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Greene County couple charged with theft of $35K in pension payments
CATSKILL, N.Y. — New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione, and the New York State Police Superintendent Stephen G. James on April 16 announced the arrest of a Tannersville couple, Kelly Tuomey, 56, and her husband, Stephen B. Tuomey, 60, for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 in pension payments. […]
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CATSKILL, N.Y. — New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione, and the New York State Police Superintendent Stephen G. James on April 16 announced the arrest of a Tannersville couple, Kelly Tuomey, 56, and her husband, Stephen B. Tuomey, 60, for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 in pension payments.
The Tuomeys appeared in the Town of Catskill Court before Judge Richard Jacobs. Kelly Tuomey was charged with two counts of grand larceny in the third degree and eight counts of forgery. Stephen Tuomey was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree. Both defendants were due back in court on May 1.
Stephen B. Tuomey’s father retired from the New York State Office of General Services as a food-service worker in May 1997 and subsequently received monthly state pension payments via direct deposit into a joint checking account that he shared with the defendants, according to the comptroller’s office. Stephen’s father was also the beneficiary of his wife’s state pension and upon her death received her monthly pension payment via check.
Stephen’s father died on March 4, 2020 and both pension payments should have ended. However, the Tuomeys did not report the death of Stephen’s father to the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS). Instead, a total of $30,189.80 in electronic payments were made into the joint account and a total of $5,050.16 in paper pension checks were cashed after his father’s death. When NYSLRS learned of the death in 2022, all payments were stopped and an investigation was initiated, according to the announcement.
The investigation revealed that Kelly Tuomey allegedly forged her father-in-law’s name on the paper checks and deposited them into a joint checking account shared by her, husband Stephen, and the deceased. She then allegedly transferred more than $20,000 into her personal bank account and into another bank account, which she shared with her husband. Kelly and Stephen used the money to pay off various credit-card bills and other personal expenses.
“The defendants allegedly exploited a family member’s death to try to cheat the pension system and enrich themselves,” DiNapoli said in the announcement. “I will continue to safeguard the state pension system and work with law enforcement to hold those who would defraud it accountable. I thank DA Stanzione and the New York State Police for their continued partnership in protecting the pension system.”
27th Taste of Syracuse has the food, music, and crowds
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 100 food options, music from 30 bands, and crowds of thousands are expected both days of the event described as Central New York’s largest food and music festival. The Taste of Syracuse is again set for the area in and around Clinton Square on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. — More than 100 food options, music from 30 bands, and crowds of thousands are expected both days of the event described as Central New York’s largest food and music festival.
The Taste of Syracuse is again set for the area in and around Clinton Square on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7.
The event is officially known as The Summit Federal Credit Union Taste of Syracuse, presented by Tops Friendly Markets.
The festival, now in its 27th year, will include food vendors and nonstop live music from 30 bands and more than 100 local musicians in total. Steven Page, formerly founding member and lead singer of the group Barenaked Ladies, will be the headliner on Saturday evening on the Sweet Grass Main Stage, per the announcement from Galaxy Media.
On Friday evening, national touring act Sophistafunk will perform on the VisitSyracuse.com Erie Stage, and the popular Youth Talent Showcase returns Saturday to the Erie Stage from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., “highlighting the region’s rising stars.”
Those attending can sample signature bites from dozens of local restaurants and vendors, with over 100 selections available — many for just $2. Attendees can look forward to the return of fan favorites, alongside several new participants joining the 2025 lineup, Galaxy Media said.
“Whether you come for the music, the food, or the family fun, we truly have something for everyone,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Media, said in the announcement. “We’re especially proud to spotlight the incredible local talent and to raise funds and awareness for such meaningful causes.”
This year’s Taste of Syracuse will debut “Art in the Park” at Perseverance Park at the corner of Washington and South Salina Streets. It’s described as a showcase for local artists and will also feature an interactive chalk-art station.
The charitable partners for this year’s Taste of Syracuse are David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The Summit, Tops, and additional sponsors and vendors will support fundraising efforts throughout the weekend, with proceeds from activities at The Summit and Tops tents going directly to these organizations.
“Tops is proud to once again partner with Taste of Syracuse,” Kathy Allen, senior manager of community relations at Tops Friendly Markets, said in the announcement. “We invite everyone to visit our tent, enjoy a delicious variety of local favorites, and spin the Tops Prize Wheel to support David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York — two wonderful organizations making a real impact.”
“As your local credit union committed to supporting Syracuse and Central New York, we love to sponsor events such as this that make our region so special and unique, which is why The Summit has been the title sponsor of the Taste of Syracuse since 2017,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union, said. “If you stop by our tent, you not only have the chance to meet the people that serve you in our branches, but you can also enjoy fun activities and contests. All money raised goes directly to support caregiving families in Central New York.”
Rome Health nears completion of $45M capital project’s phase one
ROME, N.Y. — With the installation of new signage at the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services, Rome Health announced it has reached a significant milestone in its capital project to modernize surgical services and intensive care at the facility. The newly placed signage serves as a symbol of how close the health system is to
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ROME, N.Y. — With the installation of new signage at the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services, Rome Health announced it has reached a significant milestone in its capital project to modernize surgical services and intensive care at the facility.
The newly placed signage serves as a symbol of how close the health system is to opening the first phase of its state-of-the-art facility this summer, Rome Health said.
“This is an exciting moment for all of us,” Rome Health President/CEO AnnMarie Czyz said in the announcement. “Seeing the Kaplan Center for Surgical Services name go up is more than a construction milestone — it’s a heartfelt reminder of the incredible generosity and shared vision that has brought us to this point. We are so grateful to every donor, supporter, and friend who believes in what we’re building for the future of health care in our community.”
The $45.7 million capital project includes a 30,000-square-foot, three-story addition on the north side of the Rome Health hospital. The first phase focuses on constructing a new main entrance and replacing outdated operating rooms and the intensive care unit to create a modern, welcoming space that enhances comfort for patients and families.
The second phase of the project will renovate the former operating rooms and post-anesthesia care unit to establish a dedicated pre-operative and post-operative unit to streamline patient flow and improve surgical care, Rome Health said.
The project’s third phase will develop new support areas for staff to ensure they have the resources and environment needed to deliver care.
Funding for the project comes from a mix of public support and private philanthropy, including a $26 million New York State Transformation Grant and $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the City of Rome.
Rome Health Foundation conducted a $16.5 million fundraising campaign, attracting support from more than 400 donors. The foundation said $1.2 million remains left to be raised. “Community support is critical now more than ever to close the funding gap as the hospital prepares to open the new main entrance, Intensive Care Unit, and Kaplan Center for Surgical Services,” the announcement stated.
The Kaplan Center for Surgical Services is named in honor of Charles and Florence Kaplan, whose landmark $5 million gift stands as the largest donation in Rome Health’s history
Lockheed Martin to pay quarterly dividend of $3.30 per share in late June
Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) recently announced that its board of directors has authorized a second-quarter, 2025 dividend of $3.30 a share. The defense contractor will pay the dividend on June 27, to holders of record as of the close of business on June 2. At Lockheed’s current stock price, the dividend yields about 2.8
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Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) recently announced that its board of directors has authorized a second-quarter, 2025 dividend of $3.30 a share.
The defense contractor will pay the dividend on June 27, to holders of record as of the close of business on June 2. At Lockheed’s current stock price, the dividend yields about 2.8 percent on an annual basis.
Lockheed Martin — a Bethesda, Maryland–based global defense-technology company — has two plants in Central New York, in Salina and in Owego, respectively.
Through May 9, Lockheed Martin’s stock price had declined just under 2 percent year to date, but was up about 1 percent over the last 12-month period.
Area small businesses honored with SBA, SBDC awards
ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on May 5 recognized five area small businesses and one bank to begin festivities associated with National Small Business Week. The SBA’s Syracuse district office held the awards ceremony in the Gordon Student Center at Onondaga Community
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ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the North Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC) on May 5 recognized five area small businesses and one bank to begin festivities associated with National Small Business Week.
The SBA’s Syracuse district office held the awards ceremony in the Gordon Student Center at Onondaga Community College (OCC) in the town of Onondaga.
Daniel Rickman, director of the SBA’s Syracuse-Upstate New York district, said the U.S. Small Business Administration “shines a spotlight” on the nation’s 34 million small businesses during National Small Business Week.
“Every year, we solicit nominations from across our 34 counties — and districts across the country do the same — for awards in a variety of categories,” Rickman said. “Our winners today exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit we need for our region’s economic growth and resilience.”
The SBA’s Syracuse-Upstate New York district recognized Shawni Davis, owner of Luminary Electrical of Syracuse, as the district’s Small Business Person of the Year for her impact and economic contributions in the region.
“This award is not about me. It’s about we. It’s about a team of people that shows up every day to lay the foundation for a brighter and more sustainable future,” Davis told the gathering at OCC. “To the Luminary Electrical staff … they’re the backbone of this company. Their dedication, their hustle, their belief in our mission, vision, and values make this recognition possible.”
Robert Griffin, regional director of the North Central SBDC, announced Davis as the award recipient and noted that she is the first African-American woman licensed as a master electrician in New York State.
In his remarks, Griffin said that Davis sought the help of the Onondaga SBDC (now the North Central SBDC) and eventually “transformed her fledgling enterprise” into a thriving business projected to exceed $5 million in revenue by the end of 2025.
Luminary Electrical, which started as a one-person operation, now employs 15 people and plans to hire 10 more to meet increasing demand, securing “high profile” contracts such as the $2 billion Buffalo Bills stadium project.
Besides Davis, the SBA honored Dr. Kate Robinson, owner of Lyndon Pediatrics in Fayetteville as the Woman-Owned Business of the Year. It also honored Matthew Pierson, owner of Simple Roast Coffee Company of Auburn, as the Rural Owned Business of the Year.
The SBA also recognized Mark and Alex Williams, part owners of Savurn Memorials in Norwich, as the Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year.
In addition, the North Central SBDC honored Syracuse Boat Tours and its owner, Annette Peters, as the Onondaga County Small Business of the Year.
The North Central SBDC also recognized Norwich–based NBT Bank (NASDAQ: NBTB) as its Lender Partner of the Year. The North Central SBDC is hosted by both OCC and Jefferson Community College in Watertown. The local center rebranded to North Central SBDC back in December, because it’s a name that “encompasses the region it covers,” it said.
In addition to the Onondaga County recipient, the North Central SBDC presented “Small Business of the Year” awards to one business in each of the eight counties the center serves.
The presentations included a May 5 afternoon ceremony in Madison County at Farmstead 1868 in Cazenovia.
On May 6, North Central SBDC made presentations at 1812 Shoppe in Marathon in Cortland County; at a business called At Long Last in Auburn; and at Elements on Van Cleef in Seneca Falls.
On May 7, the center presented awards at The Cottage Inn in Copenhagen in Lewis County; at Peak Performance Training in Chaumont in Jefferson County; and at the Oswego Sub Shop in Oswego, per its announcement.
SBA Syracuse district office recognizes Savurn Memorials
ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The Syracuse district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized a family business in Norwich as a regional Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year. The SBA honored Savurn Memorials, LLC during its May 5 recognition event at Onondaga Community College’s (OCC) Gordon Student Center. Father and son Mark
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ONONDAGA, N.Y. — The Syracuse district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has recognized a family business in Norwich as a regional Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year.
The SBA honored Savurn Memorials, LLC during its May 5 recognition event at Onondaga Community College’s (OCC) Gordon Student Center.
Father and son Mark and Alex Williams are part owners of the family-operated business. Mark is a U.S. Air Force veteran and Alex is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, the SBA said.
They own the business with wife/mother Shari and Mark’s other son, Zachary. Savurn Memorials was launched following the tragic loss of daughter Savannah in 2016 due to a vehicular accident. She died Dec. 20. 2016 while preparing to head home for the holidays from college, per the Savurn Memorials website.
The family has worked to grow the business and help other families through difficult times while continuing to honor Savannah, the SBA said.
Michele Catan, advanced certified business advisor with the Binghamton Small Business Development Center, nominated the company for the Veteran Owned award. She met the Williams family back in 2017 when Shari, Mark, and Zach first started thinking about opening their small business.
“We worked together on the business plan, doing financial projections, and just talking about what it’s going to take to start a small business,” Catan told the gathering at OCC. They worked with Brendan Hannan at NBT Bank, and they were able to secure an SBA loan to help them get their business started. Savurn Memorials officially opened May 23, 2018 to “give families a very compassionate and loving way to honor their family members,” Catan said.
In his remarks, Mark Williams called it an “incredible honor” to be recognized as the recipient of the Veteran Owned Business of the Year.
“On behalf of our entire family, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the SBA for this recognition,” Williams said. “A very special thank you to Michele Catan … for this recognition and your continued support. It means much more than I’m able to say in words.”
Mark Williams continued, “As a veteran-owned business, we strive to carry the values of service, resilience, and community in everything we do. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing forward, growing stronger, and giving back to our families during your darkest times. Thank you again.”
Chenango County in 2019 also recognized Savurn Memorials with a new business award, Catan noted in her remarks.
“They’re dedicated not only to their country but to their business, and, ultimately, their family,” Catan added.
New York SBDC remembers founding director Jim King
ALBANY, N.Y. — The man who helped launch the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) in 1984 and served as its executive director for 33 years recently died at the age of 73. In its May 7 announcement, NYSBDC described James L. (Jim) King as a “widely respected leader whose vision, dedication, and decades
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ALBANY, N.Y. — The man who helped launch the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) in 1984 and served as its executive director for 33 years recently died at the age of 73.
In its May 7 announcement, NYSBDC described James L. (Jim) King as a “widely respected leader whose vision, dedication, and decades of service helped build one of the most impactful small business support networks in the country.”
“Jim King was one of my first friends and mentors when I came on board at the association,” Tee Rowe, president and CEO of America’s SBDC, said. “His warm sense of humor, his ability to cut to the heart of the matter, and his willingness to help me learn and get my bearings at America’s SBDC were just the right touch. I think that sums up Jim’s legacy throughout his time with SBDCs — he had just the right touch. He knew what to say and what was most important to guide us, whether at the association or in the NYSBDC.”
King worked with SUNY and other statewide partners to launch the NYSBDC program in 1984 and served as its state director until retiring in 2017. Under his leadership, the network expanded into a statewide system of 24 regional centers and more than 70 outreach locations, providing one-on-one business advisement and support to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs each year, the NYSBDC said.
“He was a truly transformational leader who built one of the state’s most enduring and impactful economic development programs. We are committed to carrying his vision forward,” Sonya Smith, New York state director of the Small Business Development Center network, said in the announcement.
Throughout his career, King worked with legislators, economic-development agencies, higher-education leaders, and the U.S. Small Business Administration to secure long-term support for the program.
He guided the NYSBDC and New York’s small businesses through some of the most difficult moments in New York’s economic history, including the recovery efforts following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Great Recession of 2008, and Hurricane Sandy.
He understood that small businesses “were not just economic engines — they were people, families, and communities — and he ensured they received the support they needed to recover and thrive,” the NYSBDC said.
King grew up in the town of Salem, Ohio, according to his obituary on the website of Harris Funeral Home in Rochester. He attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1973. King later earned an MBA from Bowling Green State University, before moving to Buffalo. He spent more than three decades living in the Albany area, when he led the NYSBDC. In retirement, he resided in the greater Rochester area. King passed away on April 13, per the obituary.
Capital–area cybersecurity firm to move to Rome’s Innovare Center
ROME, N.Y. — A Troy-based cybersecurity startup will establish its software development and operations headquarters at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome and join the Griffiss Institute’s incubator. The Innovare Center offers an innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate breakthroughs in national security, defense technology, and advanced cybersecurity. “By relocating to Innovare and partnering with Griffiss
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ROME, N.Y. — A Troy-based cybersecurity startup will establish its software development and operations headquarters at the Innovare Advancement Center in Rome and join the Griffiss Institute’s incubator.
The Innovare Center offers an innovation ecosystem designed to accelerate breakthroughs in national security, defense technology, and advanced cybersecurity.
“By relocating to Innovare and partnering with Griffiss Institute, we’re positioning ourselves in a dynamic ecosystem that’s committed to cybersecurity, innovation, and national defense,” Geoff Halstead, co-founder and chief product officer of Faction Networks, said in an announcement on the company’s move to Rome. “This opportunity allows us to collaborate with forward-thinking partners and contribute to the region’s momentum in defense technology and economic development.”
Faction Networks classifies itself as a disruptive innovator in cybersecurity solutions. It builds platforms, apps, and tools that enable everyday users and small to mid-sized organizations to achieve zero-trust security and privacy for networking, devices, communications, and data.
The move reflects the company’s long-term commitment to upstate New York and the Mohawk Valley’s growing reputation as a hub for emerging research, technology transition, and start-up growth, company officials said. They expect Faction Networks to benefit from the close proximity to the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate and a network of trusted collaborators that are advancing mission-critical solutions in cyber assurance and resilient infrastructure.
Faction Networks plans to work alongside key regional partners including Assured Information Security (AIS) and Marq4 Automation to address critical and often-overlooked challenges in the cybersecurity landscape including the presence of intentional vulnerabilities embedded in routing hardware and smart electronics
“If you can’t trust the hardware, then all of your cybersecurity software is worthless,” Faction Networks CEO/CTO and Co-Founder Dave Rand said. “Over 90 percent of routers and smart devices today are manufactured in regions with known vulnerabilities. At Faction, when we say ‘zero trust,’ we mean all the way down to the firmware, the hardware, and the microchips. That’s the foundation we’re building from right here in Rome.”
Through its partnership with the Griffiss Institute, Faction Networks will have access to specialized laboratories, a community of researchers and entrepreneurs, and tailored support to help scale high-impact technology ventures.
The Griffiss Institute is a nonprofit talent and technology accelerator for the U.S. Department of Defense and is an international network of academic, government, and industry partners.
The Innovare Advancement Center is an open innovation hub managed by the Griffiss Institute.
Pathfinder Bank expands small biz, commercial-lending teams
OSWEGO, N.Y. — Pathfinder Bank recently announced it has added three experienced lenders in the commercial and small-business banking space: James Wright, Heather Mulhall, and Ryan Kohutanich. These new hires bring deep local market expertise and a proven track record of operational success, Pathfinder contends. They are driving business loan and deposit growth in Syracuse,
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OSWEGO, N.Y. — Pathfinder Bank recently announced it has added three experienced lenders in the commercial and small-business banking space: James Wright, Heather Mulhall, and Ryan Kohutanich.
These new hires bring deep local market expertise and a proven track record of operational success, Pathfinder contends. They are driving business loan and deposit growth in Syracuse, strengthening the bank’s presence, and supporting local businesses. Pathfinder Bank provided the following descriptions of each new addition.
• Wright, joining as VP, senior commercial lender, is a former equipment-finance representative at M&T Bank. With more than two decades of commercial-banking experience at several financial institutions in the Syracuse region, including M&T Bank, Adirondack Bank, Berkshire Bank, and Beacon Federal, Wright has a strong track record in commercial development, portfolio management, and managing business-banking relationships.
• Mulhall, joining as assistant VP, business-banking officer, is an experienced business-development officer for the Syracuse region with almost two decades of expertise from her time at Tompkins Community Bank and Citizens Bank. In these prior roles, Mulhall was responsible for driving business growth by building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and promoting financial products and services to business customers.
• Kohutanich, joining Pathfinder as business-banking officer, was most recently a senior finance manager at BHG Financial in Syracuse. He has more than five years’ experience in commercial lending. As a senior finance manager at BHG Financial, Kohutanich played a key role in financial leadership, overseeing planning, analysis, and compliance to support strategic decision-making.
The Pathfinder hires — who report to William Bower, VP, business banking team leader, and Ronald G. Tascarella, SVP & chief lending officer — enhance customer experience, scale operations, and accelerate growth across Onondaga County, helping businesses secure the financial services they need to succeed, Pathfinder added.
Pathfinder Bank is a New York State chartered commercial bank headquartered in Oswego. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc, (NASDAQ: PBHC).
VIEWPOINT: N.Y. Offers Relief for Employers Unaware of Weekly Pay Provision in Labor Law
It is common practice across the country for employees to be paid every other week or twice per month, because that imposes much less time and manpower on an employer than running payroll weekly. But such a practice can subject certain employers in New York to liability. Section 191 of the New York Labor Law
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It is common practice across the country for employees to be paid every other week or twice per month, because that imposes much less time and manpower on an employer than running payroll weekly. But such a practice can subject certain employers in New York to liability. Section 191 of the New York Labor Law (NYLL) requires employers to pay employees who fall under the broad definition of “manual worker” to pay such employees weekly. For a long time, there was little to no private litigation against an employer who paid such workers biweekly or semimonthly; such employers would simply pay a penalty if cited by the New York State Department of Labor.
That changed in 2019 when New York’s Appellate Division, First Department held that a manual worker could bring a suit in court seeking damages for not being paid on a weekly basis. This resulted in a wave of “frequency of pay” litigation claims. The reason is that Section 198 of the New York Labor Law allows individuals to recover liquidated damages up to 100 percent of the total amount of any unpaid wages. So, for example, a manual worker paid $2,000 biweekly, instead of $1,000 weekly, would seek liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000 for each week not paid weekly — even though the employee received full pay every other week. Because of New York’s long, six-year statute of limitations for such claims, this created a large amount of liability for any employer that did not pay manual workers weekly. An employer with a 200-employee workforce could find itself subject to a $30 million, bankrupt-the-business lawsuit.
Employers were initially hopeful early last year when the Appellate Division, Second Department came to the exact opposite decision of the First Department, finding that a manual worker could not bring a suit in court for a frequency-of-pay violation. However, this only created a split among the courts that has not been resolved, and the issue has not yet reached the Court of Appeals. Likewise, talks of a legislative fix last year ultimately fizzled out.
However, both the governor’s office and state legislature took up the issue this year. Gov. Kathy Hochul included legislation amending the damages available under Section 198 of NYLL for frequency-of-pay violations in her proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year. On May 7, the Education, Labor and Family Assistance (ELFA) budget bill was published, and while it revised some provisions from the governor’s initial proposal, it still limits the damages of frequency-of-pay actions.
The bill amends Section 198 of NYLL to clarify that liquidated damages shall not be applicable to violations of the weekly payment requirement for manual workers set forth in Section 191 of NYLL where the employer paid the employee wages on a regular payday, no less frequently than semimonthly. Instead, the bill sets forth that such violations are limited to “lost interest found to be due for the delayed payments of wages calculated at the daily interest rate for each day payment is late based on the annual rate of interest then in effect.” The interest rate is set by the state Department of Financial Services under Section 14-a of the Bank Law, and is currently 16 percent per annum.
Further, for conduct occurring after the effective date of the amendment, liquidated damages may be sought in an amount equal to 100 percent of the “total amount of wages found to be due” in a Section 191 frequency-of-pay violation for employers that had been the subject of one or more findings and orders of a frequency-of-pay violation.
Finally, the bill states that it “shall take effect immediately and shall apply to causes of action pending or commenced on or after such date”—and it was just signed into law on May 9, and is therefore already in effect.
What does this mean? Immediately, for any pending cases, so long as employees were paid their full pay biweekly or semimonthly, the potential liability will drop drastically. For the hypothetical 200-employee employer described above, the potential liability would drop from about $30 million in liquidated damages to less than $100,000 in interest. Of course, were an employer to be found liable for a frequency-of-pay violation in the future and not fix its weekly pay issue, the next time an employer would face damages equal to 100 percent of “the total amount of wages found to be due.”
Given the immediate impact this will have on pending cases, it is possible that the law’s provision that it will apply to pending causes of action may be challenged.
Michael D. Billok is a member (partner) in the Saratoga Springs and Albany offices of the Syracuse–based law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. Contact him at mbillok@bsk.com. Natalie C. Vogel is an associate attorney in Bond’s Albany office Contact Vogel at nvogel@bsk.com. This article is drawn and edited from the New York Labor and Employment Law Report blog on the law firm’s website.
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