Greetings from Albany, NY  

In this edition, we remember and honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and the lives that have been forever impacted. We also provide updates on 2027 health insurance rates, rural health transformation funding, recent actions by Governor Kathy Hochul, auto insurance reforms and more.  

 

Governor Kathy Hochul Honors Victims, Survivors, and First Responders of 9/11 

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul honored 9/11 victims, survivors, and first responders. “What began as a beautiful morning 25 years ago gave way to an unfathomable tragedy. New York will never forget those we lost, those who lived, and the families that were left behind,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we honor their memory and the courage of a city that held strong in the face of immense tragedy.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff, and state landmarks will be lit red, white and blue tonight. She also announced $2.2 million in funding for the 9/11 memorial and museum to expand free admission to every Sunday for New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul also signed three pieces of legislation to support victims and first responders.

• Extends the deadline to submit documentation with the state’s retirement systems and the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board detailing an individual’s participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery and clean-up operations (A.11531 / S.10605)
• Extends the expansion of eligibility for World Trade Center death and disability benefits for members of New York’s National Guard and their beneficiaries (A.11538 / S.10650)
• Extends the 25-year presumptive eligibility period for certain retirement benefits for injuries or illnesses related to World Trade Center rescue, recovery and cleanup (A.11213A/S.10085A)

 

She said, “None of us will ever forget the horrific attacks on our state and nation on that day in 2001 — nor will we ever forget the unflinching bravery and sacrifice of civilians and first responders whose lives were devastated. As we mark the 25th anniversary of the events at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, we sign these three laws to support and honor those whose lives were transformed on that terrible day.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Releases 9/11 Records

In the years since 9/11, thousands of people have died from 9/11-related cancers and other illnesses, while thousands of others continue their battle. The advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch, has sued and pushed for increased transparency and accountability. The group has called for the release of documents related to the attack, arguing that the New York City officials and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) knew about dangerous air quality around Ground Zero but misled the public and first responders.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released 170,000 files, dating back to the administration of former Mayor Rudy Guiliani. The records include air quality reports and internal memos raising concerns about elevated levels of asbestos and other hazardous chemicals.

The files indicate officials knew Lower Manhattan’s air remained toxic for months after the attack, even as the public was told the area was safe. While the release of these documents resolved the above referenced litigation, it may expose the city to new or amended lawsuits.

Since 9/11, more than 140,000 people across all 50 states have enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, with 49,000 diagnosed with 9/11 related cancers. The release of the documents may help victims with their applications to federal victim compensation funds.

Mamdani said, “People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air.” Reports indicate that more files will be released in the next year.

Separately, the Office of the New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a report titled 25 Years Later: The Transformation of Lower Manhattan: An Economic Snapshot. 

The report examines how Lower Manhattan has evolved over the past 25 years, including changes in employment, the local workforce, household incomes, housing costs, tourism and economic development projects.

 

Health Insurance Rates Will Increase Next Year 

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) recently approved an average seven percent increase in health insurance premiums for New Yorkers in 2027.

Although major health plans initially requested an average increase of 20.6 percent in the individual market, and 23.7 percent for small group plans, DFS approved increases of six percent and eight percent, respectively.

While DFS rejected most of the proposed increases, and the final approved rates are less than half of those requested, a study by Mercer found that the approved increases mark the highest rate increase since 2003.

“The Department is focused on ensuring access to affordable health insurance and delivering meaningful cost savings for New Yorkers,” the agency said in a statement.

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