May 22, 2020
Dear Constituents:
This month has been flying by and summer is just around the corner. I have been working in all neighborhoods of Senate District 19 to bring our community the resources we need to fight COVID-19. As you may have heard this week, SD-19 has been the hardest hit district in New York City when it comes to infected individuals and it is my duty to provide the tools and assistance to help us fight back. We are making major progress and can not make mistakes that would jeopardize our success. Please wear a face covering in public. New York City is distributing face coverings in parks and grab-and-go food distribution sites across the city free of charge. Please use THIS LINK to find the closest distribution location near you.
Census. Census. Census. I cannot overstate the importance of completing the Census. If you have not done so already, go to www.census2020.gov and fill out your census form today!
Additionally, absentee voting ballots will be mailed for the upcoming June 23rd elections. Please review this e-newsletter’s section on how to properly request and/or apply for an absentee ballot.
I would like to wish my Muslim constituents, “Eid Mubarak,” as they celebrate the end of Ramadan on May 23rd.
This coming Monday (5/25), our country will be celebrating Memorial Day. Please remember, as we enjoy this holiday weekend, we must reflect on all the Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms.
Lastly, when disposing your masks and gloves, please do not litter and use the garbage cans to safely and hygienically discard them. Please click HERE to see my message about proper disposal of PPE.
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.
Happy Memorial Day!
This Monday (5/25) is Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday is now observed on the last Monday of May, having been observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970. I wish everyone to have a safe holiday, and also reflect on those that made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the USA and the freedoms we often take for granted. Similarly, our front-line workers are acting as soldiers protecting our health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. I salute these individuals during this time as they are also fighting a war to keep New Yorkers safe.
To all my Muslim consituents, Eid Mubarak!
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
COVID-19 & Antibody Testing
New York State is providing large-scale free testing for COVID-19. To determine if you are eligible to receive this free service, fill out the intake questionnaire and consent form found HERE. Once you complete the survey, you will receive a text or call from the Department of Health with information on test sites and available dates. For more information, call the New York State Department of Health hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Unemployment Resources
Education and Student Loan Resources
On Monday (5/18), I held a virtual town hall regarding K-12 education and higher education which can be seen HERE. A lot of information pertaining to student readiness, student loan debt, and remote learning was discussed.
These are the list of resources and web sites mentioned during the live stream:
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC)
www.hesc.ny.gov
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: Free FInancial Counseling
www.nyc.gov/talkmoney
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs: Student Loan Resources
www.nyc.gov/studentloans
US Department of Education Federal Student Aid Resources
www.nslds.ed.gov
NYC Department of Consumer Affairs & Worker Protection (DCWP) Debt Collection Template
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/DCA-Template-Cease-Debt-Collection-Communication-Letter-for-Consumers.pdf
NYC DCWP How to Avoid Student Loan Distress: Tips + Free Help Resources Booklet
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dca/downloads/pdf/consumers/Tips-HowtoAvoidStudentLoanDebtDistress.pdf
NYC DCWP Important Updates on Student Loans https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Student-Loan-Debt-Tips-During-COVID19.page
NYC DCWP Tips: Before you Enroll in a School or Training Program
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Before-You-Enroll-in-a-School-or-Training-Program.page
NYC DCWP Tips: Before Taking Out Student Loan
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Before-You-Take-Out-Student-Loans-For-Yourself-or-a-Child.page
NYC DCWP Tips: Once you have Student Loans https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Once-You-Have-Student-Loans.page
NYC DCWP In-person Help
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Student-Loans-In-Person-Help.page
NYC DCWP Other Resources
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/Student-Loans-Other-Resources.page
Dial-A-Teacher is Back!
The Dial-A-Teacher program began in January 1980 and has returned to assist during these times of remote education. The United Federation of Teachers is relaunching this program for parents and students from Kindergarten through 5th Grade, where they can receive help with English and math coursework. Please click HERE to enroll online.
Alternate Side Parking
REMINDER: Alternate Side Parking Resumption
The de Blasio Administration announced that Alternate Side Parking (ASP) Regulations will resume from Monday, May 18–Sunday, May 24, 2020 for a citywide clean sweep, after which suspensions will continue for another two weeks through Sunday, June 7, 2020.
Please note there will be two suspensions during the clean sweep week: Thursday, May 21, 2020 and Sunday, May 24, 2020 as scheduled on the ASP calendar for Solemnity of the Ascension and Idul-Fitr (Eid Al-Fitr).
The City may extend the suspension based on street cleanliness and workforce availability. Any New Yorker under isolation who has received a ticket can appeal to the Department of Finance and should provide medical documentation or testimony, which will be taken into consideration when their case is reviewed.
Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.
Housing Resources
Free Weekly Credit Monitoring
If you’re feeling anxious about your financial health during these uncertain times, you’re not alone. That’s why the three national credit reporting agencies are giving people weekly access to monitor their credit report — for free.
This is some helpful news, because staying on top of your credit report is one important tool to help manage your financial data. Your credit report has information about your credit history and payment history — information that lenders, creditors, and other businesses use when giving you loans or credit.
Now it’s easier than ever to check your credit more often. That’s because everyone is eligible to get free weekly credit reports from the three national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. To get your free reports, go to AnnualCreditReport.com. The credit reporting agencies are making these reports free for the next year.
If you’re one of the many Americans struggling to pay your bills right now because of the Coronavirus crisis, here’s what you can do:
-
Contact the companies you owe money to. Ask if they can postpone your payment, put you on a payment plan, or give you a temporary forbearance.
-
Check your credit report regularly to make sure it’s correct — especially any new payment arrangements or temporary forbearance. The recently passed CARES Act generally requires your creditors to report these accounts as current.
-
Fix any errors or mistakes that you spot on your credit report. Notify the credit reporting agencies directly. You can find out more by reading Disputing Errors on Credit Reports.
Absentee Voting
Under the Governor’s Executive Order 202.15
To prevent the community spread of COVID-19, all registered voters may apply for an Absentee Ballot to vote in the upcoming June 23, 2020 elections.
If you are affected by COVID-19, please check the box for “Temporary Illness” on the application. The definition has been temporarily expanded to include those affected by COVID-19 and/or the potential of contracting the virus.
This website can be used only by registered New York City voters to apply for an Absentee Ballot for the June 23, 2020 Elections.
Please enter your information exactly as it appears in your voter record. Failure to do so may result in a “Record Not Found”.
This does not mean you are not eligible.
For further assistance please email AbsenteeJune2020@boe.nyc or call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
To apply for an absentee ballot, please click HERE.
Food & Mask Distribution Events
On Wednesday (5/20), Assembly Member Jaime Williams and I distributed masks and hand sanitizer to constituents with the help of staff, 69th Precinct Community Council President Gardy Brazela, Canarsie Lions Club President Nathan Williams, 69th Police Officer Toussaint and Brooklyn South Community Affairs Officer Murray. A video of the distribution can be found HERE.
My office also had a food distribution event Thursday (5/21) in City Line with the help from Campaign Against Hunger, American Bangladeshi Community Development, and the Turkish Cultural Center Brooklyn. A video of the event can be seen HERE.
Food Assistance Programs
Are you or someone you know 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 almost 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.
NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
While DMV offices across New York State remain suspended, several DMV tasks can now be completed online. Renewing a registration or driver license can be performed online by clicking HERE.
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 loan) 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.”
Mental Health & Domestic Violence Checks
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
If you read my e-newsletter this far, you could have already completed the Census. 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 #CompleteCount
New York State Department of Labor & IRS
To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click HERE.
Additionally, the IRS has made a new hotline for taxpayers to find the status of their economic impact stimulus checks. Please call 1-800-919-9835 to inquire about your checks or visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
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:
-
Social Services, CHAIR
-
Banks, MEMBER
-
Children and Families, MEMBER
-
Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, MEMBER
-
Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention, MEMBER
-
Labor, MEMBER
-
Legislative Women’s Caucus, MEMBER
-
Transportation, MEMBER
