Selected links to items focusing on government operations posted on the Internet during the week ending October 12, 2024. 

Click on the text highlighted in color to access the item on the Internet.

[Webinar] Defending Against Deepfakes Register for DeepBrain AI's webinar and learn how deepfakes impact elections and public figures. REGISTER NOW 

3 Building Blocks of AI Applications Generative AI can help your organization do more with less. Increase productivity and improve service quality by building and modernizing AI applications. Learn the 3 Building Blocks of Intelligent Apps » 

5 Steps to Take to Adopt AI The Roadmap for Government AI Adoption outlines five actionable steps you can take to responsibly benefit from AI in your government organization. Download the Roadmap »

A Golden Age of Governors in the American Northwest The bipartisanship that Cecil Andrus, Dan Evans and Tom McCall practiced decades ago sets them apart from many of today’s political leaders. It helped that they had shared values — and that they liked each other. READ MORE

A Law Was Meant to Target Teen Violence. Instead, 17-Year-Olds Are Being Charged as Adults for Lesser Offenses. Louisiana’s criminal justice system now treats all 17-year-olds as adults. Lawmakers lowered the age from 18 to curb teen violence, but nearly 70 percent of the 17-year-olds arrested in the state’s three largest parishes aren’t accused of violent crimes. READ MORE

A Mayor's Legacy: Economic Growth, Historical Reckoning From revitalizing the economy to confronting his city’s racial past, Tulsa, Okla., Mayor G.T. Bynum leaves office having created a focus on unity and progress. He is the fourth member of his family to serve as mayor. READ MORE

Acting CIO in Spokane, Wash., Retires, Successor Named Michael Sloon, its acting CIO and a longtime executive, has stepped away after more than 15 years at the city. The City Council affirmed his successor as acting CIO, but a recruitment is not immediately planned. READ MORE

AI Tracker: States Get More Explorative, but Cautious Government Technology’s AI Tracker data reveals most states have established AI task forces, while some are pioneering forward with AI training programs and creating dedicated leadership roles. READ MORE

AI Tracker: States Get More Explorative, but Cautious Government Technology’s AI Tracker data reveals most states have established AI task forces, while some are pioneering forward with AI training programs and creating dedicated leadership roles. READ MORE

As Vehicle Charging Evolves, EVgo Plans Five-Year Expansion The electric vehicle charging network is close to securing a federal Department of Energy loan and plans to stand up 7,500 high-speed chargers in five years. It and other companies are working to make charging simpler and more pleasant. READ MORE

California’s Rent Control Ballot Measure Could Reverberate Across the U.S. Proposition 33 would allow cities to limit rent increases. Some economists doubt that’s a good idea. READ MORE

Can Florida Ever Build High Enough to Avoid Hurricane Damage? Elevating buildings to avoid storm surges and flooding can increase the chance of survival for people and homes along the coast. But as hurricanes like Helene, and possibly Milton, continue to break records, building higher may not be enough. READ MORE

Chicago Mayor Drops Plan to Veto ShotSpotter Continuation Brandon Johnson had promised to veto the ordinance that would continue the gunshot detection system but failed to make the move before the deadline. Political battles over the technology are ongoing. READ MORE

Chris Hein, Google’s director of customer engineering for public sector/SLED, reveals how AI is transforming government services and improving citizen experiences — and how they should think about AI success. READ MORE

CISO John Godfrey sees potential for AI to help cybersecurity teams know when it’s safe to push patches fast. At the same time, he’s keeping an eye on AI-powered threats like deepfakes. READ MORE

Cities Look to Digitize Curbs, but Find They Need More Data A Populus survey of city transportation officials about curb and parking oversight shows their desire for better data analytics. Munis are confronting other challenges too, including managing deliveries and maintaining data sets. READ MORE

CivicPlus Beefs Up Its Recreation Management With New Deal The company, which serves local governments, has bought software and a consulting service from ePRepSolutions. Among the main reasons is to help public agencies recover costs for parks and recreational facilities. READ MORE

Collaborative Governance Sparks Milwaukee Leadership Renaissance
A look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized by Governing’s returning Public Officials of the Year award series. READ MORE

Colorado Election Will Decide Prison Time and Police Spending This fall, residents will vote on two major criminal justice ballot measures, one of which would increase the time some criminals serve in prison and the other would create a $350 million fund for police agencies. READ MORE

Connecticut Avoids ‘Volatile’ Revenue When Budgeting Chief Information Officer Mark Raymond is on a mission to convince decision-makers that technology doesn’t just cost money — it provides value. “It’s how we improve in government at all.” READ MORE

Despite Housing Crunch, Vouchers Remain Hard to Get People spend years waiting for federal housing vouchers. That’s because of policy choices made decades ago. READ MORE

FCC to Open Funding for Cybersecurity in K-12, Libraries The three-year $200 million Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program opens its application window this fall. The near-term goal is to secure schools most in need, but long-term it will help nationwide. READ MORE

Fresno High Schools Invest in Hydroponic Farming The San Joaquin Valley, Calif., school district plans to buy about 20 Flex Farms, a self-contained system that circulates nutrient-rich water to as many as 288 plants, so that students can learn a new way to grow food. READ MORE

From the Edge of Bankruptcy to a Decade of Surpluses Wayne County, Mich., nearly filed for bankruptcy in 2014. It just posted its 10th budget surplus in a row. READ MORE 

Generative AI Strategies for Public Sector Success This guide offers insights into building an effective AI strategy tailored to the unique needs of government, healthcare, and education. It covers key considerations such as data management, model selection, and how to responsibly scale AI applications while maintaining security, privacy, and compliance. DOWNLOAD 

Georgia’s Voting Law Disproportionately Impacts Black Voters The new law decreases the number of ballot drop boxes available, tightens the ballot application deadline, includes voter ID requirements and bans the handing out of water to voters. READ MORE

How can Copilot help you in your role? Visit the Copilot Scenario library to see how Copilot can empower Government organizations and impact roles from IT to Operations to Human Resources. Visit the Copilot Scenario Library >

How Central New York Became a Drone Manufacturing Hub The Central New York region has become unmatched compared to other areas in the country when it comes to drone technology and integration, local officials say. READ MORE

How Lansing, Michigan Empowered Residents to Eliminate Over $13 Million in Debt As low-income residents struggled to make ends meet, Lansing piloted a financial empowerment program to help eliminate debt and increase savings. LEARN MORE  

How Smart Governments Are Cutting Costs While Better Engaging Residents Your boss will love you when you provide these cost-cutting solutions. Learn to harness the power of digital government and its digital channels to engage residents better and reduce bottom-line expenses. DOWNLOAD NOW

How the Quality of Candidates Has Changed Over the Past 30 Years Decades ago, enterprising newcomers had the run of legislative chambers. Control of campaign funds has changed that dynamic. READ MORE

How the U.S. Military Approaches Natural Disaster Preparedness In the face of natural disasters, preparation is key. This white paper explores how the U.S. military utilizes technology solutions such as drones, portable cell sites, and satellite connectivity to enhance disaster preparedness. The paper also explores how collaborative disaster response training improves coordination, communication, and readiness, ensuring optimal performance when disaster strikes. DOWNLOAD 

How to Bring Modern Solutions to Public Services This guide explores how modern digital tools can empower state and local governments to meet evolving constituent demands. It touches on how the State of Utah and California's DHCS have successfully transformed service delivery using these modern solutions. DOWNLOAD 

Is Zoning Government's 'Most Significant Regulatory Power'? In a new book, an architect and zoning scholar shows how zoning can create vibrant economies and "delightful experiences" for urban dwellers. READ MORE

Kansas CISO: How AI Could Help Patch Software Faster CISO John Godfrey sees potential for AI to help cybersecurity teams know when it’s safe to push patches fast. At the same time, he’s keeping an eye on AI-powered threats like deepfakes. READ MORE

Learning from the NASCIO Annual Conference 2024 The National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) held its annual conference in New Orleans, La., this past week. Here are some of the highlights, along with some thoughts about what the future holds for state CIOs. READ MORE

Legacy VPNs are No Match for Today's Cybersecurity Needs See how Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strengthens your security architecture and eliminates exposure to cyber threats. READ ARTICLE 

Make Redesigning Your Website Fast and Easy Ready to elevate your community's online presence? Download our comprehensive website redesign kit to get expert advice, tailored timelines, and scalable solutions for cities and counties of any size! GET CHECKLIST

NASCIO Announces New Executive Leadership for 2024-2025 The National Association of State Chief Information Officers has named a new president, vice president and secretary/treasurer for the program year ahead. The organization also welcomed a new director to its Executive Committee. READ MORE

One Connecticut Lawmaker Leads National Effort on AI Policy Connecticut State Sen. James  Maroney is leading efforts to establish a nationwide consortium to discuss policy measures in response to artificial intelligence technologies. READ MORE

Payment Delinquencies Roadmap: Overcoming Roadblocks to Timely Bill Payments Delinquent payments are the root of countless issues for utility and local government organizations. Besides interrupting cash flow, staff time and organizational resources are wasted by manually printing and mailing late payment notices. Not to mention, continuous delinquencies have long-lasting impacts, like service shutoffs. DOWNLOAD 

Proven Strategies to Advance Economic Mobility Explore evidence-based solutions tried and tested across the nation that empower communities to flourish. LEARN MORE

Pushing City Data Out Across the Enterprise Dallas’ data analytics operation works hard to partner with agencies across city government, cultivating relationships and breaking down barriers. It’s a path other cities should follow. READ MORE

Register Now for NLC's 2024 City Summit in Tampa Bay! At the National League of Cities' City Summit conference, you'll have the chance to network with thousands of local leaders from across the country, engage with renowned experts, and learn best practices to employ back home. LEARN MORE

Rural Transit Systems Explore, Benefit from Data Sharing Transit providers in rural areas are experimenting with data-sharing technology to improve services, by introducing modern features like trip planning to form more coordinated, regionwide systems. One system is already seeing results. READ MORE

Russian Hacker Indicted for Cyber Attacks Against North Texas The Department of Justice has indicted a Russian cyber criminal who stands accused of breaking into the networks of several companies in the Dallas area and holding their data for ransom. READ MORE

San Jose Leads on Safe, Responsible AI Collaboration CIO Khaled Tawfik on starting and leading the GovAI Coalition, testing AI in real-world applications, and his upcoming plans for the Bay Area's most populous city. READ MORE

Securing All of Government Takes a Whole-of-Country Approach In the September/October issue of Government Technology, takes a look at the current cybersecurity landscape as state and local governments work to boost their defenses. READ MORE

Several States Propose New Restrictions on Noncitizen Voting Voters in eight states will decide whether to bar municipalities from allowing noncitizens to vote. Few noncitizens cast illegal votes, leading critics to claim the issue is being hyped for political reasons. READ MORE

Should State Governments Ban Ransomware Payments? Given the surge of ransomware attacks and increasing costs of payments to unlock stolen data in 2024, some states have banned public ransomware payments. But experts are divided on whether it's the right move. READ MORE

Smart Strategies to Safeguard Digital Transactions and Prevent Fraud Accurate identity verification is foundational to expanding government digital services. READ ARTICLE

St. Charles County Raises Salaries Amid ‘War on Talent’ The Missouri County voted to boost the pay for some positions within the county’s highway department in an attempt to lure new workers. The county has more than 60 open positions. READ MORE

State and Local Officials Eye Vacant Houses for Repurposing Baltimore has approximately 13,000 vacant homes across the city. State and local officials are aiming to transition at least 5,000 of those properties into updated homeownership or other positive developments in five years. READ MORE

State CIOs Weigh In on Securing the 2024 Election As Nov. 5 approaches, we asked state CIOs what role they play in keeping elections fair, valid and cyber-safe. READ MORE

State CIOs Weigh In on Securing the 2024 Election As Nov. 5 approaches,  state CIOs asked what role they play in keeping elections fair, valid and cyber-safe. READ MORE

The Florida Division of Emergency Management App provides GIS-powered evacuation zone details via an interactive map, letting residents and visitors pinpoint locations and evaluate their hurricane risk. READ MORE

The GenAI Advantage: Using Data as a Differentiator This guide explores the transformative potential of generative AI and emphasizes the importance of data as a key differentiator in successful AI initiatives. It outlines how leaders can position their data at the heart of their AI strategies to unlock new value and deliver more personalized services. It covers data foundation, fine-tuning AI models, and strategies to maximize value from generative AI. DOWNLOAD 

The Value of Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 can transform government organizations by making them more efficient, secure, and adaptable. Download the Forrester Report >

Three States Discuss Tackling Cybersecurity Staffing Needs Tech leaders from Kansas, Nebraska and New Hampshire recently shared insights into building talent pipelines, bringing on interns and other strategies to maintain robust workforces. READ MORE

Turnover Doesn’t Mean Election Officials Aren’t Up to the Job The rate of turnover among chief election officials has increased continuously since 2020. That doesn’t mean the workforce now in place lacks experience, according to a recent report. READ MORE 

Unlocking Economic Mobility Understand the 28 life experiences that impact lifetime income. LEARN MORE

Veritone Cozies Up to Axon and Milestone in Police Tech Race As public safety technology embraces cameras, software and other tools, Veritone is integrating more data from partners into its evidence management ”central hub.” The move follows a recent product expansion deal. READ MORE

Veritone Cozies Up to Axon and Milestone in Police Tech Race As public safety technology embraces cameras, software and other tools, Veritone is integrating more data from partners into its evidence management ”central hub.” The move follows a recent product expansion deal. READ MORE

Want Gov Tech Innovation? Consider the Legal Issues Too At the recent NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, CIOs talked about the legal concerns that will help guide the development of AI and other technologies. Freedom of Information matters around public data are in the forefront. READ MORE

Want Gov Tech Innovation? Consider the Legal Issues Too At the recent NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, CIOs talked about the legal concerns that will help guide the development of AI and other technologies. Freedom of Information matters around public data are in the forefront. READ MORE

Why Should You Need a Driver’s License to Be a Hotel Receptionist? Too many jobs that have nothing to do with driving require it. It’s an unnecessary employment barrier, and other states should follow the lead of two that have moved to prohibit it. READ MORE

Will the Postal Service Deliver Ballots on Time? State Election Officials Are Worried. Despite the postmaster general’s assurances, the mail agency’s operational statistics aren’t encouraging for the coming elections. READ MORE

Commissioner of Education sustains actions taken by a Board of Education in making its decision to close one of the school district's schools

Initially addressing a procedural matter -- the School Board's seeking to have the Commissioner dismiss Petitioner's appeal "for lack of standing", the Commissioner observed "Only an individual who is directly affected by an action has standing to commence an appeal therefrom". Finding that Petitioner was directly affected by the School Board's plan to close the particular school in question, ruled that Petitioner had standing to submit the instant appeal to the Commissioner of Education and declined to dismiss it.

Turning to the merits of Petitioner's appeal, the Commissioner noted a board of education has the authority and responsibility to manage and administer the affairs of the school district, including the assignment of pupils to schools therein, citing Matter of Older v Board of Educ. of Union Free School Dist. No. 1, Town of Mamaroneck, 27 NY2d 333, and a school board's decision or decisions concerning school district reorganization and the closing of school facilities "will only be set aside if they lack a rational basis". 

Further, said the Commissioner, "In an appeal to the Commissioner, a petitioner has the burden of demonstrating a clear legal right to the relief requested and establishing the facts upon which he or she seeks relief," citing NYCRR 275.10 and Decisions of the Commissioner of Education Numbers 17,337; 15,936; and 15,884.

The Commissioner found that Petitioners failed to met their burden of proving that the School Board had violated board policy nor did Petitions prove that the School Board "acted arbitrarily or capriciously" in connection with the closure of the school building in question, noting the record indicated the School Board's:

1. Reconfiguration of the school district was intended to equalize class sizes among schools;

2. Effective implement services for students with disabilities;

3. Alleviated the strain of declining enrollment in the district; and

4. Conducted a "myriad of meetings and events to explore the reconfiguration issue with the community over several years."

Although the School Board "permissibly selected a plan that differed from the one favored by a majority of taxpayers", and "[school] board members can and should be receptive to community concerns," the Commissioner opined that they are public officers who “take [] an oath of office to uphold the law and faithfully discharge [their] duties”.

In the words of the Commissioner, the members of the School Board "met those obligations by conducting extensive studies and engaging in community involvement to arrive at a reasonable decision.  Thus, its ultimate vote to close [the school at issue] cannot be characterized as unexpected — or irrational."

Click HERE to access the decision of the Commissioner posted on the Internet. 

Appellate Division confirms arbitrator's interpretation of an emergency leave provision set out in a collective bargaining agreement challenged by the employer

In this proceeding pursuant to CPLR Article 75, the Utica Professsional Fire Fighters' Association [Association] appealed Supreme Court's order denying, in part, the Association's petition seeking to confirm an arbitration award sustaining a grievance the Association filed on behalf of two firefighters in the collective bargaining unit concerning Utica's handling of requests for emergency leave under the parties' CBA. 

The two firefighters, while off duty, requested emergency leave to attend to family emergencies. Although both firefighter learned of the emergency while off duty, both were scheduled to report for duty the following day. Although both firefighter were excused from their respective next day's tour of duty, Utica charged the missed time against the respective firefighter's compensatory time, rather than treating it as paid emergency leave, inasmuch as the requests were not made during the firefighter's tour of duty.

The emergency leave provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement [CBA] provided that "[e]mergency leave shall be granted during a member's tour of duty in the event of an unexpected serious illness of his wife, child, father, mother, brother, sister, mother-in-law, or father-in-law. The member shall make every effort to return to duty as soon as possible." A separate provision of the CBA provides that, where a grievance is settled by arbitration, the decision of the arbitrator "shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties" and "the arbitrator shall be strictly limited to the application and interpretation of the specific provision of the [CBA] and may not add to, modify or otherwise deviate from those provisions."

The arbitrator concluded that nothing in the language of the emergency leave provision required that the emergency leave request be made during the member's tour of duty, interpreting relevant CBA provision "during a member's tour of duty" was meant to allow the member to leave or miss work to attend to a family emergency, and the phrase thus addressed the period of time when the leave must be taken, not when the request must be made. Accordingly, the arbitrator determined that the firefighters were entitled to paid emergency leave for the time in question and directed Utica to restore the charged compensatory time.

Supreme Court denied the Association's petition to confirm the arbitration award the extent that it sought to confirm the arbitrator's determination that the two firefighters were entitled to paid emergency leave, holding that the arbitrator's "grant of an emergency leave request that was made prior to a firefighter's tour of duty added a new clause or term to the CBA in violation of the limits placed on the arbitrator's authority in the CBA". The Association appealed the Supreme Court's ruling.

The Appellate Division, reversing Supreme Court's decision and confirming the award, noted that "[J]udicial review of arbitration awards is extremely limited". Observing that "The court must vacate an arbitration award where the arbitrator exceeds a limitation on his or her power as set forth in the CBA", the Appellate Division, citing  AFL—CIO v Board of Educ. of City School Dist. of City of N.Y., 1 NY3d 72, explained that courts lack the authority to "examine the merits of an arbitration award and substitute its judgment for that of the arbitrator simply because it believes its interpretation would be the better one". Here, opined the Appellate Division, "the arbitrator merely interpreted and applied the provisions of the relevant CBA, as he had the authority to do", and courts are powerless to set aside that interpretation even if we disagree with it.

Confirming the arbitration award, the Appellate Division held that the arbitrator's determination was not irrational; nothing in the CBA suggests that a request for emergency leave may not be made prior to the start of a tour of duty, and the arbitrator provided a justification for his determination.

Click HERE to access the Appellate Division's decision posted on the Internet.

Governor Hochul declared Tuesday, October 8 as Firefighter Appreciation Day and October 7-11 as Fire Prevention Week in New York State

On October 8, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul honored 32 fallen firefighters at the 27th Annual New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany. The Memorial honors 2,692 New York’s firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, paying tribute to them as well as thousands of firefighters across New York State who continue to serve and protect their communities. 

“Let us take a moment to remember the 32 courageous firefighters whose lives were dedicated to protecting others. Their names, now forever honored on the Memorial Wall, symbolize the bravery and sacrifice that define our firefighting community," Governor Hochul said. “As we celebrate Firefighter Appreciation Day and Fire Prevention Week, let us not only express our gratitude but also commit ourselves to fire safety and the well-being of those who risk everything for us. Together, we uphold the legacy of these heroes and the values they instill in us all.” 

“Our firefighters embody the definition of what it means to selflessly serve one's community, and today, we remember those we lost fulfilling that service," said  Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “These men and women are heroes who rose to meet challenges that most of us can scarcely imagine, and we owe them a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay to those they have left behind. Today, we mourn alongside their families, friends, and colleagues as we salute their courage.”

The names of Firefighters to be added to Memorial Wall at the Empire State Plaza this year include:

 

NAME	FIRE DEPARTMENT
Thomas W. Anderson Jr.	Fire Department of the City of New York
Rev. Msgr. John E. Delendick	Fire Department of the City of New York
James A. Drohan Sr.	Ossining Fire Department
Russell Feliciano	Fire Department of the City of New York
Albert A. Filosa	Fire Department of the City of New York
John P. Fogarty	Fire Department of the City of New York
Niel G. Frazier Jr.	Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Frederick H. Gallagher	Fire Department of the City of New York
Joseph P. Giordano	Freeport Fire Department
Wayne T. Goehring	Fire Department of the City of New York
Andrew J. Hornbuckle	Fire Department of the City of New York
Edward V. Hronec	Fire Department of the City of New York
Stewart G. Hunt	Ancram Fire Department
Robert J. Kelly	Fire Department of the City of New York
Lamont Killian Jr.	Mount Vernon Fire Department
Scott E. LaFlesh	Plattsburgh Fire Department
Arthur S. Lakiotes	Fire Department of the City of New York
James C. Mager	Fire Department of the City of New York
Anthony Malfi	Fire Department of the City of New York
Vincent J. Mandala	Fire Department of the City of New York
George P. Matthias	Greenport Fire Department
Thomas J. McDougall	Fire Department of the City of New York
Brian E. O’Flaherty	Fire Department of the City of New York
Jeffrey S. Pells	Arlington Fire District
Philip A. Pinto Jr.	Eastchester Fire District
James T. Redmond	Fire Department of the City of New York
Karl J. Sederholt	Fire Department of the City of New York
Lloyd W. Stuart	Fire Department of the City of New York
John E. Veteri Sr.	Larchmont Fire Department
Michael Verzi	Fire Department of the City of New York
Christopher P. Viviano	Fire Department of the City of New York
Israel J. Vosseller	New Haven Volunteer Fire Department

Governor Hochul also today issued two proclamations to honor the state’s career and volunteer firefighters, marking Oct. 8, 2024 as Firefighter Appreciation Day, and the week of Oct. 7-11, 2024 as Fire Prevention Week. The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control works with local fire departments, fire service organizations, school districts, civic groups, and the National Fire Protection Association to provide the public with information and programs about the importance of fire safety awareness.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We honor our fallen firefighters on this day and recognize their courage and the ultimate sacrifice they made to keep others safe. We will always be grateful for their dedication and bravery. We thank them for their service and grieve their loss with their families and loved ones.”

State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “Those honored today include both career and volunteer members from across the State. Illnesses directly related to the response and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site after the attacks of September 11, 2001 continue to take their toll. We also gather to acknowledge and recognize the families, friends, and fellow firefighters of those who we are honoring today. Their loved one’s service required they too serve and sacrifice, and we offer our support and sympathy for their loss.”

About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control - The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of essential services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York to help ensure the safety of all stakeholders. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. 

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.