Developing Housing and Communities

CONTENTS

Overview 10 Ensuring Government works for all New Yorkers 12 • Achieved a record of fiscal responsibility • Implemented seventh fiscally responsible budget • Maintained prudent capital spending and reduced debt • Implemented lowest middle class tax rates in 70 years

Revitalizing New York’s Infrastructure 14 • Completing the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge • Completed the First Span of the Kosciuszko Bridge • Opened the Second Avenue subway • Completed the west end concourse at Penn Station • Redevelopment Process Began for JFK Airport • Redevelopment of Syracuse Hancock International Airport • Redevelopment of Elmira Corning Regional Airport • Redevelopment of a new greater Rochester International Airport • Redevelopment of of Plattsburgh International Airport • Moved Forward with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) third track • Completed LIRR second track – Ronkonkoma to Farmingdale • Began construction on the Woodbury Transit and Economic Development Hub • Began construction on the Schenectady Train Station project • Instituted the New York Buy American Act • Implemented cashless tolling • Announced Cross Harbor Freight Program • MTA revitalization • Launched the subway action plan and Metropolitan Transportation Authority reorganization • Launched MTA Genius competition • Launched enhanced station initiative • Responded to Penn Station repairs • Launched subway station track cleaning initiative • Dedicated 9/11 first responders memorial • Completed Rochester Train Station • Began the Transformation of the Sheridan and Bruckner Expressways • Began phase III of the Van Wyck and Kew Gardens Interchange Project • Completed the Utica North South Arterial • Completed the Empire Bridge Program • Dedicated the Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell Bike/Pedestrian Bridge Harnessing New York’s Clean Energy Resources 24 • Grew the clean economy • Established the most ambitious offshore wind energy goal in the U.S. • Grew solar power • Record-breaking solicitations enabling investments in clean energy projects • Increased electric car sales • Announced an orderly close of the Indian Point energy center by April 2020 • Expanded the New York Green Bank • Integrated cutting-edge monitoring of State Energy Assets • Funded Community Microgrid Projects

Preserving the Environment 27 • Founded U.S. Climate Alliance Along with California and Washington State • Announced Multi-State Effort to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector 30% by 2030 • Protected New Yorker’s From the Dangers of Fracking • Cracked down on Illegal Ivory sales to protect elephants – hosts second ivory crush • Completed the capping of Onondaga Lake • Adopted methane reduction plan to cut harmful emissions from landfills, agri culture and oil and gas • Released comprehensive ocean action plan to protect critical marine resources • Adopted official sea-level rise projections to plan and prepare for climate change • Announced new solid waste regulations to crack down on illegal disposal and protect public health and environment • Created tanker avoidance zones in the Historic Hudson River • Completed $4.3 Million wetlands restoration project on upper Niagara River • Invested $354 Million in a resiliency project to reduce nitrogen pollution and • Improve Water Quality in LI Western Bays • Committed $10 Million to Improve Long Island Water Quality, Restore Shellfish Populations and Bolster Resiliency of Shoreline Communities • Sued EPA to Halt Proposal for Dredging Sediment Disposal Site in LI Sound • Launched I Bird NY to Connect Youth to Nature • Announced Salmon River Tug Hill Land Acquisition Celebrating New York’s Treasured Resources 33 • Completed $8.8 Million in Improvements at Jones Beach State Park • Revitalized the Great New York State Fair • Supported Critical Renovations to New York’s County Fairs • Completed Buffalo Harbor’s $15 Million Transformation • Opened New $7 Million year-round cave of the winds experience at Niagara Falls State Park • Promoted New York’s State’s craft beverages • Promoted the Taste NY Culinary Trail System • Expanded the NYS Grown & Certified Program • Launched the first-ever New York craft beverage week • Promoted New York’s food and beverage industry through Taste NY • Launched Adventure NY • Connected New Yorkers to Parks and Healthy Outdoor Recreation • Celebrated the sixth year of I Love My Park Day with record 8,000 volunteers • Added more than 1,000 acres of open space to State Parks through the Environmental Protection Fund • Opened the Hallock State Park Preserve on Long Island’s North Fork • Completed $16.9 Million revitalization of green Lakes State Park • Opened $4.3 Million Thacher Park Center • Upstate casinos generated more than $90 Million for local governments and education • Upstate resort gaming destination jobs and economic development surpassed expectations • New York state hosted one of the world’s biggest days of harness racing • Advanced 88 properties and districts to the national register of historic places

Preparing Future Generations 39 • Implemented the Excelsior Scholarship • Created Cohort of Computer Science master teachers • Launched college possible coding challenge • Launched open education resources (OER) • Initiated Enhanced Tuition Award • Support for SUNY State-operated campuses • Support SUNY and CUNY capital projects • Increased community colleges aid • Funded Higher Education Opportunity Programs • Funded Part-Time Scholarship Award Program (PTS) • Implemented child welfare worker incentive scholarship and loan forgiveness programs • Provided low-cost financing for private higher education institutions • Funded highest level of aid for education • $35 Million awarded to Empire State After-School Programs • $5 Million awarded to expand Pre-Kindergarten • Recognized and supported excellent educators • Expanded community schools • Supported Public Charter schools • Expanded early college high schools • Opened New Major league baseball urban youth academy at Roberto Clemente State Park • Doubled the Number of Certified Agricultural Educators • Expanded the New York Agriculture in the Classroom Program • Supported new and beginning farmers • Provided low-cost financing for not-for-profit higher education institutions

Investing in The New York Promise 46 • Reduced Unemployment • Unemployment insurance reform is paying off • Elevated New York’s trained workforce • Streamlined licensing and approvals for accelerated tech training providers • Launched groundbreaking inititative to fuel growth of life science sector • Launched Pre-Apprenticeship Program • Incentivized Youth Employment • Created jobs and grew opportunities across the State • Expanded Industrial Hemp • Saab defense and security expansion in Central New York • Launched the drone test corridor, NuAir Nasa agreement in Central New York • Broke ground on Norsk in the North Country • Hudson Valley LEGOLAND New York • Amazon expansion in New York City • Imperium3 New York to establish Lithium Ion battery giga-factory in the Southern Tier • Fostered energy economy in the Southern Tier • Paychex in the Finger Lakes Region • Strategic financial solutions LLC, contact center in WNY • Utica Danfoss packaging facility in the Mohawk Valley • Launched the second downtown revitalization initiative awards • Delivered ride sharing for Upstate New York • Initiated autonomous vehicle testing in New York State • Supported 100 new national future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization chapters across the State • Began planning to assist the Indian Point workforce • 1,200 jobs at Finger Lakes Racetrack preserved • Charities and non-profits experienced less red tape for fundraising

Advancing Health and Wellness 54 • Protected access to quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers • $2.5 Billion Clean Water Infastructure Act • Provided $1.4 Billion for the Vital Brooklyn Initiative • Established a formulary to improve health outcomes • Expanded farm-to-school efforts/statewide farm-to-school summit • Combatted addiction and addressing the opioid epidemic • Launched new Fentanyl Public Awareness Campaign • Funded ten 24/7 round-the-clock access centers to increase opportunities for people to enter treatment • Certified 500 new recovery peer advocates • Provided $10 Million to develop new medically supervised withdrawal programs throughout the State • Opened 11 new recovery community centers • Provided peer services in NYC homeless shelters • OMH and OTDA collaborated to link NYC homeless shelters with comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program • Expanded cutting-edge breast cancer screening options for women • Funded $28 million for community based organizations through Medicaid redesign • Funded $491 million in funding to strengthen health care infrastructure • Launched a statewide cancer incidence initiative • Launched the Medicaid Drug Cap • Expanded access to New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program • Achieved 39% enrollment growth in the marketplace from 2016 to 2017 • Supported primary care transformation • Modernized the health care regulatory landscape • Boosted pay for over 70,000 direct support professionals serving New Yorkers with developmental disabilities • Created 459 certified residential options and other opportunities for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities • Promoted 50% increase in individuals self-directing their services for community living and independence • Provided stable, supportive housing for people with mental Illness • Reinvested millions into community-based services across the State • Engaged at-risk mentally Ill • Combated stigma with community partners statewide • Advanced suicide prevention efforts • Certified community behavioral health clinics for comprehensive health and behavioral health treatment • Developed innovative techniques to deliver mental health services • Invested in value based payment infrastructure for behavioral health providers • Overcame barriers to hiring people with disabilities • Better prepared first-responders and individuals with disabilities for emergencies • Communicated with Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members with limited english proficiency • Improved access for injured workers receiving benefits faster than they have in decades • Piloted virtual hearings to remove travel burden for injured workers • Implemented principles of modern medicine in Workers’ Compensation • Protected world trade center workers • Provided low-cost capital to health care providers

Achieving Equality 70 • Implemented paid family leave • Implemented the new minimum wage Worked to eradicate worker exploitation • Unveiled design for LGBT monument • Announced the development of the NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn New York • Issued executive order No. 169: Expanding access to voter registration • launched gender pay gap study • Protected immigrant crime victims and victims of human trafficking through increased access to U and T visas • Making New York the healthiest state for people of all ages • First age-friendly state in the nation • Creating the first in the nation statewide aging services mobile app • Provided additional $15 million commitment to weatherization programs for low-income New Yorkers • OCFS ensured services are provided to more runaway and homeless youth through statutory and regulatory changes • Protected New York health insurance consumers • Protected low- and middle-income New Yorkers from denials of life insurance claims • Protected seniors against Insurance and annuity premium increases • Used technology to improve regulation of the Financial Services Industry • Created the office of rural development • Ensured the maximum SNAP benefit is available for low-income New Yorkers in receipt of HEAP • Leveraged $5 million in federal SNAP Technical Assistance Funding • Enacted farm donation to food pantries tax credit • Expanded MWBE capacity • Created new opportunities for MWBEs • Casinos raised the bar for MWBE opportunities across New York State

Developing Housing and Communities 80 • Launched $20 billion five-year plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable units and 6,000 supportive homes • Preserving affordable housing for middle income New Yorkers • Expanding affordable housing supply and launching the small rental development Initiative • Protecting foreign-born tenants • Protecting rent regulated tenants from landlord abuse and harassment • Expanding access to high opportunity areas • Helping New Yorkers purchase and renovate zombie properties • Stopping foreclosure and strengthening communities • Helping recent college graduates achieve homeownership • Affordable Homeownership Development Program • Increasing homeownership • Improving and preserving New York’s stock of mobile and manufactured homes • Creating homeownership opportunities and preventing foreclosure on Buffalo’s East Side and in the town of Cheektowaga • Creating vibrant, attractive downtowns • Attracting jobs ands millenials to downtowns • Strengthening infrastructure and creating strong communities

Fighting for Justice 86 • Raised the Age of criminal responsibility • Required law enforcement to video-record interrogations for serious offenses • Allowed properly conducted witness identification using photo array into evidence • Extended quality improvements to indigent legal defense across the state • Created a criminal sealing procedure for individuals who remain crime-free for ten years • Reforming solitary confinement in local jails Making New York Safer for All 89 • Conducted counterterrorism assessments in Every County • Combatted hate crimes across the State • Increased assistance to combat gun and gang violence throughout the State • Expanded anti-gang programming to hotspots • Ended child marriage • Protect New York’s shelter animals • Lead the nation in responsible aftercare for New York State race horses

Responding to Crisis 92 • Surged National Guard and law enforcement following terrorist attacks • Responded to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria • Relief and recovery efforts for Puerto Rico • Deployed New York State utility personnel and damage assessment experts to Puerto Rico • Provided $45 Million in financial assistance for those affected by Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence river flooding OVERVIEW

Under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State is increasing economic opportunity and furthering social progress. Today the Empire State has the lowest taxes in decades, the largest infrastructure plan in the nation, and more private sector jobs than at any point in the State’s history. At the same time, the State is advancing protections for all New Yorkers and taking unprecedented action to better serve the entire New York family.

In 2017, New York State continued to build on the historic achievements of the prior six years, including the Governor’s transformative approach to economic development. To ease the burden on hardworking New Yorkers struggling to get ahead in today’s economy, Governor Cuomo launched the Middle Class Recovery Act. Under the Governor’s leadership, New York cut middle class taxes, doubled the child care tax credit, took unprecedented steps to rein in out-of-control prescription drug prices, and made a record- high investment in public education to give all New Yorkers an opportunity to succeed. Governor Cuomo championed the nation’s first free college tuition program for the middle class. The historic Excelsior Scholarship sends a strong message that all New Yorkers can go to college regardless of family income, and it sets an example for the nation to follow.

New York State also advanced its $100 billion infrastructure plan, the largest in the country, that is rebuilding airports, roads, bridges and public transportation. The State is making record investments in regional mass transit, including the NYC Subway, LIRR and Metro-North; expanding the Javits Convention Center, and constructing the new Moynihan Train Hall at the new Penn Station-Farley Complex. Underscoring the historic transformation of the State’s infrastructure, Governor Cuomo opened the first span of the iconic new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge to replace the aging Tappan Zee—marking a major milestone in one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. This year New York State also continued its unceasing commitment to justice and equality. As part of a series of groundbreaking criminal justice reforms, the State passed legislation raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18-years-old, ensuring that young people in New York who commit non-violent crimes receive the intervention and evidence- based treatment they need.

The safety, security, and well-being of New Yorkers remained the State’s top priority. In 2017, two separate terrorist incidents targeted New York City, including an attack on Halloween that killed 8 people. But New Yorkers were resilient, undaunted, and undeterred. New Yorkers also came together to support communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, where historic flooding devastated homes and businesses. Governor Cuomo declared a State of Emergency, deployed the National Guard to help protect communities, and committed to ensuring all eligible applicants receive relief for direct physical damages as a result of the flooding. New York also stepped up for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico in the wake of the devastation caused by hurricanes Maria and Irma. New Yorkers from across the State contributed goods to support the relief effort, and Governor Cuomo deployed resources, equipment and personnel to assist in the recovery and help Puerto Rico build back better than before.

As the federal government abdicates its responsibility to protect the environment, New York State is picking up the mantle of climate leadership. The Governor and State Legislature maintained the record $300 million Environmental Protection Fund and passed a $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act. Governor Cuomo also co-founded the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states across the country dedicated to upholding the goals of the Paris Accord. New York State continues to adhere to the values of tolerance and opportunity embodied by the Lady in our Harbor and live up to our state motto: Excelsior, or “Ever Upward.” Under the Governor’s leadership, the State is setting an example for smart and effective government and delivering for the people of New York. The following report highlights many of these accomplishments. 10 ENSURING GOVERNMENT WORKS FOR ALL NEW YORKERS ACHIEVED A RECORD OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY In the half century prior to 2011, New York State government spending increased at a rate of 6.5 percent – faster than inflation or growth in taxpayer income. Governor Cuomo instilled discipline for managing the State’s fiscal house and implemented a cap on State spending growth. Accordingly, the FY 2018 state budget is balanced while holding spending growth within 2 percent for an unprecedented seventh consecutive year.

As a result of this prudent fiscal management, taxes have been cut to their lowest levels in generations, including the lowest tax rate for the middle class since 1947, and the State is positioned to make smart new investments for our future.

IMPLEMENTED SEVENTH FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGET The two percent state spending cap, self-imposed by Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for the seventh time with the FY 2018 Budget, has changed the nature of the State Budget process. For decades, State spending was driven by revenue projections. By constraining expenditures to sustainable levels, New York is leaving more money in the hands of the people. Careful management of the State’s Financial Plan throughout the year has allowed the New York to record surpluses in State Fiscal Years (SFY) 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, and enabled several deposits to rainy day reserves. General Fund reserves are now at $2.5 billion, up from $1 billion ten years ago, including $500 million for debt management. The combination of l ower taxes and fiscal stability is boosting New York’s competitiveness. The spending cap has worked together with other fundamental reforms to reduce State and local government expenditures. Unsustainable inflators in major State programs have been eliminated and pension costs have been lowered for all levels of government. To help counties comply with the property tax cap, the State has relieved them of future Medicaid growth and shouldered billions of dollars of local government costs. The Governor’s fiscal discipline is also driving government innovation. New York State agencies are continuing to streamline processes and eliminate waste, allowing them to hold the line on spending while improving services. By working smarter than ever before, State agency spending has been held essentially flat since FY 2012.

MAINTAINED PRUDENT CAPITAL SPENDING AND REDUCED DEBT The FY 2018 capital program continues Governor Cuomo’s ambitious plan to rebuild New York’s infrastructure. The unprecedented investment of $100 billion is well underway and the FY 2018 Budget includes additional resources for transformational new projects. Investments are being made in roadways, bridges, and transit systems; affordable and supportive housing units; economic development; health care; and environmental protection. Additionally, the Plan continues funding for State parks, and educational, mental health, and correctional facilities. By modernizing our infrastructure, New York is promoting economic development, creating jobs and expanding opportunity.

12 Governor Cuomo has financed these projects responsibly, maintaining an affordable plan that will not overburden future taxpayers. The capital program remains sized to fit within the limits established by the State’s statutory debt cap, and the State’s debt to personal income ratio – currently at its most favorable position since the 1960s – is expected to remain stable. With the close of FY 2017, State debt declined for the fifth consecutive year. Never in the modern history of New York had debt declined in even three consecutive years. State-related debt outstanding continued its decline from a high point of $56.4 billion in FY 2012 to $50.7 billion at the close of FY 2017, its lowest point since FY 2008.

IMPLEMENTED LOWEST MIDDLE CLASS TAX RATES IN 70 YEARS The FY 2018 State Budget, with the start of new middle class tax cuts, builds on New York State’s record of significant tax relief under Governor Cuomo, including: enacted the property tax cap and the property tax freeze credit; lowered middle class income tax rates; eliminated the MTA payroll tax for more than 700,000 small businesses and the self-employed; created a newly enhanced family tax relief credit and tax cuts for small businesses and manufacturers; reformed unemployment insurance and workers compensation insurance; created tax free zones; and enacted the most important overhaul of corporate taxes in seven decades including a reduction in corporate rates. New York now has the lowest corporate tax rate since 1968, the lowest middle class tax rate since 1947, and the lowest manufacturers’ tax rate since 1917. The new middle class tax rates will be the lowest in more than 70 years, once fully phased in. Building on the middle class tax cuts of 2012, that lowered rates from 6.85 percent to 6.45 percent for taxpayers in the $40,000-$150,000 income bracket, and to 6.65 percent in the $150,000-$300,000 income bracket, the rate will drop even further beginning this year and will continue to drop all the way to 5.5 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively. These new lower tax rates will save middle class New Yorkers nearly $6.6 billion in just the first four years, with annual savings reaching $4.2 billion by 2025. The tax cuts will initially benefit 4.4 million filers, growing to 6 million filers when fully phased in. At that point, the middle class tax rates will be the State’s lowest in more than 70 years.

13 REVITALIZING NEW YORK’S INFRASTRUCTURE GOVERNOR MARIO M. CUOMO BRIDGE

COMPLETING THE NEW MARIO M. CUOMO BRIDGE The project to replace the Tappan Zee bridge with the newly-named Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge continues to make remarkable progress.

The project remains on target at a total cost of $3.98 billion, and is scheduled to fully open in 2018. The economic impact of the project is being felt throughout the region and around the State. More than 694 New York State companies are involved (1,617 overall) – including 192 based in Westchester County and 90 based in Rockland County. The Tappan Zee construction project has pumped $2.2 billion into the economy to date, employing more than 5,800 people overall with 1,100 working on the project in June of 2017 alone.

COMPLETED THE FIRST SPAN OF THE KOSCIUSZKO BRIDGE On April 27, 2017 Governor Cuomo opened the first span of the new Kosciuszko Bridge, with a ceremonial first crossing behind the wheel of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 1932 Packard. The event marked the first major new bridge constructed in New York City since the Verrazano Bridge in 1964. To celebrate this historic moment, delegations from both the Queens and Brooklyn marched accross the bridge from the respective Boroughs and held a celebratory meeting in the middle. The new bridge expected to be fully complet in 2019, will have five Queens-bound travel lanes and four Brooklyn-bound travel lanes, plus a 20-feet- wide shared bikeway and walkway to serve approximately 200,000 commuters daily. OPENED THE SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY On January 1, Governor Cuomo announced the on-time opening of the Second Avenue Subway. Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway project, the system’s first major expansion project in more than 50 years, includes three new ADA-compliant stations at 96th Street, 86th Street and 72nd Street, and new entrances to the existing Lexington Ave/63rd Street Station at 63rd Street and Third Avenue. It provides service from 96th Street to 63rd Street and will serve more than 200,000 people per day, reducing overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue Line and restoring a transit link to a neighborhood that lost the Second Avenue elevated line in 1940. The existing Q line will continue through 63rd Street all the way to Coney Island. The new stations will provide transfers to other subway and commuter rail lines. The new line also features low-vibration track, for a smoother, quieter ride. The Second Avenue Subway also features the largest permanent public art installation in New York State history commissioned through MTA Arts & Design. Four world-class installations help make the line an underground museum, and will provide a source of appreciation, inspiration and beauty to both customers and visitors for decades to come.

COMPLETED THE WEST END CONCOURSE AT PENN STATION In 2017 Governor Cuomo opened the expanded West End Concourse at Penn Station. The new, state-of-the-art concourse provides direct access to 17 of the station’s 21 tracks for LIRR commuters and intercity rail passengers, and offers an underground connection between the future Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station via 33rd Street with a direct link to the 8th Ave- nue Subway (A/C/E). The opening of the West End Concourse completes the first phase of the transformational redesign of Penn Station, the nation’s busiest transportation facility, to a fully modernized, world-class transit hub for the 21st Century. The new concourse increases passenger circulation and streamlines train operations by doubling the length and width of the original concourse, provides new stairways connecting with nine of Penn Station’s eleven train platforms, and adds an additional passenger eleva- tor on each platform for comfort and increased ADA accessibility. These new vertical access points allow passengers to enter and leave the platforms faster and more easily, reducing train dwell time at these platforms during boarding and disembarking. The expanded West End Concourse also features state-of-the-art facilities and technology including digital media screens for train information, graphic way-finding to improve navigation for NYC tourists and commuters, upgraded high-tech and energy efficient LED lighting, and year-round climate control. New plazas and street level entrances at 8th Avenue into the century-old, landmarked Farley Building provide access to this new, lower concourse and streamline boarding and exiting for passengers. Public art and landscaping will also greet commuters accessing the trains via these new entrances.

17 REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS BEGAN FOR JFK AIRPORT Governor Cuomo announced on July 18, 2017 that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey launched a Request for Proposals for preliminary engineering and design for the $10 billion redevelopment of John F. Kennedy International Airport. The RFP is a significant step forward in implementing the Governor’s vision for JFK, outlined in his 2017 State of the State agenda. The RFP is complemented by new State commitments for improvements to the Van Wyck Expressway and Kew Gardens Interchange that will improve access to the airport and reduce congestion. Phases I and II of the project at the Kew Gardens Interchange in central Queens are complete. These two critical steps will facilitate the transformation of JFK Airport into a unified, world-class airport that accommodates the dramatic growth expected in traveler demand. The chosen firm will follow the blueprint laid out in the Governor’s Vision Plan to reimagine the airport’s terminals, roadways, AirTrain, parking, cargo facilities, airside and aeronautical improvements, and support infrastructure.

REDEVELOPMENT SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT In January 2017, Governor Cuomo awarded the Syracuse Hancock International Airport with $35.8 million in funding to drive forward a $48.8 million transformation of the airport. This is part of the second round of the $200 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which first launched in 2016.

The Syracuse Hancock International Airport supports more than 7,500 jobs and generates nearly $597 million in economic impact throughout Central New York. This latest investment will increase economic opportunity, attract new businesses and visitors, and improve the overall passenger experience. This investment will transform an archaic facility into a state- of-the-art transportation hub that meets the needs of the 21st century traveler. The overhaul includes a wide-scale redesign of the grand hall, food, beverage and retail concessions, and the exterior façade. In addition, a new Regional Aviation History Museum, renovated glass pedestrian bridges, and eco-friendly roof will be built along with new flooring and furniture to provide a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from across the world. The project is expected to create more than 850 construction jobs, and has been progressing through design, plan preparation and permit approvals. Completion of the project is on schedule.

REDEVELOPMENT OF ELMIRA CORNING REGIONAL AIRPORT Work begn in 2017 on the $58 million Elmira Corning Regional Aiport redevelopment project. Originally Announced in 2016 by Governor Cuomo., the project recevied a $40 million award from the state, through Round 1 of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revital- ization Competition. Scheduled to be complet in 2018 the airport’s terminal will include a landscaped courtyard, glass walls, a raised concourse and a new jet bridge to access larger aircraft, updated infrastructure and a renovated restaurant area. The Airport redevelopment plan projects 1,221 construction jobs will be created. Project designers have been progressing through design, plan preparation and permit approvals. The project is on schedule.

18 REDEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT In September 2016, Governor Cuomo awarded $39.8 million to the Greater Rochester Inter- national Airport to activate its $79.4 million transformation. As a result of the State’s award the overall investment in the project increased by $16 million expanding the scope of the original work, and allowing for additonal enhancments. Construction began in April of 2017, and will over the course of the project create 1,221 construction jobs. When fully complete the aiport will have undergne an overhaul of its aging infrastructure, a wide-scale redesign of the terminal building, incorporating sustainable elements such as solar panels and rainwater collection, new signage at the I-390 entrance, enhanced security measures, new technology to improve accessibility, and premier shopping and dining options for a world-class passenger experience. The airport which supports nearly 10,000 jobs is a major source of economic activity and employment for the FInger Lakes region.

The project also includes a state-of-the-art smart phone lot where family and friends can wait for passengers while monitoring up-to-the-minute arrival information on a viewing screen. The new lot will be built before the terminal, eliminating the current need to drive past the terminal to get to the lot, then circle back to check on arriving passengers, and will feature electric car charging stations. The smart phone lot project continues to progress on schedule. Pavement markings are complete. The project is currently on schedule.

REDEVELOPMENT OF PLATTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT In January 2017, Governor Cuomo awarded Plattsburgh International Airport $38 million through Round Two of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition to jumpstart the airport’s $43 million overhaul of the North Country aviation gateway. This project, which will take the currently underutilized former military facility and transform it into a state-of-the-art transportation and economic development hub, will create 825 construction jobs. The construction of a new air cargo receiving and distribution center will allow existing PLATTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT manufacturers to transport their own materials, create jobs, and attract new companies to the region. Additionally, the establishment of a new general aviation customs facility will expand international connectivity and allow foreign aircraft to use the North Country airport as a base of operations. A new multimodal facility will also improve mobility options for passengers and employees alike. Project designers have been progressing through design, plan preparation and permit approvals. The project is currently on schedule.

19 MOVED FORWARD WITH LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD (LIRR) THIRD TRACK Governor Cuomo announced a historic $5.6 billion transformation of the Long Island Rail Road to strengthen the region’s transportation infrastructure and usher in a new era of economic growth. After 70 years of stagnation, all 100 transformative LIRR capital projects are moving forward, including the Main Line Third Track, Double Track, Jamaica Station Reconstruction, 39 renovated Long Island Rail Road stations and grade crossing eliminations -- modernizing transportation across the region to provide a state-of-the-art rail system for Long Island.

COMPLETED LIRR SECOND TRACK – RONKONKOMA TO FARMINGDALE Governor Cuomo announced the completion of new track between Central Islip and Ronkonkoma for the LIRR Double Track project. The Double Track, extending from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma, will dramatically reduce delays on the LIRR and enable more off peak service in both directions by adding 13 miles of parallel track. Together with the full MTA eTix rollout, the LIRR Third Track proposal on the Main Line, East Side Access, and four new Metro-North Stations in the Bronx, these investments move the MTA’s commuter rail priorities forward in the Governor’s $100 billion Infrastructure and Development Plan for New York. BEGAN CONSTRUCTION ON THE WOODBURY TRANSIT AND ECONOMIC DE- VELOPMENT HUB Construction began on the $150 million design-build project at the Woodbury Road, Transit and Economic Development Hub in Orange County. The project is expected to be completed in November 2019 -- five years ahead of schedule. The State will use a Project Labor Agree- ment (PLA), with the new road, transit and economic development hub expected to create 700 jobs over the course of the project.

The Governor’s directive to replace and rebuild the Road, Transit and Economic Development Hub in the Town of Woodbury, combined with the implementation of new cashless tolling at the Harriman Toll Barrier in October 2018, is expected to decrease congestion, backups and accidents by 50 percent around the Woodbury Premium Outlets area. This initiative will enhance New York’s transportation infrastructure while expanding economic growth opportunities in the Hudson Valley region.

BEGAN CONSTRUCTION ON THE SCHENECTADY TRAIN STATION PROJECT Demolition of the prior Schenectady Station began in July of 2017. The project will make room for a modern, new rail station to connect travelers to New York City, Niagara Falls and beyond. The fully accessible station has a total project cost of $23 million, supported by $19 million in State funding. This project is in addition to $181 million in key rail improvement projects recently completed along the Empire Corridor in the Capital Region, easing congestion, modernizing service, shortening travel times and improving accessibility for intercity passenger rail customers traveling between New York City and Niagara Falls.

20 INSTITUTED THE NEW YORK BUY AMERICAN ACT Governor Cuomo signed legislation to require the purchase of American-made steel and iron products by State entities. Under the “Buy American” legislation, the Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Bridge Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Office of General Services, SUNY Construction Fund and Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will be required to include a contract provision requiring the use of American-made structural iron and structural steel for all surface road and bridge projects.

The legislation requires steel or iron be produced or made in whole or substantial part in the United States, and that the entire manufacturing process of these items occur in the United States unless it can be demonstrated that the use of such steel or iron in a particular project should be subject to an exemption. The legislation will be implemented on April 1, 2018 and will apply to contracts that are executed after that date.

IMPLEMENTED CASHLESS TOLLING In 2016, under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York State began to replace the traditional toll collection system with cashless tolling on MTA tunnels and bridges in New York City. The success of the program and the positive reaction from drivers have led to the further roll out of the technology on the New York State Thruway Harriman and Grand Island toll plazas. The cashless tolling technology eliminates person-to-person toll collection and allows for the removal of toll booths, replacing them with EZ-Pass sensors, and license plate reading cam- eras for pay by mail tolling. Utilizing this new technology has improved conditions for drivers, and improved the lives of those who live near toll collection points by eliminating bottlenecks and reducing congestion related emissions

ANNOUNCED CROSS HARBOR FREIGHT PROGRAM Governor Cuomo and Congressman Jerrold Nadler announced work preliminary work has begun on a project to develop a Cross Harbor Rail Freight Tunnel (CHRFT), that would connect Jersey City, NJ and Brooklyn. This preliminary work which marks a major milestone for the project, will include studies to throughly examine the constrcution methods of the tunnel and the imapct its devlopmet will evetaully have on alleviating congestion and reducing the regions depence on againg infastructure. The Port Authority has committed up to $35 million for the study and has available up to another $35 million for further design and engineering.

The CHRFT would create transformative economic benefits for the region including the creation of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in wages while also greatly decreaseing the cost of goods and of doing business by improving the efficiency and cost of freight delivery. The CHRFT would remove 1,800 daily truck trips from New York Harbor crossings, and fundamentally help reduce congestion on roads and bridges, improve air quality and reduce asth- ma, as well as allow for better movement of emergency vehicles and buses.

21 MTA REVITALIZATION LAUNCHED THE SUBWAY ACTION PLAN AND METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY REORGANIZATION The MTA launched the first phase of MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota’s NYC Subway Action Plan to stabilize and improve the subway system and lay the foundation for modernizing the New York City Subway. The plan was initiated less than 30 days after Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency and directed the chairman to come up with a plan for immediate action.

The first phase began immediately and will deliver improvements within one year. It focuses on a better customer experience through increased reliability and capacity, enhanced stations and safety, and clear and accurate communication. To address signal and track maintenance, New York City Transit will expedite a signal repair program targeting 1,300 of the most prob- lematic signals, go after water leaks with sealing and street grates to eliminate drain clogs, aggressively clean the entire underground subway network to remove debris and reduce fire hazards, and dispatch special teams to locations with the highest incident rate of track issues. NYC Transit will triple the rate of planned installation of continuous welded rail (CWR), which decreases the number of rail joints where failures are most likely to occur and also provides smoother and quieter rides, as well as launching more Combined Action Teams (CAT) to decrease response times from 45 minutes to 15 minutes.

LAUNCHED MTA GENIUS COMPETITION In June, Governor Cuomo directed the MTA to launch “The MTA Genius Transit Challenge,” an international competition seeking groundbreaking and innovative solutions to increase the capacity and improve the reliability of New York City’s subway service. The launch event brought over 1,000 industry professionals from all over the world to New York City. The first phase of the competition generated overwhelming interest across transportation, communications and technology industries. The MTA received 438 submissions from 23 countries. After thorough vetting and evaluation 64 of the most innovative proposals have been selected to move to the second phase of the competition.

LAUNCHED ENHANCED STATION INITIATIVE Governor Cuomo unveiled an ambitious Enhanced Station Initiative for the New York City Subway system during a July event at the Transit Museum in Brooklyn, and the MTA issued a Request for Proposal for the first three stations in the program: Prospect Avenue Station, 53rd Street Station, and Bay Ridge Avenue Station. At the completion of the project, the station enhancements will be distributed across the five boroughs.

RESPONDED TO PENN STATION REPAIRS During the summer of 2017 Amtrak proposed repairs to its infrastructure at Penn Station that would reduce the number of trains by up to 20 percent during peak travel times. This posed a potentially crushing impact on an already overburdened system, leaving commuters to search for alternative methods of transportation and clogging our subways, roads and bridges. In response, New York State implemented a government-wide emergency plan, taking actions it never before had.

22 At the direction of Governor Cuomo, The NYS Department of Transportation and the MTA accelerated construction on our roads and bridges during off-hours and halted construction entirely during peak commuting hours. The implementation of cashless tolling was accelerated on crossings, and discounted tolls were offered to trucks that traveled overnight. Governor Cuomo worked with the Long Island Rail Road to cancel overnight service that would have a minimal impact on commuters so more trains could move across the system and backed up the plan with new train service, longer trains, discounts to alternate terminals in Brooklyn and Queens, buses and ferries, and free subway transfers.

The summer of 2017 had the potential to be the ‘summer of hell,’ but instead the LIRR saw its best on-time performance of the year during these months - standards of service they will uphold year-round. This was due to the preparation, communication, and execution of Governor Cuomo’s mitigation plan.

LAUNCHED SUBWAY STATION TRACK CLEANING INITIATIVE Governor Cuomo unveiled the “Keep It Clean” initiative to discourage subway littering, a significant underlying cause of flooding, fires and extensive delays in the subway system. The MTA ran a public awareness campaign to inform riders of the impact on public safety due to littering. Governor Cuomo also directed the State’s Department of Environmental Conservation to double the penalty for littering in the subway system from $50 to $100.

DEDICATED 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS MEMORIAL Governor Cuomo and National September 11 Memorial & Museum Board Chairman Michael R. Bloomberg, along with Board Member Jon Stewart, announced plans for the development of a permanent dedication at the 9/11 Memorial to recognize the rescue and recovery at Ground Zero. New York State, through its affiliates, and Bloomberg Philanthropies will provide support and funding for the permanent dedication that will be located on the Memorial Glade. For several months, Memorial and Museum officials have been exploring creating a commemorative space and walkway to recognize rescue and recovery workers. The glade is the grassy clear- ing on the southwest corner of the 8-acre plaza near the Survivor Tree.

COMPLETED ROCHESTER TRAIN STATION Governor Cuomo joined Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Amtrak officials to open a new, $44.3 million Rochester Intermodal passenger service Station. The new station will speed up travel with expanded track service, streamline operations with a modern concourse and baggage handling system, and improve the overall passenger experience with enhanced accessibility, retail amenities and a larger building inspired by the aesthetics and architecture of the historic Bragdon Station, which once stood on the same site.

23 BEGAN THE SHERIDAN AND BRUCKNER EXPRESSWAYS TRANSFORMATION Governor Cuomo announced on March 19, 2017 a $1.8 billion project to transform the South Bronx by realizing the long-sought reconstruction of the Bruckner-Sheridan Interchange. The Sheridan Expressway will be de-designated as an interstate and replaced with a boulevard design that is both pedestrian and cyclist friendly. The improvements to the Sheridan will tie neighborhoods together and give residents and visitors alike a direct connection to the Bronx River waterfront and Starlight Park which have been shut off to the community by the highway for decades.

BEGAN PHASE III OF THE VAN WYCK AND KEW GARDENS INTERCHANGE 4.6% PROJECT Governor Cuomo announced the $110 million Phase III construction project at the Kew Gar- dens Interchange in central Queens is underway. The project will replace the existing deteriorated two-lane Van Wyck Expressway southbound viaduct over the Grand Central Parkway with a continuous three-lane viaduct, and construct new exits to the westbound Union Turn- pike and the Jackie Robinson Parkway. The three lanes from the Van Wyck Expressway will also merge with two lanes from the Grand Central Parkway over a longer distance. This two- and-a-half-year contract follows completion of two earlier phases at the Interchange. 2017 COMPLETED THE UTICA NORTH SOUTH ARTERIAL Governor Cuomo announced the completion of the $66.5 million North-South Arterial reconstruction project in the City of Utica, Oneida County. The project is a record investment in the mobility and safety of the highest volume roadway in the Mohawk Valley and replaced the 55-year old elevated viaduct carrying Routes 5, 8 and 12 through the City of Utica with a grade-separated interchange that improves access in all directions. This was the largest project ever undertaken by the State Department of Transportation in the City of Utica.

COMPLETED THE EMPIRE BRIDGE PROGRAM Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo the New York State Department of Transportation completed work on 80 bridges as part of its $542 million Empire Bridge program, a key piece of New York’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure. The Empire Bridge program includes replacing 100 aging, vulnerable structures across the state to make them more resilient against extreme weather.

DEDICATED THE ASSEMBLYMAN HERMAN “DENNY” FARRELL BIKE/ PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Governor Cuomo honored the retirement of Assemblyman Herman “Denny” Farrell Jr. by ded- icating the most visited State Park in New York City as Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park. The Governor also announced the completion of the $25 million signature pedestrian and bicyclist bridge, named after Assemblyman Farrell, over the Henry Hudson Parkway, that will improve community access to the Hudson River waterfront. Farrell represented Harlem, Washington Heights, Hudson Heights, Sugar Hill, and Hamilton Heights in the Assembly for 42 years, making him the third longest-serving member in the history of the New York State Assembly.

24 HARNESSING NEW YORK’S CLEAN ENERGY RESOURCES GREW THE CLEAN ECONOMY The Clean Energy Fund’s Market Development and Innovation and Research portfolios are currently at the 1.5 year mark of their 10-year cycle, and significant build and launch activity has taken place. Forty out of 41 MD and I&R initiatives are working side-by-side with other State initiatives to continue New York’s leadership and commitment to the growing clean economy.

ESTABLISHED THE MOST AMBITIOUS OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY GOAL IN THE U.S. By 2030 over 1.25 million New York households will be powered by offshore wind. New York has approved the first offshore wind farm off of Long Island that will power 50,000 Long Island homes with clean, renewable energy.

GREW SOLAR POWER Since 2011, the amount of solar power in New York has grown by 800%, double the rate of the national average. Today, solar can power nearly 150,000 New York households. More than 1,600 solar projects have now been installed or are in development in communities across New York State through 50 locally organized “Solarize” cam- paigns. The program makes it possible for businesses and residents to put in solar projects more economically through joint purchasing arrangements.

RECORD-BREAKING SOLICITATIONS ENABLING INVESTMENTS IN CLEAN EN- ERGY PROJECTS 2017 saw record-breaking solicitations for investments in clean energy projects including wind, solar and storage that will add historic amounts of renewable energy to New York’s power supply.

INCREASED ELECTRIC CAR SALES New York has seen a 74 percent increase in electric car sales from an equivalent period a year ago with significant new demand resulting from the $2,000 Drive Clean Rebate initiative launched in March. The State also announced $3 million in funding for municipalities and electricity cooperatives to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) for their fleets. As of September 2017, there were about 21,400 EVs registered in NYS. The De- partment of Energy reports there are 1,779 charging stations in the State.

25 ANNOUNCED AN ORDERLY CLOSE OF THE INDIAN POINT ENERGY CENTER BY APRIL 2020 Announced an orderly close of the Indian Point Energy Center by April 2020. The aging 2,000 megawatt nuclear power plant, located 25 miles north of New York City, has presented numerous threats to the safety of over 20 million residents and the environmental health of the area. The plans would shut down Indian Point Unit 2 as early as April 2020 and Unit 3 in April 2021 – 13 and 14 years earlier than required under the anticipated Federal re-licensing terms, respectively. The State will continue to closely monitor Entergy to ensure public safety and mitigate safety risks associated with the plant, including for storage of spent nuclear fuel.

EXPANDED THE NEW YORK GREEN BANK Expansion of the New York Green Bank will raise at least an additional $1 billion from the private sector to accelerate clean energy solutions. Overall, the NY Green Bank has generated $23 million in positive net income as a result of $441 million in investments in clean energy transactions across New York, one year ahead of schedule. The progress made in clean energy projects is the equivalent of taking up to 72,500 cars off the road for 22 years.

INTEGRATED CUTTING-EDGE MONITORING OF STATE ENERGY ASSETS The New York Power Authority became the first all-digital public power utility in the United States with the opening of its Integrated Smart Operations Center that analyzes the performance of NYPA’s power generation assets and statewide network of trans- mission lines. The center forecasts and identifies problems and issues before they occur, preventing potential service outages and repair and replacement costs.

FUNDED COMMUNITY MICROGRID PROJECTS Governor Cuomo Announced $11 million in funding for 11 community microgrid projects across New York State as part of the second stage of the NY Prize Community Microg- rid Competition. Microgrids provide critical power backup for homes, businesses, hospitals and other vital facilities during extreme weather events and other emergencies, while supporting development of on-site cutting edge renewable energy technologies.

26 PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

38 FOUNDED THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE ALONG WITH CALIFORNIA AND WASHINGTON STATE Upon the Federal government’s announcement to withdraw from the Paris Accords on climate change, Governor Cuomo launched the United States Climate Alliance with Governors Jerry Brown (CA) and Jay Inslee (WA). As a result, a bipartisan coalition of 15 states and unincorpo- rated self-governing territories in the United States are committed to upholding the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change within their borders, by achieving the U.S. goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 26–28% from 2005 levels by 2025 and meeting or exceeding the targets of the federal Clean Power Plan.

ANNOUNCED MULTI-STATE EFFORT TO FURTHER REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM THE POWER SECTOR 30% BY 2030 Since its formation in 2005, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first program to use an innovative market-based mechanism to cap and cost-effectively reduce CO2 emissions, has been a driving force to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, while supporting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investments in sustainable development projects. In January, to bolster RGGI and reduce emissions even further, Governor Cuomo called on the RGGI states to reduce the RGGI cap on power plant emissions an additional 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030. In August, New York and the eight other RGGI States agreed to this ambitious cap reduction. This commitment will reduce emissions 65 percent below the 2009 base level by 2030.

PROTECTED NEW YORKER’S FROM THE DANGERS OF FRACKING Governor Cuomo worked to save upstate nuclear plants from shutting down, including the successful refueling of the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant that will remain open and provide reliable power to New Yorkers. Failure to keep these plants open would have in increased emmis- sions from fossil fuels.

In another critical step in protecting New Yorkers from the dangers of fracking and preserving New York’s water resources, Governor Cuomo, along with the Governors of Delaware and Pennsylvania announced this Fall that they approved a resolution to permanently ban fracking in the Delaware River Basin. This resolution will be instrumental in protected the Basin, which drains from portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, and the health and well-being of the 15 million people who rely on it as a source of drinking water.

CRACKED DOWN ON ILLEGAL IVORY SALES TO PROTECT ELEPHANTS – HOSTS SECOND IVORY CRUSH Governor Cuomo sent a strong message to the world that New York State would not tolerate the illegal poaching, trafficking and selling of ivory by crushing nearly two tons of confiscat- ed illegal ivory valued at $8.5 million in an event in Central Park this past August. The event,

28 which was hosted by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Wildlife Con- servation Society, and Tiffany and Co. in Central Park and attended by dozens of international and national conservation organizations, demonstrates Governor Cuomo’s commitment to both uphold his 2014 law that effectively banned the sale ivory in New York State and protect the African Elephant, which is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and other endangered species across the globe.

COMPLETED THE CAPPING OF ONONDAGA LAKE In a major milestone for outdoor recreation and economic development opportunities in Central New York, Governor Cuomo announced the capping of the bottom of Onondaga Lake is complete. Ten years in the making, the revitalization effort involved dredging 2.2 million cubic yards of sediment and placing approximately 3.1 million cubic yards of cap material. The cap, which consists of a mixture of sand, gravel and topsoil and ranges from four to 66 inches in thickness, is designed to isolate the remaining contaminants in the lake from leaching into the water column. This work, coupled with the construction of a new boat launch and a habitat restoration plan for the shoreline, will help ensure that New Yorkers experience the lake as a clean and vital natural resources that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

ADOPTED METHANE REDUCTION PLAN TO CUT HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM LANDFILLS, AGRICULTURE AND OIL AND GAS Governor Cuomo took another key step in the fight against climate change this spring through the announcement of the Methane Reduction Plan. This initiative aims to reduce methane emissions from the landfill, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors across the State. The plan will be implemented by the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation, Agricul- ture and Markets, Public Service, and the Energy Research and Development Authority, in conjunction with the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee. Governor Cuomo is directing the state to implement these actions by 2020 as part of New York’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050, from 1990 levels.

RELEASED COMPREHENSIVE OCEAN ACTION PLAN TO PROTECT CRITICAL MARINE RESOURCES In January 2017, New York announced the Ocean Action Plan, taking a bold step toward protecting and conserving New York’s ocean resources. This plan, which was developed by a variety of State agencies, as well as ocean-related advocacy and industry organizations, is the first-ever 10-year comprehensive blueprint geared toward developing a better understanding of New York’s Ocean waters, which serves as a critical resource for the 13 million who live along New York’s coast. Specifically, the Ocean Action Plan outlines four interconnected goals that reflect New York’s priorities, including: ensuring the ecological integrity of the ocean ecosystem; promoting sustainable economic growth; increasing resilience to impacts from climate change; and educating and engage the public to promote ocean stewardship.

29 ADOPTED OFFICIAL SEA-LEVEL RISE PROJECTIONS TO PLAN AND PREPARE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE New York is already experiencing the effects of climate change in the form of more severe storms and rising sea levels on the state’s shore lines. To help State agencies and coastal communities better plan for the impacts of a changing climate, New York State officially adopted new sea-level rise projections this past winter. The adopted projections are based on peer-reviewed research conducted by scientists at Columbia University, Cornell University and Hunter College, and includes high projections of approximately six feet of sea-level rise by 2100.

ANNOUNCED NEW SOLID WASTE REGULATIONS TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL DISPOSAL AND PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT Illegal dumping and inappropriate waste management are a growing threat to New York’s precious groundwater resources. To combat this threat, the Department of Environmental Con- servation finalized revisions that went into effect this past November to the state’s Solid Waste Management Regulations, commonly referred to as Part 360. DEC’s comprehensive revisions represent the first major overhaul of the program in two decades, and include enhanced regulatory controls on wastes from oil and gas production, improved construction and demolition debris and fill material management, improved management of compost and mulch, and enhanced support for recycling. This effort will ensure New York State remains a leader in protecting the public and natural resources through enhanced recycling and waste management.

CREATED TANKER AVOIDANCE ZONES IN THE HISTORIC HUDSON RIVER The Hudson River is one of New York’s most vital and important waterways, spurring com- merce and tourism across the many communities the river runs through. To protect this natural resource and the New Yorkers who live along its banks, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that amends Navigation Law to allow New York State to create guidelines for tanker avoidance zones to prevent anchorages for oil tankers on the Hudson River. Conditions for tanker avoidance zones include but are not limited to: navigational hazards; environmental conditions; the existence of designated significant coastal fish and wildlife habitats; proximity to waterfront communities; disproportionate impacts on communities; and federally or state identified environmental remediation sites. With this measure, the State is in a much stronger position to ensure that sensitive areas along the river are fully protected against the threat of oil barges.

COMPLETED $4.3 MILLION WETLANDS RESTORATION PROJECT ON UPPER NIAGARA RIVER As part of New York’s commitment to protecting the environment and revitalizing Western New York, Governor Cuomo announced this Fall the completion of a $4.3 million wetland restoration project on Strawberry Island which lies in the upper Niagara River near Buffalo. The project is expected to rejuvenate the Island’s fish and wildlife preserve, accelerate the ecological restoration of the Niagara River and help promote the region’s growing tourism industry. The completion of the restoration effort marks the final phase of the $13 million Niagara Power Project that was responsible for the completion of eight key habitat improvement projects, and supplements the Governor’s investment in the Buffalo Billion II initiative.

30 INVESTED $354 MILLION IN A RESILIENCY PROJECT TO REDUCE NITROGEN POLLUTION AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN LI WESTERN BAYS On the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Governor Cuomo announced a $354 million project to significantly improve the water quality of Long Island’s Western Bays by diverting treated waste from the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant to the existing Cedar Creek out- fall, which diffuses treated sewage nearly three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. The project will prevent the discharge of 19 billion gallons of treated sewage into the waters of Western Bays each year, eliminating harmful nitrogen pollution and helping with the rejuvenation of vital marshlands that protect coastal communities from waves and storm surge. New York State and Nassau County are investing $277 million in the project with the remaining funds being provided by Federal sources.

COMMITTED $10 MILLION TO IMPROVE LONG ISLAND WATER QUALITY, RESTORE SHELLFISH POPULATIONS AND BOLSTER RESILIENCY OF SHORELINE COMMUNITIES Long Island’s waters once boasted some of the country’s most vibrant shellfish populations, providing countless valuable ecosystem services. Unfortunately, New York has seen its shellfish decline significantly over the past several decades mainly due to overharvesting and increasingly poor water quality. To curb this trend, Governor Cuomo committed $10 million this past Fall to plant millions of locally-grown and harvested shellfish across five “sanctuary sites” along Long Island’s coast to improve water quality, restore shellfish populations and biodiver- sity, and create new jobs and educational opportunities for more resilient coastal communities. These initial sites are the optimal locations for achieving near-term water quality benefits, establishing self-sustaining populations, and gathering critical data for future expansion efforts. To support and guide these restoration efforts, the Governor also establish the Shellfish Resto- ration Council to monitor the sanctuary sites and coordinate and direct future initiatives. SUED EPA TO HALT PROPOSAL FOR DREDGING SEDIMENT DISPOSAL SITE ON LONG ISLAND SOUND In August, 2016, Governor Cuomo announced his intention to sue EPA over its designation of a permanent disposal site in eastern Long Island Sound. EPA’s action is not only detrimental to this environmentally-sensitive portion of the Sound, it also was unnecessary, since EPA already had named two other dredged material disposal sites in the Sound. In 2017, the Gov- ernor carried through on this commitment, as New York filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Governor’s lawsuit asserts that disposing of tens of millions of cubic yards of dredged material in Eastern Long Island Sound harms this fragile environment, is inconsistent with Federal law, and jeopardizes the efforts of New York and Connecti- cut to restore the Sound’s water quality. This action demonstrates the State’s commitment to the Sound.

LAUNCHED I BIRD NY TO CONNECT YOUTH TO NATURE In 2017, DEC launched I Bird NY, an initiative to build on increasing access to the State’s vast natural resources and promote birding, at an event on this spring at Utica Marsh. A beginning birder guide has been developed as well as I Bird NY notebooks and wristbands. The beginner birding guide was distributed by DEC and partners at birding events statewide and has been very popular with over 12,000 distributed. DEC also created a I Bird NY website and ran a beginning birder challenge. Additionally, I Bird NY signs were placed at 38 Bird Conservation Areas to help the public better identify opportunities for bird watching.

ANNOUNCED SALMON RIVER TUG HILL LAND ACQUISITION In a bold step to preserve one of Central New York’s most cherished natural resources, Governor Cuomo announced this Spring that the state has acquired more than 6,000 acres of protected lands in Oswego County, the largest additions to State lands in the region in 45 years. The acquisition includes approximately 2,825 acres of lands along the Salmon River, an internationally renowned fishing destination, and 3,236 acres of working forestland in the Tug Hill region. This purchase will ensure the vast opportunities that this area provides to Central New York, including hiking, skiing, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching, as well as valuable timber resources will available for generations to come.

32 CELEBRATING NEW YORK’S TREASURED RESOURCES COMPLETED $8.8 MILLION IN IMPROVEMENTS AT JONES BEACH STATE PARK This Summer, Jones Beach State Park unveiled the latest round of improvements that are transforming and reinvigorating the public space. The project includes a complete renovation of the historic Marine Dining Room, now operated as The Landing, which offers daily lunch and dinner service, brunch on weekends, and will host events such as weddings and birthday parties. Other improvements include a new East Games Area featuring shuffleboard courts, concrete table tennis, and bocce courts. Visitors are also greeted by new “Welcome to Jones Beach” monuments that honor the grand design of the park. The work is all part of Governor Cuomo’s $65 million overall revitalization initiative of historic Jones Beach State Park.

REVITALIZED THE GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR Governor Cuomo has invested $100 million over the past two years to revitalize the New York State Fairgrounds into a world-class, multi-use entertainment complex. The FY 2018 State Budget allocated $50 million for Phase Two of the historic redesign and transformation of the New York State Fairgrounds. The phased approach includes a new 136,000 square foot Expo Center and significant improvements to parking and highway access. The new Expo Center will support year-round economic activity in the region and will be the largest exhibition facility north of NYC between Boston and Cleveland. Following Phase I improvements, the State Fair had record-breaking attendance in each of the last two years, and 2017 fair attendees gave the highest levels of satisfaction ratings ever recorded. In addition, events taking place outside of the 13-day run of the Fair are also seeing increased attendance.

SUPPORTED CRITICAL RENOVATIONS TO NEW YORK’S COUNTY FAIRS In October 2017, Governor Cuomo made $5 million available to county and youth fairs across the State through the 2017 Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program. The funding will be divided equally among the State’s 52 eligible local fairs, with each receiving an award of $96,153 to offset the cost of improvements and renovation projects, including new construction, that support New York’s agricultural industry. These investments will help county fairs attract more visitors, raise the profile of local vendors and businesses, and help spur economic growth across New York. This is the second round of funding following Governor Cuomo’s announcement of an initial $5 million for local fairs in 2016, the first time in more than a decade that county fairs had received State support.

COMPLETED BUFFALO HARBOR’S $15 MILLION TRANSFORMATION The transformation of the new Buffalo Harbor State Park, the City of Buffalo’s first State park, was completed this past Fall. Governor Cuomo designated the neglected property on Buffa- lo’s waterfront a State Park in 2013 and directed the State to invest $15 million in 3 phases to remediate the brownfield and transform all 190 acres into a vibrant State park. Today, more than 240,000 people visit the park annually. The park includes paved walking and bike paths; a great-lawn with beautiful vistas of Lake Erie and the Harbor; open air picnic pavilions, nau- tically themed destination playground; sled-riding hill; stage area for live music and movies in the park; fishing platforms; and modern public marina and boat launch.

34 OPENED NEW $7 MILLION YEAR-ROUND CAVE OF THE WINDS EXPERIENCE AT NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK A newly opened pavilion leading to the famed Niagara Falls Cave of the Winds attraction highlights Niagara Falls’ significance as the first state park in the nation and site of the first large-scale hydroelectric generating plant. The revamped pavillion that opened this Fall is part of Governor Cuomo’s $70 million revitalization of Niagara Falls State Park, and features three new experiences. “Drawn to the Edge” presents interactive and virtual exhibits that tell the story of why visitors and innovators came to Niagara Falls and showcases the way beauty and power co-exist. The “World Changed Here” provides a theatrical film and object theater that introduces viewers to famed visionaries such as landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted and inventor Nikola Tesla and how their work impacted the world. Finally, visitors will enter the “Prepare for Power” room where they receive a pair of souvenir sandals before descend- ing 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge to the Cave of the Winds and the Hurricane Deck. When the decks close for the season, this space offers a video wall where visitors can see the Falls throughout all the seasons.

PROMOTED NEW YORK’S STATE’S CRAFT BEVERAGES Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has implemented a series of innovative legislative and policy changes that capitalize on the soaring consumer demand for locally produced craft beverages. New York now ranks in the top four in the U.S. for its number of craft beverage manufacturers in every category: fourth in the nation for both the total number of wineries and breweries, second for the number of craft distillers and first for the number of hard cider producers. In 2017, Governor Cuomo hosted several events promoting New York’s wine, beer, cider and spirits industries. These included the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Chal- lenge on May 17th in New York City and the first-ever Taste NY Experience tasting event on May 24th that showcased more than four dozen of the State’s top wine, beer, spirits and cider producers at Pier A Harbor House in New York City. In July, a professionally judged Craft Beer Industry Competition took place at the New York State Fair. This Fall, the Governor also announced the first-ever Craft Beverage Week to boost the exposure of the State’s world-class craft beverage industry, helping to increase sales and drive economic growth. New York’s renaissance in craft manufacturing has also stimulated economic growth in supporting industries, including bottling, construction, and advertising, while new farm based businesses have increased demand for New York agricultural products and further bolstered New York’s mas- sive $100 billion tourism industry.

PROMOTED THE TASTE NY CULINARY TRAIL SYSTEM To support the growing craft beverage and agritourism industries in New York, Governor Cuo- mo created the Taste NY Culinary Trail Promotional Program and One-Stop Shop. These initiatives assist New York’s branded trail systems with additional statewide promotion and connect visitors to the State’s beverage tourism destinations. In May 2017, Governor Cuomo unveiled the Taste NY Cuisine and Craft Beverage Trail webpage that provides consumers with a map and information on the State’s 20 beverage trails. It also provides a step-by-step guide for producers to start a new craft beverage or culinary trail.

35 EXPANDED THE NYS GROWN & CERTIFIED PROGRAM Since creating the NYS Grown & Certified Program in 2016, the State has certified over a hundred produce farms and dairy processors, and formed a variety of partnerships to expand access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food in New York schools, State agencies, and even correctional facilities. This year, Governor Cuomo expanded the NYS Grown & Certified program to further promote and provide a boost to some of New York’s best producers and support the State’s important agriculture industry. Several major retailers are marketing NYS Grown & Certified products, and dairy products are now included in the program. This Summer, Gover- nor Cuomo made $5 million available through the New York State Grown & Certified Agricul- tural Producers’ Grant Program to assist agricultural producers meet the food safety standards required to participate in the New York State Grown & Certified program.

LAUNCHED THE FIRST-EVER NEW YORK CRAFT BEVERAGE WEEK Governor Cuomo launched the first-ever Taste NY Craft Beverage Week November 5-11, 2017. Craft Beverage Week supported the Governor’s State of the State initiative to grow New York’s beer, wine, spirits and cider sectors, boost agriculture, and create Jobs. During Craft Bever- age Week, participating restaurants, bars, taverns and retail stores hosted special events and promotions to highlight New York’s craft beverages from across the state. Over 250 events took place at over 90 participating venues in New York City. When combined with distribution and retail, craft beverage producers account for more than $27 billion in annual economic impact and support tens of thousands of jobs statewide.

PROMOTED NEW YORK’S FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY THROUGH TASTE NY Since its launch in 2013, Governor Cuomo’s Taste NY initiative has helped more than 1,000 New York food and beverage companies reach consumers across the globe. In 2016, total gross sales of New York products from Taste NY stores, cafés, bars, concessions and events topped $13.1 million, achieving Taste NY’s highest annual sales in the program’s history and surpassing Governor Cuomo’s goal of doubling sales of participating businesses in one year. This year, Governor Cuomo expanded Taste NY to several travel hubs, 10 state parks and historic sites, and opened four new welcome centers.

LAUNCHED ADVENTURE NY 2017 saw the launch of the Adventure NY program, a multi-Year program to enhance the outdoor experience for residents and visitors by improving access to State lands, rehabilitating campgrounds, and upgrading DEC recreational facilities. This initiativeis slated to complete 75 projects over the next three years. $50 million was provided in FY 2017 to undertake such key projects as the advance development of recreational facilities at the site of the former Frontier Town Theme Park in North Hudson, complete the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the Capital Region and make crucial safety improvements to Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills.

36 CONNECTED NEW YORKERS TO PARKS AND HEALTHY OUTDOOR RECREATION To help connect more New Yorkers to the State’s vast amount of green space and to promote outdoor recreation, Governor Cuomo has made several key investments that include doubling the funding for the Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program. $1 million was made available this year to cover the transportation and program costs for public school field trips to State parks and Department of Environmental Conservation lands. 2017 also saw other key initiatives to connect more New Yorkers to nature such as providing 500 foster families free access to state parks, the First-Time Camper Program and the Free Learn-to-Swim Program where over 3,000 children learned to swim in free programs offered at nearly 30 New York State Parks.

CELEBRATED THE SIXTH YEAR OF I LOVE MY PARK DAY WITH RECORD 8,000 VOLUNTEERS Now in its sixth year, the 2017 I Love My Park Day was the largest ever with 8,000 volunteers participating at 125 State parks, historic sites and public lands. Volunteers took part in more than 250 projects, including raking, weeding, cleaning up litter, building picnic tables, removing invasive species, marking trails and planting trees and flowers. I Love My Park Day is organized in partnership with Parks & Trails, New York. The annual event has grown bigger each year since it was launched by Governor Cuomo with 2,000 volunteers in 2012.

ADDED MORE THAN 1,000 ACRES OF OPEN SPACE TO STATE PARKS THROUGH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FUND Building on last year’s expansion of access to outdoor recreation and furthering the protection of New York’s vast amount of open space, Governor Cuomo announced the preservation of an additional 900 acres of parkland in the Hudson Highlands with another 427 acres expected to be added. The expansion of parkland includes two large parcels of 626 and 240 acres that were added to Harriman State Park, as well as a 416-acre addition to Schunnemunk Mountain State Park and smaller, but no less important additions to Rockland Lake State Park and Ster- ling Forest State Park. Also of note is the addition of 248 acres to Green Lakes State Park in Onondaga County.

OPENED THE HALLOCK STATE PARK PRESERVE ON LONG ISLAND’S NORTH FORK This Summer, New York State opened new $4.5 million visitor facilities at Hallock State Park Preserve in Suffolk County. The new facilities provide public access to the 225-acre park on the North Fork of Long Island for the first time since the park was acquired by the State in 2003. Hallock State Park features one mile of pristine, undeveloped beach on Long Island Sound as well as woodland trails, scenic bluffs, hoodoos and Hallock Pond. The project, funded by Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative, helped construct a new 3,000-square-foot visitor center, two new parking areas and new trails. Hallock State Park Preserve is the fifth park preserve in the state park system.

37 COMPLETED $16.9 MILLION REVITALIZATION OF GREEN LAKES STATE PARK Construction began this year on a new environmental education center at Green Lakes State Park. The project is the next phase of a $16.9 million transformation of Central New York’s most-visited State Park. New York State Parks is converting a deteriorated 1940’s boat house on Green Lake into an environmental education center and making related improvements. The new center will include new indoor classroom/multipurpose space, kitchenette and restrooms as well as an outdoor classroom, lakefront boardwalk and canoe/kayak landing, new boat rental booth and storage racks, and a fishing pier. Other major improvements completed at the park include renovation of the golf course clubhouse, Pine Woods Campground, and park entrance.

OPENED $4.3 MILLION THACHER PARK CENTER A new 8,240-square-foot facility opened at Thacher State Park in May 2017, providing visitors a central place to discover all the park on Albany County’s Helderberg Escarpment has to offer. Set next to the trailhead and picnic area for the popular Indian Ladder Trail, the Thacher Park Center will help introduce visitors to the park’s many features, including an expansive trail network; opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, and environmental education. The center includes a grand lobby and exhibit area highlighting the park’s fossil-rich geological history; multipurpose space that can be reserved for community events and family gatherings; and an outdoor patio where visitors can take in the park’s dramatic views. Funding from Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative, as well as private funds raised by the Campaign for the Thacher Park Center, spearheaded by the Open Space Institute and the Saratoga-Capital Re- gion Park Commission, made the project a reality.

UPSTATE CASINOS GENERATED MORE THAN $90 MILLION FOR LOCAL GOV- ERNMENTS AND EDUCATION Three New Upstate New York resort gaming destinations provided more than $90 million to local governments and public education in 2017. Twenty-two counties and four municipalities received more than $17.8 million in gaming revenue, with the remaining $71+ million in private investment supporting public education across the State. The revenue from these gaming facilities is steadily flowing back to their communities, neighboring counties and schools statewide. This source of private revenue gives local governments in distressed regions of the State the ability to lessen their tax burdens, increase services and help support New York’s record state school aid – all without a single taxpayer dollar.

UPSTATE RESORT GAMING DESTINATION JOBS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOP- MENT SURPASSED EXPECTATIONS The opening of Tioga Downs Casino in December 2016, followed by del Lago Resort Casino in Tyre and Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady in February 2017 have already created upward of 3,325 permanent jobs in upstate regions of the State. Once Resorts World Catskills opens in 2018, 1,425 permanent jobs will be created in the Catskills, bringing the total jobs at new casinos in Upstate New York to 4,750 – surpassing the estimated 2,900 jobs anticipated in 2013. The investment in these communities has also doubled what was expected, with $2 billion in construction spending taking place across four upstate localities.

38 NEW YORK STATE HOSTED ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DAYS OF HARNESS RACING The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund and Yonkers Raceway hosted a combined Sire Stakes “Night of Champions” and International Trot in October, featuring more than $3 million in purses. The Sire Stakes “Night of Champions” consists of eight races featuring the best New York-bred Standardbreds competing for combined purses of $1.8 million. The $1 million International Trot is an annual world-class harness racing event held in the New York City area. Two $250,000 invitational races were added to the card, bringing the total purses for the day to $3.3 million. The Fund – administered by the Gaming Commission, Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Standardbred breeders – runs the Sire Stakes that has become the model for state-bred racing programs in North America.

ADVANCED 88 PROPERTIES AND DISTRICTS TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES The New York State Board for Historic Preservation recommended the addition of 69 individual properties and 19 historic districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. That designation can assist property owners to revitalize the structures, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching State grants and State and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. This year’s nominations came from 37 counties and 56 municipalities, and 78 percent are in census tracts qualified to use New York’s rehabilitation tax credit programs.

39 PREPARING FUTURE GENERATIONS IMPLEMENTED THE EXCELSIOR SCHOLARSHIP The FY 2018 State Budget enacts the Governor’s landmark Excelsior Scholarship program to make college affordable for working- and middle-class families making up to $125,000 per year at SUNY and CUNY two- and four-year colleges.

• Phased in over three years, beginning for New Yorkers making up to $100,000 annually in the Fall of 2017, increasing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching $125,000 in 2019. • ‘Last mile’ program, which extends the State’s existing generous aid programs, including the nearly $1 billion Tuition Assistance Program and any applicable Federal grants, and then fills in any remaining gaps. • Excelsior scholars must be enrolled in college full-time, averaging 30 credits per year and complete their degree on-time. The program includes built in flexibility, allowing students to pause and restart the program due to a hardship, or take fewer credits one semester than another. • Students will also be required to live and work in-state for the number of years they received the Excelsior Scholarship. • The FY 2018 State Budget includes $87 million for the 2017-18 academic year, which is expected to benefit 22,000 students. • When fully phased in the program will benefit nearly 30,000 students and have an estimated cost of $163 million, including scholarships and other costs associated with enrollment growth.

CREATED COHORT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MASTER TEACHERS In the 2017 State of the State, Governor Cuomo announced $2 million to expand the Master Teacher Program and create a new cohort of 115 Master Teachers in grades K-12, specifically in computer science. In October 2017, Governor Cuomo announced the opening for this next round of applications for Master Teachers. These educators will join the network of over 900 Master Teachers who have been recognized for their work in advancing quality education in STEM fields. Created in 2013, the Master Teachers award gives selected educators an annual $15,000 stipend for four years, professional development opportunities and a platform to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers.

LAUNCHED COLLEGE POSSIBLE CODING CHALLENGE In February, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the first-ever statewide coding competition for SUNY and CUNY students. More than 370 students from SUNY and CUNY schools, participated in the “Making College Possible Coding Challenge”. The challenge invited students to build a mobile app or website to share information about the Excelsior Scholarship, Governor Cuomo’s first-in-the-nation proposal to make public college tuition-free for New York’s working- and middle-class families. Facebook hosted the final round of the competition in which finalists received $2,000 per team and the best proposal was selected to promote the Excelsior Scholarship.

40 LAUNCHED OPEN EDUCATION RESOURCES (OER) For many students, the cost of textbooks can be prohibitively expensive causing students to not register for courses that require expensive textbooks, or resulting in withdrawing or failing courses because they cannot afford the materials. This cost barrier to an affordable college education is unnecessary. To provide students with the tools they need to succeed along their academic pathway, the FY 2018 State Budget includes $8 million ($4 million SUNY and $4 million CUNY) to expand the use of open education resources at SUNY and CUNY, replacing expensive textbooks with low or no cost alternative learning materials. The return on investment and potential cost savings to students is substantial. Every dollar invested in the expansion of OER based materials returns $5 in student savings.

INITIATED ENHANCED TUITION AWARD The new Enhanced Tuition Award which received $19 million in through the FY 2018 State Budget will enable students attending private not-for-profit colleges to receive financial assistance to complete their college degree. The program provides a maximum award of $3,000, requires private colleges to provide a match and freeze student tuition for the duration of the award -- maximizing the financial benefit to the student.

SUPPORT FOR SUNY STATE-OPERATED CAMPUSES The FY 2018 State Budget included $3.6 billion in state support for SUNY State-operated campuses, including $2.9 billion for campus operations and fringe benefits plus $758 million in debt service support for campus capital infrastructure. This funding reflects a $173 million increase in general operating support and employee fringe benefits. The Budget also implemented a predictable tuition policy, capping tuition growth to $200 annually over the next four years. Revenue generated from the tuition increase will be used to invest in new classroom faculty, instruction, initiatives to improve student success and on-time completion and a tuition credit.

SUPPORTED SUNY AND CUNY CAPITAL PROJECTS The FY 2018 State Budget includes $1.07 billion in appropriations for new capital projects at SUNY and CUNY campuses. This includes $834 million to maintain SUNY state-operated campuses and CUNY senior colleges in a state of good repair of which $160 million is available for new campus initiatives; $100 million for SUNY hospitals; and $135 million for the State’s 50 percent share of community college capital projects with local sponsor support.

Implemented Design-build for Residence Hall Construction at SUNY and CUNY-The design-build method uses a procurement process that factors in both quality and cost, and ensures that the State’s MWBE participation goals are fulfilled.

• A $21 million, 256-bed residence hall at SUNY College at Brockport will be constructed using the design-build method to speed delivery and keep down costs. The project, announced in March 2017, is scheduled for completion in summer 2018. The hall will be designed and constructed to LEED-Silver standards under the U.S. Green Building Council’s sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines. The project is financed through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facili-

41 ties Program and is being built by DASNY. Provided Low-cost Financing for SUNY Residence Halls- In addition to the Brockport residence hall above, $150 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Programs is financing residence hall construction and renovations across New York State. The financing supports campuses as they develop and upgrade residence halls, which help attract the best and the brightest students, growing New York State’s economy.

• More than $31 million to the Mid-Hudson Region, with approximately $13 million supporting the renovation of SUNY New Paltz’s Bevier Hall.

• More than $37 million to the Western New York Region, including support for the $16million renovation of Bishop Hall at Buffalo State College.

Funded NYSUNY 2020 And NYCUNY 2020 Capital Challenge Grants-To build a stronger future for SUNY and CUNY, the budget provides $110 million for a new round of competitive NYSUNY 2020 and NYCUNY 2020 capital challenge grants. These resources fund campus initiatives to improve academic outcomes, find efficiencies, and promote innovation and economic development.

INCREASED COMMUNITY COLLEGES AID The FY 2018 State Budget increased base operating aid by $50 per FTE student from $2,697 to $2,747, and provided more than $745 million in State support for SUNY and CUNY community colleges.

FUNDED HIGHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS The enacted State Budget included $211 million in funding for higher education opportunity programs and training centers at SUNY, CUNY, and independent colleges - a $76 million increase since 2011-12.

• $81.7 million for SED-administered programs (HEOP, Liberty Partnerships STEP, CSTEP) • $62 million for SUNY Educational Opportunity Centers and ATTAIN Labs • $32.2 million for Educational Opportunity Programs at SUNY • $30.9 million for SEEK and College Discovery, and LEADS at CUNY • $4.5 million for the Foster Youth College Success Initiative established in 2015

FUNDED PART-TIME SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM (PTS) The FY 2018 State Budget included $3.1 million for a new part-time scholarship program for students who attend a SUNY or CUNY community college on a part-time basis.

IMPLEMENTED CHILD WELFARE WORKER INCENTIVE SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS The FY 2018 State Budget included $100,000 for a new scholarship and loan forgiveness program for individuals who are employed at a not-for-profit child welfare agency in the State.

42 PROVIDED LOW-COST FINANCING FOR PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS More than $233 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds were issued to support the capital needs of private higher education institutions in New York State, helping them attract the best and the brightest students. This includes a $190.5 million revenue bond deal with Columbia University as well as a $43.4 million revenue bond deal with Teacher’s College.

FUNDED HIGHEST LEVEL OF AID FOR EDUCATION New York State has invested more in education than at any other time in its history and invests more per pupil than any other state in the nation, in fact nearly double the national average. The FY 2018 State Budget increased education aid by $1.1 billion, including a $700 million increase in Foundation Aid, bringing the new education aid total to an historic $25.8 billion (an increase of 4.4%). Over the past six years, education aid across the State has increased by $6.2 billion, or 32%. The funding supports almost 700 school districts and 2.8 million students in Pre-K through 12th grades.

$35 MILLION AWARDED TO EMPIRE STATE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS First announced in January as part of Governor Cuomo’s 2017 State of the State address, a total of $35 million in funding was provided in the FY 2018 State Budget to provide districts across the State with these five-year after-school program grants. Research has shown that after-school programs are associated with lower school drop-out rates and reductions in juvenile crime. School districts receiving funding are in communities with high rates of child poverty and many are in communities designated under the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative. Quality after-school programs have also been found to have a $3 return on investment for every dollar spent. This funding will create nearly an additional 22,000 after-school slots across the State.

$5 MILLION AWARDED TO EXPAND PRE-KINDERGARTEN Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the state has more than doubled its commitment to pre-kindergarten, leading to an over $800 million investment supporting nearly 120,000 three and four-year-old students. In 2017, $5 million in additional funding was awarded to 16 high- need school districts to increase access to quality pre-kindergarten for nearly 1,000 three and four-year-old students across New York. In eleven of these school districts these are their first pre-kindergarten slots ever. This funding aims to support the expansion of pre-kindergarten to high-need or underserved districts as part of the State’s ongoing efforts to promote early education, and improve the academic future for all students.

RECOGNIZED AND SUPPORTED EXCELLENT EDUCATORS Research has shown that the teacher in the classroom is the most important factor in a student’s education. In 2017 Governor Cuomo has expanded efforts to recognize and reward high-quality teachers who go above and beyond for students every day. In 2017, Governor Cuomo announced the selection of new Master Teachers, bringing the total number to 908. Master Teachers receive $15,000 for four years and engage in professional development to help support STEM teachers around the State.

43 EXPANDED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS In 2017, Governor Cuomo added $50 million for a total of $150 million in community school funding, to transform failing and high-needs schools to community schools. Funding will support services that are unique to each school and address their individual needs including: before-and-after school programs, summer learning activities, medical care, dental care, and other social services. Providing students, parents, and communities with various supports is an investment that maximizes parent involvement and student achievement and builds stronger communities overall.

SUPPORTED PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS Charter schools are an important, high quality education option for families across New York State. Today, 267 charter schools serve 128,000 students in the State. In order to hire top-tier teachers and staff, the FY 2018 State Budget increases charter funding by at least $500 per pupil. The FY 2018 State Budget increases facilities aid support for NYC charter schools ensuring adequate access to classroom space. Furthermore, the FY 2018 State Budget ensures predictable funding in future years that is directly linked to increases in district spending.

EXPANDED EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOLS For many students and families, a college education is beyond their financial reach. Early college high school programs in New York State have been providing students who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education with the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school, free of charge. The FY 2018 State Budget provides $5.3 million to expand successful Early College High School programs, such as P-TECH. This year’s grants will include a preference for failing schools, or schools preparing students for careers in computer science or related fields.

OPENED NEW MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY AT ROBERTO CLEMENTE STATE PARK A partnership between New York State, Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, Alex Rodriguez and Dream (formerly Harlem RBI) is creating a youth baseball and softball academy at Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. This Summer brought expanded Dream Baseball youth programs to the park. New York State also broke ground on more than $10 million in improvements to the playing fields. The academy will eventually serve 1,500 youth in the park’s baseball and softball programs.

DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL EDUCATORS In 2017, as part of record-level funding for agricultural education, Governor Cuomo invested $416,000 to support the New York Association of Agricultural Educators (NYAAE) with a goal of doubling the number of certified agricultural educators. Only 195 of the State’s 864 public high schools offer agricultural education and a lack of certified agricultural educators remains a challenge for many schools. NYAAE has bolstered outreach activities to attract new teachers, while also offering more professional development to retain existing certified agricultural educators, including hosting a 2017 Summer Professional Development Conference for over 115

44 teachers and awarding 12 scholarships to attend an intensive 10-day summer institute to learn how to implement the national Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education model in their classroom. This year, 26 new secondary agricultural educators began teaching and NYAAE has paired them all with experienced mentors to guide them through the first few years.

EXPANDED THE NEW YORK AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM In 2017, as part of record-level funding for agricultural education, Governor Cuomo invested $380,000 to expand New York Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) in support of the State’s Farm-to-School efforts. AITC teaches young children about eating healthy, fresh foods and about the value of eating well. AITC is issuing grants to provide 5,400 students with in-class edible gardens, guest teachers to provide hands-on agricultural lessons to 9,000 students, curriculum training for teachers, and full scholarships for 850 students to participate in a statewide agricultural and nutrition competition.

SUPPORTED NEW AND BEGINNING FARMERS In 2017 Governor Cuomo announced the creation of a One-Stop Shop at the Department of Agriculture and Markets for new or early-stage farmers interested in starting, diversifying, or expanding an agricultural operation. New and beginning farmers often struggle to pull together the resources necessary to sustain their business in the early stages. Increasing the number of successful farm operations supports economic growth, availability of fresh, local food, and potential participants in the NYS Grown & Certified program. The NYS Department of Agricul- ture and Markets hosted a statewide listening tour of six town hall-style meetings to address challenges and concerns facing beginning farmers and to provide them with information about available resources. More than 250 attendees and 75 farms participated in the listening ses- sions. Lessons learned during the listening tour will be compiled into a new online resource to simplify the search for available support, with specialized materials for youth, women, veterans, and new Americans.

PROVIDED LOW-COST FINANCING FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) issued more than $890 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds in 2017 to support the capital needs and refinancing for private, not-for-profit higher education institutions in New York State, helping them attract the best and the brightest students to New York State.

45 INVESTING IN THE NEW YORK PROMISE REDUCED UNEMPLOYMENT Since Andrew Cuomo became Governor, New York has added over one million private sector jobs and has the second highest net job growth of any state in the nation since the recession. As of 2017 New York has more private sector jobs than at any time in the state’s history. Un- employment is down in every region of the state and the overall rate stands at 4.7 percent for November, the lowest rate for the month since 2006.

Part of achieving this was the implementation of the Unemployment Strikeforce, which boosts employment in areas of the state with the highest unemployment rates, beginning in the Bronx. The Strikeforce model brings state agencies together with local leaders and initiatives to better tailor services to meet community needs. Strikeforce staff partner with local economic development officials to package available incentives and services and work closely with businesses to identify jobs they need to fill. Strikeforce staff engage with job seekers more intensively and bring services directly to them in their own communities, matching local talent with available jobs or the training opportunities they need to get those jobs.

More than 10,000 customers in the Bronx have been served—more than 8,200 of whom have been hired— since the Strikeforce launched in May 2014. And in this time, the unemployment rate has dropped from 9.7 percent May 2014 to 5.7 percent in May 2017, the lowest rate ever for the month of May. More Bronx residents are employed today than at any point in history.

As part of his 2015 Opportunity Agenda, the Governor expanded the Unemployment Strike- force into the ten areas of the State with the highest unemployment rates, bringing targeted job recruitment, career and business services beyond the Bronx to Jefferson, Lewis, Kings, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Orleans, Montgomery, Franklin and Steuben counties. And in May 2016, Governor Cuomo built on that momentum by activating the Western New York Employment Strikeforce in Buffalo, Lackawanna and Niagara Falls.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE REFORM IS PAYING OFF Increased Unemployment Insurance claims during the Great Recession led to a deficit of $3.5 billion in the State’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund at the end of 2012. As a result of the Governor’s Unemployment Insurance reform plan and the improving economy, the Trust Fund is now healthy. The balance as of December 31, 2017 was $1.9 billion. Today, employers are paying at least $200 less per worker in overall federal and state Unemployment Insurance contributions compared to what they paid in the depth of the recession. In addition, the maximum benefit amount for Unemployment Insurance claimants increased again in October 2017 to $435 and it will rise substantially to $450 in October 2018. Beginning in 2019, it will be set at 36 percent of the average weekly wage, currently projected to be $485, and will continue to increase by 2 percent of the average weekly wage each year until it reaches 50 percent in 2026.

47 ELEVATED NEW YORK’S TRAINED WORKFORCE New York State is continuing to address the need for “middle skills” jobs that require more than a high school diploma but not a four-year degree. These occupations have plentiful job opportunities across the state, provide family-supporting wages and offer opportunities for career advancement. As of 2017 Governor Cuomo has committed $4.2 million to fund related training programs. To date, 16 related grant applications are currently in process and one award has been issued to a Registered Apprenticeship Program. The application period is open through March 30, 2018.

STREAMLINED LICENSING AND APPROVALS FOR ACCELERATED TECH TRAIN- ING PROVIDERS As part of the 2017 State of the State, Governor Cuomo announced a working group tasked with conducting a review of the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) licensing process for accelerated tech training providers, and developing recommendations to improve the process. The group conducted in-depth review and has drafted recommendations to streamline BPSS’ licensing and process for schools teaching some of the most in-demand technology skills in the state. These recommendations outline a path towards a more effective regulatory environment for accelerated tech training providers, and ensure that training providers are delivering quality outcomes for New Yorkers and New York’s businesses.

LAUNCHED GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE TO FUEL GROWHT OF LIFE SCI- ENCE SECTOR In 2017 Governor Cuomo authoirzed the funding of a groundbreaking new $650 million initiative to spur the growth of a new, world-class life science research cluster in New York, as well as expand the state’s ability to commercialize this research and grow the economy. This multi-faceted initiative includes $250 million in tax incentives for new and existing life science companies, $200 million in state capital grants to support investment in wet-lab and innovation space, $100 million in investment capital for early stage life science initiatives, with an additional match of at least $100 million for operating support from private sector partnerships.

LAUNCHED PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Pre-apprenticeship creates a direct pathway to the time-honored apprenticeship learning model for at-risk young women and men. In late 2016, Governor Cuomo championed the nation’s first pre-apprenticeship program with the selection of six training providers, giving young people the chance to work on state-funded infrastructure initiatives that are reshaping New York, including the redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport and the new Penn Station. As of 2017 more than 30 individuals have already graduated from those programs, with dozens more expected to graduate into full apprenticeship programs by the end of 2018.

INCENTIVIZED YOUTH EMPLOYMENT In 2012, Governor Cuomo launched a program to incentivize the hiring of at-risk youth, age 16 to 24, through business tax credits. Today, the New York Youth Jobs Program connects youth with stable, good-paying jobs and provides $30 million for 13 targeted areas with high youth

48 unemployment – including Albany, Brookhaven, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, New York, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Utica, White Plains and Yonkers – and an additional $20 million for young people who live in other areas of the State. In 2017, more than 11,000 young people were hired through this program. Beginning in 2018, $10 million will be available through the Empire State Tax Credit. Employers who run Registered Apprentice- ship Programs will be eligible for a $2,000 tax credit per apprentice, increasing annually to a maximum of $7,000 after five years. The tax credit for apprentices who are also disadvantaged youth rises from $5,000 to $7,000 after just three years.

CREATED JOBS AND GREW OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE EXPANDED INDUSTRIAL HEMP Governor Cuomo has supported the development of emerging crops to maximize the potential for New York’s agricultural industry. Building on the success of the State’s Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program that launched in 2016, in 2017 Governor Cuomo encouraged increasing industrial hemp research by lifting the cap on the number of authorized growing sites. The Governor also convened the first-ever New York State Industrial Hemp Summit and Working Group and invested $10 million to advance industrial hemp research and economic development opportunities for industrial hemp businesses and established the nation’s first hemp seed research and development program. In one year, the State more than tripled the number of growers participating in industrial hemp research, resulting in the planting of approximately 2,000 acres of the crop. State investment has attracted processing companies from other states, positioning New York as a leader an industry that produces $600 million in national sales annually.

SAAB DEFENSE AND SECURITY EXPANSION IN CENTRAL NEW YORK New York State is providing up to $30 million in performance-based incentives through Up- state Revitalization Initiative and Excelsior Tax credits for a $55.8 million project to expand Saab Defense and Security in Central New York. Saab North America, Inc. through its subsidiaries, will locate in Central New York the North American headquarters for Saab Defense and Security USA, LLC and will commence a technology transfer program to develop significant products customized for sale in the United State. The project will add 258 net new jobs to the existing workforce of 456 at Saab North America, Inc.’s subsidiaries.

LAUNCHED THE DRONE TEST CORRIDOR, NUAIR NASA AGREEMENT IN CENTRAL NEW YORK On September 29, 2017, New York State launched a new 50-mile drone corridor between Syracuse and Rome, NY to assist Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight (BVLOS) flight research. The initiative is one of the first in the nation to explore BVLOS flight applications and comes as a result of the Central New York Rising plan that focuses heavily on growing the UAS industry in Central New York, and was awarded $500 million through Governor Cuomo’s Upstate Revi- talization Initiative. Governor Cuomo also announced a groundbreaking partnership between NASA and the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance to grow the drone industry in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley through building the most comprehensive UAS test facility in the nation.

49 BROKE GROUND ON NORSK IN THE NORTH COUNTRY Governor Cuomo announced that Norsk Titanium, the world’s first FAA-approved supplier of aerospace-grade, additive manufactured, structural titanium components, has begun operations for future production of Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems components, along with other aerospace manufacturers, at its Plattsburgh Development & Qualification Center. The company is currently producing titanium test parts on its proprietary Rapid Plasma Deposition machines, while completing prerequisite qualification activities. The State made a $125 million investment in Norsk that along with $875 million in private investment over the next 10 years will result in nearly 400 new advanced manufacturing jobs.

HUDSON VALLEY LEGOLAND NEW YORK Empire State Development announced that LEGOLAND® New York, a 170-acre theme park resort, will open in Goshen, Orange County in 2020. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, LE- GOLAND New York is the first LEGOLAND Park in the Northeast and will attract approximately two million visitors annually and leverage $350 million in its initial local investment. The destination resort will include a theme park featuring well-known LEGO® characters and will feature strong educational components for children ages two to 12 and their families. New York State also announced an additional $18 million to support the project, including off-site road infrastructure improvements and traffic mitigation measures on Route 17.

AMAZON EXPANSION IN NEW YORK CITY Governor Cuomo announced that Amazon will expand its presence in New York City with the addition of a 359,000 square-foot administrative office at 5 Manhattan West. This latest investment and expansion will create 2,000 new, high-paying jobs in finance, sales, marketing, and information technology. New York State committed $20 million in performance-based tax credits through Empire State Development’s Excelsior Jobs program. The Governor also announced a new $100 million Amazon fulfillment center will open in the Global Logistics Park on the West Shore of Staten Island, creating 2,250 new, full-time jobs. The 855,000 square- foot facility is Amazon’s first fulfillment center in New York and will offer opportunities for employees to engage with advanced robotics in a highly tech-enabled workplace. Empire State Development offered the company up to $18 million in performance-based tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program.

IMPERIUM3 NEW YORK TO ESTABLISH LITHIUM ION BATTERY GIGA-FACTORY IN THE SOUTHERN TIER New York State has committed a total of $7.5 million -- $4 million through the Upstate Revital- ization initiative (URI) and $3.5 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program -- to support Impe- rium3 NY as they invest more than $130 million and create 232 new jobs over the next five years, with potential for further growth. The company will leverage locally-developed technology to create the state’s first lithium-ion battery giga-factory in renovated space at the former IBM facility, Huron Campus, in downtown Endicott. The supply chain will be made of mostly Southern Tier and New York based companies. This URI project will be located inside the

50 Endicott “iDistrict” anchor entity, one of the priority areas of the Southern Tier Soaring plan. It also aligns with the region’s support for Advanced Manufacturing, particularly in the clean-energy industry. One of the member companies of the Imperium3 consortium is Charge C4V, a 76West round one finalist.

FOSTERED ENERGY ECONOMY IN THE SOUTHERN TIER In 2017 the State made awards to six companies as part of the 76West Clean Energy Compe- tition, one of the largest competitions in the US focused on supporting and growing clean-energy businesses and economic development. Skyven Technologies, a solar heating company from Dallas, Texas, was awarded the $1 million grand prize to expand its operations in the Southern Tier.

PAYCHEX IN THE FINGER LAKES REGION Governor Cuomo announced that Paychex, Inc., a payroll and human resource services company, will move its operations from leased facilities throughout Monroe County to one cen- tralized location in a new multi-building campus in the town of Henrietta. As part of the $58.4 million project, the company will acquire five parcels of property and renovate more than 300,000 square-feet of existing space at the site. Paychex will also retain locations it currently owns in the towns of Brighton, Henrietta, Webster, Penfield, and its company headquarters located in Rochester. The project, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed in July of 2018 and will create 625 new full-time jobs over the next five years.

STRATEGIC FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS LLC, CONTACT CENTER IN WNY On December 15, 2017, Governor Cuomo announced that Strategic Financial Solutions, LLC, a leading financial services firm headquartered in New York City, has officially opened a new 60,000 square-foot contact center in Amherst. The company plans to hire more than 1,500 client servicing, negotiations, and financial consultant positions over the next five years. Stra- tegic Financial Solutions provides debt relief solutions for people in challenging financial situations. New York State, through Empire State Development, will provide up to $10 million in Excelsior Job Program tax credits in return for Strategic Financial Solutions’ achieving its job creation commitments. These performance-based incentives will allow the company to retain its almost 400 full-time permanent positions and create over 1,500 new jobs over the course of five years. UTICA DANFOSS PACKAING OPERATION IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY In March 2017, Governor Cuomo announced that Danfoss, one of the world’s leading suppliers of power electronics, HVAC and mobile hydraulic solutions, will establish power electronics packaging operations in the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (QUAD-C) facility in Utica. This project, an integral part of the NYS Power Electronics Manufacturing Consortium (PEMC), will create at least 300 new jobs over the next five years. The State continues to invest in building and fitting out the packaging facility at QUAD-C and the work is nearly complete. Danfoss is expected to be operational and serving its customers, including General Electric, in the Mohawk Valley by early 2018.

51 LAUNCHED THE SECOND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE AWARDS Through two rounds of awards, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative is transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise families. Participating communities are nominated by the State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) based on the downtown’s potential for transformation, and each winning community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community’s vision for revitalization. https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative

ROUND 1 2016 DRI ROUND 2 2017 DRI AWARD RECIPIENTS AWARD RECIPIENTS Capital Region - Glens Falls Capital Region - Hudson Central New York - Oswego Central New York - Cortland Finger Lakes - Geneva Finger Lakes - Batavia Long Island - Westbury Long Island - Hicksville (Oyster Bay) Midhudson - Middletown Mid-Hudson - Kingston Mohawk Valley - Oneonta Mohawk Valley - Rome New York City - Jamaica New York City - Bronx North Country - Plattsburgh North Country - Watertown

DELIVERED RIDE SHARING FOR UPSTATE NEW YORK On June 29, 2017, Governor Cuomo announced new regulations for the implementation of ride sharing across New York. The new legislation included regulations issued by multiple state agencies to allow ride sharing services in all parts of New York State.

INITIATED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTING IN NEW YORK STATE On May 10, 2017, Governor Cuomo announced that New York is now accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads. Included in the FY 2018 State Budget, new legislation allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. In addition to the legislation, the new Department of Mo- tor Vehicles application process that invites manufacturers of autonomous vehicle technology for testing and demonstration in a safe and effective way, is another step forward in making New York the epicenter of cutting-edge technology and innovation. The first successful vehicle demonstration occurred on June 13th. On June 19th at the Council of the University Trans- portation Centers annual summer meeting, the University at Buffalo hosted the demonstration of an autonomous Cadillac SUV developed by Carnegie Mellon University. On September 25th, Cadillac conducted the first autonomous drive demo on New York City roadways. Finally, Cruise Automation intends to begin sustained testing currently scheduled for early 2018.

52 SUPPORTED 100 NEW NATIONAL FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA (FFA) ORGA- NIZATION CHAPTERS ACROSS THE STATE In 2017, as part of record-level funding for agricultural education, Governor Cuomo invested $849,000 to add 100 new Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters across the State. The average age of a farmer in NYS is 55 and more people are leaving the profession than entering it. Students who enroll in STEM-based agriculture education will be our next biotechnologists, environmental engineers, meteorologists, and food scientists who will improve our food supply by producing higher yields with greater food safety standards. New York FFA teaches more than 4,300 middle and high school students about agriculture with college visits, site visits to farms, and intra-curricular instruction. More than 70 school districts have requested assistance starting up a formal agricultural education program or FFA chapter. This Fall, FFA received 85 applications for Agriculture Education Incentive Grant Program assistance with curriculum development, professional development, program development, resource acquisitions, FFA leadership development, and program coordination.

BEGAN PLANNING TO ASSIST THE INDIAN POINT WORKFORCE The Department of Labor (DOL) is laying the groundwork to assist workers at risk of losing their jobs as the Indian Point power plant is closed. One reactor will begin shutting down in 2020 and the other in 2021, with the subsequent decommissioning process expected to take decades. DOL participated in community forums and has held meetings with labor leaders from the Utility Workers of America Local 1-2, Teamsters Local 456 and Westchester Putnam Central Labor Council, establishing a process to meet both individual and collective employees’ needs. DOL will also be working with Entergy on assisting non-union workers to ensure their needs are captured and that they are made aware of available state assistance. The State wants workers to stay in their communities whenever possible and will deploy its Rapid Response Teams to set up individualized career counseling for all interested workers.

1,200 JOBS AT FINGER LAKES RACETRACK PRESERVED Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington is a key economic driver for the region that employs hundreds of New Yorkers, while also supporting the local agriculture industry. Governor Cuo- mo forged an agreement with the horse racing industry to protect 1,200 jobs and preserve horseracing at the track – with no impact on taxpayers. The two-year plan protects 1,200 jobs while addressing possible shortfalls to the racing program due to the operation of nearby gaming facilities.

CHARITIES AND NON-PROFITS EXPERIENCED LESS RED TAPE FOR FUNDRAISING Governor Cuomo modernized laws in 2017 to make it easier for charitable organizations to raise funds through raffles, bell jar and other types of games. The changes removed outdated statutes, restrictions and antiquated reporting requirements that prevented organizations such as The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion and Disabled American Veterans; fraternal and service organizations including the Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and hundreds of churches, volunteer fire departments and other non-profits across the State from fully capitalizing on charitable fundraising. 53 ADVANCING HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROTECTED ACCESS TO QUALITY, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL NEW YORKERS Governor Cuomo spearheaded aggressive actions to protect access to quality, affordable health care for all New Yorkers. The Governor directed the New York State Department of Financial Services to promulgate new emergency regulations mandating health insurance providers do not discriminate against New Yorkers with preexisting conditions or based on age or gender, in addition to safeguarding the 10 categories of protections guaranteed by the Afford- able Care Act. The new first-in-the-nation measures will ensure that essential health services are protected and covered for all New Yorkers regardless of efforts at the federal level to strip millions of Americans of their healthcare.

Moreover, the Department of Health will ban all insurers who withdraw from offering Qualified Health Plans on the State Health Marketplace from future participation in any program that interacts with the marketplace, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. New York is home to one of the most robust health marketplaces in the country, and insurers who do not comply will lose access to such profitable programs. The Governor is also directing State agencies and authorities to ban insurers who withdraw from the State Health Mar- ketplace from contracting with the State and to consider all available actions to protect New Yorker’s access to quality healthcare.

Lastly, the administration finalized regulations that will ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles regardless of Federal action. The regulations also ensure all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

$2.5 BILLION CLEAN WATER INFASTURTURE ACT Building on New York State’s bold record of environmental leadership, Governor Cuomo signed the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in April of 2017. This historic $2.5 billion investment in drinking water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure and source water protection actions will enhance communities’ health and wellness, safeguarding our most important water resources by being better prepared to identify and mitigate emerging contaminants, and will create jobs. Specifically, this investment includes over $1.5 billion in grants for local governments to improve water infrastructure, a $75 million septic system rebate program for homeowners and small businesses to upgrade their septic systems, and $110 million dedicated for source water protection initiatives.

In October 2017, Governor Cuomo announced $255 in grant awards supporting 169 critical water infrastructure projects throughout New York State that are crucial to supporting the health and safety of the State’s communities. This funding will leverage over $876 million in total project funds, and will provide nearly $548 million in taxpayer savings and support over 14,000 jobs. These investments will critically strengthen New York’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including upgrades and replacements for drinking water systems, filtration plants and water mains, as well as the construction or enhancement of wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and sewer systems.

55 To further ensure that all New Yorkers have access to clean drinking water, Governor Cuomo announced his appointments to the 12-member Drinking Water Quality Council this Fall. The Council will address a wide range of emerging water quality issues such as make recommendations to establish maximum contaminant levels for PFOA, PFOS, 1,4-dioxane, designate appropriate timeframes and frequencies for testing emerging contaminants and determine best practices for public notifications in the event an emerging contaminant is found above a notification level.

PROVIDED $1.4 BILLION FOR THE VITAL BROOKLYN INITIATIVE Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, significant progress has been made since the March 2017 launch of the $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative to transform Central Brooklyn by addressing chronic social, economic and health disparities. Through the Summer and Fall, nearly 100 key community stakeholders were engaged in focused discussions with implementing agencies, empowering communities to direct the first round of State resources while elevating unmet needs in improving overall wellness. Shaped by this community engagement, all projects are now underway and several new concepts—such as a Fruit & Vegetable Pre- scription Program—are in development. Utilizing an evaluation process created in collaboration with the DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy at Medgar Evers College, the New York State Department of Health is measuring the impact on health and wellness of the integrated Vital Brooklyn investments.

ESTABLISHED A FORMULARY TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES New York addressed prescription medications, a key component of the medical care workers receive after an on-the-job injury or illness. The State established a formulary to improve the health outcomes of injured workers.

EXPANDED FARM-TO-SCHOOL EFFORTS/STATEWIDE FARM-TO-SCHOOL SUM- MIT With more than 700 school districts in New York State serving 2.5 million schoolchildren, there are enormous opportunities to foster relationships among local farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors to benefit the nutritional intake of school-age children. However, fewer than half of New York school districts participate in a Farm-to-School program and only a small portion of those take advantage of special procurement rules promoting the purchase of local produce. In April 2017, the State kicked off a series of regional procurement training ses- sions to connect school procurement officials and food service directors with local produce. Building on the in-person trainings, the State hosted a Farm-to-School Summit in the Southern Tier in October. More than 100 school educators, procurement and nutrition program man- agers, and State and Federal agency representatives attended the summit and shared best practices to expand programs that provide school children with healthier meal options and grow the agricultural economy.

56 COMBATTED ADDICTION AND ADDRESSING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC An epidemic of opioid addiction is destroying lives across the country. Last year, more Ameri- cans died of opioid-related overdose than were killed during the entire Vietnam War. In the FY 2018 State Budget Governor Cuomo dedicated significant funding to combatting this public health crisis.

In 2017, the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) moved to greatly expand services in the state’s most underserved areas. Working with local providers, OASAS created seven Centers of Treatment Innovation, to enhance treatment options in these areas. Using vans and telehealth, the Centers of Treatment Innovation will be able to provide assessments and ongoing care to people in rural, hard-to-reach locations. The Centers of Treatment Innovation will also mobilize peer supports, develop treatment programs for people leaving state and local correctional facilities, and increase access to life-saving Nal- oxone, to reverse overdoses. The Centers will also train local providers and doctors in the use of Medication Assisted Treatment.

The NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) is also fully engaged and supports programs that address the full continuum of services needed to address the opioid epidemic, including 500 registered opioid overdose prevention programs providing training to individuals on how to administer naloxone. In 2017, NYSDOH negotiated with Adapt Pharma to purchase the only FDA-approved intranasal naloxone device at a lower price. The Naloxone Co-payment Assis- tance Program (N-CAP) was implemented in 2017 to allow access to naloxone at pharmacies at no or lower out of pocket expense. NYSDOH also expanded the number of health hubs this year to eleven, providing additional communities with mobilization around drug user health and services including prescribing buprenorphine on-site, aftercare and safety plans to prevent future overdose, and medical care. A Buprenorphine Working Group (BWG) was established in 2017 to offer recommendations related to buprenorphine efforts. NYSDOH’s interagency opioid surveillance workgroup developed reports for the counties, describing the burden of the crisis as well as a comprehensive website that provides the most recent data and trends over time. During 2017, the surveillance workgroup conducted projects such as the identification of overdose deaths involving fentanyl and analogs, presence of neonatal absti- nence syndrome among newborns, and opioid burden and naloxone distribution.

LAUNCHED NEW FENTANYL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN In November 2017, Governor Cuomo launched a new public awareness campaign on the fentanyl crisis impacting communities across New York State. The campaign consists of ads and information cards warning New Yorkers about the dangers of fentanyl, providing safety tips on prevention, and offering guidance on how to safely respond to a fentanyl overdose. The campaign, which features advertisements in English and Spanish, is called “Hidden Fentanyl Kills.” It includes digital banners on social media, advertisements on buses, and ads in shopping malls and laundromats in communities throughout the State. Ads were also placed in New York City subways, on the Staten Island Ferry, and on a wallscape in the Bronx. Each advertise- ment directs people to visit CombatAddiction.ny.gov or call the state’s HOPEline number for help, at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369).

57 FUNDED TEN 24/7 ROUND-THE-CLOCK ACCESS CENTERS TO INCREASE OP- PORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE TO ENTER TREATMENT With an opioid epidemic gripping the nation and addiction deaths rising each year, it is vital for people to have access to help whenever they decide to enter treatment. Often, people suffering from a substance use disorder become inspired to embark on the life-changing journey to recovery during non-business hours – late at night, over the weekend, during holidays. With that in mind, Governor Cuomo announced in August 2017 a $4.5 million Request for Appli- cations from providers qualified to operate 24-7 Open Access Centers throughout New York State. There are already three programs providing the service, but after this procurement process, there will be at least one program operating in each region of the state. People suffering from a substance use disorder will be able to walk-into any Open Access Center, any time of day or night, seven days a week, and be assessed and referred to an appropriate treatment provider.

CERTIFIED 500 NEW RECOVERY PEER ADVOCATES Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, OASAS has vastly expanded peer services, engaging people with lived experience in Substance Use Disorder – either directly or through a loved one – to help others with addiction. In March, the Governor launched a $250,000 initiative to support 500 Certified Recovery Peer Advocates across New York State. The funding helps offset costs associated with certification, including the cost of renewing the certification for current advocates. Certified Recovery Peer Advocates are either in recovery themselves, or have a close family member in recovery, and work in limited settings that are approved by OASAS, while under the supervision of a credentialed or licensed clinical staff member. They provide support services based on clinical need and help patients develop recovery plans and learn effective coping habits. Certified peers can also provide support in official settings, like court hearings.

PROVIDED $10 MILLION TO DEVELOP NEW MEDICALLY SUPERVISED WITH- DRAWAL PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE In October, Governor Cuomo announced a $10 million initiative to expand detox services in New York State. OASAS issued a Request for Proposals to access capital funding to develop and support up to 75 new, community-based medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization beds throughout the state. These detox programs provide around-the-clock care to people who are under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other substances, or suffering from withdrawal, and help stabilize them and connect them to further treatment services. The detox programs offer medical assessment, information about recovery supports, family treatment, and clinical services, as well as medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.

OPENED 11 NEW RECOVERY COMMUNITY CENTERS The result of a multi-year push to expand recovery support services, New York State now has 14 Recovery Community and Outreach Center providers operating programs at 17 locations, including one in every region of the State and every New York City Borough. Recovery Centers provide ongoing supports to people in recovery from a Substance Use Disorder, including life- skills training, wellness and social activities, resume-building classes, and self-help meetings. 58 PROVIDED PEER SERVICES IN NYC HOMELESS SHELTERS In October 2017, Governor Cuomo announced an initiative to use New York State Certified Re- covery Peer Advocates to help connect people in New York City Homeless Shelters to addiction treatment services. There is a higher rate of Substance Use Disorder among individuals who are Homeless than the general public at large to suffer from a substance use disorder. Two-thirds of homeless people report that substance use was a major cause of their becoming homeless. Through the initiative, Certified Recovery Peer Advocates will meet people at homeless shelters in New York City who are struggling with addiction, work to get them engaged in treatment, and provide brief interventions and connections to treatment services. The effort is part of the Governor’s five-year, $20 billion Housing and Homelessness plan to combat homelessness and construct affordable housing as well as his multi-prong approach to combatting addiction.

OMH AND OTDA COLLABORATED TO LINK NYC HOMELESS SHELTERS WITH COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY PROGRAM The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) coordinated to provide targeted clinical interventions in 2017 by working with hospital emergency and inpatient departments, comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs and community-based primary care, mental health and substance use disorder providers to ensure that discharge protocols are adequate and complementary regarding a homeless individual’s access to physical health, mental health and substance use treatment services. The State helped to develop linkages between homeless shelters, hospital providers, and other community-based clinics this year to streamline the intake/coordination process at shelters, so that individuals receive direct and immediate access to mental health services.

EXPANDED CUTTING-EDGE BREAST CANCER SCREENING OPTIONS FOR WOMEN In 2017, Governor Cuomo continued his commitment to ensuring that women have access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screening and diagnostic services. In 2017, six contractors were awarded $5 million in State Capital funding to purchase mobile mammography vans and equip them with state of the art 3-D mammography equipment. These vans, which will be operational in 2018, will visit women where they live and work, making it easier for women with transportation issues to receive screening tests that can find breast cancer early -- when treatment may be most successful.

New legislation removing significant financial barriers to receipt of breast cancer services went into effect in January 2017. The legislation eliminated annual deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance payments for all screening mammograms and diagnostic imaging for breast cancer. All plans that are subject to New York law are required to follow this new law. Recognizing that lack of knowledge about why and where to get screening is a common barrier, Governor Cuomo dedicated $1 million to the “No Excuses” breast cancer screening media campaign. The campaign aired on broadcast television, cable and digital media outlets from October through December 2017.

59 FUNDED $28 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH MEDICAID REDESIGN New York is leading the nation with its work with community-based organizations and the social determinants of health. In 2018, the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Performing Provider Systems (PPS) have substantially increased the amount of funds that have flowed to network providers. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), which are key providers in the health care system, have received $28 million as of July 2017. Experts estimate that medical care accounts for only 10% of overall health, with social, environmental, and behavioral factors accounting for the rest. Lack of upstream investment in social determinants of health probably contributes to exorbitant downstream spending on medical care in the US. Given this important fact, community-based organizations are key partners in the health care field and in achieving the goals of DSRIP. The role of CBOs will continue to grow as we continue to implement the Value Based Payment Roadmap.

FUNDED $491 MILLION IN FUNDING TO STRENGTHEN HEALTH CARE INFRA- STRUCTURE In July 2017, the NYS Department of Health awarded $491 million for 92 projects that strengthen and protect access to essential health care services in communities throughout New York State. Recipients included hospitals, nursing homes, primary care clinics, home care agencies, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder clinics. Examples of how the funding will be used include: medical villages that replace outdated and inefficient health care facilities and provide communities with “one stop shopping” for their ambulatory and emergency care needs; health information technology investments necessary to implement innovative models of care that keep people healthier and out of the hospital; and the expansion of inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services.

LAUNCHED A STATEWIDE CANCER INCIDENCE INITIATIVE In October 2017, Governor Cuomo directed the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) to conduct a new data-driven, statewide initiative to examine cancer patterns and the potential causes of cancer in four regions across the State that have a higher incidence of certain cancers. This new comprehensive effort will help identify the central causes leading to higher cancer rates in certain regions and ultimately help develop the most effective programs to prevent and treat cancer. The State is budgeting up to $500,000 to conduct the four regional studies, and findings are expected within one year.

As part of the review, the Department of Health will look within and around counties that have higher rates of cancer and work to detect patterns related to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, or occupational factors. In addition, the Department of Environmental Conservation will inventory potential environmental threats in those communities. The agencies will collab- orate on further evaluation, mapping, and data mining. NYSDOH will use the results of this initiative to enhance community screening and prevention efforts and support access to appropriate high-quality health care services in communities across the state identified as having high rates of cancer.

60 LAUNCHED THE MEDICAID DRUG CAP New York was the first state to pass sweeping legislation that controls the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs in Medicai by (1) setting an annual projected spending target, (2) providing the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) with enhanced authority to negotiate additional rebates with and obtaining price information from manufacturers, (3) subjecting drugs to prior approval and (4) authorizing the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board to conduct value based drug reviews and make recommendations for supplemental rebates.

Significant progress has been made towards achieving the goals of the SFY 2017-18 Medicaid Drug Cap. Negotiations continue and manufacturers can offer rebates pre-and post the DUR Board process.

EXPANDED ACCESS TO NEW YORK STATE’S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM The Medical Marijuana Program expanded patient access in a variety of ways throughout 2017. By adding chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as qualifying conditions, the program has helped thousands more New Yorkers to obtain access to an alternative treatment option for relief.

By authorizing five additional registered organizations to manufacture and dispense medical marijuana in New York State, the program is improving patient access and the geographic distribution of dispensing facilities to make it easier for patients across the state to obtain medical marijuana, improving the affordability of medical marijuana products through the introduction of new competition, and increasing the variety of medical marijuana products available to patients.

The Medical Marijuana Program also made it easier for health practitioners to certify patients for the program by streamlining the practitioner registration process and shortening the length of required coursework from four hours to two. The Medical Marijuana Program continued to expand access and improve the patient experience by increasing the types of medical marijuana products that registered organizations may offer, and welcoming prospective patients and practitioners to visit dispensing facilities to speak directly with registered organization representatives, learn about products, and find more information about the Medical Marijuana Program. As a result, in 2017 the number of participating practitioners has nearly doubled, and the number of certified patients in the program has more than tripled.

ACHIEVED 39% ENROLLMENT GROWTH IN THE MARKETPLACE FROM 2016 TO 2017 The NY State of Health insurance marketplace was launched in October 2013 under Governor Cuomo’s leadership to reduce the number of uninsured New Yorkers. In June 2017, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the uninsured rate in New York dropped to 4.7 percent, the lowest ever reported. Over 4.2 million New Yorkers receive comprehensive health care coverage through NY State of Health. Most receive financial assistance to help pay for coverage. Enrollment in Qualified Health Plans and the Essential Plan, a program designed for lower income working New Yorkers, increased by 39 percent from 2016

61 to 2017. On November 1, 2017, NY State of Health entered its fifth open enrollment period strong, offering consumers a choice of health plans and 2018 premiums at or below 2017 levels. Believing that health care is a right not a privilege, Governor Cuomo took decisive actions to protect New Yorkers by ensuring that consumers would have continued access to essential health benefits and reproductive health services regardless of attempts at the federal level to take these protections away from consumers.

SUPPORTED PRIMARY CARE TRANSFORMATION With a $100 million award from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), the State Innovation Model (SIM) supports health care transformation by advancing primary care capabilities to provide patient centered, coordinated care across the delivery system. High performing primary care will improve health care outcomes, improve population health and reduce health care costs. Primary care practices enroll in transformation and are provided with up to 24 months of support by practice transformation agents to help practices achieve capabilities for: delivering accessible, patient-centered care; providing care management for complex and vulnerable patients; leveraging health information technology to manage patients care needs; demonstrating high quality performance; and having ability to engage in value-based payment arrangements to sustain the transformation.

In 2017, fifteen practice transformation agents contracted with SIM to engage practices across eight regions of NYS. Between February and December of 2017, 548 practices have enrolled and 952 practices are in discussion or preparations to enroll in transformation. SIM has an estimated target of 2,439 primary care practices, and this reflects enrollment of 22% of targeted practices with another 39% of practices in discussion or preparation. Enrollment of practices increased greatly in the last quarter of 2017 which is anticipated to continue into 2018. Also in 2017, four regional committees convened meetings between payers and providers to develop multi-payer payment models for the region. One region has enacted a payment arrangement, and two others have made tremendous progress in measure alignment and payment model development.

The SIM goal is for 80% of New Yorkers to access care from advanced primary care providers, receiving high quality, coordinated care to improve health outcomes, and improve population health in a cost-effective manner.

MODERNIZED THE HEALTH CARE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE Through Governor Cuomo’s Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT), the Delivery System Reform In- centive Payment (DSRIP) Program and New York State Health Innovation Plan (SHIP) initiatives New York State has lead the nation in transforming its health care delivery system. Together, these initiatives are breaking down service silos and fostering collaborations between health care providers to increase quality, reduce costs and improve people’s health. However, as these initiatives are being implemented across the State it became clear that New York’s complex and outdated health care regulations were barriers to innovation and in need of fundamental reform.

62 In 2017, the New York State Department of Health launched a major overhaul of the policies and regulations that govern the licensure and oversight of health care facilities. Through the Regulatory Modernization Initiative (RMI), six workgroups were convened to solicit recommendations from health care providers, consumers and payers to streamline and improve policies, regulations and statute. The workgroups included: Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health; Telehealth; Post-Acute Care Management Models; Long-Term Care Needs Methodolo- gies; Cardiac Services; and Off-Campus Emergency Departments. The significant changes resulting from RMI will include: the expansion of locations from which telehealth encounters can originate; a streamlined regulatory structure that will make it easier for medical, mental health and substance use disorder services to be provided in a single clinic; new innovative models for providing health care services at home following discharge from a hospital; and increasing access to high quality interventional cardiac services. In 2018, additional regulatory areas in need of streamlining and improvement will be taken up through the RMI process.

BOOSTED PAY FOR OVER 70,000 DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) help people daily life activities, assist them to become employed and work at jobs in the community, and perform a range of other tasks so New Yorkers with disabilities can be safe, healthy, and productive members of their communities. In recognition of longstanding pay disparities between DSPs and other healthcare workers, Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature committed $191 million to better compensate the approximately 71,000 DSPs who serve nearly 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities supported through the service network of the NYS Office for People with Develop- mental Disabilities. Some 5,000 additional support staff will also receive wage increases as part of this effort.

CREATED 459 CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS AND OTHER OPPORTUNI- TIES FOR NEW YORKERS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities funds a nation-leading network of housing opportunities, with approximately $5.2 billion invested to support over 40,000 people receiving residential supports in the community. As part of the FY 2018 State Budget, Governor Cuomo committed additional funding to further expand this network of residential services for people with developmental disabilities. Additional housing options will be developed through a multi-year housing strategy, beginning with an investment of $15 million in supportive housing and the creation of 459 new certified residential opportunities. Both types of residential services include supportive services tailored to the needs of the individuals served. The goal of this strategy is to ensure New Yorkers with developmental disabilities have access to a place to live that meets their needs and promotes their independence.

PROMOTED 50% INCREASE IN INDIVIDUALS SELF-DIRECTING THEIR SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY LIVING AND INDEPENDENCE New York State is a leader in promoting the rights of all people, and this includes offering the most comprehensive self-direction program for people with developmental disabilities in the United States. The self-direction program offers participants a range of options for managing their own services, supports participant independence, and provides funding for community

63 services that were not traditionally available. The program allows people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to have a greater say in their service planning and respects their ability to make choices while offering options that meet their needs. The program has grown rapidly with a high level of success and satisfaction: enrollments increased by 50% in the first three quarters of 2017.

In addition, the State Office of Mental Health implemented pilots at two sites to provide self-directed care for individuals with serious mental illness under the authority of NY’s 1115 Medicaid waiver. The two-year pilot is designed to test program policies and procedures to develop a program model that may then be implemented statewide. During 2017, a State fiscal interme- diary was established to oversee expenditures and insure that enrollees can make purchases, and the self-directed care pilot program officially started enrollment in November at two sites: Community Access in New York City, and Independent Living, Inc., in Newburgh.

PROVIDED STABLE, SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILL- NESS For people living with mental illness, the lack of safe and affordable housing is a powerful barrier to recovery. Governor Cuomo’s commitment to providing vulnerable New Yorkers with stable housing and support services has helped thousands of individuals and families live with independence and dignity in their communities. In 2017, A total of 498 new housing units serving individuals with a serious mental illness became operational. This includes 418 new supported SRO units in mixed-use developments and 79 congregate SRO units. Additionally, the second round of the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative was procured, resulting in169 conditional awards for proposed projects to provide 1,200 supportive housing units across all eligible homeless populations.

REINVESTED MILLIONS INTO COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES ACROSS THE STATE Reinvestment has allowed the State Office of Mental Health to greatly enhance and expand community-based services across New York State and support reductions in State-operated beds in institutionalized settings. Thanks to this service expansion, 40,000 new individuals received new community mental health supports in 2017 through reinvestment-funded programs, including 6,000 individuals in new State-operated community services.

Reinvestment funds helped provide for 200 units of scattered-site supportive housing for high needs individuals being discharged from psychiatric centers, hospitals, and other residential settings. Funds were also used in 2017 to begin operations of the Sustained Engagement Sup- port Team that conducts outreach and engagement services to facilitate a return to a state or community provider for people who have been unsuccessfully discharged.

ENGAGED AT-RISK MENTALLY ILL Individuals living with serious mental illness are often difficult to engage in ongoing treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. The NYS Office of Mental Health made strides in addressing this problem in 2017, in part by funding 20 new Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams. ACT is an evidence-based program that provides treatment, rehabilitation and support ser-

64 vices to individuals who are diagnosed with a severe mental illness and whose needs have not been well met by more traditional mental health services. The 20 new ACT Teams will focus on some of the highest need individuals with serious mental illness, including people residing in homeless shelters and those leaving correctional settings to supported community settings.

COMBATED STIGMA WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS STATEWIDE The stigma surrounding mental illness can be a powerful barrier to recovery, and can discourage people from seeking the treatment they need. In 2017, the NYS Office of Mental Health issued its first ever anti-stigma grants funded through the New York State voluntary tax check- off program. This program allows taxpayers to donate easily to the Mental Illness Anti-Stigma Fund when filing their NYS Personal Income Tax return. Grants to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness are being used in a variety of ways, including developing and distributing newsletters targeted to students and parents, purchasing radio advertisements, securing a conference speaker, developing a web-based awareness campaign and producing a short documentary.

ADVANCED SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS New York was the only state in the nation to receive an award from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Zero Suicide grant program in 2017. The $3.5 million five-year grant will strengthen the State’s Suicide Prevention Plan. In November 2017, Governor Cuomo inaugurated the New York State Suicide Prevention Task Force, which is co-chaired by OMH Executive Deputy Commissioner Christopher Tavella and Peter Wyman, professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

CERTIFIED COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICS FOR COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT On July 1, 2017, New York State began a pilot of thirteen Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) across the state that will provide a comprehensive array of services to create access, stabilize people in crisis, and provide the necessary treatment for those with the most serious, complex mental illnesses and addictions. The pilot is supported under a two-year Federal grant.

The 13 CCBHC pilot sites reflect the regional diversity of the State’s population and service delivery system. In addition to each locally identified priority population, CCBHCs will address statewide gaps in access to care for people with opioid addictions, Medicare/Medicaid dual-el- igibles, non-English speakers, and people with low socio-economic status, including the uninsured. The pilot will explore the development of CCBHC outpatient networks of primary care, mental health, and chemical dependence, allowing programs to adopt a common set of tools, approaches, and organizational commitments to treat individuals in a more seamless and integrated fashion.

65 DEVELOPED INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES TO DELIVER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES In February 2017, the NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) expanded recovery possibilities for consumers by offering a new service option for clinic providers, Intensive Outpatient Treat- ment (IOP). IOP offers more intensive, time-limited, outpatient psychiatric services to people living in the community, and is designed to provide an alternative to inpatient hospitalization, shortening hospital stays and reducing readmissions by providing a transition to more independent living. OMH has approved 11 sites through 2017, with seven additional site approvals pending review at year-end.

OMH also approved 33 additional service locations for telepsychiatry, bringing the total number of approved sites to 53 through 2017, with 24 additional site applications under review. Telepsychiatry benefits include improved access to care, provision of care locally in a timely fashion, improved continuity of care, improved treatment compliance and coordination of care.

Finally, OMH expanded the number of its clinics with integrated licenses offering a comple- ment of substance use and/or primary health care services to 45 sites in 2017, double the number during the prior year. This continuing expansion of integrated behavioral health and physical health treatment options is helping manage complex illness for thousands of New Yorkers statewide.

INVESTED IN VALUE BASED PAYMENT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS The New York State Medicaid managed care system is transforming from one that pays for service volume to one that rewards value. In 2017, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the Department of Health began the NYS Be- havioral Health Value Based Payment (VBP) Readiness Program to prepare behavioral health providers to engage in VBP arrangements by facilitating shared infrastructure and administrative capacity, collective quality management, and increased cost-effectiveness. The VBP Readiness Program funds selected networks of providers, called Behavioral Health Care Col- laboratives (BHCCs), that deliver the entire spectrum of behavioral health services available in a natural service area.

In 2017, New York State issued applications for approximately $60 million in funding over three years to assist selected BHCCs to build infrastructure necessary to collect, analyze, and respond to service data to efficiently improve behavioral and physical health outcomes. BHCCs will leverage their shared expertise to position participating providers to enter VBP contracts with VBP payors, including but not limited to MCOs, hospitals, and primary care practices, to work with providers who demonstrate their value as part of an integrated care system.

66 OVERCAME BARRIERS TO HIRING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order # 136 established the New York Employment First Initiative focused on increasing the competitive employment of New Yorkers with disabilities. In 2017 the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council collaborated with Our Ability, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive systemic assessment on issues related to the employment of individuals with intellectual and/or development disabilities and issue a report outlining the gaps and systemic needs of the business community when it comes to hiring people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The collaboration also included employer net- working and education events. These events resulted in the education of almost 200 employers about hiring people with disabilities and the identification of over 20 businesses around the state interested in, and prepared to, increase their employment of people with disabilities.

BETTER PREPARED FIRST-RESPONDERS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES FOR EMERGENCIES In response to recent natural and man-made disasters, the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council granted Niagara University $321,000.00 for a 3-year project to implement statewide training to emergency management personnel. The training addresses aspects of proper and appropriate emergency response specific to people with developmental and other disabilities and those that are classified by FEMA as having access and functional needs. In 2017, Niagara University trained and educated over 600 first responders, emergency personnel, and State employees across New York State. The project also establishes and trains county advisory groups comprised of people with developmental and other disabilities. This initiative helps to better support emergency management planning at the local level for people with disabilities and their families.

COMMUNICATED WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND FAMILY MEMBERS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY In 2017 New York was one of 10 states selected by Georgetown University’s National Center for Cultural Competence and the Federal Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to participate in a 5-year Community of Practice on Cultural and Linguistic Compe- tence in Developmental Disabilities. The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Disability Rights New York, the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, the Rose F. Kennedy University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and the Westchester Institute for Human Devel- opment will work collaboratively to strengthen the ability of developmental disability networks

67 to deliver culturally and linguistically competent supports and services; increase access to information about supports, services and rights; and build relationships with communities so that the service delivery system will be better equipped to serve individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families who have limited English proficiency.

IMPROVED ACCESS FOR INJURED WORKERS RECEIVING BENEFITS FASTER THAN THEY HAVE IN DECADES New York has dramatically improved the lives of workers who are hurt at work or made ill by their jobs by greatly accelerating the payment of benefits due to them. New York’s injured workers are now receiving their first payments of workers’ compensation more quickly than they have in decades because New York began systematically monitoring the performance of insurance payers and penalizing poor performance. For example, 84% of first payments are now made on time, as opposed to 38% before monitoring. As a result of monitoring, the reporting of injuries, a crucial first step in the delivery of benefits, is also happening more quickly than it has in decades. This initiative is making a real difference in the lives of workers injured on the job, and is another success from the comprehensive Business Process Re-engineering of the workers’ compensation system New York began in 2013.

PILOTED VIRTUAL HEARINGS TO REMOVE TRAVEL BURDEN FOR INJURED WORKERS Injured workers can experience difficulties in traveling to hearings. To alleviate those unnecessary stresses, New York began piloting Virtual Hearings, the nation’s first multi-video endpoint hearing system for workers’ compensation. Virtual Hearings allow injured workers, attorneys/ representatives, and witnesses the option to attend their hearings using either a computer or a mobile device instead of traveling to a Board location. The system uses state-of-the-art video conferencing equipment and functions similarly to a webinar video meeting, where participants can view each other on their respective screens and judges can share case documents with all parties involved in the case. Virtual Hearings are another successful element of New York’s Business Process Re-engineering, which has been improving the overall health of workers’ compensation during the Cuomo administration.

IMPLEMENTED PRINCIPLES OF MODERN MEDICINE IN WORKERS’ COMPENSA- TION To ensure injured workers receive appropriate compensation to account for lost future earning capacity, New York updated its Impairment Guidelines for injured workers to reflect standards and practices of modern medicine. The aggressive January 1, 2018 deadline was met and the new Impairment Guidelines were implemented.

68 PROTECTED WORLD TRADE CENTER WORKERS Governor Cuomo stands firmly behind the people who selflessly and at great personal risk performed the rescue, recovery and clean-up of the World Trade Center site in the years after 9/11. These heroes have an additional protection after New York reopened its World Trade Center registry. Workers and volunteers continue filing a simple form to preserve their workers’ compensation rights, should they ever become ill from this duty. New York continues outreach, working with advocates, and registering workers and volunteers by the Sept. 11, 2018 deadline. Moreover, certain World Trade Center workers’ compensation claims that were previously considered late after the passing of earlier deadlines were reopened and considered timely.

PROVIDED LOW COST CAPITAL TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and the New York State Depart- ment of Health (NYSDOH) have established the $19.5 million Community Health Care Revolv- ing Capital Fund to improve access to capital for clinics and other organizations that have limited resources and are seeking to broaden access to primary care services. In February 2017, DASNY, in consultation with NYSDOH, selected the Primary Care Development Corpora- tion (PCDC) to administer the fund. Borrowers will be chosen by PCDC through an application process that is approved by DASNY and NYSDOH. The funds will be used to provide loans for projects at eligible facilities.

Additionally, DASNY issued more than $580 million in low-cost, tax exempt bonds in 2017 to support the capital needs of and refinancing for private, not-for profit health care providers in New York State, helping them provide New Yorkers with the highest quality health care.

69 ACHIEVING EQUALITY IMPLEMENTED PAID FAMILY LEAVE In 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Paid Family Leave into law, paving the way for New York to implement in 2018 the strongest and most comprehensive Paid Family Leave policy in the nation. New York’s working people no longer have to choose between their jobs and their families, and can take time to care for loved ones without risking their economic security.

The benefits will rise over the next four years to 12 weeks of paid leave. In this first year of implementation, New Yorkers can take up to eight weeks of paid time off without worrying about losing their jobs to:

• Bond with a newly born, adopted or fostered child • Care for a family member with a serious illness who needs their help • Assist their loved ones when a family member is serving all of us abroad in active military service.

This truly matters to New York’s children—the 235,000 babies born and the 11,000 children who are adopted and fostered in New York each year, who can now benefit from more time with their parents. It matters to New York’s new parents of all genders, who can take time to bond with their new child. Paid Family Leave enables mothers and fathers to take time for family care, furthering gender equality, and helps new mothers—one in four of whom in the U.S. are back at work within 10 days of childbirth—to spend more time with their babies. Paid Fam- ily Leave matters greatly to those with family members in need of care -- the 1.7 million people discharged from New York’s hospitals every year, the 52,000 serving in the military, and the 3 million senior citizens who know their family members can now take time off from work without penalty to be there for them if they’re ever needed.

And it matters to employers. Paid Family Leave yields great returns in employee retention, which cuts hiring costs and improves morale. The benefits workers on leave receive are paid by an insurance policy, not by the employers, and workers pay for that insurance with small contributions from their paychecks.

Implementing Paid Family Leave in New York marks a pivotal next step in the pursuit of equality and dignity in both the workplace and home.

IMPLEMENTED THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE On Dec. 31, 2017, New York State will take another step forward under the nation’s first statewide $15 minimum wage plan. In late 2016, New York State launched an extensive outreach campaign to ensure employees understood their rights and that employers understood their responsibilities concerning the minimum wage increases. Because of these efforts, the De- partment of Labor saw a large spike in website traffic and in informational phone calls, but did not see an uptick in complaints lodged or investigations launched. In total, an estimated 2.3 million people will be impacted by the increases in the minimum wage. Many are already noticing the positive impact.

71 WORKED TO ERADICATE WORKER EXPLOITATION Governor Cuomo’s worker protection efforts have helped transform the economic and social justice landscape in New York State. These efforts have shared an overarching mission of protecting workers in the industries where they are most likely to face exploitation yet do not come forward for fear of retaliation. Many of these workers are immigrants and frequent victims of wage theft. They are often subjected to unsafe or unsanitary working conditions, inconsistent and unpredictable work hours, and illegal deductions from pay for supplies, training, and uniforms. They tend to work off the books, have hazardous jobs, and are often geographi- cally isolated. In some instances, they are also victims of human trafficking.

In July 2015, Governor Cuomo announced a first-of-its-kind statewide Task Force to root out worker exploitation issues in multiple industries in New York State. Building on the groundbreaking initiative to protect workers in the nail salon industry, the Exploited Worker Task Force was charged with identifying and combatting illegal practices in numerous other industries across the state.

In July 2016, to mark its one-year anniversary, the Governor signed Executive Order 159 establishing a permanent, statewide task force on worker exploitation and misclassification, the Joint Task Force on Worker Exploitation and Employee Misclassification (Joint Task Force). The Order broadened and entrenched the mandates of the Exploited Worker Task Force, Joint En- forcement Task Force on Employee Misclassification and the Nail Salon Industry Enforcement Task Force into a robust and unified bedrock of state government for generations to come.

To date, the Joint Task Force has launched nearly 16,000 wage theft and misclassification cases across more than a dozen industries impacting nearly 150,000 workers. Over the past four years, the Department of Labor, a leading member of the Joint Task Force, recovered nearly $150 million in lost wages which it returned to 125,000 workers victimized by wage theft.

The Task Force has directed businesses to pay nearly $9.2 million in back wages and nearly $3 million in damages.

The Task Force’s Anti-Retaliation Unit has opened more than 550 retaliation cases, assisted more than 600 workers, and assessed more than $1.2 million in damages and penalties against employers who have retaliated against workers seeking to file claims. Furthermore, the Task Force resolved over 3,500 cases through its Mediation Unit and other administrative mechanisms.

The Task Force’s multilingual hotline, which provides non-standard business hours and boasts the capacity to receive questions and complaints, and also make referrals to Task Force agencies, has handled more than 12,000 calls to date.

UNVEILED DESIGN FOR LGBT MONUMENT In June 2017, Governor Cuomo unveiled the design for New York’s official monument honoring the LGBT community, those lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, and all victims of hate, intolerance and violence. Anthony Goicolea was named as the artist for the monument that will be located at the western edge of Greenwich Village, in Hudson River 72 Park. The site specific design works in harmony with the existing attributes of Hudson River Park and promotes thought and reflection while encouraging people to unite in a communal environment. It will feature nine modified boulders, some of which are bisected with a clear, laminated, borosilicate-glass with refractory components that act as a prism to create subtle rainbow patterns on the surrounding lawn and nearby objects.

ANNOUNCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NYS EQUAL RIGHTS HERITAGE CENTER IN AUBURN NEW YORK Governor Andrew Cuomo announced $10 million was awarded to the City of Auburn for a new Heritage Center to be built in the South Street National Register Historic District. Auburn was home to great New Yorkers like Harriet Tubman and William Seward who fought for equal rights, and whose homes are now landmarks. The new Equal Rights Heritage Center will pay tribute to their efforts, and the sacrifices of the many who sought equality, while encouraging travelers to visit all that the region has to offer. Located directly across from Memorial City Hall and next to the William H. Seward House Museum, the Center will emphasize New York State’s progressive history of promoting social and equal rights, while encouraging tourism at the region’s many attractions and destinations. The $10 million is funded and supported through the Governor’s Central NY Rising initiative, the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development.

ISSUED EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 169: EXPANDING ACCESS TO VOTER REGISTRATION Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order #169 that directs every State agency to make available voter registration forms and to offer assistance in filling them out.

Under current State and Federal law, forms are available at the Department of Motor Vehicles and certain social service agencies. This order expands the forms to agencies that interact with the public through professional licensing, recreational activities and other avenues.

Additionally, under Executive Order #169 all State agencies are directed to mail or provide voter registration forms electronically to members of the public whose contact information they maintain. The Executive Order directs that all voter registration activities are to be conducted in a non-partisan fashion.

The Governor also established the State Agency Voter Registration Task Force that is com- posed of various State officials. The Task Force will oversee administration of the State Agen- cy Voter Registration Program in consultation with the State Board of Elections.

The Task Force will also explore ways to implement the reforms laid out in the Executive Order with the use of electronic signatures and how to set up secure online voting registration systems, similar to the one currently in place at the Department of Motor Vehicles, through additional State agencies.

73 LAUNCHED GENDER PAY GAP STUDY Governor Cuomo has been a champion for women since taking office. In 2017, the Governor directed the State Department of Labor to launch a gender wage gap study to identify the root causes of the gender wage gap and how State government can continue to close it. The study was co-chaired by State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul who held four hearings and numerous stakeholder discussions across the State and solicited testimony from academic experts, women’s groups, workers, business owners and the public.

PROTECTED IMMIGRANT CRIME VICTIMS AND VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING THROUGH INCREASED ACCESS TO U AND T VISAS The Joint Task Force on Worker Exploitation and Employee Misclassification has prioritized addressing the critical needs of victims of human trafficking and other serious crimes. Gov- ernor Cuomo has recognized that U and T Visas are particularly powerful tools both for protecting immigrant victims of crime and strengthening the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes. Working in conjunction with the New York State Police, Department of Labor, the Division of Human Rights, and the Office of Children and Family Services, the Task Force has established a set of uniform statewide protocols and designated and trained state certifying agents at each of the four New York State agencies with the legal authority to provide U Visa Certifications and T Visa Endorsements for workers, victims, and witnesses.

MAKING NEW YORK THE HEALTHIEST STATE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES New York State’s Prevention Agenda is the blueprint to improve the health of all New York- ers in five priority areas and reduce health disparities. Meeting these goals requires attention to factors outside of health care, such as access to outdoor spaces and healthy foods, and improvements in education, housing and jobs. As part of the FY 2017 State of the State Mes- sage, Governor Cuomo directed New York State agencies to include health and healthy aging in state agency policy-making. This effort will result in healthier, more livable communities for people of all ages and enable more New Yorkers to age comfortably in their homes. Because of its commitment to establishing age friendly communities, New York has been designated the first age-friendly state in the nation by the AARP and the World Health Organization. New York’s efforts to improve health are also evidenced in the fact that New York ranked among the top 10 states in the nation for health, up from its ranking as the 40th healthiest state in 1990, marking the largest five-year gain of all 50 states in the 2017 annual America’s Health Rankings report.

FIRST AGE-FRIENDLY STATE IN THE NATION In December of 2017, Governor Cuomo announced that New York has been designated the first age-friendly state in the nation by the AARP and the World Health Organization. This achievement is a result of the Governor’s directive to include health in state agency policy-making, an effort that will result in more livable communities for people of all ages and enable more New Yorkers to age comfortably in their homes.

74 In his 2017 State of the State, Governor Cuomo tasked state agencies with earning designation as the first age-friendly state, and this accomplishment in partnership with the largest and one of the most active outreach organizations in America, signals the reason why Boomers should stay in and move to New York State. Municipalities throughout the country have earned the age-friendly designation, but so far, no state has achieved that honor. Efforts to become an age-friendly state are supported by the Governor’s new Health Across All Policies initiative, announced in the 2017 State of the State, to incorporate health and healthy aging into State Agency decision making.

CREATING THE FIRST IN THE NATION STATEWIDE AGING SERVICES MOBILE APP In 2017, the Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the first in the nation statewide aging services mobile app to connect older adults and caregivers with valuable local resources and services, including information regarding health and wellness, housing, and transportation options, among others. The New York State Office for the Aging’s Aging Services app puts easily understandable information into the hands of over 3 million older New Yorkers, helping them remain healthy and connected to their communities.

PROVIDED ADDITIONAL $15 MILLION COMMITMENT TO WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS FOR LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS In May, 2016, the Governor announced a landmark Low Income Energy Affordability policy in an Order from the Public Service Commission, increasing the number of low income customers receiving much needed bill assistance from their utility, from 1.1 million to 1.65 million households. Building on the work of the Affordability Order, the State is proceeding to increase the number of low-income homes that are weatherized or retrofitted by more than 25%, from approximately 16,000 to more than 20,000, through matching commitments from OTDA and NYSERDA.

OCFS ENSURED SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO MORE RUNAWAY AND HOME- LESS YOUTH THROUGH STATUTORY AND REGULATORY CHANGES Governor Cuomo made three major policy changes to alleviate regulations and improve services for runaway and homeless youth. There is no longer a regulatory limit on the time a youth can stay in a Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelter (previously 30 days), promoting stability for young people to engage in the system and allow for additional services to be provided. The authorized period for residential services provided in transitional independent living support programs (TILSPs) is extended from 18 to 24 months. The age limit for youth in RHY shelter was increased from 21 to 24, allowing the system to serve the full spectrum of youth currently experiencing homeless and housing instability. Adult homeless shelters are often not the right housing solution for young people even on a temporary basis, and by allowing counties to raise the age at youth shelters, New York State is ensuring that young people have a safe place to turn when needed.

75 PROTECTED NEW YORK HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMERS Acting under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) launched multiple efforts to protect the ability of New Yorkers to obtain quality healthcare services despite efforts by the Federal government purposefully undermining stable health insurance markets. These initiatives include:

• New emergency regulations to ensure New Yorkers continue to be provided Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) regardless of Federal actions, and prohibiting insurers from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions, or discriminating based on age or gender. EHBs include maternity and newborn care, ambulatory patient services and mental health and substance use disorder services. • Finalized regulations to ensure that contraceptive drugs and devices are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles. Also, the regulations ensure that insurers provide coverage for the dispensing of an initial three-month supply of a contraceptive to an insured person, and, for subsequent dispensing to allow coverage for the entire prescribed contraceptive supply, up to 12 months at a time, regardless of federal actions. DFS also launched an investigation into certain insurers’ failure to provide legally mandated contraceptive coverage, thus far leading to a $1 million fine.

• Issued a final regulation to ensure that all medically necessary abortion services are covered by commercial health insurance policies without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. • Advised insurers that they are responsible for providing coverage for fertility treatment to all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or marital status. • Promulgated a new regulation aimed at attacking the opioid epidemic by requiring large group insurers to allow consumers to appeal coverage denials for medically necessary addiction medications when they are not on the list of covered drugs. DFS also instructed health insurers to help expedite medical necessity reviews in non-hospital facilities, to prevent insurers from excessively reviewing the medical necessity of opioid treatment, and to bar the inappropriate delay of coverage. • Instructed insurers that they cannot discriminate or deny coverage based on gender identity, regardless of whether individuals present as the gender to whom a service is typically provided. • Instructed insurers that they must provide coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), prescription drugs used for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, to all covered New Yorkers, and they must not discriminate in the coverage of medically necessary treatments. • Expanded access to breast cancer screening by issuing a circular letter providing that health insurers are responsible under New York Insurance Law to provide medically necessary coverage for cutting-edge tomosynthesis, or 3-D mammography, without co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles. The letter was subsequently codified in legislation signed by Governor Cuomo. • Protected consumers by conducting rigorous reviews of proposed health insurance premium increases, while ensuring that New Yorkers have choices in insurance coverage.

76 PROTECTED LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME NEW YORKERS FROM DENIALS OF LIFE INSURANCE CLAIMS Protected low- and middle-income New Yorkers from unfair denials of life insurance claims by instructing life insurers (1) that they must make prompt payments to beneficiaries within the two-year period after a policyholder dies, and (2) that they may not contest claims filed by beneficiaries within the two-year contestability period without actual evidence of misrepresentation, nor may they require beneficiaries to bear the burden of providing proof regarding an alleged misrepresentation simply because the covered policyholder dies within the two-year contestable period.

PROTECTED SENIORS AGAINST INSURANCE AND ANNUITY PREMIUM INCREASES Finalized a regulation to review insurance and annuity premium increases at least 120 days before they are implemented. This provision protects seniors who have paid premiums for years and can least afford increased costs to maintain insurance coverage. The regulation also requires life insurers to notify consumers at least 60 days before an adverse change in non-guaranteed elements of an in-force life insurance or annuity policy.

USED TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE REGULATION OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY • A new online portal to securely transmit in real time all notifications required under the Department of Financial Service’s cybersecurity regulation. • Transitioned to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry, a secure, web- based, nationwide licensing system that allows companies to apply for, update, and renew their licenses in one or more states conveniently and safely online. • A new online application process to speed the re-licensing of agents and brokers whose original licenses have been expired for more than two years.

CREATED THE OFFICE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT In 2017 Governor Cuomo announced the creation of the Office of Rural Development to streamline rural programs and help serve New York’s rural population. New York State has the 6th highest rural population and many communities struggle to navigate the confusing network of programs for rural communities that exist across multiple state and federal agencies. The Office of Rural Development is a one-stop shop, acting as a clearinghouse for rural and agricultural communities needing assistance in accessing federal and state resources. In No- vember 2017 Governor Cuomo launched the Rural Development Task Force with 26 agencies to develop strategies to better engage and serve rural communities.

ENSURED THE MAXIMUM SNAP BENEFIT IS AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME NEW YORKERS IN RECEIPT OF HEAP To maximize the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that eligible households receive, Governor Cuomo directed the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to develop a program that removes obstacles for individuals and families who receive Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits in applying for and accessing 77 SNAP benefits for which they are eligible. Experts agree that a coordinated, statewide effort to increase participation in Federal nutrition programs is a win-win strategy for states, allowing New York—at no cost to the State—to provide more nutritious food to more people and bring in significant federal dollars to boost local businesses and the state economy. The program will help generate $261 million annually in additional SNAP benefits to New York households – a more than 17 to 1 return on investment for New Yorkers.

LEVERAGED $5 MILLION IN FEDERAL SNAP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING Although the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has experienced significant growth in participation overall, some categories of low-income people who are eligible for the SNAP program do not participate and thus forgo nutrition assistance that could stretch their food dollars at the grocery store. Tapping into federal outreach funds has enabled the State to help more eligible New Yorkers to learn about and enroll in SNAP, including those that are the hardest-to-reach. The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issued a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for SNAP outreach, seeking private funding commitments of $5 million, in order to draw down an additional $5 million in federal outreach support. This enables the State’s SNAP outreach budget to increase by $10 million, from $7 million to a new total of $17 million, through the federal match program. This RFP was awarded to the Robin Hood Foundation and outreach activities are underway.

ENACTED FARM DONATION TO FOOD PANTRIES TAX CREDIT Food banks receive donations of surplus or gleaned food from farmers and retailers that then is distributed to food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, youth programs, senior programs, programs for the disabled, etc. Over 3,000 emergency food relief organizations in New York State are in constant demand of fresh produce and processed products. The FY 2018 State Budget enacted a new refundable tax credit for farmers that donate food to eligible food pantries in New York. The credit is equal to 25% of the fair market value of the donation, capped at $5,000 annually. This tax credit will help farmers get value from crops that would otherwise go unharvested and simultaneously improve access to healthy food for the needy.

EXPANDED MWBE CAPACITY The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York’s (DASNY) surety bond training program is helping MWBE firms improve their business operations and increase their surety bond capacity, allowing the firms to play a larger role on projects and create a path for them to grow into prime contractors. Launched in January 2017, DASNY’s training program provides MWBE firms with the tools, such as improved business operations, that they need to obtain larger surety bonds. This in turn helps them play a larger role on projects and creates a path for them to grow into prime contractors.

CREATED NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR MWBES The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) is utilizing an innovative Request for Proposals to enable MWBE firms to partner with a majority firm with the required experience. In 2017 DASNY used this process for the first time to select an MWBE firm as its broker of record

78 for its general and excess liability insurance program. J.P. West and its team will help oversee DASNY’s General Liability insurance program for construction projects by finding insurance carriers who will write policies with total limits of $80 million. Traditionally, MWBE firms like J.P. West were unable to compete for these contracts because they did not have the requisite experience. J.P. West partnered with a majority firm that will serve as J.P West’s back up. By taking the lead on the contract, J.P. West will grow its experience so that it can compete on its own for similar contracts in the future.

CASINOS RAISED THE BAR FOR MWBE OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS NEW YORK STATE The four upstate commercial casinos are required by law to mirror Governor Cuomo’s 30 percent Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) contract participation goals for state agencies. The four facilities - Tioga Downs Casino, del Lago Resort Casino, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, and Resorts World Catskills – surpassed the Governor’s goal with an average 36.4 percent MWBE participation rate in 2017. These projects – completed with all private funds – continue to create important opportunities for MWBEs across Upstate New York.

79 DEVELOPING HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES DEVELOPING HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

LAUNCHED $20 BILLION FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO CREATE AND PRESERVE 100,000 AFFORDABLE UNITS AND 6,000 SUPPORTIVE HOMES In 2017, Governor Cuomo initiated an unprecedented $20 billion five-year plan to provide affordable housing and combat homelessness by constructing and rehabilitating 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. These resources fund a variety of targeted programs that address a range of housing needs, including senior housing, public housing preservation and modernization, Mitchell-Lama properties, single family housing, manufactured and mobile homes, and more. New York State Homes and Community Renew- al’s Unified Funding round awarded more than $121 million for affordable housing in urban, suburban, and rural areas of New York. The awards are set to build or preserve nearly 1,900 affordable apartments and leverage more than $430 million in public and private resources.

PRESERVING AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR MIDDLE INCOME NEW YORKERS New York State continues to make progress toward completing the goal of preserving 8,600 Mitchell-Lama housing units in critical need of repairs and upgrades, keeping this crucial stock of middle-income housing affordable for another 40 years. In 2017, New York State Homes and Community Renewal preserved another 680 Mitchell Lama apartments in two developments, bringing the total to 7,340 apartments in 28 locations. The preservation and rehabilitation of Mitchell Lama housing helps transform aging Mitchell-Lama apartments back into quality, safe homes that meet the needs of middle-class families and communities.

EXPANDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUPPLY AND LAUNCHING THE SMALL RENTAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE The NYS HOME Local program helps expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low and moderate income families. In 2017, the HOME Program awarded $21.6 million for the rehabilitation or new construction of 571 units of affordable housing including owner occupied housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, tenant based rental assistance and investor owner small project rental rehabilitation. In addition, in 2017 HOME Local offered a new Small Rental Development Initiative to fund the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of non-profit owned, developed and long-term managed rental housing of 2 to 25 units on a single site or multiple sites under common ownership, management and financing. This helps deliver energy efficient, rehabilitated existing or new construction rental housing to low income families. The HOME Local Program awarded $24.4 million for this initiative to produce 217 units of affordable rental housing.

PROTECTING FOREIGN-BORN TENANTS In 2017, Governor Cuomo directed NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), in conjunction with the Division of Human Rights (DHR) and the Office for New Americans (ONA), to conduct a comprehensive statewide initiative designed to educate and protect the rights of foreign-born tenants. DHR and HCR have worked to investigate landlord policies and practices that discriminate against individuals based on their immigration status, national origin, ethnicity 81 or race. Additionally, DHR, HCR and ONA have conducted 4 outreach and education events designed to inform immigrant tenants and advocates of their rights.

PROTECTING RENT REGULATED TENANTS FROM LANDLORD ABUSE AND HA- RASSMENT Since 2012, Governor Cuomo’s Tenant Protection Unit (TPU) has worked proactively to preserve affordable housing, enforce the State’s rent regulation laws, and protect the rights of rent-regulated tenants. To date, the State, through the efforts of the TPU, has returned over 61,000 apartments to rent regulation and more than $4.2 million in overcharges to tenants.

Highlights of the TPU’s accomplishments in 2017 include:

• In My 2017, Justice Richard Velasquez upheld TPU’s investigatory and prosecutorial duties as furthering the Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s legislative mandate to enforce the rent laws. In furtherance of its mandate to protect the rights of rent-regulated tenants, the TPU continues to assist in the criminal prosecutions of landlords by other agencies and active- ly participate in investigations as a member of the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force.

• In June 2017, as a result of a TPU investigation and subsequent referral to the Attorney Gen- eral, Steven Croman, an owner of over 140 apartments buildings in Manhattan, pled guilty to committing mortgage and tax fraud as part of a long running scheme to push rent-regulated tenants out of their homes. Also in June, Daniel Melamed, a Brooklyn landlord and his corpo- ration were found guilty of three counts of unlawfully evicting rent stabilized tenants by cutting services, such as heat, and illegal construction in an effort to get those tenants to leave their homes.

• In September 2017, the TPU negotiated the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force’s first settlement agreement with ICON Realty Management that put an end to harassment and hazardous living conditions in 74 buildings.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO HIGH OPPORTUNITY AREAS Moving low-income families to opportunity areas is an effective way to end the intergenera- tional cycle of poverty. Social science studies have shown that children under the age of 13 who moved from high poverty to low poverty neighborhoods were more likely to attend college, had better health outcomes and earned more money as adults. In 2017 NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) expanded two key initiatives that promote access to opportunity for families in New York.

• Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Set-Aside for High Opportunity Area Projects. In 2017 HCR launched a new LIHTC set-aside for “Housing Opportunity Projects.” Up to $5 million in 9% tax credits are available for family projects located in a census tract with less than 10% poverty and served by a “high- or moderate-proficiency school,” based upon New York State Department of Education data.

• Mobility Counseling. HCR’s mobility counseling program assists low-income families with Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to secure affordable housing in low-poverty areas of 82 Westchester County that are served by high performing schools. Throughout 2017, HCR transitioned its housing mobility counseling program administrator to a new service provider and began to expand the program.

HELPING NEW YORKERS PURCHASE AND RENOVATE ZOMBIE PROPERTIES In 2016, Governor Cuomo announced the $22 million Neighborhood Revitalization Pilot Pro- gram (NRP) to finance the purchase and renovation of up to 500 foreclosed and abandoned properties for low- and middle-income New Yorkers. The program’s first loan has closed and applications are being reviewed from borrowers in Middletown and Long Island. NRP home purchases allow qualified low- and middle-income buyers to receive up to $20,000 in additional funds for home improvements with zero interest and no increase mortgage payments through the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). The NRP pilot program is being implemented in communities throughout the State including Troy and Rochester where a strong partnership with experienced nonprofit housing agencies provide homeownership counseling and additional sources of gap funding. SONYMA worked on financing nearly 70 homes for $14.2 million in 2017, and the program is gaining momentum after an investment in educating nonprofits and lenders on offering the program and an expansion of the areas eligible for NRP funding.

STOPPING FORECLOSURE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES In 2017, Governor Cuomo announced $7.6 million from the Community Restoration Fund (CRF) to support homeowners, stabilize neighborhoods and prevent zombie properties. The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), in partnership with National Community Capital, a nonprofit organization specializing in this work, has purchased the mortgages for nearly 400 homes in a strategic effort to bring owners out of foreclosure and keep the homes from aban- donment. The 398 homes in the CRF program are in 33 of the State’s 62 counties, with the majority of the homes located on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

HELPING RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP In 2017 the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) launched a new $5 million Gradu- ate to Homeownership program that offers incentives to recent college graduates to purchase their first home in upstate urban centers selected for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative program. The program offers low-interest rate mortgages, a down payment assistance loan with no additional fees, and a homebuyer education course.

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Affordable Homeownership Development Program (AHC) promotes homeownership for low- and moderate-income individuals and families and stimulates the development, stabilization, and preservation of New York communities. In 2017, AHC made 54 awards totaling $44 million to create or preserve homes for 1,721 families.

83 INCREASING HOMEOWNERSHIP The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) continues to make homeownership affordable for first-time homebuyers. In 2017, SONYMA offered approximately $435 million in mortgage loans with programs that enabled 2,105 primarily first-time homebuyers to own their home. SONYMA continued building partnerships with nonprofit homeownership counseling agencies to help prepare people for successful homeownership. SONYMA also goes into the communities they serve with ‘Spruce Up’ events in Buffalo, Newburgh, Troy, and Brentwood. 470 volunteers and SONYMA staff spruced up 150 homes, 5 vacant lots, 5 parks, a school, an outdoor classroom and a playground.

IMPROVING AND PRESERVING NEW YORK’S STOCK OF MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOMES In 2017 five not-for-profit organizations were selected to receive awards from New York State’s $2 million Mobile and Manufactured Home Replacement (MMHR) pilot program to address the prevalence of older, dilapidated mobile and manufactured homes and preserve an important source of affordable housing in New York. The MMHR Pilot Program assists homeowners by removing and replacing dilapidated mobile or manufactured homes with new, energy efficient manufactured, modular or site built homes. The award recipients will select eligible homeowners—who own both the land and the unit—for funding of up to $100,000 to remove and replace their substandard home.

CREATING HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND PREVENTING FORECLOSURE ON BUFFALO’S EAST SIDE AND IN THE TOWN OF CHEEKTOWAGA In July 2017, Governor Cuomo announced a $10 million multi-year initiative to create homeownership opportunities, make needed home repairs to prevent foreclosure, and fund a targeted zombie property prevention strategy for Buffalo’s East Side and the Town of Cheek- towaga. This first phase of funding for the three-pronged Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative invests more than $4 million to begin work on more than 200 homes.

CREATING VIBRANT, ATTRACTIVE DOWNTOWNS The New York Main Street program (NYMS) provides resources that assist New York communities with Main Street and downtown revitalization efforts. The program stimulates reinvestment in properties located within mixed-use commercial districts and adjacent neighborhoods, focusing on projects that provide economic and housing opportunities and sustainable downtown and neighborhood revitalization. NYMS awarded more than $7 million in 2017 as part of the NYS Consolidated Funding Application(CFA) process. These awards will support the renovation of 96 residential units and 174 commercial spaces in downtowns and mixed-use business districts throughout New York State. The NYMS program funds will leverage an estimated $18 million in additional investment.

84 ATTRACTING JOBS AND MILLENIALS TO DOWNTOWNS Governor Cuomo’s $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is investing $10 million in each of 10 communities, transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise families. The Initia- tive is a comprehensive and coordinated multi-agency approach to downtown revitalization that will build upon growth spurred by the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Coun- cils (REDCs). NYS Homes and Community Renewal is administering over $20 million in projects awarded among the ten communities participating in DRI Round One and participating in the planning and project development efforts underway for DRI Round Two.

STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE AND CREATING STRONG COMMUNITIES The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) helps eligible cities, towns, and villages with populations under 50,000 and counties with an area population under 200,000 develop viable communities, provide decent, affordable housing, and expand economic opportunities. In 2017, the New York CDBG Program awarded $9.3 million in housing awards to benefit 251 low-and moderate income households. This includes projects to assist with homeownership, manufactured housing replacement, wells and septic replacement, and assist with housing rehabilitation needs for eligible homeowners.

Through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), the New York CDBG Program also awarded $19.5 million in public infrastructure and public facilities awards to benefit over 88,000 persons, at least 51% of whom are low-and moderate income. Projects include a mobile dental van, improvements to address compliance Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and projects that will make improvements to public water and sewer systems. The CDBG Program also awarded $2 million in microenterprise assistance, which will provide assistance to 91 businesses with up to 130 new jobs. Other assistance has been provided through $450,000 in community planning assistance to nine communities that will assist in the development of engineering reports for sewer and water projects, housing needs assessments and economic development plans.

The CDBG Program, through the Open Round CFA, has awarded over $8.5 million in economic development and small assistance to communities across the state. Assistance will be provided to 19 businesses with up to 820 jobs resulting from the investment.

85 FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE RAISED THE AGE OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY In 2017, Governor Cuomo successfully raised the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18 years of age. When this historic legislation is fully implemented over the next two years, the State will ensure that 16- and 17-year-olds avoid the adult criminal justice system and have access to age-appropriate services and facilities. New York was previously only one of two states in the country to automatically process young people under the age of 18 as adults regardless of their offense. This dramatic transformation to the juvenile justice system builds upon actions by the Governor over the past three years – including the creation of the Commission on Youth, Public Safety, and Justice and an Executive Order to remove all minors from state prisons – to ensure youth entangled in the justice system have an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and reintegrate into their communities. Before these progressive actions, justice-involved youth faced an increased risk of victimization and suicide, as well as higher recidivism rates, in the adult system. The Raise the Age law is a significant step toward social justice.

REQUIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT TO VIDEO-RECORD INTERROGATIONS FOR SERIOUS OFFENSES In April 2017, Governor Cuomo took action to require that interrogations of criminal suspects for serious offenses be video-recorded by law enforcement agencies. Before this requirement, law enforcement agencies were under no obligation to record their questioning of suspects. This new legislation improves the reliability of evidence and reduces the likelihood of a false confession or coercion by officers. This requirement also increases transparency and integrity within the criminal justice system protecting both suspects and officers from false allegations. The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, the Innocence Proj- ect, and the State Bar Association supported this measure, which is a best practice, and the Governor and Manhattan District Attorney provided funding to law enforcement for video- recording equipment.

ALLOWED PROPERLY CONDUCTED WITNESS IDENTIFICATION USING PHOTO ARRAY INTO EVIDENCE At the start of 2017, New York was the only state in the country that prohibited a jury from hearing evidence of a witness’ identification of a criminal suspect using a photo array. To correct this deficiency, Governor Cuomo advanced, signed, and implemented legislation by July 1, 2017 to both improve the photo array procedures with appropriate standards and allow witness identification to be admitted during trial. As a result, New York State’s criminal justice system will now be able to use one of the most reliable forms of evidence protecting innocent people from wrongful convictions and ensuring guilty perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.

87 EXTENDED QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS TO INDIGENT LEGAL DEFENSE ACROSS THE STATE In the FY 2018 State Budget, Governor Cuomo successfully extended reforms to improve the quality and consistency of public defense for defendants who are unable to afford their own attorneys. In 2014, the State successfully negotiated an agreement to a lawsuit filed against New York State and five counties alleging that defense services for indigent defendants were failing to provide an appropriate level of representation. Recognizing the critical need to provide uniform, quality indigent legal services, the Governor will provide resources to fund one hundred percent of the costs necessary to extend the reforms from this settlement to all sixty-two counties. This will ensure a fair and equal defense for all accused individuals regardless of their location and their ability to pay. This initiative will guarantee that indigent defendants have counsel at arraignment, provide caseload relief for public defenders, and improve the state criminal justice system for indigent defendants.

CREATED A CRIMINAL SEALING PROCEDURE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO REMAIN CRIME-FREE FOR TEN YEARS In October 2017, the sealing provision of the Raise the Age legislation took effect. The sealing provision allows individuals who have remained crime-free for more than 10 years to apply to have their criminal records sealed. Specifically, the law allows individuals to apply to have up to two misdemeanors; one misdemeanor and one felony; or one felony conviction sealed with exceptions for serious offenses. The sealing provision does not impact the information available to law enforcement, but rather prevents the general public, such as prospective employers, from viewing and using criminal history against an individual who has paid their debt to society. This measure expands upon the Governor’s commitment to remove the barriers formerly incarcerated or convicted individuals face upon reentering society, finding employment, and becoming full, contributing members of their communities.

REFORMING SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN LOCAL JAILS Governor Cuomo has built on a legacy of improving the State’s criminal and juvenile justice systems. In 2017, the Governor laid the groundwork for new regulations to reduce the use of solitary confinement in local jails. The regulations and increased reporting will require jails to provide individuals in solitary confinement with at least four hours of time outside of their cell each day and report the following to the Commission: any decision that places an individual in solitary confinement for more than a month; information on any individual younger than 18 years of age placed in restrictive housing; and any restriction or denial of essential services. The new standards will help avoid the use of overly-punitive segregation and create consis- tent treatment in facilities across New York State.

88 MAKING NEW YORK SAFER FOR ALL CONDUCTED COUNTERTERRORISM ASSESSMENTS IN EVERY COUNTY This year’s terrorist attacks on the bike path alongside the Hudson River and at the Port Authority’s bus terminal are sober reminders that terrorism is a persistent threat. To combat this threat, Governor Cuomo directed the State to conduct “Red Team” assessments throughout New York State that test law enforcement and a community’s ability to detect and report suspicious, potential terrorist activity. While these were initially conducted in each of the State’s 16 multi-county Counter Terrorism Zones, this year – for the first time - they were expanded to every single county. These exercises significantly bolster the ability of community stakeholders – including law enforcement, businesses, and not-for-profits -- to recognize, report, and respond to potential terrorist threat indicators.

COMBATTED HATE CRIMES ACROSS THE STATE In 2016, Governor Cuomo created the Hate Crimes Task Force to combat the nearly 20% increase in reports of bias-motivated threats, harassment, and violence throughout the State. This year, the Task Force was codified into law in April. Since then, the Task Force members – the New York State Police, the Division of Human Rights, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services – investigated hundreds of hate crimes, provided assistance to local law enforcement and district attorneys, received thousands of discrimination reports, and established a tele- phone hotline (888-392-3644), text line (“HATE” to 81336), and online complaint form (www. ny.gov/programs/hate-crimes-task-force). The Governor also convened a roundtable with over 50 religious leaders of different faiths from across the State and created a $25 million Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant program which aims to strengthen security measures at schools, day care centers, and cultural centers at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs or mission.

INCREASED ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT GUN AND GANG VIOLENCE THROUGH- OUT THE STATE Governor Cuomo continues to support crime prevention strategies to reduce gun and gang violence. The Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative aims to eliminate gun violence in the 17 counties that account for 83% of the crime outside of New York City through innovative and evidence-based crime prevention tactics. In 2017, GIVE provided over $13.3 million in funding and technical support for local law enforcement to implement local programs to combat gun-involved crime. SNUG (“guns” spelled backwards) was created in 2012 to support neighborhood-based violence reduction programs that promote community outreach, family engagement, and intervention to steer young people away from gun violence.

In 2017, Governor Cuomo secured an additional $1.5 million to bring SNUG funding to a record-high $4.8 million. The Governor also announced the creation of a new Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center in Utica. These Centers, GIVE, and SNUG are funded by the Division of Criminal Justice Services and reaffirm the Governor’s commitment to eliminating gun violence, engaging stakeholders, and providing law enforcement with the tools they need to combat violent crime across the State.

90 EXPANDED ANTI-GANG PROGRAMMING TO HOTSPOTS In 2017, Governor Cuomo launched a series of new actions to combat gang violence in three hotspots. In Rochester and Albany the State invested a combined $3.45 through the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Additionally, at the Governor’s direction, federal and local law enforcement partners will now have expanded access to State intelligence expertise, aviation assistance, and specialized equipment to better coordinate operations and leverage intelligence-based policing strategies in the fight against violent crime and drug trafficking. The State also added 10 new State Troopers to launch expanded patrols in support of continued anti-gang efforts. The Governor also expanded Long Island’s New York State Police Troop L patrols in the Brentwood and Central Islip areas of Suffolk County. To support these operations, 25 members of the State Police were added to the initiative, including six new investigators who joined the FBI-led Long Island Gang Task Force and a new Long Island-based member of the State’s Gang Intelligence Unit. The State also deployed a new Gang Violence Prevention Unit of 10 State trooper to focus on school-based gang activity, such as recruitment.

ENDED CHILD MARRIAGE The Governor signed legislation to end child marriage in New York. The legislation raises the age of consent to marry from 14-years-old to 18-years-old and amends the process to require parental and judicial consent for marriage of those between 17-years-old and 18-years-old. Pri- or to the implementation of this legislation children as young as 14 years old could be legally married in New York State.

PROTECT NEW YORK’S SHELTER ANIMALS The New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund is the first state-funded program of its kind in the nation. Governor Cuomo announced the $5 million program to support critical improvement projects at New York’s non-profit and municipal animal shelters, humane societies, and societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Over 150,000 animals come into New York shelters each year. Funds can be used to construct, renovate, rehab, or acquire buildings or equipment needed to house, treat, and care for sheltered dogs and cats. This new fund will help these organizations continue to provide sheltering services to local communities, promote better care for animals and facilitate more adoptions.

LEAD THE NATION IN RESPONSIBLE AFTERCARE FOR NEW YORK STATE RACE HORSES As a national leader in equine health and safety, and as part of its award-winning commitment in driving attention to the issue of responsible aftercare of racehorses, the New York State Gaming Commission required all horse racing owners, trainers and assistant trainers seeking to participate in New York State racing view a Commission-produced video underscoring the importance of responsible horse aftercare and the many options for post-racing careers available in New York State. No other racing jurisdiction has such a requirement.

91 RESPONDING TO CRISIS SURGED NATIONAL GUARD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FOLLOWING TERRORIST ATTACKS Tragically, 2017 served as a reminder that New York is a central target of terrorists who are fundamentally opposed to our values. In October, New Yorkers witnessed a horrific attack on innocent pedestrians and cyclists on a bike path in New York City. Not two months later, another terrorist attempted to set off a bomb at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during one of the busiest times of the day. The Governor immediately responded by surging security and law enforcement personnel into the New York City metropolitan area out of an abundance of caution. Highly-trained and specialized members of the State Police, National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were deployed to airports, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit stations to provide a deterrent to other potential acts of terror. These sense- less acts of terror remind us to always be vigilant, but also display the courage of those who respond swiftly to protect their fellow citizens.

RESPONDED TO HURRICANES HARVEY, IRMA, AND MARIA In 2017 several hurricanes, severe weather events, and widespread wildfires devastated states and territories throughout the country. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria swiftly wreaked havoc along coastal states in the South and the Caribbean Islands. In their wake, citizens from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Island, Florida, and Texas sought help to restore their infrastructure, repair their homes and businesses, and provide immediate relief with basic supplies. New York answered the call, deployed responders, and delivered much-needed resources. Governor Cuomo was at the forefront of these relief efforts sending hundreds of State Troop- ers to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island to ensure security and assist local law enforcement. The National Guard was also deployed on similar security missions, as well as search and rescue operations. Their efforts were also supported by New Yorkers who donated supplies, such as bottled water, batteries, and portable lanterns, through the Governor’s Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort. At the end of this year, members of the National Guard are providing aerial assistance to combat the wildfires ravaging California.

RELIEF AND RECOVERY EFFORTS FOR PUERTO RICO Following Governor Cuomo’s visit to Puerto Rico to deliver emergency supplies and see first- hand the widespread damage and devastation from Hurricane Maria, the Governor launched the Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort for Puerto Rico. The effort brings together a wide range of civic, business and industry partners to provide needed services, goods and funds to help the people of Puerto Rico recover and rebuild, and provides opportunities for New York- ers to contribute to the relief efforts. Governor Cuomo is the honorary chair of the effort, with Jennifer Lopez, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Cesar Perales serving as co-chairs. In addition, due to the infrastructure devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the New York State Department of Health has operated a Call Center to help evacuating residents of Puerto Rico find necessary public health services while in New York State. The Call Center has received over 800 calls.

93 Additionally, the New York State Department of Health coordinated with the Hospital Associa- tion of New York State, Community Health Care Association of New York State and the Greater New York Hospital Association to deploy two 78-member Health and Medical Teams to Puer- to Rico during October and November 2017, serving in various locations, including hospitals, shelters, a hospital ship, the USNS Comfort and supporting field operations with the nonprofit organization Americas, the efforts of the New York State Teams directly contributed to more than 11,000 people receiving needed medical care.

DEPLOYED NEW YORK STATE UTILITY PERSONNEL AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT EXPERTS TO PUERTO RICO Following Hurricane Maria, New York has overseen deployment of New York State utility personnel and damage assessment experts to Puerto Rico. An around the clock team managed deployment of nearly 400 New York State utility workers. More than 280 utility vehicles and pieces of special equipment have also been sent so that power restoration on the Island can continue at an accelerated pace.

PROVIDED $45 MILLION IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY LAKE ONTARIO/ST. LAWRENCE RIVER FLOODING 2017 exemplified the devastating impacts natural disasters can have on the safety and financial security of New Yorkers. The widespread flooding that occurred along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario impacted several counties and thousands of individuals, homes, and businesses. In response, Governor Cuomo took immediate action deploying the National Guard and emergency management personnel to assist with local response and recovery efforts. Over 800 National Guardsmen provided emergency support over the course of the flooding in Niagara, Orleans, Wayne, Monroe, Oswego and Jefferson counties. Their efforts included the first-time deployment of an emergency, temporary dam system to help stem the flow of water and mitigate damage to homes and businesses. These types of disaster highlight the importance of citizen preparedness to ensure everyone has the resources necessary to protect themselves and their families.

To assist with recovery, Governor Cuomo enacted a $45 million flood recovery assistance to homeowners, municipalities, and small businesses. Empire State Development made another $15 million available to small businesses, not for profit organizations, farms, and homeowners associations. NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) made available $15 million in grants to local nonprofits to assist homeowners with repairs sustained by flood damage. To date, not-for-profits have received more than 3,480 applications for assistance, and more than $7 million of the $15 million has been distributed to homeowners. HCR also made available $15 million to municipalities for repairs to and restoration of municipal infrastructure and systems, flood mitigation, construction of resiliency measures, or flood control projects.