I On Politics – Queens Gazette

DISTRICT 36 SPECIAL ELECTION CANDIDATES NIGHT CANCELLED:

The Astoria Homeowners, Tenants & Business Civic Association District 36 Special Election Candidates Night on Wednesday, January 28, has been CANCELLED. Due to the winter storm and the below-freezing temperatures expected to persist throughout the week, the AHTBCA has decided to cancel this Wednesday’s candidate night out of concern for safety. If you are a voter in the 36th Assembly District, please make sure to vote on or before February 3. If you are unsure of your polling location, you can find it by entering your address on the New York City Board of Elections website: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/.

QUEENS COUNTY REVIVES JUROR NONCOMPLIANCE INITIATIVE:

Not reporting for jury duty in Queens County could cost you more than you think. The Queens County Commissioner of Jurors, who is also the County Clerk for Queens, restarted the juror noncompliance process in the Spring of 2024 following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective jurors who have been ignoring their qualification questionnaires or who have failed to report to jury duty have been receiving “Notices of Noncompliance” requesting that they appear in-person in order to avoid further action, which can include a civil fine in the amount of $250 in addition to still having to report for jury service at a later date.

Queens County Commissioner of Jurors, the Honorable Audrey I. Pheffer says, “The last thing that we want to do is fine someone for failing to appear for their jury service. Serving as a juror isn’t just a right, it’s the law. You can choose whether or not you want to vote, but you cannot choose if you want to be a juror. If you have questions, call my office, but don’t ignore your questionnaire or summons.”

If a juror fails to respond to the qualification questionnaire after four attempts, they are summoned to appear in-person. Each person has had an opportunity to speak with a Jury Clerk individually in an attempt to clear their noncompliance. A Jury Clerk reviews the questionnaire with them and then qualifies or disqualifies them based on their answers and the supporting documentation that they provide. Qualified jurors then receive a jury summons to report for service within four to six weeks.

Qualified Jurors that ignore two or more jury summonses are sent a Notice of Noncompliance, which gives them the opportunity to contact the Queens County Jury Division and schedule a date to appear for jury duty. If they fail to respond to that notice or schedule a date to complete their service but do not appear for jury duty, they will be brought in front of a Judicial Hearing Officer which can result in a judgment against them for $250 as well as the requirement to complete jury service at a future date before the judgement is satisfied. This judgment will show up on a credit report and can impact someone’s ability to apply for a credit card, a vehicle loan, and even a mortgage for a home.

“When you receive a questionnaire in the mail, please fill it out and mail it back or complete it online and if you receive a summons, don’t just throw it away.” Says Chief Deputy Commissioner of Jurors Raymond Weaver. “If you have questions or concerns, reach out to us by phone or email to discuss your situation. If we can offer you a postponement, we will. If we can’t, we will try our best to find a date that works best for you.”

For more information about serving as a juror in Queens County, you can visit NYjuror.gov/Queens.

HEVESI, SKOUFIS INTRODUCE BODY SCANNER LEGISLATION:

In the FY 2026-27 Executive Budget proposal, Governor Hochul announced her support for authorizing the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to install body scanners in their Youth Justice and Detention Facilities. As the Chairs of the Assembly Committee on Children and Families and the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations, we thank the Governor for her commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe.

Over the last few years, the population of youth justice and detention facilities has significantly increased, with staffing unable to keep pace. Uneven staff-to-youth ratios have increased the risk of contraband entering and remaining in facilities undetected and, as a result, youth facilities have seen increases in dangerous incidents involving undetected contraband. The installation of radiological body scanners will keep both staff and youth at these facilities safer by swiftly detecting metal and non-metal contraband and reducing the need for more invasive physical searches.

Assemblyman Hevesi and Senator Skoufis have introduced A.9333/S.8963 to authorize OCFS to install body scanners at their facilities. “We look forward to working with Governor Hochul to advance this authorization, whether in the FY 2026-27 State Budget or as a standalone bill,” Andrew Hevesi, New York State Assembly District 28 and James Skoufis, New York State Senate District 42.

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT TOURS VAN WYCK:

Borough President Richards received a tour of the ongoing Van Wyck Expressway expansion project on Tuesday, January 20, walking the site with New York State Department of Transportation leaders to observe the progress being made. The project, which should be completed in a few months, aims to alleviate congestion going in and out of JFK while making the highway more navigable for all.

RAJKUMAR’S STATEMENT ON E-BIKE HEARING IN ALBANY:

“The momentum behind my e-bike license plate bill, Priscilla’s Law (A339A), is surging forward faster than a speeding e-bike. Just days after New Jersey’s e-bike safety legislation became the law of the land, today’s hearing in Albany marks yet another pivotal milestone as we ride the surging wave of support to pass this bill integral to public safety. This law is the cornerstone to making our streets safer for all: pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and the e-bike users themselves. Accountability will end our long nightmare of e-bikes blowing red lights, riding on the sidewalks, and going against traffic while leaving a trail of mowed down pedestrians and cyclists in their wake. I want to especially thank my dear friend Janet Schroeder of the E-Vehicle Safety Alliance for her powerful testimony sending a message loud and clear: the public wants and demands passage of Priscilla’s Law immediately.

“Equally important, today’s discussion also sheds light on the other issue fueling e-bike recklessness: delivery app algorithms. These algorithms give VIP treatment to whomever delivers the fastest without an ounce of consideration for safety, while casting aside workers who ride slower and cautiously—trapping deliveristas in an impossible choice between safety and their livelihoods. That is why I also authored the Safe Delivery Act (A3932) to prohibit delivery app algorithms from encouraging recklessness, liberating our hard-working deliveristas from this deadly Catch-22.

“This is the year we drive Priscilla’s Law past the finish line. We owe it to all New Yorkers and delivery workers to restore calm, order, and safety. It is within our grasp, and together we will turn this vision into reality.”

LIU TO KICK OFF LUNAR NEW YEAR IN FLUSHING:

State Senator John C. Liu today announced his annual Lunar New Year Celebration will commemorate the Year of the Horse at Flushing High School, 35-01 Union Street, on February 8. The Year of the Horse is an auspicious time in the Lunar New Year calendar, symbolizing energy, strength, and passion. Hundreds are expected to attend this event at the historic Flushing High School auditorium for free food from local restaurants, live music, dances, and cultural performances. Incidentally, John was born in the year of the horse and therefore will be celebrating his “36th” birthday later in the year.

The celebration is co-hosted by the REACH Coalition: Representing and Empowering AANHPI Community History. This year’s Lunar New Year celebration comes as New York State recently took an important step forward in recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in public education through the passage of the AANHPI Equity Act, which will survey how this history is being taught throughout NY classrooms, and how it is not.

State Senator John Liu stated, “Lunar New Year is a joyous time of year when we gather with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate and share our culture, traditions, and history. The Year of the Horse is an exciting symbol in the calendar, signifying energy, strength, and forward momentum. As New York State takes an important step forward to survey how Asian American history is being taught in our schools, celebrations like this are an important reminder of why sharing our culture and passing on our stories is so important. All are invited to join us and kick off the new year with a celebration that honors one of our community’s most important holidays.” RSVP: tinyurl.com/liucny; call 718-765-6675; or email events@johnliusenate.com

BRAUNSTEIN SPONSORS “VALENTINES FOR VETS” GIFT DRIVE:

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) is happy to announce his office’s “Valentines for Vets” gift drive, where Queens residents are invited to donate new clothing, candy, cards, and other items to be given to local veterans. The deadline to make donations is Friday, February 6, 2026. “The ‘Valentines for Vets’ Gift Drive is a long-standing Northeast Queens tradition that shows local veterans our gratitude in the spirit of Valentine’s Day,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “My office will be collecting Valentine’s cards, new clothing items, toiletries, candy, playing cards, and large-piece puzzles. I thank you in advance for your generosity.”

Those who would like to drop off donations should bring them to Assemblyman Braunstein’s office, which is located at 213-33 39th Avenue, Suite 238, in Bayside, no later than February 6th. Items will then be donated to hospitalized and disabled veterans at the St. Albans VA Community Living Center and the New York State Veterans’ Home at St. Albans. Those interested in participating who would like to receive further information should contact Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at 718-357-3588.

MENIN ANNOUNCES UNG’S APPOINTMENT AS DEPUTY LEADER:

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin visited Flushing on Thursday to formally announce and introduce Councilmember Sandra Ung as Deputy Leader of the New York City Council. The announcement took place at the Selfhelp – Benjamin Rosenthal Prince Street Older Adult Center, an institution housing and serving older adults in Queens for more than four decades.

As Deputy Leader, Councilmember Ung will support Speaker Menin in overseeing the Council’s legislative agenda, internal operations, and citywide initiatives. Speaker Menin underscored Councilmember Ung’s leadership, experience, legal background and deep understanding of government operations in making the appointment.

This appointment marks the first time an Asian American has formally been appointed to a Council leadership title. Now at the start of her third term representing District 20, Councilmember Ung brings substantial experience to the Deputy Leader role, including having served for the past two years as a member of the Council’s Leadership Team, the first Asian American to do so. As a member of the Council’s Budget Negotiation Team, she has helped shape multiple city budgets.

“Councilmember Ung is a lawyer, lifelong public servant, and phenomenal leader on behalf of Queens families, seniors, and workers,” said NYC Council Speaker Juile Menin. “She is also a close friend of mine in the City Council, and I was proud to join her today in Flushing to celebrate her appointment as Deputy Leader. I have an ambitious agenda as Speaker to build more affordable housing, lower skyrocketing health care costs, and restore trust in our government. To execute on this vision, we need strong partners like Councilmember Ung and I’m very excited to continue our work together.”

“I am proud to accept the role of Deputy Leader in the New York City Council and to serve as Chair of the Committee on Rules,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “I look forward to working with Speaker Menin to advance an agenda focused on making the city livable for all New Yorkers. I have long admired Speaker Menin’s career, and that admiration has only grown over the past four years as colleagues in the City Council, where I have seen her build strong coalitions to get things done. As a Council Member, she introduced and passed legislation that had a tremendous impact on working families in our communities, and I look forward to continuing that work together now that she is Speaker. I am honored by the trust she has placed in me, and I am ready to get to work.”

UNG VISITS WILLETS POINT COMMONS:

New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung on Friday visited Willets Point Commons, the first two buildings of the 100% affordable housing development that will bring 880 brand-new, deeply affordable apartments to the Willets Point neighborhood. The development marks a major milestone in the decades-long effort to transform Willets Point from an industrial eyesore into a thriving mixed-use neighborhood.

“For decades, Willets Point, known to many as the Iron Triangle, was a blighted corner of Queens lacking even basic infrastructure,” said Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “Today, we are witnessing its transformation into a vibrant neighborhood with deeply affordable housing, public amenities, and real opportunity. Willets Point Commons represents the kind of housing production we need, which is development that delivers affordability, dignity, and stability for our residents.”

Willets Point Commons is currently accepting applications for the 880 affordable homes through an open housing lottery, and Deputy Leader Ung urged residents to apply before the February 25th deadline. There are no application fees or deposits. Units range from studios to three bedrooms, with the first tenants expected to move in this April. Residents interested in applying can do so through the official NYC Housing Connect portal.

“Every single week, my office hears from families, seniors, and young people struggling to find a place they can afford,” said Deputy Leader Ung. “Now, right in our backyard, we have a brand-new 100% affordable housing development that will allow people to stay and grow in the community they call home. If you are eligible, I strongly urge you to apply for the lottery before the deadline on February 25.”

Housing is available to households earning between 30% and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In addition, the lottery includes multiple community-focused set-asides, including:

20% for Queens Community Board 7 residents
10% for veterans and/or NYC municipal employees
5% for residents with mobility access needs
2% for residents with visual and/or hearing access needs

QBP RICHARDS’ INAUGURATION CELEBRATION RESCHEDULED TO FEB 8:

With the likelihood of a significant winter storm, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.’s second term inauguration celebration, initially scheduled for Sunday, January 25, has been postponed to Sunday, February 8.

The celebration — featuring performances, remarks from elected officials, the oath of office being administered to Borough President Richards, and an inaugural speech — will still take place at 3pm in the Goldstein Theatre on the campus of Queens College. Doors will open to members of the public and the press at 2:30pm. Following Borough President Richards’ address, a post-program reception will be held inside the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Tickets for the celebration have sold out, and seating will be distributed to pre-registered attendees on a first come, first serve basis.

RICHARDS ENDORSES BRIAN ROMERO:

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. endorsed Brian Romero for New York State Assembly (District 34), uniting two proven champions for immigrant communities, street vendors, and LGBTQ+ New Yorkers in a campaign grounded in organizing, solidarity, and real results. Richards’ endorsement signals growing momentum behind Romero’s people-powered campaign — one rooted in fighting for working families, protecting vulnerable neighbors, and delivering bold, progressive change for Queens in Albany.

“I’m proud to endorse Brian Romero for the 34th Assembly District. Brian has spent his career lifting up working class families and standing with the most marginalized in our community. Whether expanding access to health care, advocating for immigrant families, or delivering real results on housing and food security, Brian leads with both compassion and grit,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.

“Donovan Richards has been a fearless leader for our borough, and I’m deeply honored to earn his endorsement,” said Brian Romero, candidate for NYS Assembly District 34.

GILLIBRAND PRESSES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FUNDING:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 19 Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing the Trump administration for answers over its recent ploy to cut nearly $2 billion in federal funding for critical substance abuse and mental health services, including over $10 million to New York, only to reverse course on its decision one day later, causing mass chaos and confusion for patients and providers nationwide.

“These critical substance abuse and mental health services provide a lifeline to millions of Americans, and it is vital that they remain fully funded and protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Congress appropriated these funds to support people in need across the country, and the administration’s unlawful attempts to cut them are unconscionable. While I am relieved that this funding has been restored, the chaos and uncertainty has caused lasting harm. This is not the first time the Trump administration has sought to weaken these essential programs and undermine decades of hard-fought progress against the overdose epidemic, and I will keep fighting to protect and strengthen these programs and the critical work being done on the front lines of the opioid crisis.”

“Cancelling these grants would have jeopardized critical work being done on the frontlines of the opioid crisis, which directly contradicts this administration’s own stated goals to tackle the opioid crisis,” the senators wrote in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Although HHS has since reversed course, much damage has already been done. Some staff were laid off or put on notice, services were paused, and trust between patients in need of these services and their providers has been permanently undermined.”

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly announced its plan to cancel over 2,000 active grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Funding for many of these programs was just recently reauthorized by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the SUPPORT Act.

Less than a day later, it was reported that HHS had reversed course on its plan to cancel the grants, retaining current funding levels as appropriated by Congress. Despite this, the immediate cancellation of the grants followed by the unexpected reinstatement caused mass confusion and chaos. Providers were left questioning if they had funding to continue their services, while patients were left unsure if they would continue to have access to the mental health and addiction treatment services they rely on.

Furthermore, the senators noted in their letter that the abrupt issuance of these grant termination notices without warning, explanation, or apparent statutory basis, as was reported, would be a violation of federal grant law.

HOCHUL UNVEILS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET:

Governor Kathy Hochul laid out her plans for a stronger, safer, more affordable New York as she unveiled the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Built to protect taxpayers and New York’s economic growth, while preparing for uncertainty from Washington, the Governor’s budget funds a path to universal child care and makes historic investments in health care, affordable housing and infrastructure without asking New Yorkers to pay more. The Governor’s fiscally responsible budget includes $14.6 billion in reserves and maintains the state’s AA+ credit rating—the best since 1972.

“Every dollar in this year’s budget is being put to work to fight for families,” Governor Hochul said. “While Washington tries to break our budget, we are making smart investments, protecting taxpayers and committing to delivering the services New Yorkers need most. Your family–and your future–is my fight. Together, with my partners in the Legislature, we will protect New York’s future and ensure it remains the best place in the nation to raise a family.”

Budget aims to make New York more affordable for working families, dedicates an additional $4.5 billion for child care. Governor proposes balanced budget with no new income tax increases. state has over $14.6 billion in reserves for a ‘rainy day.’ Will support school communities with highest level of state aid to schools in New York history, continues universal free school meals. Commits to protecting access to health care, reproductive health care, and mental health care in face of drastic cuts from Washington. Let them build: ambitious agenda promises to accelerate building of affordable homes, transformational transportation projects, critical infrastructure. Continues historic investments to local law enforcement to bolster crime-fighting efforts. Invests in food security programs to combat cuts from Washington. Puts New York on path to cleaner, greener future New Yorkers can afford. Eliminates taxes on tipped wages. Budget maintains New York’s AA+ credit rating, best since 1972.

For full text visit https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2026-01/FY2027ExecutiveBudgetBook.pdf

LIU’S STATEMENT ON HOCHUL’S EXECUTIVE BUDGET:

State Senator John Liu, chairperson of the Senate Committee on NYC Education, issued the following statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget:

“Governor Hochul’s executive budget reflects a clear understanding that New York will not be caught flat-footed amid Trump’s relentless federal cuts and ensuing fiscal turmoil. Funding our schools in this moment remains paramount, so it is good to hear the executive budget will continue the state’s historic commitment to fully funding Foundation Aid. However, NYC school kids will continue to be shortchanged unless we fix this formula by updating the Regional Cost Index and fully accounting for our disproportionate number of unhoused and foster care students. My legislation (S8125/A9049, S8139/A9048) will address this shortfall and ensure the nation’s largest school district is funded based on the real needs of the students we serve. Looking forward to working with Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the legislature to ensure this budget truly delivers for New York’s school kids.”

WONG’S STATEMENT ON HOCHUL’S BUDGET PROPOSAL:

Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens), member of the City Council’s Finance Committee, issued the following statement on Governor Hochul’s FY27 Executive Budget proposal:

“City government has grown far too large under the last two administrations—our budget ballooned from about $70 billion when Mayor de Blasio took office to roughly $116 billion under Mayor Adams, a jump of more than 60% in just over a decade. New York City’s population did not grow by 60% during this period, and we cannot tax and spend our way out of this crisis; we need serious audits of programs and initiatives to make sure every taxpayer dollar is actually serving New Yorkers, and we need to start right-sizing government and rebuilding our reserves instead of pretending these structural gaps will fix themselves.”

HYNDMAN ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSAL:

Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, issued the following statement regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s FY 2027 Executive Budget proposal:

“The Executive Budget proposal presented earlier this week reflects a significant moment for New York’s students and working families. As Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I am encouraged to see the Governor’s overall commitment to maintaining affordability for students to attend public and private colleges in New York. A college degree remains the most effective engine for social and economic mobility, and we must ensure that the cost of that degree never becomes a barrier to the New York dream. Continued funding for the Tuition Assistance Program, the Enhanced Tuition Award Program, and Excelsior Scholarship will allow students who qualify to receive state supported grants that will help not only offset the cost of higher education but will help fill the gaps in federal student aid. The Governor’s commitment to all students and institutions provides the flexibility for students to attend the college of their choice…I look forward to a rigorous hearing process and to working with the Governor and my colleagues to deliver a final budget that puts students, educators, and working families first.”

STATEMENT FROM NYS CONSERVATIVE PARTY ON HOCHUL BUDGET:

NYS Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar: “Governor Kathy Hochul blew a lot of smoke at New Yorkers during her budget address in Albany today, but the chart above reflects the reality of her tenure as New York’s liberal chief executive. In just a few short years, Mrs. Hochul has ballooned our state budget by nearly 40%. Now, she has the audacity to talk about ‘affordability,’ as though she and her progressive colleagues aren’t the ones responsible for driving more than a million New Yorkers to other states.

“The data doesn’t lie. New York is unaffordable because Kathy Hochul continues to make it that way. Her monstrous new state budget proposal is par for the course. It will continue New York’s long, slow decline into mediocrity and unaffordability. She needs to go.”

GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER DEMAND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REVERSE FREEZE OF CHILD CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES FUNDING:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called on the Trump administration to immediately reverse its decision to withhold billions of dollars in federal child care and social services funding from five states, including more than $3.4 billion from New York.

The Trump administration has announced plans to withhold funding intended to support low-income children and families, targeting New York and other Democrat-led states. These subsidies help working parents across New York access affordable, high-quality child care. In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Senators Gillibrand and Schumer called on the administration to immediately reverse course and restore critical funding that New York families rely on.

“The Trump administration is pulling the rug out from under working families, threatening the affordable child care that parents in New York and across the country depend on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This reckless move could force local child care centers to close their doors, leaving parents without the support they need to go to work and keep food on the table. Our children deserve better than to be used as political pawns. With everyday costs already skyrocketing for families, I will continue to fight relentlessly to secure this vital funding and stop these harmful political ploys that are putting our children and their futures in jeopardy.”

“Hundreds of thousands of New York households rely on the cash assistance and social services supported by CCDF, TANF, and SSBG, and any delay in funding will be catastrophic for families, children, workers, and communities across New York. Simply withholding funds will not fix fraud. Instead, it will destabilize an already fragile child care and social safety net system,” the senators wrote.

In New York alone, this funding freeze threatens more than 219,000 children who rely on child care services, as well as thousands of child care providers statewide, many of them small businesses that cannot withstand funding delays and may be forced to close.

GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER ANNOUNCE $6.3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NYC:

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer announced that they secured $6,341,000 in federal funding for critical science and public safety projects across New York City in the just-passed fiscal year (FY) 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science funding bill. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending items.

“I am thrilled to bring home $6.3 million in federal funding for critical projects across the five boroughs,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These projects will contribute to public safety and youth outreach programming in addition to furthering scientific innovation in New York. I am proud to deliver these funds, and I will continue working to ensure that innovative projects receive federal funding so New York City and State can thrive.”

“I’m proud to deliver these critical investments to our communities to support youth development programs, provide support services to people impacted by violence, advance research at local colleges, and much more,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds are supporting projects that will make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers, and I won’t stop fighting to deliver the resources needed to better our communities.”

Among the projects being funded are:

$2,531,000 for the New York Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Youth Development Program

The funding will be used to support the New York City Police Athletic League’s (PAL’s) Crime Prevention through Youth Development Program across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

$1,031,000 for Queens College, CUNY Construction of Microelectronics Nanofabrication Facility

This funding will be used to build a cleanroom facility for nanofabrication teaching and research on the CUNY Queens College campus.

$300,000 for the Queens County District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit

This funding will support the Office of the Queens County District Attorney (QDA) Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU)’s efforts to partner with local, state, federal, and nonprofit criminal justice agencies to undertake thorough evaluations of past convictions where there are credible claims of innocence or wrongful conviction.

HOCHUL ANNOUNCES EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT:

Governor Kathy Hochul today reminded New Yorkers to take advantage of the State’s recently expanded child tax credit, also known as the Empire State Child Credit (ESCC), a refundable credit which can either help offset taxes or be paid out directly to taxpayers as cash back in the form of a refund.

“The Empire State Child Credit delivers a vital financial boost to New York families,” Governor Hochul said. “Now, after the largest expansion of the credit in New York history, more New Yorkers have access to the credit than ever, which will put money directly in families’ pockets and help make our state more affordable for millions of recipients.”

Last year, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature took action to enact the largest expansion of the ESCC in New York State history, increasing the value of the credit and making it available to more families:

For the 2026 filing season (Tax Year 2025), eligible families can now receive up to $1,000 per child under age four and $330 per qualifying child age 4 through 16 years old.
Next year (Tax Year 2026), the credit for children ages four through 16 will also increase to up to $500 per child and households with eligible children under age four will still be able to claim up to $1,000 per child.
New York eliminated a longstanding provision that restricted New York’s poorest families from accessing the full credit, also known as the minimum income requirement or credit phase-in, so that these families can now access the full value of the credit as a refund.
New York also adjusted the credit phase-out, so more middle-class families whose incomes were previously too high to qualify for the credit can receive the credit. The full credit remains available to jointly filing households up to $110,000, but now the expanded credit combined with its gradual rate of phaseout means even a family of four with a child under four and a child over four with household income of $170,000, who would not have qualified for any credit under the prior program, can now receive over $500 per year.

These major reforms will drive significant assistance to families with the youngest children and help families across the income spectrum, doubling the size of the average credit for families from $472 to $943.

If all eligible New Yorkers are able to access this expanded credit, independent research analysts estimate that this one initiative could reduce child poverty by more than eight percent.

You are eligible for the refundable Empire State Child Credit in 2026 if you:

are a full-year New York State resident, and
have at least one qualifying child younger than 17 years old as of December 31 of 2025, and
file a New York State income tax return and provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you and for each child you claim — learn how: www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file

You can receive the maximum value of the credit if your income is below $75,000 for single, head of household and $110,000 for married filing jointly.

AG JAMES SECURES NEARLY $560,000 FROM DOLLAR TREE:

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured nearly $560,000 from Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. (Dollar Tree) for allowing unsafe, lead-contaminated children’s food to be sold at dozens of its New York stores for days following a nationwide recall. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that in October 2023, Dollar Tree received direct notification that WanaBana-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches – largely marketed for babies and young children – were recalled nationwide due to dangerously high levels of lead. Despite this notification, Dollar Tree failed to immediately block sales or fully remove the products from store shelves, allowing hundreds of contaminated applesauce pouches to be sold to customers statewide after the recall began. As part of today’s settlement, Dollar Tree must pay $559,250 in penalties, which will be used to strengthen lead poisoning prevention programs and expand access to healthy, affordable food in underserved New York communities. Dollar Tree must also overhaul its recall policies, including specialized recall training for its store managers in New York.

“Parents should never have to worry that the food they buy at the store could harm their children,” said Attorney General James. “Dollar Tree’s failure to act quickly after learning these products were contaminated put New York families at serious risk. My office is holding Dollar Tree accountable and forcing meaningful changes to make sure recalled and dangerous products are removed from shelves immediately going forward. I will always take action to protect New York’s children from lead poisoning.”

In addition to the monetary penalty, Attorney General James is requiring Dollar Tree to overhaul its food safety and recall procedures in New York. Under the agreement, Dollar Tree must implement stronger recall protocols, including activating register “stop codes” within hours of a recall to prevent sales, enhancing recall training for New York store managers, and strengthening systems to notify customers who purchased food products online that were subsequently recalled. The company will be required to report back to OAG on its compliance.

Consumers who purchased the recalled WanaBana applesauce received refunds and reimbursements for out-of-pocket health care costs related to the lead-contaminated applesauce pouches.

MAMDANI BANS HOTEL HIDDEN FEES AND UNEXPECTED CREDIT CARD HOLDS:

The Mamdani administration issued a final rule banning hotels across the city and country from charging consumers hidden junk fees—often mislabeled as “destination fees,” “resort fees,” or “hospitality service fees”—as well as unexpected credit card holds or deposits, that cheat consumers and hurt honest small businesses.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined Commissioner Sam Levine and business, consumer and labor leaders to announce DCWP’s final rule banning junk fees on hotel stays. This rule will protect both consumers coming to New York City, and New Yorkers traveling elsewhere around the country. Some economists estimate that banning hotel junk fees will save consumers more than $46 million in 2026. The junk fee prohibitions of the final rule go into effect in New York City on February 21, 2026.

When you book a room, the price you see is often not the price you pay. Many hotels utilize “junk fees,” advertising a base room rate and only later revealing additional mandatory charges that make it harder for consumers to understand the true overall cost. Many hotels also issue unexpected credit card holds or deposits with misleading terms. In 2025, DCWP received over 300 complaints from consumers related to hidden hotel fees or unexpected holds.

To address this problem, DCWP proposed a rule modeled on a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule that makes it a deceptive trade practice under the City’s Consumer Protection Law to offer, display, or advertise a price for a hotel without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price of the stay, including all mandatory fees. The new rule goes a step further than the FTC’s rule requiring transparency on mandatory credit card holds or deposits taken as well.

Today’s announcement builds on the work the Mamdani Administration is doing to hold companies accountable and protect New Yorkers from deceptive practices, including issuing two Executive Orders that crack down on citywide junk fees and subscription traps, and creating a Citywide Junk Fee Task Force to target predatory companies.

Hotels in New York City are also required to comply with other key consumer and worker protections, including the Hotel Service Disruption Act, which requires that consumers be notified of changes to service during their stay, and the Safe Hotels Act, which prohibits illegal subcontracting at hotels. Together these laws ensure that the city’s hotel industry is transparent with its consumers and compliant with nation-leading workers’ rights requirements.

“Whether you’re visiting the five boroughs for the World Cup or leaving our city for a well-deserved vacation, you deserve to know how much a hotel costs up front. This new rule will ensure that New Yorkers and visitors alike are not stuck paying hidden hotel fees, and will instead save millions of dollars each year,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “In just three weeks, our administration has made it clear that deceptive business practices do not have a home here—and that City Hall will always fight for New Yorkers to know exactly what they’re paying for.”

“This final rule delivers on affordability—for New Yorkers traveling across the country to see the World Cup, and visitors who want to experience our incredible city,” said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine. “DCWP will use its full enforcement authority to ensure hotels comply with the laws and rules of our city and we will be vigilant to ensure consumers have transparency in their transactions and that workers’ rights are respected.”

 

***Crime Blotter***

 

LONG ISLAND MAN CHARGED WITH GRAND LARCENY FOR POSING AS LAWYER:

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Leonardo Ferretti was charged with grand larceny and other crimes for falsely representing himself as an attorney and charging a Corona woman more than $15,000 for immigration services. After meeting in December 2022, Ferretti socialized with the victim, allegedly offered a fake business card and provided routine updates on his purported educational and professional milestones in order to persuade her of his legal credentials. By May 2024, Ferretti allegedly accepted a total of $15,300 from the victim for promised immigration services, then stopped all communication.

District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this defendant patiently and maliciously exploited the earnest intentions of a victim in need of legal services. Upon gaining the victim’s trust, the defendant is accused of taking more than $15,000 from her before disappearing. I thank the victim for coming forward and alerting my office to this fraud. I urge anyone, regardless of immigration status, who feels that they may have been taken advantage of to contact our Consumer Fraud Helpline at 718-286-6673.”

Ferretti, 50, of Commack, who is also known as Leonardo Valentino Ferretti DiSanttorelli, was arraigned Wednesday on a criminal complaint charging him with grand larceny in the third degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, unauthorized practice of law, and immigrant assistance services fraud in the first degree. Queens Criminal Court Judge Toko Serita ordered him to return to court on February 25. If convicted, he faces 2 1/3 to seven years in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, in December 2022, Ferretti met the victim through an online dating app and sent her a phone number to communicate with him directly on the WhatsApp messaging platform. After exchanging several messages, Ferretti met the woman in person multiple times and continued communicating with her using the messaging app. The defendant told the victim that he was enrolled at Columbia Law School and was preparing to take the bar exam in 2023. Ferretti then sent the woman a photograph of a business card identifying himself as a “Juris Doctor Candidate, Class of 2022” at “Columbia Law School in the City of New York.” The business card listed the same cell phone number he provided to her earlier as well as an email address at law.columbia.edu as his contact information. The defendant allegedly told the woman he was giving her his card in case in the future she knew anyone who needed legal help. Several months later, in April 2023, the defendant messaged the victim that he had passed the bar exam.

In May 2023, Ferretti agreed to provide the woman with immigration related legal services in exchange for $15,000. When the woman said she could not pay that amount in a lump sum, Ferretti agreed to an installment payment plan. In August 2023, he asked her to pay him an additional $300 for a supposed criminal background check.

Between June 5, 2023, and December 30, 2023, the victim made 16 payments totaling $11,800 through Zelle to Ferretti for promised immigration services. In July 2023, the woman’s brother used Zelle to pay Ferretti $3,500 to help defray his sister’s debt. Seventeen payments totaling $15,300 were sent using Zelle to two different bank accounts held by Ferretti. After sending the payments, the woman last communicated with Ferretti around May 20, 2024. He then stopped responding to her multiple efforts to contact him.

An investigation determined that no student named Leonardo Ferretti was ever enrolled at Columbia Law School and that Ferretti had never been admitted to the bar. Investigators found that no application for immigration benefits had been filed with federal authorities on behalf of the victim. The defendant was arrested by members of the District Attorney’s Detective Bureau on January 21.

 

—With contributions by Augusta Luger

This column was originated by John A. Toscano.