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

"Every generation tailors history to its taste" - Ada Louise Huxtable

With just 12 scheduled session days remaining, the Senate and Assembly have been quite busy addressing a wide range of important issues.  In addition to voting upon two progressive legislative packages (see below), the Senate voted on two more of Senator Persaud's priority bills: 

• Ending unlawful gas meter installations. S.328 / A.5830 (pending in Assembly), would protect New Yorkers from the lethal consequences of illegal gas meters installation. Under this bill, anyone who takes part in such activities would be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Such crime would be classified as a class B misdemeanor and carry a penalty of imprisonment of up to one year.  
• Minimum Standards for Code Enforcement Personnel. S.532/A.276 (pending in Assembly), would require the Secretary of State to enact regulations regarding code enforcement to include mandatory training, continuing education and maintaining necessary certifications. The bill would also prohibit continued employment for code enforcement personnel where required certifications and credentials are suspended, revoked, or not renewed.  

Domestic Workers & Working Women Package

• Expanding Human Rights Law to cover domestic workers - S.5064 (Ramos)
• Improved access to temporary disability insurance - S.3291A (Salazar)
• Personal care and lawful absence assurance - S.1958 (Krueger)
• The Caregiver Protection Act - S.5063 (Jackson) 
• Study to assess and promote the continuum of caregiving - S.5734 (Ryan)
• Flexible working arrangements for parents and guardians during declared emergencies - S.5065 (Persaud) 

"Many New Yorkers have recently become familiar with the challenges of being responsible parents and employees when childcare and schools are closed due to declared emergencies”, said Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “S. 5065 enacts basic rights and responsibilities with checks and balances for both employers and employees when structured and supervised care or education must be provided at home due to such uncontrollable circumstances.”

Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Package

• Relief for DV survivors from utility, phone and cable contracts - S.1557A (Parker)
• Expanded eligibility for the "non-parent" grant - S.2586 (Brisport)
• Prosecutor access to DV records - S.404 (Biaggi), 
• Seizure of firearms post order of protection - S.6363 (Mayer) 
• The Phoenix Act: expanding statute of limitations for DV cases - S.3020A (Parker) 
• DV survivor voter record confidentiality - S.1555 (Myrie)
• Sealing voting records for DV victims - S.3855 (Kennedy)
• Trafficking hotline posting in nightlife establishments - S.3374 (Bailey) 
• Trafficking statement requirement for state contractors - S.1216 (Benjamin) 
• 15-year statute of limitation extension for civil cause of action by trafficking survivors S.672 (Sanders)
• Trafficking training and awareness at lodging facilities - S.244A (Mayer) 
• NYS Transparency in Supply Chains Act - S.748 (Biaggi) 
• Age of consent for marriage increased to 18 - S.3086 (Salazar)
• The Child Abuse Reporting Expansion Act - S.1399 (Hoylman) 

Senator Persaud and staff met with Joan Gerhardt and Connie Neal from NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) on May 11, 2021 to discuss more ways we can help and empower survivors and victims of gender-based violence.

#Safety4Survivors    #dvsurvivorsneedhelp    #NYSCADV

May Legislative Resolutions

May is Older Americans Month!

Older Americans Month was established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life. Every May, the Administration on Aging, part of the Administration for Community Living, leads our nation's observance of Older American's Month; this vital campaign is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other such activities. Senator Persaud sponsored J. 663 in honor of Older Americans in NYS. We are so thankful and appreciative of all the efforts and work done by our older Americans.

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, a Food Distribution at The Salvation Army Brooklyn Brownsville Corps Community Center took place. In addition to the fantastic turnout, the weather was in our favor and residents enjoyed the music that was played. Thank you to all the volunteers at the Salvation Army, Emblem Health, ACS and SD19 staff for your efforts, it is greatly appreciated! #SD19

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!

The New York State Liberty Medal

If you or someone you may know should be awarded this honor, please see the information regarding this medal below. 

The New York State Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a Member of the New York State Senate upon a resident of New York State. Liberty Medals are adopted by resolution and remain on file in the Secretary of the Senate’s office.

Key Details of the award program include the following:

-Award criteria include heroic actions, military service, (having prior honors, i.e. purple heart, bronze star, etc.) action taken by law enforcement and first responders which is above and beyond the call of duty, (having prior honors/recognition through employment or community, i.e. Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service, etc.) or exceptional lifetime achievement by the recipient on behalf of their community and New York State

-Individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. They devote their personal time, energy, creativity, and expertise to others; they participate in philanthropic efforts, display exceptional generosity through either direct financial support, or outstanding civic and charitable work; their drive and generosity encourages others to get involved in their community.

-Businesses that encourage other area businesses to form, or have formed partnerships within the community; those that hire veterans; hire/train individuals with disabilities; those that have created entrepreneurial success by increasing economic opportunities; family-owned businesses that have successfully passed from one generation to another; an emerging innovative business that has developed an outstanding and successful product or service.

-Recipients must be a New York State resident

Contact Senator Persaud's office at any time you think someone should be given this honor! 

NYC restaurants can add a 10% COVID surcharge to the bill. 

The NYC restaurant COVID surcharge will remain in effect until restaurants are advised otherwise. Be informed about your purchases and remember to remain safe. 

Section 8 Waiting List Re-Opening 

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is opening its section 8 waiting list for the first time since 2006 for NYC residents from May 17-May 28 only. The waiting list is being opened now because HCR has finally gotten through most of the 15,000 households added to their waiting list in 2006. Given the small NYCHA and HPD operate much larger section 8 programs in NYC but their waiting lists have been closed for many years.

Details about eligibility, how to apply, and answers to FAQs are on HCR's website. All applications must be submitted online (no paper applications will be accepted) or over the phone. HCR opened a dedicated call center today (833-990-4001) to answer questions, and accept applications starting on May 17.

A Message from NY DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder:

Driver Permit Tests are now online in NYS! 

"New York launched an online driver learner permit test for Class D (passenger vehicles) and Class M (motorcycles) on Monday. The new service allows New Yorkers to begin the permit application process and take the test from the comfort of their home." For more information, click here. 

A Message from NY State Parks:

We are excited to announce the Shirley Chisholm State Park Free Bike Library is open for the season! In partnership with NY State Parks, Natural Heritage Trust, Con Edison and Bloomberg Philanthropies, bikes are offered May 1 to October 31, Thursday through Sunday with the first ride out at 10AM and the last ride in at 4PM or one hour before the park closes.

Enjoy the free bike loan program and explore 10 miles of car-free paths and amazing vistas! You'll be provided with a Bike Library bike and helmet for up to 2 hours for your adventure inside the park. Look for the yellow Bike Library containers at the Pennsylvania Avenue and Fountain Avenue entrances.

Reservations required - learn more at "Hours of Operation" tab here.

#SD19

Attention Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses:

Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Edna A. Lauterbach Scholarship, a fund established exclusively for New York State nurses who would like to establish or build a career in home care or community-based care. The fund is sponsored by Community Health Services Foundation, Inc. (CHC), an affiliate of the New York State Association of Health Care Providers, Inc. (HCP).

The demand for home care nurses is growing rapidly because of an aging population and consumer preference to receive care at home. Nurses are essential to New Yorkers getting the high-quality care they want to receive in home and community-based settings.

Registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) with a New York State license can apply to receive of up to $5,900 to support an entrepreneurial dream in home and community-based care, or for educational expenses to continue their education. Funds can be used for tuition, books, specialty training and education, or other related costs.

For more information and to apply, click here.

The application deadline is June 1, 2021.

If you have any further questions, please contact Cora Smith at (518)463-1118 x825 or smith@nyshcp.org.

Attention Small Business Owners:

Many New York Small Business District Centers (NYSBDCs) are hosting webinars to help small business owners across the state recover and re-build their businesses. These are free and registration is open to anyone statewide. Click here for more information and/or sign up. 

Now Hiring: NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection

NYC DEP is immediately hiring full-time, seasonal workers to help maintain our vital green infrastructure across the city. To apply, click here. Please refer to flyer for more details. 

Homeland Security Pushes REAL ID Deadline to 2023

Every domestic air traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license or another TSA-acceptable form of identification beginning on May 3, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday, April 27. For more information, click here. 

Social Security Online Services

Take a look at a page from the Social Security Star Regional Newsletter below regarding Social Security Online services. More of this newsletter can be accessed here. For more information, reach out to your local social security office by clicking here. 

Federal Trade Commission: Repair Restrictions

To view the report FTC released regarding repair restrictions, click here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Buses in NYC

Since NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 6, 2021 the launching of COVID-19 Vaccine mobile sites, they are still administering various vaccines. 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: Wednesday-Thursday 5:30PM-9:30PM & Saturday-Sunday 9AM-5:30PM

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

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

NY Project Hope has launched a New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. They can be reached at 1-844-863-9314.

For more information, visit their site here. 

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 Resources

Food Resources

-Public schools are offering free grab & go meals across the city, you can find information about this, including locations near you here.

-If you or someone you know qualifies, you may apply for SNAP (food stamps), Cash Assistance, and Medicaid renewal all at the same time here.

-To find the nearest food pantries and community kitchens, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777.

-WIC2Go is a mobile app for New York State WIC recipients. For more information on WIC support, please visit their site or call 844-540-3031.

-For seniors aged 60+ NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA)  provides home delivered meals. You can access them online or call 311 for support, you also can call 212-244-6469 to see if you qualify direct delivery.

-If you are not currently receiving any food benefit (such as Meals on Wheels or SNAP), are unable to get to a grocery store, and do not have anyone to help you, you may qualify for NYC Food Delivery Assistance.

-CityHarvest offers free food every other week across NYC, you can find a location near you here.

-For those looking for ways to donate food, cash, or supplies to those in need please find information here about ways you can help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19.

Senator Persaud would like to hear from you! Press the button to leave any and all inquiries/suggestions you may have. 

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.  An additional session was held on Thursday, 5/6/2021. 

Financial Literacy, Thursday, 03/18/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for the Women of New York. 

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.