News from Our Neighbors

CONSUMER ALERT:

DECEPTIVE TAX COLLECTION

NOTICES

June 6, 2013 - Be beware of the latest scam: tax collection letters that appear to be government notices, but are actually misleading solicitations from private entities. The New York State Department of Financial Services will investigate complaints by taxpayers on suspected scams. The deceptive notices are typically sent to taxpayers with outstanding tax debt and include threatening phrases such as “state tax warrant notice” and “bank accounts and asset seizure pending.”

 To view samples of two notices, go to: http://www.governor.ny.gov

 Only when recipients call the toll-free number on the letter do they realize it is not from the State Tax Department, but rather a business claiming to be able to remove the debt for a fraction of the amount owed.

 Official State tax notices always include the letterhead of the “New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.” In addition, when calling the Tax Department, representatives will be able to identify themselves and provide an identification number.

 Anyone who believes that they have been the victim of this type of scam should contact the New York State Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Consumer Help Line at 1-800-342-3736 and DFS will investigate those complaints.

GOVERNOR CUOMO

RELEASES THE UPSTATE NY GAMING ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT ACT

Albany, NY (June 5, 2013) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo released the Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act, which will establish three destination resorts with gaming in Upstate New York and boost tourism and economic development in the region.

 To view the legislation, go to: http://www.governor.ny.gov 

A summary of the some of the bill’s provisions are outlined below:

 Locations of Destination Resorts:

 The legislation authorizes three upstate Destination Resorts to enhance tourism development. Destination Resorts will be selected only on merit by the gaming commission or a separate board to be selected by the commission.

Upstate is divided into six regions consisting broadly of (1) the Hudson Valley –Catskill area, (2) the Capital District – Saratoga area, (3) the North Country, (4) Central New York, (5) the Eastern Southern Tier, and (6) Western New York. Tribes with compacts that are in good standing with the State will have their geographic exclusivity honored. No Destination Resort will be authorized in the North Country and in Central New York. If the Seneca Indian Nation does not have an agreement in good standing, the Western region will be bid out for Destination Resorts. No more than one Destination Resort can be located in any single region. No Destination Resort will be authorized in New York City, and no Destination Resort will be located downstate until a minimum of five years after the first upstate Destination Resort opens.

 Agreements with Indian Gaming:

 The Oneida Nation Settlement agreement is ratified, and placed into effect.

Two additional VLT facilities in Western New York will be authorized but only in the event that the Seneca Nation agreement is not in good standing.

WOMEN’S EQUALITY ACT

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN NYS

Albany, NY (June 4, 2013) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by members of the Women’s Equality Coalition, introduced legislation designed to end discrimination and inequality based on gender and to restore New York as a leader in women’s rights. 

This coming right before the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy signing the Equal Pay Act. Fifty years ago, women made 59 cents for every dollar a man earned on average. Today, according to President Obama, it’s about 77 cents for the entire country. For New York specifically, its women earn 84 percent of what their male counterparts earn according to Governor Cuomo, that’s $500,000 less over a lifetime. The bill promises to change that along with many other addressing many other issues.

For more information on the bill visit http://www.governor.ny.gov 

The Women’s Equality Act will:

Achieve Pay Equity

Stop Sexual Harassment in All Workplaces

Remove Barriers to Remedying Discrimination

End Family Status Discrimination

Stop Housing Discrimination for Victims of Domestic Violence.

Stop Source-of-Income Discrimination

Protect Victims of Domestic Violence by Strengthening Order-of-Protection Laws

Strengthen Human Trafficking Laws

Stop Pregnancy Discrimination Once and For All

Protect a Woman’s Freedom of Choice