical use by approximately 65 megawatt hours (MWh) over a 90-minute period on Saturday night during Earth Hour, compared to a similar day last year. The energy savings is equivalent to powering 65,000 homes.

Con Edison control room operators reported that while Earth Hour was scheduled between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., New Yorkers began shutting off lights and other electrical devices starting at 8 p.m. Con Edison engineers noted that the energy savings lasted until approximately 9:30 p.m.

Con Edison joined forces with the World Wildlife Fund, the organizers of Earth Hour, to encourage New Yorkers to turn off non-essential lights and electrical appliances. The company also shut off clock tower lights at its main office, 4 Irving Place, during the event.

Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE: ED], one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and $33 billion in assets.  The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than 3 million customers in New York City and Westchester County, New York.  For additional financial, operations and customer service information, visit Con Edison’s Web site at www.conEd.com.

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From the FDA Website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2009

Media Inquiries: Susan Cruzan, 301-796-4675 Stephanie Kwisnek, 301-796-4737 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Alerts Consumers to Recall of Certain Pistachios
FDA and California Inspectors Identify Salmonella

The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif. The company has stopped all distribution of processed pistachios and will issue a voluntary recall involving approximately 1 million pounds of its products. Because the pistachios were used as ingredients in a variety of foods, it is likely this recall will impact many products. In addition, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional pistachio product recalls.

The contamination involves multiple strains of Salmonella. Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios. It is not yet known whether any of the Salmonella strains found in the pistachio products are linked to an outbreak. The FDA is conducting genetic testing of the samples to pursue all links.

FDA is working closely with the pistachio industry and recommends that consumers avoid eating pistachio products until further information is available about the scope of affected products.

FDA will provide a searchable database of affected products at www.fda.gov and will continue to update the public.

FDA first learned of the problem on March 24, when it was informed by Kraft Foods that its Back To Nature Trail Mix was found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Kraft had identified the source of the contamination to be pistachios from Setton and conducted a recall.

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]]> http://riverdalenews.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/fda-pistachios-recall-salmonella/feed/ 0 RiverdaleNews http://riverdalenews.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/new-fdny-policy-excessive-overtime/ http://riverdalenews.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/new-fdny-policy-excessive-overtime/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:17:24 +0000 RiverdaleNews http://riverdalenews.wordpress.com/?p=188 ]]> New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta has announced a new policy to curb excessive overtime by limiting the amount of extra hours uniformed personnel can work in non-firefighting assignments.

Press Release from the FDNY Website:

FIRE COMMISSIONER IMPLEMENTS NEW POLICY TO
CONTROL EXCESSIVE OVERTIME

Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced a new internal policy to curb excessive overtime by limiting the amount of extra hours uniformed personnel can work in non-firefighting assignments.

The new policy limits the amount of “discretionary” – or administrative – overtime that firefighters, fire officers and fire marshals can earn each year. The Department’s new policy sets a limit of 325 total overtime hours annually.

This new directive will not impact public safety and does not apply to contractually obligated or operationally mandated overtime used to fill positions in the field, such as fire unit staffing or overtime granted for working at the scene of an emergency.

“This policy will result in a more equitable distribution of necessary overtime spending for training and administrative functions,” said Commissioner Scoppetta, noting some individuals have recently worked excessive amounts of overtime that should, instead, be made available to a larger pool of employees. The new policy will also save on pension costs as overtime gets factored into pension calculations.

Under the new policy, effective immediately, an Overtime Control Office will be established to monitor overtime earnings in every unit at the Fire Department. A quarterly review will involve assuring individuals are not exceeding the 81.25 hour per quarter cap (325 hours annually). The office reports directly to Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano, FDNY’s highest-ranking uniformed officer. Any request to exceed the quarterly 81.25-hour cap must be approved in writing by the Chief of Department.

Governor Paterson, Majority Leader Smith and Speaker Silver. (3/27/09- Photo from NY.gov)

New York State officials agreed to ease drug laws put in place over 30 years ago.

On Friday, Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced a set of reforms to State’s Rockefeller Drug Laws. The three state leaders say current drug laws are too harsh and outdated. Under the agreement judges will have the authority to divert non-violent addicts to treatment instead of jail. Lawmakers say it will also save the state hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Republican legislators and law enforcement officials immediately held a press conference after Governor Paterson’s  announcement. Opponents to the reform agreement say it will  increase crime and give current prisoners a “get-out-of-jail card.”  They also argue that drug dealers and users can have their records conditionally sealed,  employers will not be able to check if a hire has a repeated substance abuse problem.

Press Release from the Office of the NYS Governor:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 27, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE THREE-WAY AGREEMENT TO REFORM NEW YORK STATE’S ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

Sweeping Reform Ends Harsh Sentences for Non-violent Addicts

Focuses on Treatment Rather than Punishment to End the Cycle of Addiction

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Governor David A. Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver today announced a three-way agreement calling for sweeping reform of the State’s Rockefeller Drug Laws. The agreement eliminates the harsh sentences that the Rockefeller Drug Laws mandated by giving judges total authority to divert non-violent addicts to treatment and greatly expanding drug treatment programs. The agreement strikes a careful and appropriate balance to ensure that non-violent addicted offenders get the treatment they need while predatory kingpins get the punishment they deserve.

“I have been fighting to overhaul the drug laws and restore judicial discretion in narcotics cases since I began my career in public service as a State Senator nearly a quarter-century ago,” Governor Paterson said. “As a resident and representative of Harlem, I saw first-hand the devastating effect that drugs have on our communities, and the devastating effect that ill-considered drug laws and drug policies have had on individuals, families and neighborhoods.”

The Governor added: “I have seen too many lives destroyed by outrageously harsh and ineffective mandatory sentencing laws, and I have also seen too many lives ruined by despicable dealers who prey on the vulnerabilities and addictions of others. I believe this agreement strikes the right balance, and I urge the Legislature to enact it immediately, before more lives and communities are needlessly destroyed.”

Senate Majority Leader Smith said: “Today marks the beginning of a new era for New York’s sentencing laws. Rockefeller Drug Law reform will reverse years of ineffective criminal laws, protect communities and save taxpayers millions of dollars that were wasted on the current policy. With more money going toward treatment instead of costly imprisonment, our State will finally have a smarter policy, giving families a fighting chance in the war on drugs.”

Assembly Speaker Silver said: “Long before we had partners in either the Executive or in the Senate, the Assembly Majority was fighting for real reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. With this legislation, we have taken, at long last, a giant leap in establishing a more just, a more humane and a more effective drug policy in the State of New York. No longer will drug use and addiction be considered solely a criminal matter in this State, but a public health matter as well. This legislation recognizes that drug addiction is a disease which calls out for treatment rather than incarceration. I commend the tenacity and the dedication of my colleagues and the leadership of Assemblymembers Aubry, Lentol and Weinstein for their unyielding commitment to this issue.”

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson said: “Today, the Governor and the Legislature have agreed on a major change in public policy. We have created a balanced approach to drug addiction and crime. Our ability to reduce the flow of drugs in our communities is dependent on our ability to reduce the demand. We are now shifting resources to treat drug addiction as a medical problem. By diverting addicts to drug treatment courts, we believe we can get people off drugs and thereby reduce the demand for them. Study after study shows that our policies will make our communities safer and save the taxpayers millions of dollars. Today, we begin anew, offering offenders an opportunity to receive treatment, while maintaining that the safety and security of our neighborhoods, cities, and State remains paramount.”

Senator John L. Sampson said: “This is a promise made, and a promise kept. The Rockefeller Drug Laws have decimated communities and destroyed lives. Our Democratic conference said that once in the Majority we would be instrumental in making changes that positively impact all people across our State. Taking on this issue in our first year as the Majority shows the people that the Senate is serious and will not back down from the big issues. Reforms we made in 2004 were just a down payment, we’ve now paid off the mortgage. So I congratulate the Governor and members of the Assembly. I also congratulate my colleagues, Senators Schneiderman and Hassell-Thompson, who along with myself, were at the table and the forefront of the push to reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws.”

Senator Eric T. Schneiderman said: “This legislation delivers a big dose of sanity to our State’s sentencing practices. It will make our communities safer, save money and, most importantly, save lives. Thousands of people from every corner of this State will benefit from these reforms. Today NewYork chooses treatment over incarceration—30 years is enough.”

Assemblyman Jeffrion L. Aubry said: “My Assembly colleagues and I continue in our pledge not to give up our fight for greater reform of New York State’s ineffective and imprudent drug laws. While today’s agreement brings us closer to our goal, we recognize the need to do more. We will continue to work with our partners to completely reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws.”

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol said: “Thirty-six years ago I voted against the enactment of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. It was clear to me that simply locking drug offenders away without treatment would not be effective. I am pleased that we are finally towards turning this travesty around and judges will once again have more of the discretion they need.”

Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein said: “Judicial discretion has always been one of the core principles for which the Assembly has fought. With the expansion of drug courts and other options to treat addicts, we are moving toward dealing with the underlying problems of drug offenders – giving them the opportunity to get treatment and reduce recidivism in New York.”

The agreement will give judges the discretion to divert non-violent drug addicted individuals to treatment alternatives that are shown to be far more successful than prison in ending the cycle of addiction. Crucially, it also commits tens of millions of dollars to existing and new treatment programs.

“It makes no sense to give judges the authority to place non-violent addicted offenders into treatment if there is nowhere to treat them,” Governor Paterson said. “We must not only overhaul the drug laws, but also provide an infrastructure to ensure that we successfully rehabilitate those who are addicted.”

There are three significant pieces of the agreement. First, it creates a drug treatment program to be administered by drug court judges.

• • • Under this program, judges will have discretion to place addicted first and second-time drug offenders into judicially-approved alcohol and substance abuse treatment – over the objectionsof prosecutors.

• • • This agreement also recognizes that drug-addicted persons often commit other crimes, such as property and theft offenses. This agreement will make treatment available to these non-violent addicted offenders who commit these offenses.
    • The agreement maximizes an addicted offender’s chance of success in overcoming addiction, by relying on New York’s highly successful drug courts to administer the new treatment model. Drug courts use specially-trained judges who build relationships with offenders, closely monitor their progress and reward their successes. They are also staffed with case managers and vocational and employment specialists to assist offenders in obtaining education and jobs.

• • • For the first time, the agreement gives judges the authority to dismiss all charges or seal the arrest and conviction records of offenders who successfully complete a judicially-sanctioned treatment program. It also gives judges complete discretion to determine an appropriate penalty for those offenders who are unable to succeed in the treatment program.
    • The agreement recognizes that relapses are often part of recovery from long-term drug addiction. It would require judges to consider whether a non-incarceratory remedy, such as heightened supervision or more frequent testing and treatment, could effectively be used if an offender under court supervision suffers a relapse.
    • The agreement vastly expands the availability of drug treatment programs and commits tens of millions of dollars to inpatient treatment programs, outpatient treatment programs and community residential facilities.

• • • Recognizing that some offenders may require more supervision than can be provided through community-based drug treatment programs, the agreement expands the use of programs such as the “shock” incarceration program and the Willard drug treatment program, to give judges additional sentencing options for these offenders.
    • The agreement also permits the State Division of Parole to discharge early from continued parole supervision those drug offenders who have demonstrated success and rehabilitation while serving a term of post-release supervision.

Second, the agreement relieves new offenders from some of the old Rockefeller Drug Law’s mandatory sentencing provisions and provides additional relief to offenders who remain incarcerated under the old laws.

• • • The agreement eliminates mandatory State prison sentences for first-time class B felony drug offenders and second-time non-violent class C, D and E drug offenders, making them eligible for a term of probation that could also include drug treatment, or a local jail sentence.

• • • The agreement permits class B drug felons who meet eligibility criteria and who are currently serving Rockefeller Drug Law sentences to enter the six-month shock incarceration program when they are within three years of release. If successful, they would be entitled to early release from prison.
    • The agreement also requires the Board of Parole to consider current, lower sentencing ranges when deciding whether to release a class B drug offender to parole supervision.

Third, the agreement ensures that offenders who are not addicted, but who profit from the addictions of others, are appropriately sentenced to State prison.

• • • The Governor believes that law enforcement should target drug kingpins instead of low-level drug users and his agreement creates a new drug “kingpin” offense that targets organized drug traffickers who profit from and prey on drug users.
  • • The agreement also creates new crimes to ensure that adults who sell drugs to children are appropriately required to serve time in State prison.

• • • Finally, the agreement retains mandatory prison sentences for class B predicate drug offenders, but allows judges to impose lower prison terms that are similar to those in other states.

Press Release from NY State Senator Dale Volker:

DRUGS, DRUGS, EVERYWHERE!

Move to Reform Current Drug Laws Will Destroy New York Families and Communities

(ALBANY, NY) Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) today voiced concerns on the Governor, Senate and Assembly Democrats’ Agreement to allow drug felons a “get out of jail free card” is shortsighted and a dangerous precedent that will destroy communities, harm families and lead to the decriminalization of illegal narcotics. The Rockefeller Drug Laws, a series of stringent anti-drug measures passed in 1973 which were once considered among the strongest in the nation, have been reformed numerous times since their conception and were dramatically reformed in 2004.

Our citizens should be concerned. Just recently The United State’s Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said about the escalating drug violence in Mexico, “We know very well that the drug traffickers are motivated by the demand for illegal drugs in the United States….” Governor Paterson, Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s “pro criminal and pro drugs” agreement will exacerbate this demand of illegal narcotics flowing into our country and state. We are adding fuel to the fire and have turned our backs on those in our society who want to live, work and grow a family free of drug dealers, junkies, violence, and crime that is directly attributed to the drug culture. Looking into the future, one can imagine watching the movie “New Jack City,” where drug dealers and crooks control neighborhoods, poisoning their fellow neighbors and destroying their communities and futures.

The pro criminal and pro drug advocates have done a fine job misrepresenting and skewing the real successes that our district attorneys and law enforcement communities have achieved over the past 20 years. The number of incarcerated drug felons is at its lowest levels in 20 years, the overall prison population has declined to levels not seen since 1991. In fact, in 2008, more drug offenders participated in drug treatment than were sent to prison. It is my opinion that the right balance has been struck by the current drug laws. Additionally, New York has developed a number of programs that mitigate the effects of the Rockefeller Drug Laws either by combining elements of “shock” prison program and treatment with early release or by diverting certain prison-bound offenders into treatment as an alternative to prison. Amendments made to the drug laws in 2004 provided for reduced sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, and expanded “Alternative to Incarceration” programs aimed at diverting some drug addicts treatment so as to allow them to reenter society as productive citizens. From 2003 to 2007 the percentage of those arrested for drug felonies in New York State that resulted in incarceration dropped from 53% to 43% according to the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

One of the most regressive portions of this potential agreement is the stripping of power from district attorneys by not requiring their consent to transfer certain cases to drug court, and allowing drug dealers and users to have their records conditionally sealed. This is a criminal justice recipe for disaster. School districts and nursing homes who do background checks on potential employees will now not have the ability to know if that hire has had a substance abuse problem several times over.

This potential agreement does one thing extremely well. It lets out thousands of felons back on our streets so they can destroy lives, pollute our children’s’ future and reverse our hard-fought successes in stemming the scourge of illegal narcotics on our streets and neighborhoods,” said Senator Dale M. Volker. “If this drug proposal is adopted, it will undermine existing, demonstrably successful treatment programs for drug addicted users and offers no incentive to convince addicted offenders to enter and remain in treatment. There is no doubt in my mind that communities like Jackson Heights, Central Islip, Watertown, North Hempstead, and Bayside for example could be ground zero for drug turf wars.”

For several years now, Senate Republicans have worked diligently to adopt meaningful drug law reform. This is especially true when it concerns first time, nonviolent felony offenders who merit a second chance; as long as the individual is compelled to participate and complete meaningful substance abuse services and treatment. At the same time, we have always believed that stiffening criminal penalties for those drug dealers, especially armed drug dealers and those who use children to peddle their “death trade” must not be watered down.

“The drug law reform agreement not only concerns me greatly, but should be a concern to all law-abiding New Yorkers,” said Senator Dale M. Volker. “Ask everyday New Yorkers if they would prefer to live in safe neighborhoods, if they want to educate their children in safe scholastic environments, and if they want to live full, productive lives without the scourge of illegal narcotics destroying their families, children and neighborhoods. The answer to that is simple–Of course! If enacted, the drug agreement would trample these ideals.”

We need to stop the political posturing and come together on a drug reform proposal that can, and will, give a second chance to many who are addicted to illegal narcotics; and at the same time severely punish those who destroy futures by preying on vulnerable populations and our children. Now is the time to make realistic and responsible drug reform a reality. It is not a time to politicize, and insert regressive policy proposals, that would in fact poison a public policy issue of such magnitude simply to gain political points. We all realize that New York State wants to reinvigorate its manufacturing base. However, we should not be encouraging illegal narcotics manufacturing. Lets pass drug reform that is meaningful, not menacing.

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MTA ALERT: (As of 2:20 PM) “Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, all lanes closed both directions due to truck accident. Motorists please use alternate route, Throgs Neck Bridge.”

A large overhead sign collapsed onto the roadway below, the signs and it’s supports block all lanes in both directions. Injuries have been reported.

The Department of Education is investigating PS 24 Principal Philip Thayer Scharper over allegedly handing out Buddhist cards at the school and holding chants with a teacher “hate list.”

Parents of students at the Spuyten Duyvil Elementary School are calling for Scharper to resign or be removed. In addition to the obvious church and state violation, many say Scharper is an ineffective administrator. Scharper, a former professional ballet dancer, has been the principal of PS 24 for 2 years.

In related news, PS 24 will host a Parent Meeting on Thursday, April 2nd, at 7 PM.

Press Release from the Office of the NYS Governor’s Website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 25, 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON DIRECTS FLAGS TO BE FLOWN AT HALF-STAFF

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Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Friday, March 27, 2009, in honor of Rome, New York resident Marine Lance Corporal Daniel J. Geary, who died on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Farah Province, Afghanistan, and Fort Drum-based Private First Class (PFC) Adam J. Hardt, who died on Sunday, March 22, 2009, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Geary, a member of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, died while supporting combat operations.

PFC Hardt, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division based at Fort Drum, New York, died in a non-combat incident.

“On behalf of the residents of New York, I wish to express our condolences to the family, friends and fellow service members of Lance Corporal Daniel Geary and Private First Class Adam Hardt,” said Governor Paterson. “Both men served our country with respect, dignity and honor. We are forever grateful for their service.”

Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor and tribute to our State’s service members who are killed in action.

New York City’s unemployment rate jumped to 8.1% last month from 6.9% in January. According to data released by the New York State Department of Labor, New York State is at the highest unemployment rate (7.8%) since 1993.

Press Release from the New York State Department of Labor Website:

New York State’s Recession Deepened In February 2009
Private Sector Job Count Lengthens Decline, Highest Unemployment Rate Since 1993

Albany, NY (March 26, 2009) – New York State’s seasonally adjusted private sector job count decreased over the month by 25,900, or 0.4 percent, to 7,168,400 in February 2009, the State Labor Department reported today. Since its peak in August 2008, New York State’s private sector job count has declined by 145,800.New York State’s unemployment rate, after seasonal adjustment, rose from 7.0 percent in January to 7.8 percent in February 2009, its highest level since June 1993. The rate jumped 0.8 percentage points, matching the largest over-the-month increase on record. New York City’s rate climbed from 6.9 percent in January 2009 to 8.1 percent in February 2009, its highest rate since October 2003. The increase in New York City’s unemployment rate (+1.2 percentage points) was a record. The rate outside of New York City was 7.6 percent in February 2009, the highest since September 1983.

“New York State’s recession deepened in February 2009. In the past six months, the state has lost almost 150,000 private sector jobs, while the state’s unemployment rate climbed to its highest level in more than 15 years. Outside of New York City, the region’s unemployment rate stood at a 25-year high,” said Peter A. Neenan, Ph.D., director of the Division of Research and Statistics.

Note: When comparing different months, seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid comparison, for example, January 2009 versus February 2009. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, February 2008 versus February 2009.

1.) Unemployment rates (seasonally adjusted):

New York State’s unemployment rate, after seasonal adjustment, rose to 7.8 percent in February 2009, up from 7.0 percent in January 2009. The nation’s rate was 8.1 percent in February 2009, up from 7.6 percent in January. In New York City, the rate was 8.1 percent in February 2009, up from 6.9 percent in January. In February 2008, the city’s rate was 4.4 percent. The rate for New York State outside of New York City increased from 7.0 percent in January 2009 to 7.6 percent in February 2009. In February 2008, the rate for New York State outside of New York City was 4.8 percent.

	Unemployment Rates* (seasonally adjusted)
	February 2009	January 2009	February 2008
New York State	7.8	7.0	4.6
United States	8.1	7.6	4.8
New York City	8.1	6.9	4.4
NYS, excluding NYC	7.6	7.0	4.8
*Data are preliminary and subject to change.

2.) Unemployment Insurance and EUC08 data (not seasonally adjusted):

Under the Regular Unemployment Insurance (Regular UI) program, individuals who are involuntarily unemployed through no fault of their own may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits as long as they remain ready, willing and able to work, and are actively seeking employment. Under the temporary federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC08) program, enacted on June 30, 2008, as part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, claimants who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular benefits are eligible to receive up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. Federal legislation signed into law on November 21, 2008, added up to 20 more weeks to the original 13 weeks of EUC08 benefits. Currently, beneficiaries in New York State may receive up to 33 weeks of EUC08 benefits in addition to the 26 weeks of regular UI benefits. Monthly beneficiaries’ data for these two programs are noted below.

Program and Data Item	February 2009		January 2009		February 2008
Regular UI, monthly beneficiaries	409,509		379,664		238,150
Regular UI, year-to-date beneficiaries	485,746		379,664		300,274
EUC08, monthly beneficiaries	146,632		146,764		NA
EUC08, year-to-date beneficiaries	169,642		146,764		NA

3.) Job data (seasonally adjusted):

New York State and the nation, January 2009 – February 2009:

The number of private sector jobs in New York State decreased by 25,900 or 0.4 percent, to 7,168,400 in February 2009, on a seasonally adjusted basis. Nationally, the number of private sector jobs decreased by 0.6 percent over the same period. After seasonal adjustment, the number of nonfarm jobs in the state decreased over the month by 27,800, or 0.3 percent, to 8,671,600 in February 2009. Nationally, the number of seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs decreased by 0.5 percent.

4.) Nonfarm jobs since February 2008 (not seasonally adjusted):

	Total nonfarm jobs		-143,700
	Private sector jobs		-141,000

Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs (private plus public sectors) in New York State decreased by 143,700 or 1.7 percent, and the number of private sector jobs decreased by 141,000 or 2.0 percent. Nationally, the number of nonfarm jobs decreased by 3.1 percent and the number of private sector jobs decreased by 3.9 percent between February 2008 and February 2009.

Educational and health services added the largest number of jobs (+24,000) over the February 2008-February 2009 period, with most of the increase in health care and social assistance (+20,200). The job count also increased over the year in other services and natural resources and mining.

Trade, transportation and utilities (-46,200) registered the largest drop among declining industries, with sector losses centered in retail trade (-20,600). Professional and business services (-32,300) had the second largest employment drop among declining industries, with sector losses centered in administrative and support services (-21,200).

The third largest employment drop was in manufacturing (-31,700). Manufacturing job losses were largest in durable goods (-23,500), especially transportation equipment manufacturing (-3,600). Financial activities (-28,900) had the fourth largest job decline count, with sector job losses centered in securities and commodity contracts (-19,700). Other industries that experienced declines include: construction; leisure and hospitality; information; and government.

Industries with Job Gains:
	Educational & Health Services		+24,000
	Other Services		+3,000
	Natural Resources & Mining		+100
Industries with Job Losses:
	Trade, Transportation & Utilities		-46,200
	Professional & Business Services		-32,300
	Manufacturing		-31,700
	Financial Activities		-28,900
	Construction		-20,300
	Leisure & Hospitality		-4,400
	Information		-4,300
	Government		-2,700

5.) Nonfarm jobs since January 2009 (not seasonally adjusted):

	Total nonfarm jobs		+9,500
	Private sector jobs		-8,400

In February 2009, New York State had 8,536,200 total nonfarm jobs, including 7,023,000 private sector jobs. From January 2009 to February 2009, the number of nonfarm jobs increased by 9,500 and the number of private sector jobs decreased by 8,400. On average, in the previous ten years, the number of nonfarm jobs in New York increased by 45,500 from January to February, and the number of private sector jobs increased by 24,300.

The not seasonally adjusted job count increased over the month in educational and health services (+31,100), government (+17,900), information (+2,900), leisure and hospitality (+1,200), other services (+600), and natural resources and mining (+100). The job count in trade, transportation and utilities (-25,700), construction (-6,300), professional and business services (-5,900), financial activities (-3,800), and manufacturing (-2,600) decreased over the month.

6.) New York State nonfarm job highlights since January 2009 (not seasonally adjusted):

<!– PASTE ENTIRE SECTION use Cut-paste AND Dreamweaver taggingINDUSTRY
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OR just paste the sentences and re-arrange the order of the industries–><!– INDUSTRY
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–>Educational and health services
Over-the-month employment increases were mostly due to seasonal gains at colleges, universities and professional schools.

Government
The increase in public sector employment reflected the return of local elementary and secondary schools, as well as public colleges and universities, from winter break.

Information
Motion picture and sound recording accounted for February’s gain in sector employment.

Leisure and hospitality
Leisure and hospitality employment increased, with hiring focused in accommodation and food services, particularly food services and drinking places.

Other services
This sector’s over-the-month employment gain was centered in religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations.

Natural resource and mining
Natural resources and mining employment increased in February.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing’s job count dropped over the month due to losses in non-durable goods, particularly in printing and related support activities.

Financial activities
Sector employment losses were centered in securities, commodity contracts, and related activities.

Professional and business services
Over-the-month job losses in professional and business services were centered in administrative and support services and in professional, scientific, and technical services.

Construction
Construction sector employment decreased seasonally, especially in specialty trade contractors.

Trade, transportation and utilities
Most of this month’s employment decrease reflected seasonal losses in retail trade, particularly in food and beverage stores and in general merchandise stores.

7.) Metropolitan Areas:

Job Growth and Unemployment Rates (not seasonally adjusted):

<!– INSERT THE NOTES AGAIN IF they are needed this month NOTE 1

NOTE 2

–>Albany-Schenectady-Troy: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 6,500, or 1.5 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 5,500, or 1.6 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 7.6 percent in February 2009, compared with 7.1 in January and 5.1 in February 2008.

Binghamton: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 1,300, or 1.1 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 1,300, or 1.5 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 9.0 percent in February 2009, compared with 8.5 in January and 5.7 in February 2008.

Buffalo-Niagara Falls: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 10,900, or 2.0 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 11,800, or 2.6 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in February 2009, compared with 9.1 in January and 6.3 in February 2008.

Glens Falls: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 700, or 1.3 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 600, or 1.5 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 10.0 percent in February 2009, compared with 9.3 in January and 6.5 in February 2008.

Ithaca: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 200, or 0.3 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 200, or 0.4 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 5.9 percent in February 2009, compared with 5.6 in January and 3.5 in February 2008.

Kingston: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 1,500, or 2.4 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 1,600, or 3.4 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in February 2009, compared with 7.8 in January and 5.5 in February 2008.

Nassau-Suffolk: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 20,600, or 1.7 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 20,600, or 2.0 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in February 2009, compared with 6.9 in January and 4.7 in February 2008.

New York City (five boroughs): Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 79,900, or 2.1 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 76,700, or 2.4 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in February 2009, compared with 7.3 in January and 4.5 in February 2008.

Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 2,800, or 1.1 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 3,400, or 1.7 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in February 2009, compared with 7.4 in January and 5.1 in February 2008.

Putnam-Rockland-Westchester: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 7,200, or 1.3 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 7,100, or 1.5 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 7.3 percent in February 2009, compared with 6.7 in January and 4.5 in February 2008.

Rochester: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 1,400, or 0.3 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 2,200, or 0.5 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in February 2009, compared with 7.9 in January and 5.7 in February 2008.

Syracuse: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 1,900, or 0.6 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 2,800, or 1.1 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.9 percent in February 2009, compared with 8.2 in January and 5.7 in February 2008.

Utica-Rome: Since February 2008, the number of nonfarm jobs has decreased by 1,400, or 1.1 percent, and the number of private sector jobs has decreased by 1,400, or 1.4 percent. The area’s unemployment rate was 8.8 percent in February 2009, compared with 8.3 in January and 6.1 in February 2008.

Note: Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs data for New York are obtained from a survey of 18,000 business establishments. Jobs data exclude agricultural workers, the self-employed, unpaid family workers and domestic workers in private households.