Owen H. Johnson's News items

More Than 59,000 New Yorkers Hired Via Jobs Express Since October 2011As Extended Unemployment Benefits Expire, Governor Urges Long-Term Unemployed to Apply For These JobsGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Jobs Express, a website designed to help New Yorkers who are seeking employment, currently has more than 74,000 job openings available.The site has helped more than 59,000 individuals find work since its October 2011 launch. As extended unemployment benefits expire for thousands of New Yorkers this month, the Governor urges long-term unemployed, now more than ever to apply for these jobs.

DFS to Publish Online Report Cards Detailing Each Insurance Company’s Performance New Rules Will Significantly Cut Time Allowed to Investigate Claims, Put More Adjusters in the Field to Help HomeownersAfter meeting with top insurance company executives this week, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a series of measures to expedite the payment of claims for New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy and launched a new online report card system, www.NYInsure.ny.gov, to hold insurance companies accountable.

STORM RECOVERY UPDATEPosted:  November 26, 2012 IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL SAFETY NOTICE - PLEASE TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLYJust because power has been restored and you have not experienced immediate electrical problems, your system may still be damaged creating an extremely serious fire hazard. If your home has been affected by flooding, or if you’re uncertain whether your home has been affected by flooding, you should take immediate steps to have your electrical system checked by a licensed electrical contractor as soon as possible. Make any necessary repairs suggested by the contractor.

Department Representatives Available to Answer Insurance Questions at Sites in Nassau and Suffolk CountiesStorm Hotline Also Being Staffed to Help Storm Sandy VictimsBenjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, announcedrepresentatives of the Department of Financial Services will be at fourlocations on Long Island to offer help to homeowners, renters and businessowners with insurance-related issues stemming from damage caused by StormSandy.The Department's representatives will be available to meet with residentsinside the agency's Mobile Command Center, which will be stationed at theselocations:Nassau County

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that FEMA will issue Emergency Assistance for New Yorkers whose homes were affected by Hurricane Sandy. At the Governor’s request, FEMA will bring in contractors in order to perform basic repairs so that residents can return to their homes while more long term repairs are in progress. Only residents in the federally-declared declared counties are eligible to participate in this program. Homeowners in these localities who want to apply for assistance should contact their county or local officials to receive contractor support. Homeowners must be registered with FEMA, which they can do by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362).

Student Loan Relief:  New Yorkers in Disaster Counties Eligible for 90 Day Grace Period to Pay LoansGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo directed New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) to grant temporary student loan relief to New Yorkers who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. If requested, New Yorkers in Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Rockland Suffolk and Westchester counties are now eligible to receive a 90 day grace period, from October 27th, 2012 to January 25th, 2013, in order to repay their student loan payments. All members of the military who have been called to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy will also be eligible.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Island Harvest and Long Island Cares, may need volunteers to assist with manning shelters, food and clothing distribution, and emergency assistance as the effects of the storm linger.The Long Island Volunteer Center, a New York State-designated Regional Volunteer Center, is coordinating local efforts as well. Those interested in volunteering should visit the Center’s website at www.longislandvolunteercenter.org and fill out a registration form. The Center will then assess where the need is most dire and make the appropriate assignment.

For Immediate Release: November 5, 2012 Asks Local Governments to Move Quickly to Remove Debris before Second Storm Hits Region on WednesdayImposes 30-Day Moratorium on Insurance Companies Cancelling Policies