Dear Constituents,

Thank you for taking the time to tune into this week’s newsletter as we provide updates for our wonderful district. It is my hope that you will share this information with your neighbors and friends. As always, we welcome your input in all our affairs, as we are here to serve you. 

- Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

Quote of the Week

"When everyone is included, everyone wins." -Jesse Jackson

S.64 - SNAP Hot Meals Program. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many New Yorkers have had great difficulty accessing food despite receiving SNAP benefits, particularly older New Yorkers, people with disabilities and families experiencing homelessness.

Since 2019, Senator Persaud has carried legislation that would create a statewide restaurant hot meals program wherein certain older, disabled or homeless New Yorkers could purchase hot and/or prepared meals using SNAP benefits from approved sellers at significantly reduced prices. This program would not be for everyone, only certain older, disabled or homeless New Yorkers that are physically unable to prepare and cook food, or lack the facilities to do so.

Do you know someone that would be helped by this legislation? Scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your comments. We want to hear from YOU!

April Resolutions

On Saturday, April 24, 2021, Senator Persaud pictured with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Assembly Member Jaime Williams and Assembly Member Nick Perry at at their partnered "Spring Cleaning" event. #papershredding #grocerydistribution #covid19testing #TaxPreparation #ppesupplies #HealthInformation

SD 19 staff participated at the Linden Park Pop-up Clean-up Event on April 24th, as well. In addition to volunteering, they distributed face masks, hand sanitizers and gloves for cleaning. Special thanks to Vincent Riggins for organizing, and NYPD 75th Precinct Explorers as well as Uncommon Schools team for volunteering. #keepourparksclean #TEAMWORK #SD19

On April 29, 2021, the NYCHA Fiorentino Plaza Resident Association hosted an SD19 Food distribution. A special thank you to Cheryl Williams-Love from CAMBA's SNAP Outreach program for joining us and speaking with constituents regarding SNAP benefit eligibility.  Senator Persaud also thanks community partners (EmblemHealth, NYPD PSA 2, NYPD 75th Precinct, Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Clubs International), SD 19 staff & all volunteers who made this event a success. 

NYLAG Appointments Available May 5th

There are open slots available to meet with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) for Wednesday, May 5, 2021. NYLAG provides free legal aid and counseling, financial empowerment, and community advocacy. If you or someone you know is interested in their services, please call (718) 649-7653 to schedule an appointment.

Greens & Things BKLYN gets fresh, nutritious, and affordable produce to where it’s needed most.  If you’re in Brooklyn, stop by Collective Fare (69 Belmont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212) on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to pick up some nutritious goodies for your household. Click here to reserve a bag!

Now Hiring: NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection

NYC DEP is immediately hiring full-time, seasonal workers to help maintain our vital green infrastructure across the city. To apply, click here. Please refer to flyer for more details. 

Homeland Security Pushes REAL ID Deadline to 2023

Every domestic air traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification beginning on May 3, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday, April 27. For more information, click here. 

Social Security Online Services

Take a look at a page from the Social Security Star Regional Newsletter below regarding Social Security Online services. More of this newsletter can be accessed here. For more information, reach out to your local social security office by clicking here. 

Beware of IRS Imposter Scams

To all College students and staff, be on alert for IRS imposter emails being sent to ".edu" email addresses. The IRS does not initially contact anyone via email. For information by the Federal Trade Commission, click here. Please share this information with others and be cautious about the information you share online. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Buses in NYC

Since NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 6, 2021 the launching of COVID-19 Vaccine mobile sites, they are still administering various vaccines. By emailing vaccbus@roarnewyork.org or calling 833-ROAR-NYC, those who are eligible can set their appointments for their vaccine.

In addition, the city will expand its walk-up appointment pilot for New Yorkers over the age of 75 at City-run sites. Click here for site specific information. 

Brooklyn Locations & Vaccines Distributed: 
1.Bushwick Educational Campus- Moderna
2.Canarsie High School- Moderna
3.Brooklyn Army Terminal- Moderna
4.Starrett City - Spring Creek Towers- Pfizer
5.Teachers Preparatory High School- Pfizer
6.Flatbush YMCA- Pfizer
7.City Point- Moderna
8.Coney Island YMCA- Moderna

Vaccination Sites in Senate District 19

Two churches in Senate District 19 are administering vaccines. To schedule an appointment online, click here. To schedule an appointment via phone, call 877-VAX-4NYC and mention the site of your preference.

Church of God: Wednesday-Thursday 5:30PM-9:30PM & Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5:30PM

St. Paul Community Baptist Church: Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM & Closed Sat-Sun

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

NY Project Hope has launched a New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. They can be reached at 1-844-863-9314.

For more information, visit their site here. 

NYC Pools and Beaches Opening 

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City’s outdoor pools and eight public beaches will open on time for the season. Beaches will open on Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 29, 2021, and outdoor pools across the city will open the day after the last day of school on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Openings will follow heath guidance on COVID and safety protocols. For more information on pools and beaches this summer, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

Community Resources

Community Conversations, Workshops & Town Halls

Senator Persaud continues to host timely informational workshops and townhall discussions on various topics of importance to constituents. If you haven't had a chance to participate or watch on Facebook Live, the archived recordings are still available as a resource to you. Simply click on the topic name in bold below.

COVID-19 Vaccine, Saturday, 01/23/2021, sponsored in conjunction with NYC DOHMH and NYC Test & Trace.

Rank Choice Voting, Saturday, 02/27/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Rank the Vote NYC. 

Citizens NYC Grant Information Session, Monday, 03/15/2021, featuring Citizens Committee for New York City. Click here for Citizens NYC All-In Neighborhood Grants Application.

Tenant’s Rights, Tuesday, 03/16/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Brooklyn Legal Services Corp. A. 

Backwater Valves for Homeowners, Monday, 03/22/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for NYC Neighborhoods and NHS Brooklyn. 

Financial Literacy, Thursday, 03/18/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for the Women of New York. 

As your State Senator in the 19th Senatorial District: Senator Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of  Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill and Starrett City.

For more information, click the logos below for Senator Persaud's official website, Facebook or Twitter.