Stringer Announces Return of $2 Million in Stolen Wages
Yesterday, City Comptroller Scott Stringer (D) kicked off Labor Rights Week by announcing the return of $2 million in stolen prevailing wages to workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Comptroller’s Bureau of Labor Law is responsible for enforcing prevailing wage laws and ensuring that workers employed by public contractors receive the wages they’re entitled to. In the wake of the pandemic, Stringer launched a phone banking campaign to return unpaid wages to workers who did not receive their due; since March, the campaign has returned nearly $2 million in stolen wages to over 100 workers.
The announcement coincided with Labor Rights Week, an annual event to raise awareness about worker and employer rights according to American labor laws.
“I always say that in my office, every week is Labor Rights Week,” said Stringer. “I believe that workers are their own best advocates when they know their rights, which is why community-based partnerships are so important. My office is as committed to the enforcement of prevailing wages as we are in connecting workers with the pay they are rightfully owed. The economic fallout of COVID-19 has made this work more important than ever, and I am proud that our redoubled efforts have brought justice to more than 100 workers during these past few challenging months.”
Maloney to Issue Subpoena to DeJoy
Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) sent out a memorandum announcing her intent to subpoena Postmaster General Louis DeJoy (R).
Over the past two months, countless representatives have requested documents from DeJoy regarding nationwide mail delays, communications with the Trump campaign, and other issues. During last week’s hearing, Maloney demanded said documents by Wednesday, Aug. 26, threatening to subpoena him if he does not meet the deadline.
“In light of your refusal to produce documents in response to other Members of Congress, I am now writing in my capacity as Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform to make a number of requests for documents and information,” Maloney wrote. “I am also requesting, on behalf of the Committee, additional documents sought during your recent testimony before the Committee on August 24, 2020, and by Members of our Committee and others. If there are any questions about whether you are legally authorized to produce these documents, please let the Committee know, and we will issue a subpoena to resolve these doubts and compel their production.”
Cuomo, Labor Leaders Call on Congress for Aid to Address Budget Shortfalls
Yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) and several prominent labor leaders requested $58 billion in Congressional aid to address budget shortfalls in New York.
In a letter to federal representatives, Cuomo cited the schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects (such as the reconstruction of JFK and LaGuardia Airports) that will be in jeopardy without federal support. The letter also requests that Congress repeal the tax change that disallowed taxpayers from deducting state and local taxes (SALT); it alleges that the change cost New York taxpayers a combined $15 billion last year.
“There is no combination of state efforts that will address this financial crisis without federal assistance,” they wrote. “Even if state and local governments cut expenses, increase taxes, and reduced services, the revenue shortfall would still be in the billions of dollars. Moreover, forcing state and local governments to take such actions would only further the pain and extend the period of time for the nation’s economy to recover. Virtually all economists agree that forcing state and local governments to lay off employees and reduce services will negatively impact the national recovery.”
Velázquez, Jeffries, Meng Seek Delay on Tax Lien Sale
Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens), Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens) and Grace Meng (D-Queens) openly called for a delay on the City’s 2020 Tax Lien Sale.
Every year, NYC’s Department of Finance sells liens of residential properties with unpaid debts on taxes, bills and other expenses. This can often put homeowners at risk for foreclosure, particularly if the lien goes to a collection agency.
In a letter to Mayor Bill De Blasio (D), the representatives urged him to delay the sale, arguing that it would have a disastrous effect on New York amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Unfortunately, we remain in unprecedented times,” the lawmakers wrote. “Our city’s homeowners and property owners continue to suffer the economic effects related to the COVID-19 outbreak and our communities of color have been the hardest hit. Therefore, we request that you again delay the City’s 2020 Tax Lien Sale until a date that is at least one year from the date that Governor Cuomo declares the pandemic emergency over.”
Read the full letter here.
