May 1, 2020
Dear Constituents:
Welcome to May SD-19! During this month we honor our nurses and workers, especially now to all those fighting for us on the front-lines. As the weather begins getting warmer and daylight hours become longer, I understand that it will become more difficult for us to remain at home. New York State has made tremendous progress towards winning the fight against COVID-19; however, we must remember to exercise caution when out in public and continue to socially distance ourselves as much as possible (at least 6 feet). I want to continue to thank the thousands of constituents of SD-19 who are actively following the mandated guidelines. As a community we are making positive progress on the fight against COVID-19; however, we must continue to actively do our part by taking preventive cautions.
When in public, you must wear a face covering. This can be a scarf or bandana. Let us please keep the N95 masks and other PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment) reserved for our medical professionals and essential workers. New York City will be distributing over 100,000 face coverings in parks across the city free of charge from Saturday, May 2nd – Tuesday, May 5th. Use THIS LINK to find the closest distribution location, date, and time.
Please remember, New York remains on ‘PAUSE,’ and this Executive Order is in place currently until May 15, 2020.
Earlier this week, I was deeply disheartened upon hearing of gruesome complaints at a district funeral home. I have called on the Department of Health to perform an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter. Ensuring that human remains are handled in a dignified and professional manner should never be questioned by already deeply grieving families.
Additionally, for the first time in over 100 years, the MTA will halt subway ridership between the hours of 1AM - 5AM daily to facilitate the cleaning and disinfecting of our trains. First responders and essential workers who rely on the MTA to get to work should not be exposed to coronavirus in dirty and unkept subway cars.
If you or someone you know is a front-line worker and resident of SD-19, I am reaching out to ask for nominations to recognize our local neighborhood heroes. Please email me your nominations, a brief biography, and photo so I can showcase these essential workers in this newsletter and social media.
While we are making positive strides, I encourage my constituents in SD-19 to continue to review the “Senate District 19 Coronavirus Resource Guide,” as information is consistently fluid and updates to this guide are made daily.
Let us continue to 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.
Coronavirus Resource Guide
I have a continuously updated resource guide that answers many questions and concerns during the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. Please click on the banner below for SD-19 specific information.
SENATE DISTRICT 19 CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE GUIDE
Are you in need of COVID-19 testing in Brooklyn?
Brownsville:
BMS Family Health and Wellness Center
592 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212
888-364-3065
Mon-Fri from 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm.
East New York:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York
2094 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
718-388-5889
Mon-Fri from 9am - 3:30pm
Flatbush:
Sears Auto Center (Drive-in Facility)
2307 Beverly Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226
888-364-3065
Times Vary Based on Appointment
Fort Greene:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland
100 North Portland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
718-388-5889
Mon-Fri from 9am - 3:30pm
Please remember that all testing sites require calling ahead and making an appointment.
Utica Avenue Funeral Home Situation
On Thursday, April 29th at my District Office, I was informed by NYPD 63rd Precinct Sector D NCO Officers that a horrendous situation was occurring at an area funeral home located at 2037A Utica Ave. There were bodies of deceased individuals stored in two U-haul trucks and a car on the property. Also, a foul odor and fluids were coming from vehicles onto the street and sidewalk. My staff and I immediately contacted DOHMH, OEM, and the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs about this dilemma. They took action to rectify the situation. I am calling for a full investigation of this Funeral home and holding the responsible persons accountable for their actions. Families have an expectation that the remains of their loved ones are handled in a respectful and dignified manner.
Grief and Bereavement Services
From my staff and I, we offer the humblest of condolences to those who have passed during this coronavirus pandemic. We must stay NY Strong. In THIS LINK, I have compiled a guide that will help answer questions you may have about funerals, memorials and burials, as well as tips on handling grief in this time of social distancing.
Food Distribution Event April 30, 2020
Through a coordinated effort by my office, Campaign Against Hunger, Bishop Williams, NYPD PSA 1, and volunteers we distributed food bundles to residents of Bayview, Boulevard, Cypress Houses, Pink Houses, Breukelen, and Nostrand/Sheepshead Houses. Tenant Association Presidents were on board to help bring this much needed food to their respective residents.
Food Assistance Programs
Are you or someone you know is in need of food assistance but cannot leave their home or cannot afford the costs?
The Department of Education is providing three free meals daily (including vegetarian, kosher and halal options) at over 400 locations across NYC to every New Yorker who needs them. Click HERE to find a Meal Hub near you. No ID is required and each person can pick up 3 meals at a time (adults can pick up meals for their children).
The City of New York is also providing assistance to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis by delivering meals to those who cannot access food themselves; however, they must meet the following criteria:
1) No members of the household can go out and get food because they are at increased medical risk or homebound
2) No neighbors or family members can go out and get food for you
3) Do not receive meal assistance from other providers (incl. Meals on Wheels or God's Love We Deliver); and
4) You are unable to afford meal delivery or grocery delivery
For more information and to apply, please visit HERE.
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in SD-19
Please click HERE for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in our district.
COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams
I wanted to bring this to the attention of all SD-19 constituents. Unfortunately, scammers prey on the vulnerable, often during times of crisis. It was brought to my attention of a potential scam involving the issuance of stimulus checks. Please remember, the government will never attempt to contact you via email asking for personal information and no one will contact you regarding your payments.
Mental Health & Domestic Violence Resources
You do not have to feel alone. If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, please contact the New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. Thousands of mental health professionals are available to help us during this pandemic.
Census 2020
Census forms have been 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.
Please click HERE for my very important message regarding the 2020 Census.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn is the worst offender in our lack of participation not only in NYC but the entire USA. There is too much at stake to have this continue. Since March, 95% of households have received an invitation to participate in the Census, and 5% have had their invitation dropped off by a Census worker to 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
New York State Department of Labor
To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click HERE.
Happy Birthday to all those Born in May!
Local Advisories
2020 Alternate Side Parking & Street Cleaning Calendar
Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses & Subways
NYC Department of Transportation Special Traffic Advisories
Upcoming Events
Social Services Virtual Town Hall
On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Assemblymember Jaime Williams, Council Member Alan Maisel, and myself will join representatives from the NYC Department of Social Services in an interactive virtual town hall meeting for constituents to ask questions about various public assistance programs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual roundtable will be webcast via www.facebook.com/sd19senatorpersaud and constituents are encouraged to submit questions using the chat box. Individuals wishing to listen via telephone may submit requests for call-in details to senatorpersaud@gmail.com.
“Story Time” with author Kamla Millwood
This online event keeps growing in viewership every week! I am honored to partner with Ms. Kamla Millwood to host this online event. During these unprecedented times, it is important that children continue a healthy educational routine. This event helps inspire a passion for reading among our youngest constituents while engaging in remote learning. Please join us on Wednesday, May 6th at 11AM on www.facebook.com/peachtheduckfanpage/ or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sd19senatorpersaud.
Appointments with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) clinic will resume on Saturday, May 9th. Please call my District Office (718-649-7653) to make an appointment to meet with a legal specialist from NYLAG via phone. (Please note that appointments are via phone until further notice.)
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.
Connect With Us:
Website - Calendar - Contact - Facebook - Twitter
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
