Senator Roxanne J. Persaud's Weekly E-Newsletter

July 30, 2020

Dear Constituents:

I am happy to be back in SD-19 this week after a very busy session in Albany. Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s e-newsletter.

I hope everyone is handling this heatwave safely and keeping yourselves properly hydrated. Please check in on your elderly family members and neighbors. NYC Emergency Management (OEM) has created a new cooling center locator website, which is regularly updated and can be accessed HERE. These cooling center listings are under strict COVID-19 social distancing protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. Opening times vary by location and new centers will continue to open throughout the summer, so please check this site often for new locations near your home.

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA has transformed American society and enabled a generation of Americans with disabilities to thrive. At the same time, I recognize that many barriers to equal opportunity still remain. I will always commit towards making the promise of the ADA a reality, enabling all Americans with disabilities to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential.

I’m sure when reading the newspapers and watching television, you know that New York City entered Phase IV of reopening on July 20, albeit with some limitations. Museums, movie theaters, gyms, and malls remain shuttered, as does indoor dining. I understand the impact of the continued closure of some businesses has on our communities and will continue to advocate for reopenings with useful safety precautions. Please review the guidelines by sector HERE.

What is alarming to many (including myself), is the utter disregard for social distancing and refraining from large social gatherings. While it’s true that New York has come leaps and bounds from where we were last Spring; however, other areas of the country are now far surpassing our prior infection rates. People are traveling again and adherence to self quarantine from out-of-state visitors has often been ignored. Governor Cuomo’s office has required travelers from over half the country to self quarantine for two weeks when coming to New York. For the complete list, please click HERE.

I encourage you to continue to wear a facial covering and adhere to the social distancing protocols while in public spaces. We have seen enough heartache and loss and can not afford to revert to where we were last Spring.

Our communities have been plagued by gun violence over the last month; this is unacceptable and requires action by all us. When I read articles showing the casket specially made for a 1-year old child, words cannot express the pain felt by the family and community. It is truly heartbreaking and I will not stand for this in SD-19. This is not who we are nor what we’re about. I will not sit back and watch our community’s reputation be tarnished on national and international news outlets. We must all do our part in restoring peace to our community.

Lastly, Census, census, census! NYC Census 2020 has named this week a “Census Week of Action.” 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. An accurate response requires each person to submit their household response, which will allow us to receive the needed funding to increase the quality and access to 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. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.

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

Brooklyn Public Library - Virtual Storytime with Senator Persaud

On Friday, July 31st at 11AM, I am honored to join Ms. Patricia Moore and the Brooklyn Public Library’s New Lots Branch as their guest speaker for “Virtual Storytime.” We will share stories, songs, and rhymes to encourage families to read all summer. This event will be streamed on Facebook Live and can be viewed by clicking HERE.

The 2020 Senate District 19 ‘Power-19 Awards’

My office is currently seeking nominations for this year’s “19th Senatorial District Power-19 Awards.”

Each year my office chooses 19 outstanding individuals who either live or work in Senate District 19 to acknowledge their outstanding accomplishments and invaluable service to the community and State of New York.

I am asking the community for assistance to help nominate outstanding front line and essential workers who have exemplified the hard work, dedication and heroic contributions during this year’s coronavirus pandemic.

To nominate an outstanding frontline/essential worker, please submit a brief description of how they worked to help “flatten the curve” during the pandemic and their contact information to persaud@nysenate.gov. Nominations must be submitted by August 10, 2020.

Essay Writing Contest for Middle School Students

I am calling on 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.

New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

My office has partnered with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)-Legal Help Center to provide free civil legal services to New Yorkers in need. In the past this service was performed in their Mobile Legal Help Center; however, consultations are now held via telephone appointment to follow COVID-19 social distancing protocols.

Appointments are still available for the August 27th date. Please call my District Office at 718-649-7653 to schedule an appointment.

Recent Legislation

A number of environmental bills passed in both the NYS Senate and NYS Assembly since my last e-newsletter was sent. I would like to highlight some of these bills for you:

S6829B/A8829: would prohibit the use of trichloroethylene (TCE). TCE is the cause of some of the nation's most high-profile environmental disasters, most notably detailed in the film and book "A Civil Action" about Woburn, Massachusetts.

S6758B/A8672: would establish several new unlawful disposal (illegal dumping) crimes and also increases penalties for illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste.

S3392/A2655: would require hazardous waste produced from oil and natural gas drilling and production to be subject to the same disposal requirements of other regulated hazardous wastes. If not disposed of properly, oil and natural gas production waste can contaminate air, drinking water, soil, and food.

S8817/A4739-C: would ban the sale and distribution of food packaging made with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to cause a range of health problems.

S5612A/A8349: would reclassify numerous small waterways (class C) across the state as “streams” to afford them the same environmental protections.

S6502A/A732-B: would prohibit the use of herbicides containing glyphosate on state property. A common ingredient in many household “weed killers”, glyphosate has been linked to health problems and is deemed a "probable human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

S4176A/A4398-A: the Excess Food Act, would require grocery stores (larger than 10,000 square feet) to enter into written agreements with charitable organizations including, but not limited to, food banks to convey excess food that would otherwise enter the waste stream unnecessarily.

S8663A/A8767-A: would establish an Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force to compile information on and to recommend best management practices for winter road maintenance in the Adirondacks.

S6523A/A7805-C: would expand powers of the Municipal Sustainable Energy Loan Program by allowing municipalities to make loans to owners of real property engaged in new construction or renovation of an existing structure.

Joint New York State Senate & Assembly Hearings: “The Impact of COVID-19”

These hearings are streamed live over the internet. Simply go to www.nysenate.gov on the day of the hearing and you will be able to view these live broadcasts from home.

Around the District

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

Dumping is Illegal!

This is completely unacceptable. My office is working closely with the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to target illegal dumping sites throughout SD-19. Not only is this behavior against the law and unsightly, it jeopardizes the health of the community, becomes a breeding ground for vermin, and is environmentally hazardous.

Miller Avenue between Belmont Avenue and Pitkin Avenue

Food, Mask & Hand 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.

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.

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 28th, my office partnered with City Harvest and Fellowship Baptist Church and held a food distribution for the constituents residing in the area. We were also joined by the US Census Bureau to help distribute information and literature about completing the very important 2020 Census. Thank you very much to Rev. Anthony McLean and all the volunteers from Fellowship Baptist Church. Also, a very Happy Birthday to Deacon Green!

For more pictures from this event, please click the photo above

On Thursday, July 30th, my office partnered with the Campaign Against Hunger to help distribute food to residents in Canarsie. This event was held outside my District Office at 1222 E. 96th Street. Thank you 63rd Precinct Officer Podd, Community Affairs Officer Benjamin, and volunteers for helping to distribute alongside us. To view a video of this event, please click HERE.

For more pictures from this event, please click the photo above

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:

New York's Libraries: http://www.summerreadingnys.org/
Scholastic's Kids and Families Reading Report: www.scholastic.com

Summer School 2020

This has been an untraditional 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.

Schools & Childcare in Fall 2020

The NYC Department of Education (DoE) has updated their Schools Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. You can read the message from Chancellor Carranza HERE. DoE has designed a comparison of both remote and blended learning experiences. DoE is continuing to answer questions from families and taking suggestions as to how the next school year will commence. I encourage you to keep track of the Schools Reopening Guidance by clicking HERE as this information is in flux while the implementation of reopening schools is formulated. Additionally, there are two remaining information session dates where families and students can share their opinions and voice their concerns regarding the next school year.

NYC will offer childcare for over 100,000 students on days when students are learning remotely to allow for parents to return to work. Childcare will allow 15 students per room, be fully supervised and administered differently for very young children and those from K to 8th Grade. The Mayor’s office is expected to announce locations which will include spaces such as libraries and after school providers.

Also, please review the NY State guidance for schools HERE.

Employment Opportunities

H+H (Health & Hospitals) is hiring for several positions. Apply here: http://nyc.gov/getwork.
NYC is hiring 2,500 Contact Tracers. Apply here: Careers.
NYC is hiring licensed TLC drivers to deliver food to New Yorkers in need: NYC Food Delivery Driver Portal.
Available New York State Jobs and application deadlines can be found HERE.
Constituents looking for New York City employment can search HERE.

Apply for Financing Assistance

The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund, from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, is a no-interest loan and PPE grant program for small businesses across Brooklyn. The program is run by BCC’s CDFI, Brooklyn Alliance Capital. The grant provides deep cleaning services, gloves, thermometers, and hand sanitizer. Apply here today: Bring Back Brooklyn Loan & Grant Application

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.

UPDATE: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

Under current Federal law and US DOL guidelines, this is the last benefit week for $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, or FPUC, payments in New York. That means when you submit your weekly certification between Sunday 7/26 and Saturday 8/1, you will be certifying your final week of FPUC. This may change if Congress takes action to extend Americans’ unemployment benefits. The Department of Labor will provide updates on any changes through direct emails to unemployed constituents, through the Department website, labor.ny.gov, and through the DOL social media accounts on Twitter (@NYSLabor), Facebook (facebook.com/nyslabor) and Instagram (@nyslabor).

IN ADDITION, PLEASE NOTE TWO RECENT BENEFIT EXTENSIONS:

Traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are now extended for up to 59 weeks: Traditional UI lasts for 26 weeks in New York and has been extended by both the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which adds 13 weeks, and the Extended Benefits (EB) program, which adds an additional 20 weeks.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are now extended for up to 46 weeks: Under Federal law, those receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) are not eligible for PEUC or EB, but are now eligible for up to 46 weeks of benefits in New York - up from the original 39 weeks.

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.

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.” This program has been extended until August 15th, so please share this valuable opportunity with those that may be in need.

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.

NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Updates

Governor Cuomo announced on July 29th that the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles will now allow DMV-licensed driving schools to conduct “distance learning” via various video conferencing platforms for the mandatory five-hour pre-licensing course. Additionally, pre-licensing courses taken prior to coronavirus closing which have now expired, will be accepted. As DMV locations across the State are taking steps to ensure health and safety, all visits to a DMV office are by appointment only. For further information on this new announcement and to schedule an appointment at your local DMV office, please click HERE. To schedule and take a road test, please click HERE to make an appointment.

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information

Scams unfortunately happen everywhere. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has created an online tool called, “Explore Data” to help residents answer the question, “What kinds of scams are happening in my area?”

With “Explore Data,” you can find out what kinds of scams and identity theft people are reporting most in our community. You can also break it down to see how much different groups report losing and how they paid scammers. You can also find interactive infographics about COVID-19 scams, government imposter trends, and other fraud topics.

Please click HERE to watch a video to find out how you can explore FTC data and learn about fraud in SD-19. To stay up to date on scams that could affect you and your family, please subscribe to the FTC’s Consumer Alerts HERE. If you notice a scam that is not in the FTC database, you can report it at ftc.gov/complaint.

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 (OEM) 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!

Additionally, NYC Emergency Management has an online Cooling Center Finder which is regularly updated. Please click HERE to find the nearest cooling center to your home or anywhere in the 5-boroughs.

Know Your Zone

Now that hurricane season has arrived, Know Your Zone helps with everything you need to know about hurricanes in New York City. You can find information about the city’s hurricane evacuation zones, the potential hazards you may face from a hurricane, and what to do to prepare. Please click HERE to find valuable resources in protecting yourself and your family during hurricane season. To find what zone you live in and to learn about possible evacuation routes in case of emergency, please click HERE.

COVID-19 Testing

The NYC Test & Trace Corp has numerous locations throughout the City for free and confidential COVID-19 testing. Please click on the flyer below to find the nearest testing facility to your home. We are all in this together and it is very important that we get tested to protect ourselves, our families and our fellow New Yorkers.

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 100,000,000 meals 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.

Health & Wellness

Visitation has Resumed at Brookdale Hospital

Visitation hours at Brookdale Hospital are as follows:

2pm-6pm Everyday
Please have your ID
You will need to have a face mask on at all times
Your temperature will be taken upon entering the building
You will be asked a few basic questions to ensure everyone’s safety.

If everything is right you will then proceed to the Information desk for your pass to go to the floor.

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 Week of Action

Join NYC Census 2020 and partners for a “Census Week of Action” to get all New Yorkers counted. Please sign up HERE to assist with phone-banking, peer-to-peer texting, social media activation, as well as in-person outreach at parks, playgrounds, transit hubs, beaches, and more. NYC Census 2020 will provide masks and gloves to all those engaged in direct outreach.

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. Just over 53% of NYC households have responded to the census, meaning NYC stands to potentially lose billions for critical programs and political representation in Congress and in Albany.

Please click HERE for my very important message regarding the 2020 Census.

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.

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.