July 16, 2020
Dear Constituents:
I will not sugar coat this; it has not been an easy week in Southeast Brooklyn. The rise in senseless gun violence crimes have shaken SD-19 to the core and I will not stand for it! A few hours after I spoke at the George Floyd mural unveiling, about our community coming together and what it means when we say Black Lives Matter, a drive-by shooter shot five people at three locations within SD-19. To say that I’m angry is an understatement. The lives of these five victims and their families will be changed forever by the deranged minds of individuals with no concept of life, love, nor community value.
This recent surge in gun violence on the heels of national protest for racial justice and equality cannot dampen or taint the positive progress our community has made during these troubling times. We have had too much violence and death over the past months, and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked. I am confident that the individuals who committed these crimes will be apprehended to face the fullest extent of the law. I will continue to work with my colleagues and community partners to ensure that this madness does not reoccur in our community. I have been in consistent contact with our area precincts and continue to work diligently with the NYPD to develop solutions to put gun violence to rest in our district. This week I've spoken with the NYPD 69th Precinct Commander and PSA 1 Commander, along with Assembly Member Jaime Williams, Assembly Member Nick Perry, and Council Member Alan Maisel to discuss the increasing crime and how we can help end gun violence and return safety to our community.
On a more positive note, New York City is catching up to the rest of the State regarding reopening and a return to a degree of normalcy. While in-door dining in the five boroughs is still on hold, we are gearing up to meet the Phase 4 schedule shortly. Please click HERE to see NYC reopening updates in realtime.
Please continue to wear a facial covering and adhere to the social distancing protocols in public spaces. We do not want to go back to where we were just a few months ago. Our community has seen enough heartache and loss, we can not afford to revert.
Lastly, we are in the final 100 days of the Census response timeline. Only 50% of Brooklyn households have responded to the 2020 Census thus far. Please remember that our Census response helps the federal government determine the allocation of funding to our community for things like vital healthcare access, housing services, and education resources, to name a few. A better response means that we get the money we need to increase the quality and access to these much-needed resources.
Please take a moment to answer the ten-question survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at My2020Census.gov. Don’t wait! Act now!
Sincerely,
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.
Cardiovascular Testing & COVID-19 Antibody Testing
In July, I partnered with Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics and community leaders to bring a mobile Cardiovascular testing vehicle to various locations throughout Senate District 19. There will also be COVID-19 antibody testing. To make an appointment for either a cardiovascular test or a COVID-19 antibody test, please click HERE for July 21-23 appointment dates. Walk-ins will also be acceptable.
George Floyd Mural Dedication Ceremony
It was an honor to be joined by artist Mr. Kenny Altidor, Mr. Terrence Floyd, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Pastor Samuel Nicolas and other faith and community leaders to be present at the dedication ceremony to the late Mr. George Floyd on July 13th. This mural is a testament to our community and NYPD-69th Precinct coming together and working towards a common goal of peace, understanding, and mutual respect. This beautiful mural can be seen at the corner of E. 80th Street and Flatlands Avenue.
To hear my remarks from this event, please click HERE.
SD-19 NYC Reopening Resource Guide
As New York State begins to reopen in phases, my staff has compiled a “Senate District 19 Reopening Guide” to help assist constituents on the what, where, when and how these processes will commence. To view this new guide, please click the banner below.
SENATE DISTRICT 19 NYC REOPENING RESOURCE GUIDE
COVID Rent Relief Program
New Yorkers who missed rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic can apply for the State’s COVID Rent Relief Program, a one-time rental subsidy to eligible households’ landlords. In order to qualify for help, you must have made below 80% of your area’s median income and paid more than 30% of your gross monthly income towards rent. You must also have lost income from April 1st to July 31st. For further information and to submit a COVID Rent Relief Program application, please click HERE.
Mask & Sanitizer Distributions across SD-19
We are continuously fighting the COVID-19 battle, with areas of SD-19 being some of the hardest-hit in all of New York City. I have held PPE distribution events across our district and will continue to do so. From Bergen Beach to Brownville, East New York to Sheepshead Bay and all communities in between, we have been tirelessly distributing facial masks and hand sanitizer at events across SD-19. Please look for our schedule of locations and dates so that you can receive your supply. As a reminder, I urge everyone to properly dispose of used masks and gloves in garbage bins. DO NOT LITTER! Do not throw used PPE on the sidewalks, streets, or outside stores. Improper disposal is a significant health concern that affects all of us. Please be mindful of the people who must clean up your garbage. Please click HERE to see my message about the proper disposal of PPE.
On July 14th, staff members and I helped to distribute facial masks, literature and Census information at the NYCHA - Pink Houses.
For more pictures from this event, please click the above photo
Food Distributions across SD-19
NYC has seen its highest levels of people needing food as food insecurity has skyrocketed during this pandemic. Thankfully for the New York City’s grab-and-go program and food vendors donating groceries, my office has been able to facilitate food distributions across SD-19 to help those in need. Thank you to all the volunteers and community leaders who have helped bring this service to some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
On July 16th, my office and the Campaign Against Hunger, in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library - New Lots Branch held a food distribution at 655 New Lots Avenue. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who helped organize and volunteer their time to help bring nutritious food to our area residents.
For more photos from this event, please click the picture above.
On July 17th, my office will partner with City Harvest to help distribute food to the residents of Brownsville from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Salvation Army located at 280 Riverside Avenue . Please share this flyer with those who may be in need.
The New York State Senate Summer Reading Program
Parents and guardians from across New York State are invited to enter their children's summer reading activity. By filling in the information HERE, including three books read by your child this summer, he/she will receive a Certificate of Achievement from myself.
The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2020. More resources and facts about summer reading can be found at:
Summer School 2020
This has been an nontraditional school year to say the least. The NYC Department of Education has developed a website to help students and families navigate the remote learning processes during this year’s summer school sessions. Please click HERE for further information focused on your family’s specific situation and necessary steps to take for student enrollment.
Brooklyn Public Library
The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) began reopening gradually on July 13, beginning with Lobby Service at Bay Ridge Library, Bushwick Library, Central Library, Flatbush Library, Kings Highway Library, New Lots Library, and Red Hook Library, then increasing open locations and branch offerings over time to help keep staff and patrons safe. BPL is currently preparing their branch locations so that staff can return to work safely. They will also begin preparing our materials for circulation and holds.
Libraries beginning Lobby Service on July 13:
Hours for all Lobby Service locations will be:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 1pm to 7pm
BRIC Partners with the NYC Department of Education
BRIC has partnered with the NYC Department of Education to provide 5-days a week of free programming for students. The program will reach hundreds of thousands of Brooklyn households, giving parents and teachers an additional resource to boost the remote learning experience. You can stream the educational TV show HERE, or on Spectrum channel 1993, Optimum channel 951, and Verizon channel 47 from 9 AM - 12 PM, Monday through Friday.
Photo: Beyond My Ken for Wikimedia Commons
Junior Knicks & Junior Rangers Virtual Summer Camps
FREE Junior Knicks and Junior Rangers Virtual Summer Camps start Monday, July 13! These two awesome options will get kids active with a variety of guided drills, workouts and other bonus features, such as Q&A’s with players, alumni and special guests.
The registration links are:
Junior Knicks (ages 6-16)
https://www.nba.com/knicks/junior/camp
Junior Rangers (ages 7-14)
https://www.nhl.com/rangers/community/junior-rangers-virtual-camps
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Bring the Brooklyn Children’s Museum into your home! BCM+You is a free resource that brings BCM’s exhibits, programs, animal friends, and collections objects to your family anytime, anywhere. Visit BCM+You to explore, make, learn and play.
2020 Brooklyn Borough Arts Festival
Celebrate the creativity and talent of Brooklyn students with the launch of the 2020 Brooklyn Borough Arts Festival virtual exhibit, featuring the work of some of Brooklyn's youngest artists. To view this event online, please click HERE.
Employment Opportunities
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H+H (Health & Hospitals) is hiring for several positions. Apply here: http://nyc.gov/getwork.
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NYC is hiring 2,500 Contact Tracers. Apply here: Careers.
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NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need: NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal.
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Available New York State Jobs and application deadlines can be found HERE.
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Constituents looking for New York City employment can search HERE.
NYCHA-CUNY Scholarships
NYCHA is offering four scholarships of $1,000 to residents who are enrolled for undergraduate degrees at CUNY colleges. Check out the eligibility requirements and apply by July 23rd online at http://on.nyc.gov/nycha-cuny.
BCJC Summer Internship
The Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC) is offering an opportunity for young adults ages 18-24 to gain hands on experience working remotely and/or in-person as well as participate in virtual work-readiness workshops and complete community benefit projects in Brownsville. Participants enrolled in this program can earn $15/hours and they are required to participate 15 hours a week. In order to enroll, participants must have their documents ready to be reviewed by our staff no later than July 10th. For more info, please reach out to Ionna at ijimenez@nycourts.gov.
To apply, please click here: https://forms.gle/B3vZhFi427Jhnyte7
Department of Labor - Unemployment Claims
To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click HERE. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my district office.
Tropical Storm Fay Claims
Due to the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Fay last weekend, over a dozen residences near E. 87th Street and Avenue M were affected by a sewer leak flooding their basements.
Property damage claims must be filed within 90 days of occurrence to the City Comptroller's office. You can file your claim online by clicking: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/services/for-the-public/claims/e-filing/
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NYC Emergency Management - Beat the Heat!
Now that summer is in full swing, the air temperature is getting very warm and air quality is decreasing. NYC Emergency Management has many tips on how to stay cool and how to protect yourself and your families from the dangerous effects of high temperatures. Please click HERE for a number of resources on how to stay safe and beat the heat!
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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 500 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 has provided over 1,000,000 food assistance deliveries to New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis 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.
Debt-Collection Suspension
NYS Attorney General Letitia James’ office is helping to provide people or businesses impacted by COVID-19 that owe (non-medical and non-student) debts to the State of New York. Please click HERE to be considered for debt relief, including relief from collection activity, interest accrual, and the assessment of collection fees by completing the “COVID-19 Application for Suspension of Debt Collection Activity.”
Office of the Parking Summons Advocate (OPSA)
The Office of the Parking Summons Advocate (OPSA) is an independent unit within the New York City Department of Finance that offers assistance to members of the public with issues related to parking summonses. The OPSA can assist with a range of parking summons related issues, free of charge. Our services include hearing or appeal preparation, ticket or decision review, penalty disputes, and boots or tow disputes. We also provide free translation services. You can visit the OPSA website at www.nyc.gov/parkingadvocate to download materials and request assistance.
Federal Trade Commission Scams
Scammers have been quite brazen during these difficult times and now a new report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mentions that scammers are impersonating the FTC now as well! One of the latest schemes involves an email that falsely claims it came from Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Juliana Gruenwald Henderson of the FTC. This email may say you’re entitled to some money from a phony “Global Empowerment Fund” and tells you to give your bank account number or credit card information. These emails are a scam and not from the FTC. The FTC will never send an email asking to share your bank account information, social security number, or credit card number. Anyone who asks you to wire money or pay by gift card or with cryptocurrency is a scammer. Please report this scam or any other to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/complaint so they can warm others. Also, visit www.identitytheft.gov to learn what to do if a scammer has your personal information.
Health & Wellness
Wellness Wednesdays: Talk to a Doctor
Join the Wellness Wednesday hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Wed. July 22, 2020 from 4pm-5:30pm. All are welcome to join. This week Talk with some of the Doctors from the One Brooklyn Health System (Brookdale, Interfaith & Kingsbrook) as they talk about COVID and Geriatrics, Palliative Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Behavioral Health, Internal Medicine Diabetes & Pediatrics.
To register, please go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSferIe8O3J47JA2UQoSKOe3DUGzFvBzpJRKevCHmi1xsseLzg/viewform
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
Public Safety
FDNY
Even though FDNY CPR classes are currently postponed, watch this #FDNYSmart video to gain an overall awareness of hands-only CPR, and to learn how #CPRSavesLives.
Visit www.fdnysmart.org/connect to watch the full presentation. Use these safety tips when performing Hands Only CPR, and remember that early recognition and action improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.
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.
Brownsville Community Café
On July 14th, I was welcomed to the Brownsville Community Café, in partnership with the 73rd Precinct and Blendzville Café. This event helps local restaurants come together with the NYPD to help promote healthy eating choices in our community. Thank you to all the Youth Explores, 73rd Precinct Officers, Community Affairs Officers, and community and faith leaders who made this a very special event for all.
Also, Assembly Member Jaime Williams (AD-59), Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (CD-41), Council Member Alan Maisel (CD-46), and I were honored to join some of the Youth Explorers again, on July 15th for a virtual discussion on community relations between our police and youth focusing on social justice and racism.
Please click the picture above for more photos from this event
Homicide Victims Liaison Unit will provide a connection with
the investigating detective and the family members of those who
have lost a loved one to violence.
We will offer the surviving family members:
- Case updates
- Victim compensation information
- Referrals to resources
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out
to Familiesofhomicidevictims@nypd.org or call 646-610-5233
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
