April 9, 2020
Dear Constituents:
As we continue to adjust our lives due to COVID-19, I want to extend warmest greetings to those observing religious holidays this week; Happy Pesach and Happy Easter! I understand the difficulty and stress caused when we are not able to celebrate with family and friends, nor attend places of worship during this holy time of year. As a community we will ultimately persevere and come out of this as stronger New Yorkers. Please remember, New York remains on ‘PAUSE,’ and this Executive measure is in place until April 29, 2020.
Earlier this week, I emailed constituentes in SD-19 my update and thoughts regarding the enacted Fiscal Year 2020-2021 New York State Budget. This was an extremely difficult budget to pass due to the cuts and services needed by so many struggling during this pandemic. You can read this letter here.
The New York State Department of Health has released new COVID-19 fatality statistics. While projections are showing a slight leveling off of new cases, we must as a community remain vigilant by staying at home and continue to “socially distance” ourselves from others as much as we possibly can (at least 6 feet). These measures will help decrease the spread of the virus and provide relief to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who are still working every day to keep us safe. Senate District 19 and all of New York will get through this crisis if we are diligent, vigilant, compassionate, and respectful of others.
The most current information from the New York State Department of Health regarding the spread and transmission of this virus can be accessed here or by calling the NYS Coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065. Additionally, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has a dedicated site that is also frequently updated and can be accessed here.
I encourage my constituents in SD-19 to continue to review the “Senate District 19 Coronavirus Resource Guide,” as information is consistently fluid and updates to this guide are made daily. Also, in my continuing effort to keep the public informed, I am asking everyone reading this newsletter to share the "Sign Up For Coronavirus Updates" link: to get email updates on the evolving COVID-19 pandemic from New York State.
Please remember that misinformation and racism are more dangerous than any virus. If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying “human rights.”
Let us 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.
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
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.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn is one of the worst offenders in our lack of participation. There is too much at stake to have this continue. Since last month, 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
New York State Department of Labor
To file unemployment claims or to make complaints regarding working during this pandemic, please click here.
***COVID-19 Scams are becoming a pandemic in themselves. Do not be fooled by anyone offering free testing. Always contact your healthcare provider or call 311 for real information.***
Local Advisories
2020 Alternate Side Parking & Street Cleaning Calendar
Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses & Subways
NYC Department of Transportation Special Traffic Advisories
Upcoming Events
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:
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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
