April 17, 2020
Dear Constituents:
We are making progress fighting COVID-19. Numbers of new positive cases are down and more New Yorkers are being discharged from area hospitals. Please remember, New York remains on ‘PAUSE,’ and this Executive Order is in place until May 15, 2020 at the earliest.
I want to thank the thousands of constituents of SD-19 who are actively following the social distancing and personal hygiene guidelines, as well as all the front line professionals fighting for us each and every day. While projections are showing a slight leveling off of new cases, we must remain vigilant by staying at home and continue to socially distance ourselves from others as much as we possibly can (at least 6 feet). Additionally, wearing a mask or any facial covering while in public will help decrease the spread of the virus. We are, by nature, compassionate beings with a heart and brain. Remembering these new changes in the way we act and interact with others will help save the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors. 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.
Please remember that misinformation and racism are more dangerous than this coronavirus. 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
Food Distribution at Penn Wortman Houses
Through a coordinated effort by my office, Campaign Against Hunger, Borough President Eric Adams, and NYCHA, we delivered over 800 boxes of food outside the Penn Wortman Neighborhood Center to help residents maintain healthy nourishment during this coronavirus pandemic.
During times of crisis, our community’s most vulnerable are often hit the hardest. Ensuring the availability of healthy food is imperative for New Yorkers to maintain their personal health and nourishment during this time.
Masks or Facial Covering are Mandatory in Public by Executive Order
This week, Governor Cuomo made an Executive Order requiring New Yorkers to wear a mask or facial covering in public when social distancing is unavoidable. Any covering is better than nothing. While I encourage the sale of N95 masks, surgical masks, and other PPEs (Personal Protection Equipment) be reserved for front line workers, here are some patterns to create these personal coverings at home.
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens in SD-19
Please click here for a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in our district.
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.
Education & Exploration Opportunities
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Harvard University is offering many online courses for free. Click here for more details.
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Fender guitars announced three free months of lessons on Fender Play.
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Experience virtual roller coasters from across America here.
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Take a live, virtual visit to the New England Aquarium daily at 11:00 a.m.
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View online exhibits and take a virtual tour of the Museum of African American History.
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MIT Press hosts virtual book talk series MIT Press Live! Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.
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Experience the American Ballet Theater here.
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Learn to cook online. Live virtual cooking classes are being offered by The Kids Table via facebook live. Have a fun time cooking recipes with your kids with the “Kids Can Cook” series.
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Explore the beauty and wonder of our great State with I ♡ New York.
***This information was obtained from external sources for your guidance only. It is not an endorsement of any organization nor are we responsible for your use or any change of information.***
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.
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
“Story Time” with author Kamla Millwood
This online event keeps growing in viewership every week! I am honored to partner with Ms. Kamla Millwood to host this online event. During these unprecedented times, it is important that children continue a healthy educational routine. This event helps inspire a passion for reading among our youngest constituents while engaging in remote learning. Please join us on Wednesdays at 11AM at www.facebook.com/peachtheduckfanpage/.
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
