Selected items posted on blogs on the Internet during the week ending November 28, 2025

Five Ways Government Leaders Boost Transparency and Trust Learn how public-sector agencies strengthen community confidence through improved transparency and accountability. READ NOW 

Elevating Constituent Services with Connected Experiences This leadership paper explains what your agency needs to create connected experiences and provides several real-world examples of how connected experiences have transformed government services. Read more to find out how your organization can start building connected experiences! DOWNLOAD 

Resilience Blueprint for Local Governments In this comprehensive guide designed for local government leaders, learn actionable strategies to bolster your community's extreme weather resilience, future-proof your energy systems, and ensure continuity of critical services. DOWNLOAD

New Series Premiere: Public Officials of the Year Webcast The first episode of The Common Thread, Governing’s new series hosted by CEO Cathilea Robinett, spotlights L.A. CIO Ted Ross and his bold approach to modernizing one of America’s largest cities. Watch the Premiere Episode

 

Eligibility for receiving financial compensation for health conditions resulting from exposure to hazardous material in the wake of 9/11

The New York State's Court of Appeals held that for the purpose of claiming Workers' Compensation Law benefits as a result of exposure to hazardous materials while participating in 9/11 cleanup efforts, Workers Compensation Law §168 applies only to a claim by a statutorily defined participant in the recovery efforts. 

The Court noted that "[I]n the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the legislature enacted Article 8-A of the Workers' Compensation Law, which was designed to ensure that both employees and volunteers who participated in rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations at the World Trade Center and other statutorily enumerated sites could recover for health conditions resulting from exposure to hazardous material". 

At issue in this action was a claim for death benefits filed by the spouse of a volunteer who had applied for and received lifetime benefits based on multiple medical conditions he contracted as the result of his working at a designated site. 

Although the statute provides benefits to both employees and volunteers and, in the words of the Court of Appeals, "has ensured that many who served in those vital response efforts received financial compensation", the Court ruled that Workers' Compensation Law §168 applies with respect to a claim by a statutorily defined "participant" in the recovery efforts. 

Click HERE to access the Court of Appeals' decision posted on the Internet.

Former fire department treasurer sentenced to serve 1-3 years in state prison and to make restitution

On November  21, 2025, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced that the former treasurer of the Durhamville Fire Department, Kimberly Simchik, after pleading guilty to stealing from the fire department. Simchik was sentenced to serve 1-3 years in state prison and to pay $92,000 in restitution. 

“The sentence in this case should be a warning to anyone tempted to abuse their position of trust for their own financial gain. We will find you and you will be held accountable for your actions,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Oneida County District Attorney Carville and the New York State Police for their partnership in bringing Simchik to justice.” 

Carville said, “Stealing from our volunteer service is a reprehensible act which is wholly unacceptable and inexcusable. The Oneida County District Attorney’s Office would like to commend the New York State Police and the New York State Comptroller’s Office for their assistance in investigating this matter and in bringing the defendant to justice.”

James said, “Public service requires the highest level of integrity, and any breach of that trust undermines confidence in the institutions that serve our communities. I commend the State Comptroller’s Office and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office for their thorough work and partnership throughout this investigation. New Yorkers can be assured that when public funds are misused, it will be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”

Simchik, 62, pleaded guilty in September to stealing more than $90,000 from the local fire department. She used the department’s debit card at area casinos and deposited checks meant for the department into her own bank account, spending the money on travel and spa treatments.

When the fire department noticed problems in its account it contacted the New York State Police. The ensuing investigation conducted by the State Police and DiNapoli’s office uncovered the details of Simchik’s crimes.

She was sentenced before Judge Michael R. Nolan in Oneida County Court.

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Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. Reports of allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money may be filed calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555; by mailing a complaint to the Office of the State Comptroller,  Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236; or by filing a complaint online by clicking on https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations; 

Selected items posted on blogs during the week ending November 21, 2025

How Public Sector Leaders Are Reframing Government Cyber Strategy Most cyber strategies fall short for one simple reason: limited visibility. This paper shows how state and local governments are rethinking cybersecurity by prioritizing real-time asset visibility across IT, OT and IoT systems. DOWNLOAD

Leveraging GenAI to Secure Critical Federal Funding One state agency cut weeks off its grant writing timeline--and walked away with $15 million in funding. This case study shows how public sector teams can use AI tools to streamline complex applications without cutting corners or sacrificing compliance.  DOWNLOAD

Firewalls Aren't Enough: Securing Government for the AI Era AI is changing how governments operate — and how cyber threats emerge. Traditional firewalls alone can’t keep up with modern attack surfaces, especially in decentralized, cloud-driven environments. This paper explores why a platform-based security approach is now essential, highlighting strategies like autonomous segmentation, AI model protection and centralized threat detection. DOWNLOAD

On-demand service enhances transit equity in Jersey City Tech-driven service design improves transit equity and job access in Jersey City. Read the full case study on Jersey City's transit innovation.

AI Security Readiness: Insights from 100 Cloud Architects, Engineers, and Security Leaders AI services are everywhere, but the security playbook hasn’t caught up. This report digs into how 100 cloud and security professionals are tackling gaps in AI visibility, governance, and risk. Learn where most teams fall short and what steps leading organizations are taking to regain control in complex cloud environments. DOWNLOAD

Keep Your New York State and Local Retire Pension Safe with Direct Deposit

The New York State and Local Retirement System [NYSLRS] reports having seen an increase in check fraud and the delayed receipt of pension check sent by mail during 2025. NYSLRS is urging all retirees and beneficiaries who still receive pension checks by mail to enroll in its Direct Deposit Program. Read more.