Roxanne J. Persaud

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

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." - Coretta Scott King
 
April is Financial Literacy Month!

Financial literacy month is a time designed for consumers to focus on their financial behaviors and remedy financially crippling circumstances. Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to check credit reports whenever possible with the following plan in mind:

Order your free credit report. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228. Until the end of the pandemic, everyone in the U.S. can get a free credit report each week from all three national credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).


Read the reports carefully. Do you recognize the accounts? Do they list credit applications? Did you apply for credit at those places?


Spot mistakes. Fix anything that looks wrong (read more about how). But if it looks like someone else is using your credit, go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a recovery plan.


Spot a credit repair scam. If a credit repair company asks for money up front, or tells you not to contact the credit bureaus yourself, that’s probably a scammer. 
 
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month!

Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact made without consent. This can include rape or coercion. For more information on awareness and becoming an advocate, visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Should you or someone you know be a victim of sexual assault, please contact 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Senator Persaud sponsored Senate Reso. J.581  proclaiming April 2021, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the State of New York. 
 
Albany Update

Senate Food Justice Hearing

On Tuesday, April 13th, Senator Persaud co-convened a public hearing: Diversifying Agriculture and Addressing Food Justice alongside Continuing Inequities on our Food Systems. A joint effort of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Labor and Social Services, this hearing sought testimony from various Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) working in agriculture; and food security, researchers, cooperative extension professionals, educators and anti-hunger advocates. Senator Persaud was delighted to hear from the myriad panelists including constituents and organizations that serve SD-19 and Brooklyn: City Harvest, The Campaign Against Hunger, Teens for Food Justice, Black Farmers United / Universe City NYC, Cornell University, and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy.  

Click here for the hearing notice and video footage.
 

April Resolutions
Anniversary of Jumpstart

To commemorate the 27th Anniversary of the Jumpstart, Senator Persaud, Senator Brisport, Senator Kaplan, Senator Comrie, and Senator Mayer co-sponsored Senate Reso. J.420. Established in 1994 when college students Aaron
Lieberman, Rebecca Weintraub, Jordan Meranus and David Carmel met while
working at Ramapo Anchorage Camp, a residential summer camp in Upstate
New York which serves children who are experiencing social, emotional,
or learning challenges.  Jumpstart is now a national early education nonprofit organization which delivers high-quality language, literacy and social-emotional programming to preschool children from under-resourced communities and promotes quality early learning for all. 
Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month

Esophageal cancer is among the deadliest of cancers, with
fewer than one in five patients surviving five years. Esophageal cancer in the United States is most often caused by persistent heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), yet many who are at risk are unaware of the potential danger GERD can present when it occurs over several weeks or months. Senator Persaud, along with Senator Brisport, Senator Kaplan, Senator Comrie, and Senator Mayer co-sponsored Senate Reso. J.424 to proclaim April 2021, as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month in the State of New York. Esophageal cancer awareness, along with improvements in
prevention, early detection and treatment strategies, will enhance the
health and well-being of all Americans.
Immunization Week

According to the World Health Organization, up to 1.5
million children around the world still die each year from diseases
which could have been prevented with a simple vaccine. Immunizations protect against diseases that are
historically some of the most virulent killers of children under five
years old, including pneumonia and rotavirus diarrhea. Senator Persaud, Senator Brisport, Senator Comrie, Senator Kaplan, and Senator Mayer proudly co-sponsored Senate Reso. J.422 to proclaim April 20-25, 2021, as Immunization Week in the State of New York. Let's be thankful for modern medicine!
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Day

In Acute Myeloid Leukemia, there is an abnormal production of one or more of
myeloid blood cells in the bone marrow due to certain changes in the
genetic material (DNA). These are called genetic abnormalities. These abnormal cells are called leukemia cells and can fill up the bone marrow and spill into the blood, where they can spread to parts of the body including the brain, skin, spleen and gums. It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels. Senator Persaud sponsored SenateReso. J.586 proclaiming April 21, 2021, as Acute Myeloid Leukemia Day in the State of New York.
 
 

Recent Events in SD19:

Electronic Recycling Collection/ Food Distribution- April 10, 2021

Senator Persuad, Assembly Woman Williams, & Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Avenue L PPE Distribution- April 12, 2021
 
Honoring Captain Besemah Rogers for Women's History Month

Captain Besemah Rogers was sworn in as an NYPD Police Officer in January 2005. As a police officer, she served in the 70 and 76 Precincts and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2010 and served in the 77 Pct, 110 Pct, and Police Service Area 1. In July 2014, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served in the 40th Precinct. In September 2018, she was then promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the Executive Officer of Police Service Area 2 until September 2020. Currently, she serves as the Commanding Officer of Police Service Area 1.

She classified herself as a daughter of Brooklyn who finds joy and purpose in empowering others. "Service has been a consistent theme in my upbringing and adult life. There is no greater joy and love for me than serving my Black and Brown community.", says Captain Rogers. 

Senator Persaud and SD19 thank you for your service, Captain Besemah Rogers! 
 

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!
 

One Brooklyn Health will be hosting a food distribution & limited health screenings on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 11AM-5PM at Brookdale Family Care Center - Linden.
 
Food Distribution                        

The Sisters with Purpose organization will be having a Food Pantry at the Brooklyn Sports Club 9AM-10AM on the following dates. See flyer for more details.

April 17, 2021
April 24, 2021
 
Free Electronics Recycling Collection                        

Senator Persaud, Assembly Woman Jaime Williams, and Council Member Alan Maisel will continue hosting the Free Electronic Recycling Collection at our district office 2pm-5pm on the dates below. See flyer for permissible items for donation.

April 16, 23, & 30 

May 7, 14, 21, & 28 
 
Financial Literacy Webinar                       

NHS Brooklyn is hosting a Financial Coaching and Credit Webinar. See flyer for topics that will be included. Remember, April is Financial Literacy Month! To register for this event, click here. 

April 22, 2021 6PM-7:30PM
 

Don't Forget to Apply for SYEP!

The application period for the 2021 NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is open!!  SYEP is a lottery-based program for young people age 14-24.  Applications are due on/before Friday, April 23, 2021.  Don't wait to apply!


Learn more and access the application here.

Free & Remote Career Readiness+ OSHA Training for Youth 17-24!

For any youth (ages 17-24) interested in pursuing construction, the application period for the OBT Career Readiness+ Online OSHA Training ends April 16, 2021. The 5-week program offers: 

-OSHA 30 certification
-Certifications in Hospitality, Microsoft Office, and/or Customer Service
-Assistance with resumes, interviews, public speaking, and more
-Assistance finding a part-time or full-time job upon completion of the program
-Assistance applying to College and other Post-Secondary Programs
-Free guidance counseling, supportive services, and follow-up services

For more information, see flyer below. Click here to apply.
 

Interested in becoming a NYPD officer?

The application period for NYPD Police Officer exams open April 7, 2021 until April 27, 2021. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a police officer, visit the NYPD website for more information on the job requirements, exam prep materials, and the hiring process.
 

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

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 6, 2021 the launching of COVID-19 Vaccine mobile sites, administering various vaccines.  The first bus is aimed toward helping restaurant workers and delivery people obtain a vaccine. 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: Monday-Friday 5:30AM-1PM & Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5PM

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

Walk-ins will be accepted at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center to receive the 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine starting Friday, 4/16 from 7:30am - 4:00pm. See flyer for more details.
 

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 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. 
 
About Us

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.

 

Albany Office:
409 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2788

District Office:
1222 East 96th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11236
718-649-7653
New York State Senate