“The state Legislature and Governor agreed on a new state budget as the state is struggling to recover from the economic devastation caused by COVID-19. More than a year into the pandemic, the number of cases remains high in New York but the accelerated pace of vaccinations and job growth in many sectors indicate an improving economic outlook. We are not out of the woods, and we must remain cautious as there is still uncertainty about the epidemic and the trajectory and equity of the recovery.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli made the following statement today in response to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Staff's determination that it was unable to agree with Amazon Inc.’s request to keep the New York State Common Retirement Fund’s shareholder proposal off the ballot at its annual shareholders’ meeting.

“The economic effects of the pandemic on the state’s finances are widespread and some sectors of our economy may take years to recover. The state Legislature and Governor are in the process of finalizing a new state budget. Many New Yorkers are hurting, and it is important that a final agreement is reached quickly.

In February, the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) approved 1,407 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $109 billion and approved more than 20.3 million payments worth nearly $14 billion. OSC rejected 110 contracts and related transactions valued at $100 million and more than 8,000 payments valued at nearly $18.2 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at www.openbooknewyork.com.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) will restrict investments in oil sands companies that have not demonstrated that they are prepared for the transition to a low-carbon economy, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the third largest public pension plan in the country, announced today.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli testified today before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion. The hearing, titled “By the Numbers: How Diversity Data Can Measure Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” focused on how investors utilize such data.

The New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) has reached an agreement with the Molson Coors Beverage Co., one of the world’s largest brewers, to comprehensively disclose its political spending, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the Fund, announced today. In response to the agreement, the Fund withdrew its shareholder resolution with the Chicago-based company.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the sale of two series of New York State General Obligation Bonds totaling $634 million through competitive sale. Specifically, the sales were $102,370,000 of Series 2021A Tax-Exempt Bonds and $531,385,000 of Series 2021B Taxable Bonds.