March 12, 2020
Dear Constituents:
Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly e-newsletter. My office has received many calls expressing gratitude for the information provided weekly.
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has dominated media stories and has been on everyone’s mind. As the World Health Organization has recently labeled this outbreak as a pandemic, the safety and health of all my constituents in SD-19 are my main priorities as your State Senator. 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 assure you that New York State is taking this matter extremely seriously. As we have been reading in the newspapers and watching on television, there has been a sharp increase in the number of New Yorkers who have tested positive for this virus. Anxieties amongst us are running high and concerns are rightfully warranted. My colleagues in the State Senate are actively drafting legislation to combat the exorbitant price gouging of medical supplies, face masks, over-the-counter medications, and hand sanitizers by unscrupulous merchants taking advantage of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. Additionally, our area hospitals are well equipped for dealing with this matter and I urge constituents not to hesitate seeking medical services.
People are rightfully concerned and my office is taking a proactive approach to this situation. I frequently hear, “How do I keep myself and my family safe?” and “What is being done to help restrict the spread of the virus?” I have attended numerous briefings on the local and State level and it is important to separate facts from fears as we ride this out together as a community.
Protect Yourself and Others
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Wash your hands with soap and water often.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
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Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
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Do not shake hands. Instead wave or elbow bump.
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Monitor your health more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.
Stay Home if You’re Sick
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Stay home and call your doctor if you have symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, fever, or sore throat.
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If you do not feel better in 24-48 hours, seek care from your doctor.
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If you need help getting medical care, call 311. Operators can also give you locations for Coronavirus testing.
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NYC will provide care regardless of immigraiton status or ability to pay.
Protect the Most Vulnerable
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If you have chronic conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, cancer, or a weakened immune system, avoid unnecessary gatherings and events.
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If you have family or friends who have one of these conditions, DO NOT visit them if you feel sick.
Reduce Overcrowding
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Consider telecommuting if possible.
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Stagger work hours, starting earlier or later.
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Walk or bike to work if possible.
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If the train is too packed, wait for the next one.
The common flu kills 60 times more people annually than COVID-19, and only 2% of cases have reported deaths and most of these deaths were associated with underlying health conditions.
I will not stand for the panic and hysteria that is happening fueled by racism and xenophobia. Nothing justifies being rude to others. 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.” If you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.
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.
March is Women’s History Month
The New York State Museum has a full listing of 2020 Women’s History Month events across New York State. For a full schedule of state-wide events, click here.
CUNY-Medgar Evers College has a full listing of fabulous events for Women’s History Month which can be accessed here.
2020 New York State Senate Women of Distinction
Preparations are underway for the Senate’s 22nd annual Women of Distinction ceremony. The Women of Distinction is an opportunity to honor a distinguished woman from our community. To submit a nomination, please click here.
Around The District & Albany
The Fresh Creek School
It is always my pleasure to visit students in the classrooms at schools across SD-19. Thank you to Author Kamla Millwood who accompanied me and read two of her books to the students at 
Fresh Creek School.
Small Business Crime Prevention Services
The New York State Senate passed my sponsored legislation S.7123, which establishes a small business crime prevention service. The bill seeks to improve New York's business climate by providing for a program of crime prevention services and assistance tailored specifically for small businesses. Currently, the bill was passed in both houses last year; however, it was vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. We've addressed the issues mentioned in the veto memo and I’m hopeful for funding and approval of the Governor.
Underrepresented Teachers of Tomorrow Program
I am proud to announce that my Underrepresented Teachers Retention Bill (S.7647) was passed in the State Senate. This legislation seeks to attract and retain underrepresented teachers within underrepresented schools across New York State. This legislation will help retain these teachers by providing grants to schools for recruiting and providing financial incentives to underrepresented teachers.
Census 2020
Beginning March 12, 2020, Census forms will be 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. Beginning this month, 95% of households will receive an invitation to participate in the Census, and 5% will have their invitation dropped off by a Census worker or 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.
Starting March 12, 2020, you can visit my2020census.gov to respond online. To respond by phone, call 1-844-330-2020.
Additionally, paid Census jobs are still available. To apply to become a Census worker, please visit 2020census.gov/en/jobs.html.
If you or your family need help filling out the Census, my district office will serve as a Census 2020 Pop-up Site from March 12-31, 2020. My staff will be more than happy to assist you in filing and answer questions you may have.
New York State Youth Leadership Recognition Awards
The Senate’s Youth Leadership Recognition Awards program honors juniors and seniors for their achievements in academics, athletics, arts and community service for the great work they do to benefit their communities. If you know a successful student whose accomplishments make their school proud, I encourage you to nominate them for this award. All entries must be sent electronically and can be made on my website, https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/roxanne-j-persaud or by clicking here. The deadline for entries is April 3, 2020.
Final Week of NYC ‘Pay it Off’ Program
Office of Children & Family Service (OCFS)
OCFS has provided a listing of resources to assist parents who are looking for childcare during the COVID-19 outbreak. For a full listing of facilities and referral services , you can click here. Please note: if you or your child are instructed to quarantine, your child may not attend a child care program during the specified timeframe.
Veterans Hall of Fame
The Veterans Hall of Fame is a time to honor an exceptional and noteworthy Veteran in SD-19. If you would like to nominate a Veteran please submit 1) 350 word biography, 2) High resolution photo, 3) Nominee’s rank and file at time of discharge or end of military service. Nominations will be accepted at my District Office and shortly online on a link to my Senate website.
Consumer/Community Affairs
Free 2019 Income Tax Preparation
Tax Season is upon us. Please take advantage of the following program if you fall within the income limits.
Disclaimer: Our office bears no responsibility for services offered.
Deed Fraud Running Rampant in Brooklyn
Sadly, Deed Fraud is a growing serious crime that occurs when a con artist files a phony deed with the City of New York which falsely states that your property has been transferred to someone else. The con artist will often then try to sell your property to an unsuspecting buyer or take out a mortgage against your property. In order to protect yourself from Deed Fraud, you can register free of charge with the Department of Finance at www.nyc.gov/finance or the ACRIS (Automated City Register Information Site) at www.nyc.gov/acris. Also, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has established an Action Center hotline at (718) 250-2340. Phone lines are open between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. I encourage everyone to periodically review the City’s records to check the status of your property.
Search for Unclaimed Funds in New York State
New York State is currently holding over $15 billion in unclaimed funds, and some of it may be yours. In 2019 alone, over $189 million in unclaimed funds have been returned. All it takes is a simple internet search to see if there are unclaimed funds in your name.
Federal Trade Commission Advisory
The FTC has placed an advisory on recognizing and reporting spam text messages.
For further information, please click here.
Local Advisories
2020 Alternate Side Parking & Street Cleaning Calendar
Guide to Accessible Transit on Buses & Subways
NYC Department of Transportation Special Traffic Advisories
Brooklyn Public Library to Offer Free College-Level Courses
NY Advocates want ban on all Flavored Tobacco
Fears and Changes to the Federal Flood Insurance Program
Career/School Opportunities
NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
The NYC DYCD is currently accepting applications for summer youth employment. The deadline is approaching quickly. For further information and to apply online, please visit https://application.nycsyep.com/Pages/DocumentLibrary.aspx?Status=Main
Summer Internship with the Kings County District Attorney
DA Eric Gonzalez’s office is accepting applications for their five-week summer internship program for high school juniors and seniors. For more information, please click here. To apply, please visit: http://apply.brooklynda.org to upload your transcript, essay, and resume. All application materials must be received no later than April 30, 2020.
NYPD: Police Officer Exams 
NYPD Police Cadet Corps are looking for applicants
Brooklyn Public Library: Adult Learning Program - Earn Your HSE (TASC/NEDP)
Cypress Hills LDC/DYCD: Free Job Training via the CHAMPION Network
U.S. Census 2020: Join the 2020 Census Team!
NYC Department of Design and Construction Jobs
NYC Parks: Employment Opportunities with NYC Parks
CUNY Fatherhood Academy: FREE Program for Fathers Between Age 18 - 30
NYC Parks: Become a Steward, Volunteer Cleaning and Caring for Green Spaces in Brooklyn
Counseling In Schools: Brooklyn Collegiate Preparatory HS Internship Program
New York Drives - Earn Your Driver's License
Brooklyn Job Corps Center
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.
Neighborhood Policing: Meet Your Neighborhood Coordination Officers and Attend a Meeting
The Neighborhood Policing program is a way for the community and police to get to know each other. Neighborhood Coordination Officers, or NCOs, are your local problem solvers. They spend all their working hours within the confines of their assigned sectors, actively engaging with local community members and residents. They get to know the neighborhood, its people, and its problems extremely well.
Citizens Police Academy
The NYPD is again offering the Citizens Police Academy program, established to provide members of the community with a background and understanding of policies and activities, as well as the structure and limit of police power. To apply for the 10-week program, contact your local police precinct.
Law Enforcement Explorers
Did you know that the NYPD has a Law Enforcement Explorers program designed to educate young men and women, ages 14-20, about law enforcement? Visit the official website for more information.
Auxiliary Police Officers
Did you know that the NYPD also has an auxiliary program for those ages 17+ looking to an up-close look at law enforcement, and possibly a stepping-stone to a career with the NYPD. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community. Visit the official website for more information.
Immigrant Outreach Unit
The mission of the Community Outreach Division's Immigrant Outreach Unit is to engage, inform and empower the immigrant communities who reside in New York City. Visit the official website for more information.
For a collage of pictures from my latest events click here.
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
