March 19, 2020
Dear Constituents:
We are facing difficult and uncertain times. The COVID-19 virus has left New Yorkers fearful for ourselves, our loved ones, and anxious about our ability to make ends meet. As your Senator, I have been working with my colleagues in government to provide as much security and stability for working people during this crisis as we can. I believe that we must do everything in our power to help New Yorkers focus on keeping themselves and their families safe rather than stressing over their next paycheck. The safety and health of all my constituents in SD-19 are my main priorities.
That’s why I just voted for a new law that will:
· Enact emergency paid sick leave for New Yorkers facing quarantine due to exposure to the coronavirus.
· Waive the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance so workers whose employers close due to the pandemic can get the relief they need immediately.
I have created a Senate District 19 Coronavirus Resource Guide that can be accessed here. This extensive guide provides invaluable information on what you can do to stay and keep safe during this pandemic.
I am determined to provide you with the most accurate links and resources available in this e-Newsletter. The most current information from the New York State Department of Health regarding the spread and transmission of this virus can be accessed here or by calling the NYS Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. Additionally, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a dedicated site that is also frequently updated and can be accessed here.
In my continuing effort to keep the public informed, I am asking everyone reading this newsletter to share the "Sign Up For Coronavirus Updates" link: to get email updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation from New York State.
Lastly, I want to make note that I will not stand for the panic and hysteria happening fueled by racism and xenophobia. Nothing justifies being rude to others. Misinformation and racism are more dangerous than any virus. If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying “human rights.” If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.
Let us work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 in SD-19!
Sincerely,
Roxanne J. Persaud
NYS Senate
19th District
“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE, AND YOU DESERVE TO BE SERVED.”
About Us
The Office of Senator Roxanne J. 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, check the official website. To stay updated on events and meetings, frequent the Senate District 19 Calendar. If assistance is needed, an upcoming event requires sharing, or someone wishes to sign up for this newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our office can also be followed via Facebook or Twitter.
Education & Technology Resources Regarding COVID-19
The Pre-K application deadline has been extended to Sunday, March 29th. Further information can be found here.
Remote Learning Request forms are due March 20, 2020 and are available here.
Wellness & Mental Health Resources
Virtual Museum & Cultural Resources
Transportation Resources
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Subways are running normal weekday service.
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The Staten Island Railroad is running normal weekday service.
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Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad are running normal weekday service.
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All weekday Bus routes continue to operate.
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Bus routes that serve schools may have fewer buses at the times that school would be opening or closing.
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A few routes in Brooklyn have specific changes related to the closed schools. The morning and evening rush hours are generally unaffected.
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Starting March 19, Access-A-Ride will no longer be scheduling shared rides. You’ll still be able to travel with a personal care attendant or guest.
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For-Hire Taxi Services (Uber, Lyft, Via) are not allowing “pooled” rides.
March is Women’s History Month
2020 New York State Senate Women of Distinction
Preparations are underway for the Senate’s 22nd annual Women of Distinction ceremony. The Women of Distinction is an opportunity to honor a distinguished woman from our community. To submit a nomination, please click here.
Around The District & Albany
Emergency Paid Sick Leave for New Yorkers Facing Quarantine
Any employee in the state who is subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation issued by the state of New York, the Department of Health, local board of health, or any other authorized governmental entity will be eligible for some form of paid sick leave.
Employees who traveled to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 health notice countries even after receiving notice of the health notice and undiagnosed, asymptomatic employees who can work from home are not eligible. No employee may be discharged, threatened, penalized or discriminated against because of their leave of absence. Employees must be restored to the position they held prior to their leave.
Immediate Access to Unemployment Insurance
If an employer closes due to a reason related to COVID-19 or receives a mandatory order from a government entity, there will be no waiting period for the employee to file a claim for unemployment insurance.
Small Business Crime Prevention Services
The New York State Senate passed my sponsored legislation S.7123, which establishes a small business crime prevention service. The bill seeks to improve New York's business climate by providing for a program of crime prevention services and assistance tailored specifically for small businesses. Currently, the bill was passed in both houses last year; however, it was vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. We've addressed the issues mentioned in the veto memo and I’m hopeful for funding and approval of the Governor.
Underrepresented Teachers of Tomorrow Program
I am proud to announce that my Underrepresented Teachers Retention Bill (S.7647) was passed in the State Senate. This legislation seeks to attract and retain underrepresented teachers within underrepresented schools across New York State. This legislation will help retain these teachers by providing grants to schools for recruiting and providing financial incentives to underrepresented teachers.
Retired Health Professional Survey
In the event that the novel coronavirus crisis worsens, the State needs the help of qualified retired health professionals and related professionals to supplement our hospital capacity on a temporary basis to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients including those that may need to be intubated. The NYS Dept. of Health will recertify individuals for the purpose. The survey can be accessed here.
COVID-19 Application For Suspension Of Debt Collection Activity
Governor Cuomo and Attorney General James temporarily suspended state debt collection in response to coronavirus. The state will temporarily halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection, for at least a 30-day period, in response to growing financial impairments resulting from the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Debt suspension applications can be accessed here.
Census 2020
Beginning March 12, 2020, Census forms will be distributed to households across this State and Nation. I cannot overstate the importance of your participation in the Census. Every ten years, each living person in the United States is required to be accounted for; this includes YOU! The Census is extremely important because over $675 billion of your federal funds are allocated among the States which provides funding for our schools, hospitals, senior centers, public transportation, roads and bridges. Even our representation in Washington, D.C. is in jeopardy as New York is currently set to lose up to two Congressional members due to lack of proper count.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn is one of the worst offenders in our lack of participation. There is too much at stake to have this continue. Beginning this month, 95% of households will receive an invitation to participate in the Census, and 5% will have their invitation dropped off by a Census worker or be interviewed in person. The Census Bureau is required by law to keep all personal information safe and confidential. Your responses to the census cannot be used against you by law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or to determine eligibility for government services.
Visit my2020census.gov to respond online. To respond by phone, call 1-844-330-2020.
Additionally, paid Census jobs are still available. To apply to become a Census worker, please visit 2020census.gov/en/jobs.html.
New York State Youth Leadership Recognition Awards
The Senate’s Youth Leadership Recognition Awards program honors juniors and seniors for their achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service for the great work they do to benefit their communities. If you know a successful student whose accomplishments make their school proud, I encourage you to nominate them for this award. All entries must be sent electronically and can be made on my website, https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/roxanne-j-persaud or by clicking here. The deadline for entries is April 3, 2020.
Office of Children & Family Service (OCFS)
OCFS has provided a listing of resources to assist parents who are looking for childcare during the COVID-19 outbreak. For a full listing of facilities and referral services, you can click here. Please note: if you or your child are instructed to quarantine, your child may not attend a child care program during the specified timeframe.
NYC Department of Sanitation
Due to concerns over public gatherings, ALL Special Waste Drop-Off Sites are closed until further notice. Additionally, DSNY SAFE Disposal Events scheduled to take place in April have been cancelled and our Curbside E-Waste program has been suspended until further notice.
Consumer Affairs
Free 2019 Income Tax Preparation
The IRS has authorized a federal tax payment extension until July 15, 2020. Please take advantage of the following program if you fall within the income limits. For further information visit www.irs.gov.
Disclaimer: Our office bears no responsibility for services offered.
Social Security Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic
Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments but that is not true. Don’t be fooled. To protect yourself and help stop the spread of this coronavirus, Social Security offices cannot accept visitors at this time. There are several other ways you can get help. Many services are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov. If you have a critical need that you cannot address online, they can help you over the phone.
Please visit the Social Security COVID-19 web page at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/ to find out what services are continuing and which ones are suspended; and important information about deadlines they are extending to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic.
Deed Fraud Running Rampant in Brooklyn
Sadly, Deed Fraud is a growing serious crime that occurs when a con artist files a phony deed with the City of New York which falsely states that your property has been transferred to someone else. The con artist will often then try to sell your property to an unsuspecting buyer or take out a mortgage against your property. In order to protect yourself from Deed Fraud, you can register free of charge with the Department of Finance at www.nyc.gov/finance or the ACRIS (Automated City Register Information Site) at www.nyc.gov/acris. Also, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has established an Action Center hotline at (718) 250-2340. Phone lines are open between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. I encourage everyone to periodically review the City’s records to check the status of your property.
Search for Unclaimed Funds in New York State
New York State is currently holding over $15 billion in unclaimed funds, and some of it may be yours. In 2019 alone, over $189 million in unclaimed funds have been returned. All it takes is a simple internet search to see if there are unclaimed funds in your name.
Federal Trade Commission Advisories
The FTC has placed an advisory on recognizing and reporting spam text messages.
For further information, please click here.
Information regarding the recently announced government check payments to be sent can be found here.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
All USCIS field offices, asylum offices and Application Support Centers (ASCs) will not provide in-person services until at least April 1. This includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies and biometric collection appointments. However, we will continue to provide emergency services during this time. If you have an emergency service request, please contact the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS field offices will send de-scheduling notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by this closure. We will send de-scheduling notices to naturalization applicants scheduled for naturalization ceremonies. All applicants will be rescheduled when USCIS resumes normal operations.
USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location of the interview.
USCIS will also automatically reschedule ASC appointments due to the office closure. Those impacted will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if your field office has been reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center.
Local Advisories
2020 Alternate Side Parking & Street Cleaning Calendar
Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses & Subways
NYC Department of Transportation Special Traffic Advisories
The Brooklyn Public Library is closed until March 31, 2020 at the earliest; however, a huge selection of ebooks are available.
Fears and Changes to the Federal Flood Insurance Program
Career & School Opportunities
NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
The NYC DYCD is currently accepting applications for summer youth employment. The deadline is approaching quickly. For further information and to apply online, please click here.
Summer Internship with the Kings County District Attorney
DA Eric Gonzalez’s office is accepting applications for their five-week summer internship program for high school juniors and seniors. For more information, please click here. To apply, please visit: http://apply.brooklynda.org to upload your transcript, essay, and resume. All application materials must be received no later than April 30, 2020.
NYPD: Police Officer Exams 
NYPD Police Cadet Corps are looking for applicants
Brooklyn Public Library: Adult Learning Program - Earn Your HSE (TASC/NEDP)
Cypress Hills LDC/DYCD: Free Job Training via the CHAMPION Network
U.S. Census 2020: Join the 2020 Census Team!
NYC Department of Design and Construction Jobs
NYC Parks: Employment Opportunities with NYC Parks
CUNY Fatherhood Academy: FREE Program for Fathers Between Age 18 - 30
NYC Parks: Become a Steward, Volunteer Cleaning and Caring for Green Spaces in Brooklyn
Counseling In Schools: Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory HS Internship Program
New York Drives - Earn Your Driver's License
Brooklyn Job Corps Center
Public Safety - NYPD
Find out more on the New York City Police Department Precincts in the district, including crime statistics so you are aware of the trends and able to identify changes to help us fight for a safer community.
Neighborhood Policing: Meet Your Neighborhood Coordination Officers and Attend a Meeting
The Neighborhood Policing program is a way for the community and police to get to know each other. Neighborhood Coordination Officers, or NCOs, are your local problem solvers. They spend all their working hours within the confines of their assigned sectors, actively engaging with local community members and residents. They get to know the neighborhood, its people, and its problems extremely well.
Citizens Police Academy
The NYPD is again offering the Citizens Police Academy program, established to provide members of the community with a background and understanding of policies and activities, as well as the structure and limit of police power. To apply for the 10-week program, contact your local police precinct.
Law Enforcement Explorers
Did you know that the NYPD has a Law Enforcement Explorers program designed to educate young men and women, ages 14-20, about law enforcement? Visit the official website for more information.
Auxiliary Police Officers
Did you know that the NYPD also has an auxiliary program for those ages 17+ looking to an up-close look at law enforcement, and possibly a stepping-stone to a career with the NYPD. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community. Visit the official website for more information.
Immigrant Outreach Unit
The mission of the Community Outreach Division's Immigrant Outreach Unit is to engage, inform and empower the immigrant communities who reside in New York City. Visit the official website for more information.
For a collage of pictures from my latest events click here.
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Committees:
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Social Services, CHAIR
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Banks, MEMBER
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Children and Families, MEMBER
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Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, MEMBER
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Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention, MEMBER
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Labor, MEMBER
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Legislative Women’s Caucus, MEMBER
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Transportation, MEMBER
