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DiNapoli: Former Treasurer Arrested for Stealing From Essex County Fair

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Franklin County District Attorney Craig Carriero and the New York State Police announced that Bridget Brown, former treasurer of the Essex County Agricultural Society (the Society), has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $60,000 in funds from the organization which operates the Essex County Fair.

DiNapoli: Unemployment Taxes on Employers Poised To Increase To Repay $9B Owed to Federal Government

The historic surge in unemployment claims at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly depleted the New York State Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund, resulting in the state borrowing from the federal government to pay claims. State UI tax rates have already risen to the highest level permissible under law in 2021. Unless the state or federal government takes significant action, federal UI tax rates on employers will also increase in 2022 and beyond, according to a report issued today by State Comptroller Thomas P.

Disruption to Special Education Services: Closing the Gap on Learning Loss from COVID-19

New York students with disabilities lost partial or full special education services because of school shutdowns and the shift to remote learning during the pandemic, likely exacerbating pre-existing achievement gaps. School districts should prioritize address learning loss for these students in their re-opening plans.

Enterprise Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention and Detection, September 1, 2021

The New York State Legislature amended the State Finance Law in 2015 by adding a new Section 8-c, which provides for the establishment of a statewide electronic system to help detect and prevent fraud, waste and abuse in government spending and to help avoid improper payment of public funds.

State Contract and Payment Actions in July

In July, the Office of the State Comptroller approved 1,440 contracts for state agencies and public authorities valued at $11.1 billion and approved nearly 16.6 million payments worth nearly $13.7 billion. The office rejected 144 contracts and related transactions valued at $242.9 million and more than 5,800 payments valued at more than $25.2 million, primarily for mistakes, insufficient support for charges, and improper payments. More information on these contracts and payments is available at Open Book New York.