August 27, 2020
Dear Constituents:
It’s hard to believe August is almost over. I hope you and your family are well, and thank you for taking the time to read this week’s e-newsletter.
Have you completed the critical 2020 Census? If yes, Thank You. We have approximately thirty-four days to do so. By completing your Census information, you are helping your community to receive its fair share of federal funding. If you haven’t, there is still time, and I urge you to take ten minutes out of your day and complete the ten questions for ten years of resources.
Additionally, filing the census has now become incentivized where you can win great prizes offered by the Census Bureau. Please see this information in this e-newsletter. Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts the funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs. The census guides the distribution of federal funds based on population. Please take a moment to answer the ten-question survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at my2020census.gov. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.
Another Civic Duty we share as Americans is the Right to Vote, and this year’s election cycle has been extremely challenging. Please review the section I have written on the upcoming election day deadlines and applying for an absentee ballot.
Gyms in the city have been authorized by the Mayor to reopen on September 2 at limited capacity with an additional modification: state-mandated inspections are required, and indoor group classes will not be permitted. Last week, the Governor announced reopening guidelines for museums and bowling alleys, and a long-awaited announcement on gyms after a five-month freeze came on August 17.
On August 26, 2020, the New York State Senate held its annual Women of Distinction event. Due to Covid-19, this was a virtual ceremony. Ms. Cass Johnson, RN, is the SD-19 Woman of Distinction, whose tireless efforts on behalf of her patients at Brookdale University Hospital, has saved the lives of many of our residents. You can view the ceremony online HERE. Congratulations, Ms. Cass Johnson, and thank you for all you did for SD-19!
Although it may seem a long way off from November 11th, Veterans Day will be here soon. I am asking veterans in SD-19 to contact my office and give us your veteran status. Call us at 718-649-7653 or email senatorpersaud@gmail.com.
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, Instagram, or Twitter.
Upcoming Events
Essay Writing Contest for Middle School Students
Final call to all middle school students to participate in my essay writing contest with the theme, “Discuss your inability to attend school and how COVID-19 has impacted your life.” Submissions must be received by August 28, 2020. The winning student will be featured in this weekly e-newsletter and win an iPad to assist with remote learning.
Vote: Be Heard. Your Vote Counts
I will be presenting with New York City Job Corps on September 2, 2020 as they hold, “Vote: Be Heard. Your Vote Counts.” A link will be provided the morning of the event for your participation.
Foreclosure: What you need to know in the age of COVID-19
On September 3, 2020 from 6 PM - 7 PM, I will be moderating a Facebook Live event by the Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project entitled, “Foreclosure: What you need to know in the age of COVID-19.” To participate in this virtual event, please go to www.facebook.com/sd19senatorpersaud. Questions can be submitted in the comments section and will be addressed during the broadcast.
NYC Gun Violence Prevention Response Day
This Saturday (August 29th) at 2:00 PM, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) will lead a Ninth District Gun Violence Prevention Day and Solidarity Walk alongside several NYC CURE Violence organizations.
Please see flyer for details and link to RSVP for either the Caravan or Walk.
Eventbrite: https://nycgunviolencepreventionresponseday.eventbrite.com
Around the State
Save Childcare: Day of Action
On August 27th, I joined colleagues from the Senate and Assembly to participate in the Save Childcare: Day of Action. The New York State Office of Children and Families has reported that 25% of childcare programs and 70% of centers for school-aged children have closed across the state due to COVID-19. Despite these statistics, New York continues to withhold $70 million in funding for childcare centers as appropriated by the federal CARES Act, as well as millions of dollars in outstanding payments for contracted work that has already been provided by agencies. We are urging that Governor Cuomo release this funding to provide essential lifelines to child caregivers.
Around the District
Back to School Events
This past week I have been invited to several Back to School events around SD-19. To see a collage of photos from these events, please click on the picture below.
August 22nd - FOF Back 2 School
Food, Mask & Hand Sanitizer Distributions Across SD-19
My office has been 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.
August 25, 2020 - Baitul Mamur Masjid & Community Center
For a collage of this week’s distributions, please click on the photo above.
A Conversation on the Census
On August 25, 2020, I held a Facebook Live event regarding everything census. I was joined by the Field Director for the NYC Census 2020, Ms.Kathleen Daniel. Many questions and concerns were answered during the broadcast and can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Food Distribution - Brooklyn Lifestyle Athletic Club (BKLA)
On August 27, 2020, my office and the Campaign Against Hunger, in partnership with the Carpenter and Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York, and VillageCareMAX held a food/PPE distribution at the Brooklyn Lifestyle Athletic Club (BKLA). Thank you to my staff and BKLA owners Cory and Tamara Galloway, BKLA Manager Isaac Gross, Blog Manager Omar Davis, Walter Calliste. Thank you to all the volunteers from CCA Metro and DSNY District Superintendent Basile and his team. Also thank you to DSNY Commissioner Kathryn Garcia who has helped our city and residents so much as “Food Czar” during this pandemic.
SD-19 NYC Reopening Resource Guide
As New York State continues to reopen, my staff has compiled a “Senate District 19 NYC Reopening Resource 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
Important Dates Leading Up to Election Day (November 3, 2020)
Please review these upcoming voter registration deadlines.
Absentee Voting Information
Please review these procedures in obtaining an absentee ballot if you do not plan on going to your local polling site on election day.
To Apply for an Absentee Ballot online, please click on the graphic below.
For other methods of obtaining an absentee ballot
Please click HERE to download the application.
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Email application to Apply4Absentee@boe.nyc
* Applications must be saved in a (.pdf) format to avoid delays *
- Fax application to 212-487-5349
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Mail application to local borough office
- Calling 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)
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, they will receive a Certificate of Achievement from myself.
The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2020.
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.
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.
In order to continue receiving your UI or PUA benefits, you must continue to certify every week. You do not need to re-apply or contact the NYS DOL, unless you are specifically told to do so. New Yorkers can certify online at labor.ny.gov/signin or on the phone by calling 1-888-581-5812 (for UI) or 1-833-324-0366 (for PUA).
To learn more about Extended Benefits, please visit the PEUC and EB FAQs at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/extended-benefits-faq.pdf.
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?
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).
Sisters with Purpose have been helping our community for months throughout the pandemic by partnering with New York Cares and the Food Bank for New York City to supply food for families in SD-19. Below please find their calendar for their remaining August dates at the Brooklyn Sports Club. Please share this information with those that may be in need.
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in SD-19
Please click HERE for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in our district.
Health & Wellness
Express Emergency Room at Brookdale Hospital
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.
Being Safe at Home
Reports of intimate partner violence have risen during the COVID quarantine. For concerns about dating or domestic violence, please see the poster below and:
NYC Counts Contest
All New Yorkers are being mobilized to complete the census immediately -- and now, they can win more than $15,000 in exciting prizes for doing it!
NYC’s future and recovery from COVID-19 depends on a complete count. Due to challenges like the pandemic, we are in danger of being undercounted and losing out on billions in funding and the political representation that are rightfully ours.
To improve self-response rates, NYC Census 2020 has launched a brand new contest series to boost our self-response rates. All New Yorkers, no matter where they live in the city, who complete the census can enter to win exciting prizes from Seamless, Lyft/Citi Bike, and MoMA over the next five weeks. There will be more than 100 winners in total!
To learn more and enter, please go to nyc.gov/CensusContest.
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.
If you are interested in becoming part of NY’s Bravest, please click the graphic below to learn about employment opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. #JoinFDNY
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 Cafe
On August 26th, I was invited by NYPD 73rd Precinct Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Terrell Anderson to the Brownsville Community Cafe grill and chill. Delicious food was prepared by Jerk in the Ville. Thank you to all the officers of the 73rd Pct. who are helping to bring our community together.
For pictures from this event, please click the photo above.
69th Precinct Movie Night
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 - Instagram
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