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Recent DCWP Press Releases
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Delivery Workers Win a Dignified Pay Rate: Court Allows Minimum Pay Rate for App-Based Restaurant Delivery Workers to Take Effect
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today celebrated a win for working New Yorkers and announced that the New York State Supreme Court has ruled in the city’s favor to allow the minimum pay rate for app-based restaurant delivery workers performing deliveries for Uber, DoorDash, and Grubhub to take effect. Workers will make at least $17.96/hour, increasing to $19.96/hour when fully implemented in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Settles with Paris Baguette Over Widespread Violations of Workers' Fair Scheduling Rights
Settlement secures $3 million in worker restitution and penalties
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga announced a settlement with international bakery chain Paris Baguette over violations of the City’s Fair Workweek Law, which gives fast food and retail workers the right to a predictable schedule, among other rights. The settlement covers the period from November 2017 to October 2020, and requires Paris Baguette to pay $2.7 million in restitution to more than 1,500 workers, $270,000 in civil penalties and other costs, and comply with the Law.
Friday, September 8, 2023
City Reminds Residents to Only Purchase Certified Lithium-Ion Batteries and Mobility Devices
NEW YORK, NY – Beginning September 16th, all battery-powered mobility devices and the lithium-ion batteries they use, that are sold, leased, or rented in New York City must be certified by an accredited testing laboratory. This year, lithium-ion batteries have caused 170 fires, injured 96 New Yorkers, and killed 14 more.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
MetroPlusHealth Launches New Online Resource Tool for Gig Workers
New landing page will provide NYC's 550k gig workers iwth easy access to City resources including health insurance choices, workers' rights information and mental health services
NEW YORK, NY – MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s high-quality and affordable health plan, today launched a new user-friendly website providing a one-stop resource page for gig workers. Through this site, gig workers will have easy access to health care services and all the resources NYC agencies offer gig workers, including rights protection information, resource direction, employment opportunities and mental health services.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Mayor Adams Signs Bill to Create Nation's Largest Permanent Outdoor Dining Program
“Dining Out NYC” Permanently Expands Outdoor Dining to All Five Boroughs, Builds on Temporary Program That Saved 100,000 Jobs During Height of COVID-19 Pandemic
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Intro. 31-C into law and unveiled “Dining Out NYC” — New York’s permanent outdoor dining program and the largest outdoor dining program in the nation. The product of more than a year of negotiations between the Adams administration and the City Council, with extensive input from the restaurant industry and communities across the entire city, the signing of the bill — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez — and creation of this new program represents a major legislative accomplishment for the Adams administration after Mayor Adams championed the bill as a top priority in his “Working People’s Agenda” in January 2023.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Mayor Adams Announces New York City has Cared for More than 100,000 Asylum Seekers Since Last Spring
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the city has provided shelter and care for more than 101,200 asylum seekers that have arrived in the five boroughs since April 2022. As of August 13, more than 101,200 asylum seekers have come through New York City’s shelter system, and over 58,500 remain in New York City’s care. Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action — opening more than 200 emergency shelters, including 14 large-scale humanitarian relief centers already, with two more relief centers set to open in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Settles With Three Major Restaurant Chains Over Fair Workweek Violations
Settlements secure nearly $5 million in restitution for workers and civil penalties
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced millions of dollars in employee relief secured for workers from three major restaurant chains over the past months to resolve violations of the City’s Fair Workweek Law: Panda Express, Au Bon Pain, and 7-Eleven’s “Raise the Roost.” The companies will pay a combined $4.5 million in restitution to nearly 2,400 workers, and $417,000 in civil penalties. All three businesses are also required to comply with the law going forward.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley, DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, CCHR Commissioner Annabel Palma & Bronx Community Board 12 Host Business Education Day in the Northeast Bronx
THE BRONX, NY – The Office of Council Member Kevin C. Riley, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the New York City Commission on Human Rights conducted a Business Education Day in the Northeast Bronx’s 12th District. This initiative aimed to provide crucial information to small business owners and employees about their rights, responsibilities, and available resources. With August also recognized as Black Business Month, this partnership is significant to serving and uplifting a community of majority Black and brown owned businesses, who desperately rely on the City’s resources to support the success of their people and establishments.
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Helps You Avoid Overspending on Back-to-School Shopping This Year
NEW YORK, NY – As the first day of school rapidly approaches, and stores are filled with back-to-school promotions, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) has some important shopping tips to help you and your family save money and make smarter financial decisions this school year. Learn how to save and teach your children to make smarter financial decisions with our shopping tips, available in multiple languages.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
Mayor Adams Celebrates Passage of Outdoor Dining Bill
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after the New York City Council passed Intro. 31-C — sponsored by New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez and introduced at the request of the mayor — that will create a permanent outdoor dining program in New York City.
“Outdoor dining is here to stay in New York City — and after decades of deliberation and a temporary program that showed us so much potential, I’m proud to lead the administration that will deliver a superior permanent outdoor dining product to New Yorkers and all those visiting the five boroughs.
Monday, July 31, 2023
D.A. Bragg, DOI Commissioner Strauber, DCWP Commissioner Mayuga Announce Indictment of Pedicab Driver for Bribery
Pedicab Driver Shokhru Alimov Allegedly Proactively Offered $60,000 in Exchange for Authentic Pedicab Registration Plates
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, today announced the indictment of SHOKHRU ALIMOV, 41, for offering money to an employee of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (“DCWP”) in order to obtain authentic pedicab registration plates outside of the registration plate lottery.
Monday, July 31, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Hosts Paid Care Open House in Brooklyn
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) hosted an Open House at the Brooklyn Public Library on Saturday, July 29th to help paid care workers understand their rights and the resources available to them, like the City’s Domestic Worker Mediation Program. The Open House was co-hosted by DCWP and the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and the Carroll Gardens Association. DCWP research has found that more than half of the city’s paid care workforce — the majority of whom are immigrants and women of color — have experienced wage theft, safe and sick leave violations, harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation from their employers if they report illegal behavior.
Monday, July 31, 2023
Mayor Adams, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Release "A Blueprint for Community Safety"
Blueprint Outlines More Than $485 Million in Investments to Create Safer, More Resilient Communities
Prioritizes Investments and Resources for Six Precincts That Experienced Highest Rates of Gun Violence in 2022
Recommendations Product of Months of Engagement With More than 1,500 Community Residents Across City
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and the New York City Gun Violence Prevention Task Force today released "A Blueprint for Community Safety," outlining a forward-thinking roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs. The report builds upon all the work the Adams administration has undertaken over the last 18 months to reduce gun violence by double digits and culminates months of engagement with communities most impacted by gun violence, including young people, whose feedback was critical in shaping the strategies and recommendations that will ensure the city continues to build on the public safety gains made since January 2022.
Friday, July 28, 2023
“Skip the Stuff” Rules to Reduce the Junk that Builds up in Kitchen Drawers Go Into Effect Monday, July 31, 2023
Starting Monday, July 31, New York City food service establishments providing take-out and delivery service may not provide utensils, condiment packets, napkins, or extra plates or containers to customers, unless such items are requested.
Additionally, online ordering and restaurant delivery services must set a default option of not providing those items, but may provide the option to request such items if the establishment offers them.
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Mayor Adams Announces New Investment to Support Career Advancement for People With Disabilities
Plan Includes $8.8 Million Investment in Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion, Direct Employment Services
Investment Will Help 2,500 New Yorkers with Disabilities Find Career-Track Employment Over Next Three Years
Mayor Adams Appoints Martha Jackson as Interim Executive Director of Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new, two-part investment to support career advancement for people with disabilities and expand access to internships, training seminars, jobs, future careers, and financial counseling. The announcement includes launching a Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion that will address the structural challenges many people with disabilities face when pursuing a career. It will also increase the city’s investment in direct employment services that help people with disabilities prepare for and connect to jobs and careers. The $8.8 million plan will help 2,500 New Yorkers with disabilities find career-track employment over the next three years.
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Mayor Adams Announces Settlement With Media Company L’Officiel USA Over Violations of Freelance Isn't Free Act
At Least 41 Freelancers Will Receive More Than $275,000 in Restitution, Double Amount They Were Owed
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced an agreement with L’Officiel USA, a media company, to resolve a 2021 lawsuit brought by the city over the company’s failure to pay freelancers on time, fully, or at all, in violation of New York City’s “Freelance Isn’t Free Act.” Under the agreement, L’Officiel must pay more than $275,000 — double the amount owed — to 41 freelancers who came forward to the city with complaints, make a payment to the city, and come into compliance with the Freelance Isn’t Free Act going forward. L’Officiel must also pay double damages to any other freelancer who files a claim showing they were not fully paid for services performed.
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Transcript: Mayor Adams Holds Public Hearing and Bill Signing for Intro. 54-A
Mayor Adams Signs Legislation Bringing Financial Literacy to City Youth Programs
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Intro. 54-A into law, amending the city’s administrative code to allow financial empowerment education in New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) programs.
Monday, July 10, 2023
Mayor Adams, Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix Announce Lawsuit Against Four Companies Illegally Selling Disposable Flavored E-Cigarettes
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix today announced that the City of New York is filing a federal lawsuit against four major distributors of flavored disposable e-cigarettes, the most popular vaping devices among middle-school children and high school youth. The four defendants — Magellan Technology Inc. and Demand Vape, both based in Buffalo, NY; Mahant Krupa 56 LLC d/b/a Empire Vape Distributors, based in Queens; and Star Vape, based in Brooklyn — are alleged to have distributed, and continue to distribute, exotically flavored disposable e-cigarettes to retail vape and smoke shops, convenience stores, and directly to consumers in New York City through online sales, in violation of nearly every applicable federal, New York state, and New York City law governing the sale of such products. Today’s lawsuit seeks to block the four defendants from further sales of these illegal items and seeks both monetary damages and fines.
Friday, June 30, 2023
Mayor Adams’ Statement On Supreme Court Decisions Striking Blows To LGBTQ+ Community, Millions Of Student Loan Borrowers
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court today issued decisions in the cases 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis and Department of Education et al v. Brown et al:
Friday, June 30, 2023
NYC Small Business Advisory Commission Releases First-Ever Report: A City of Yes for Small Business
Inaugural Report Identifies Opportunities to Cut Red Tape, Improve Business Services, and Forge a Stronger Small Business Economy
NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) today released the inaugural report of its NYC Small Business Advisory Commission ("SBAC"), spotlighting eight recommendations to make New York City a "City of Yes" for small businesses. Created by Mayor Eric Adams through Executive Order 15, SBAC is tasked with providing guidance and insight to the Mayor and other policymakers on how to best support New York City’s small businesses.
Monday, June 26, 2023
SBS Launches First-Ever Latino American Small Business Task Force
Inaugural Meeting with Mayor Adams at City Hall Draws Dozens of Latino Business, Community Leaders
NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim last Wednesday launched the agency's first-ever Latino American Small Business Task Force to promote awareness of SBS resources to the Latino business community, as well as incorporate feedback from local business owners and community leaders on ways the City can improve access to its services.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Mayor Adams, DCWP Commissioner Mayuga Announce Nation's First Minimum Pay Rate for App-Based Restaurant Delivery Workers
Over 60 Senior Administration Officials and Agency Heads to Be Paired with Young People to Offer Hands-On Experience in Government and Civic Engagement
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced that the City of New York has set a first-of-its-kind minimum pay rate for app-based restaurant delivery workers. When fully implemented, the city’s more than 60,000 delivery workers — who currently earn $7.09/hour on average — will earn at least $19.96/hour. Restaurant delivery apps will also have flexibility in how they pay delivery workers the new minimum rate.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Mayor Adams Announces “Commissioner For A Day” To Give Young People Opportunity To Experience City Government Leadership
Over 60 Senior Administration Officials and Agency Heads to Be Paired with Young People to Offer Hands-On Experience in Government and Civic Engagement
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city’s inaugural “Commissioner for a Day” initiative that will provide young people from across the five boroughs with the opportunity to experience the inner workings of city government and civic engagement from members of the Adams administration. Over 60 agency heads and senior leaders in the administration will be paired with a New Yorker between the ages of 13 and 24 for half a day, where they will attend meetings, learn about policy, and, after, hear directly from Mayor Adams.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Mayor Adams' Statement on Deteriorating Air Quality in New York City
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams tonight released the following statement on air quality deteriorating across the five boroughs due to smoke coming from wildfires in Canada, hitting 218 at 10:00 PM on the Air Quality Index (“Very Unhealthy” on the Levels of Health Concern) according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in parts of New York City:
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Mayor Adams Signs Legislation Allowing Games of Chance at Sporting Venues
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Intro. 891 — which will allow sporting venues to hold games of chance, such as raffles, for charitable purposes — into law.
Thursday, May 25, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Settles With Con Ed for Denying Workers Paid Safe and Sick Leave During the COVID-19 Pandemic
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a settlement with Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Ed) over violations of the City’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. Con Ed must pay $202,000 in restitution to 480 part-time entry-level workers who did not have access to paid safe and sick leave between June 1, 2018 and June 18, 2021, and pay $40,000 in civil penalties. They also must come into compliance.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and Council Member Marjorie Velázquez Celebrate National Small Business Month, Kick Off Series of Business Education Days in the Bronx
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga and Council Member Marjorie Velázquez today celebrated National Small Business Month by kicking off a series of Business Education Days in Morris Park. Council Member Velázquez, Commissioner Mayuga, Camelia Tepelus, Executive Director of the Morris Park Business Improvement District, and several local merchants went door-to-door answering questions and informing small businesses about what they need to know to comply with the City’s business laws, which cover consumer and workplace protection, licensing, weights and measures, and more. This is the first in a series of more than a dozen education days that DCWP will conduct across the five boroughs.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Mayor Adams Reminds New Yorkers to File Taxes During Last Week of Tax Season
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today issued a reminder to New Yorkers to remember to file their taxes as the city and the nation enter the last week of the 2023 tax season. The reminder comes on the heels of Mayor Adams’ successful push last year in Albany to expand and enhance the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is available to eligible New Yorkers this year.
Friday, March 24, 2023
Mayor Adams, Union Leaders Rally For Working People’s Agenda, Including Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit And Child Tax Credit
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today was joined by labor leaders, other elected officials, and working New Yorkers to rally state lawmakers to double down on their support for the Child Tax Credit and a further expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — a critical initiative that Mayor Adams advocated for and secured in last year’s budget. Thanks to that expansion, a single parent with one child with an income of $14,750 saw their tax benefit increase from $181 to $905 — a 400 percent increase. A married couple with two children and an income of $25,000 saw their New York City benefit increase from $299 to $897 under the city payment — a 200 percent increase.
Monday, March 20, 2023
Mayor Adams Re-establishes the Office of Street Vendor Enforcement within the Department of Sanitation
Friday, March 17, 2023
One Month to File: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Reminds New Yorkers to File Their Taxes
All New Yorkers Who Earned $80,000 or Less Encouraged to File for Free with NYC Free Tax Prep
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today reminded New Yorkers that there’s only one month until Tax Day, which is Tuesday, April 18, 2023. NYC Free Tax Prep helps New Yorkers keep their full refund including valuable tax credits like the enhanced NYC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), at no cost to them. Single-filing New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less are eligible for NYC Free Tax Prep. The newly announced NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers provides year-round tax preparation services for gig workers, freelancers, and small business owners who often struggle to file taxes and manage financial record keeping and face limited access to capital, banking services, and loans. Self-employed individuals and owners of businesses can work with specially trained preparers on their annual return and, later this year, quarterly estimated tax filings, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, and other resources on record keeping and tax filing. Services are available in-person, online, and drop-off, and in multiple languages. For more information about NYC Free Tax Prep, tax credits and more, visit nyc.gov/TaxPrep or call 311 and say “Tax Prep.”
Wednesday, March 14, 2023
New Webinar Series for Employers in New York
NEW YORK, NY – This Women’s History Month, Hand in Hand in partnership with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, launch a new education and implementation initiative for employers of nannies, house cleaners and home attendants. Through webinars, individual consultations, and written resources, the program will teach domestic employers about their obligations under city and state laws and best practices to make their homes fair workplaces. Join our email list to get the latest updates about this series.
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
National Consumer Protection Week: What You Need to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Loans
NEW YORK, NY – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today released, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, “What You Need to Know About Buy Now, Pay Later Loans,” a tipsheet, which will soon be available in multiple languages, to help New Yorkers make the best financial decision possible when considering the use of Buy Now, Pay Later loans. Buy Now, Pay Later loans are short-term loans that allow consumers to pay for something in small installments and avoid fees or interest, but only if consumers pay in full and on time.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
New York City Issues Revised Proposed Minimum Pay Rate for Third Party App-based Restaurant Delivery Workers
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today released a revised proposed rule to establish a minimum pay rate for NYC’s more than 60,000 third party app-based restaurant delivery workers. DCWP received nearly 2,000 public comments about the initial proposed rule across two public hearings and a lengthy public comment period. Based on feedback from workers and the restaurant delivery apps, DCWP has made changes to the initial proposed rule and will be holding another public hearing on April 7, 2023, and an opportunity to submit public comments. The revised rule, when fully implemented in 2025, provides for a pay rate of $19.96 per hour – nearly three times what delivery workers currently make, establishing pay equity with Uber and Lyft drivers and other workers who earn a minimum wage.
Monday, March 6, 2023
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Files Lawsuit Against Dorm2Dorm for Exploiting College Students
Consumers who were deceived by Dorm2Dorm for moving and storage services are urged to file a complaint with DCWP
NEW YORK – Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced that DCWP has filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court against Dorm2Dorm LLC, a moving and storage company that targets New York City area college students, alleging thousands of violations of the City’s Consumer Protection Law. DCWP’s complaint charges that Dorm2Dorm preys on college students and their parents/guardians, regularly failing to provide the services that consumers paid for and that Dorm2Dorm advertised, including consistently late pickups and deliveries, misplacing possessions, returning them damaged or broken, and deceiving consumers with false promises of a 25% “instant rebate.” DCWP’s lawsuit seeks civil penalties, restitution for consumers, and a court order instructing the company to cease its false and deceptive advertisements. DCWP encourages anyone who feels deceived by Dorm2Dorm to file a consumer complaint.
Friday, March 3, 2023
Mayor Adams Launches Marketing Campaign Promoting Enhanced Earned Income Tax Benefits Available to Eligible New Yorkers This Tax Season
EITC Expanding for First Time in Nearly Two Decades, Providing Additional Cash Back to Over 800,000 New Yorkers
New Campaign Aims to Ensure Working Class New Yorkers Get Benefits They Deserve
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the launch of a $1.5 million multimedia marketing campaign to promote the expanded New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (NYC EITC), which is available to eligible New Yorkers during this year’s tax season. Starting tomorrow, Saturday March 4th, the city will run a new marketing campaign on television, radio, social media, in print, and out-of-home advertising (i.e. billboards, posters, or any other forms of media consumed outside the home) to promote the enhanced benefit and provide information on how eligible New Yorkers can access it.
Monday, February 27, 2023
Mayor Adams, DCWP Commissioner Mayuga Secure Reinstatement of Wrongfully Fired Starbucks Worker Austin Locke
Settlement Secures Reinstatement of Austin Locke, Who Returns to Work Today at Astoria Starbucks, Over $21,000 in Backpay and Penalties
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a settlement with coffee giant Starbucks over the wrongful termination of Austin Locke in violation of the “just cause” protections of New York City’s New York City’s Fair Workweek Law. Last fall, DCWP announced a lawsuit against Starbucks for illegally firing the longtime barista from one of its Astoria locations. Starbucks has now agreed to reinstate Locke to his former position at the Astoria Starbucks where he worked, pay over $21,000 in backpay and penalties, and comply with the city’s Fair Workweek Law going forward.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth Offer Free Tax Preparation for Eligible Patients and New Yorkers
In-person and virtual tax preparation services are available in various languages by appointment
NEW YORK, NY – NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth today announced they will offer free, in-person and virtual tax preparation to eligible patients and members of the community as part of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep initiative and in partnership with BronxWorks, Grow Brooklyn, Urban Upbound, and Code for America’s GetYourRefund initiative. The service is available to New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022 and are filing on their own or families who earned $80,000 or less. Select NYC Health + Hospitals sites offer support in Spanish, Chinese, and Korean, and virtual tax preparation is available in Spanish. For in-person services, individuals should schedule an appointment in advance and bring identification and proof of income. For virtual services, individuals can upload their documents and meet virtually with a tax preparer to review their tax return before submission. A full checklist of the documents needed to file taxes is available here. The deadline to file taxes this year is April 18.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Mayor Adams Signs two Pieces of Legislation — to Support Students With Disabilities Entering Higher Education, Build More Sustainable Future by Reducing Single-Use Plastic use
Intro 660-A Establishes Program to Help High School Students With Disabilities Transition to Higher Education
Intro 559-A Allows New Yorkers to “Skip the Stuff,” Reducing Plastic Utensil Waste When Ordering Take-out, Food Delivery
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed two pieces of legislation — the first to support high school students with disabilities as they transition to higher education and a second to reduce unnecessary waste of single-use plastic when ordering take-out or food delivery, helping secure a more sustainable future. On the heels of Mayor Adams’ announcement to expand pre-school special-education seats across the five boroughs for young New Yorkers with disabilities, Intro 660-A builds on the city’s commitment to serving students with disabilities at all ages by focusing on students in high school. Intro 559-A — also known as the “Skip the Stuff” bill — will prohibit restaurants and food delivery platforms from providing eating utensils, extra eating containers, condiment packets, and napkins to customers for take-out and delivery orders unless the customer specifically requests them, reducing unnecessary single-use plastic use.
Monday, January 30, 2023
NYC DOT, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Unveil First Restored Medallions Along Avenue of the Americas
Installed more than 60 years ago as a symbol of hope and unity in the hemisphere, previous medallions had fallen into disrepair; DOT has begun the process of restoring 45 medallions of all nations and territories
NEW YORK, NY – Today, NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, joined by the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro unveiled the first restored medallions installed along the Manhattan’s Avenue of the Americas -- with dozens more to be completed in the coming months. The new medallions – attached by DOT crews to lampposts along Sixth Avenue from West 42nd to West 59th Streets -- depict the national emblems of each of the nations and territories of the Western Hemisphere. The first nine medallions installed today were Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Argentina, St. Lucia, and Uruguay.
Saturday, January 28, 2023
NYC Kicks Off Tax Season With Free Tax Preparation Services Now Tailored For Self-Employed New Yorkers, More Money For Filers Claiming Newly Enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit
All New Yorkers Who Earned $80,000 or Less Encouraged to File for Free Tax Prep
Expansion of NYC Free Tax Prep to Self-Employed New Yorkers and Small Businesses Fulfills Key Proposal of Mayor’s “Blueprint for Economic Recovery”
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today kicked off the tax season and encouraged single-filing New Yorkers who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, or families who earned $80,000 or less, to file their taxes for free using NYC Free Tax Prep. NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional, tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the newly enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit (NYC EITC). The new NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers will also provide income tax services to freelance workers and small businesses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting tax returns on Monday, January 23rd and will continue to do so until Tuesday, April 18.
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Mayor Adams Outlines "Working People's Agenda" for NYC in Second State of the City Address
Agenda Rests on Four Pillars That Uphold Strong and Sustainable Society: Jobs, Safety, Housing, and Care
Speech Lays Out Bold Plans to Keep Recidivists Off Streets, Connect 30,000 New Yorkers to Apprenticeships, Launch Country's Largest Curbside Composting Program, Kick Off Community Planning Processes in Midtown and Staten Island's North Shore, Electrify All For-Hire Vehicles, and Provide Free, Comprehensive Health Care to All New Yorkers in City Homeless Shelters
Adams Administration Will Make NYC More Affordable, Safer, Cleaner, and More Livable
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today outlined a "Working People's Agenda" in his second State of the City address, delivered at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Mayor Adams' agenda is built on four pillars that are essential to building a city that meets the needs of working New Yorkers and represent the focus of his administration's work in 2023: jobs, safety, housing, and care.
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Mayor Adams Announces Expansion of Financial Counseling Services to New Yorkers Visiting Workforce1 Career Centers
Connecting New Yorkers to Financial Counseling Using City’s Workforce1 Career Centers Fulfills Another Initiative in Mayor Adams’ “Blueprint for Economic Recovery”
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, and New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim today announced a joint initiative to bring financial counseling to jobseekers across New York City. The expansion of DCWP’s one-on-one financial counseling services at SBS’s five main Workforce1 Career Center Hubs in each borough will provide a one-stop-shop for New Yorkers to access free, professional, and confidential financial counseling, along with job readiness services and connections to workforce development training. The initiative also fulfills a key component of Mayor Adams’ “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery.”
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
City Announces Naming of Immigrant Heritage Plaza
NEW YORK, NY – The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and diverse immigrant communities today announced the naming of the historic Immigrant Heritage Plaza located south of Bowling Green Park.
Friday, January 13, 2023
Mayor Adams to Deliver State of the City Address
Speech to Be Held at Queens Theatre
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that on January 26th he will deliver his second mayoral State of the City address at the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, where he will discuss the past year’s accomplishments, the current state of the city, and share new plans to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Over 70,000 New York City Kindergartners and First Graders Receiving NYC Scholarship Accounts in the 2022-23 School Year
Number of Children with NYC Scholarship Accounts Nearly Doubles to 145,000 Citywide
Elementary Schools Across the Five Boroughs Celebrate NYC Scholarship Month to Encourage Families to Activate their Accounts and Dream Big for the Future
NEW YORK, NY – NYC Kids RISE, the NYC Department of Education, the NYC Mayor’s Office of Equity, City officials, and partners announced today that more than 70,000 new students across the city have been enrolled in the Save for College Program, and their families can now activate and view their new NYC Scholarship Accounts at nyckidsrise.org/activate. Each participating student now has a free account, funded with an initial $100 seed investment, to build financial assets for higher education and dream big about the future. The new class of kindergartners and first graders nearly doubles the total number of families participating in the college scholarship and savings program across New York City, to a total of approximately 145,000. Since the launch of the Save for College Program in 2017, over $18.5 million has been collectively allocated to the NYC Scholarship Accounts of participating students.