[Para ver la versión en español visite aquí).

Dear Neighbors, 

The past week has been action-packed as we approach the final days of the legislative session. From rallies, hearings, committee meetings, and press conferences to conversations with constituents, I've been working hard to push forward legislation on behalf of New Yorkers like you. The One Fair Wage Act (S5567), one of the critical bills I am championing, aims to bring wage justice to the thousands of hardworking New Yorkers in the restaurant industry. Please encourage your favorite NY restaurant to support its passage. After two days worth of testimony, we are closer than ever to pushing through the Judith Kaye School Solutions Not Suspensions Act (S1040), which will provide a more restorative and positive school climate for all students. This would be complimented by my equally important bill, the Mental Health Professionals In Schools Act (S356). To ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for all, I am pushing for the passage of the End Qualified Immunity Act (S182). Moreover, there is still pending legislation to bolster tenant rights, including the Good Cause Eviction (S305), which would enable responsible tenants to remain in their homes as long as they fulfill their rent obligations.

I remain committed to working tirelessly and fighting for these and other important pieces of legislation that will pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and compassionate society. Stay updated on the latest developments by following my social media and e-updates.

Please continue reading this weekly update for information about valuable resources, and don't forget to scroll to the end to see our community updates. Enjoy time with your family and friends, remember to be kind, and please stay safe!

Peace & blessings, 

RJ 

#CommunityFirst

Remembering Bill Perkins

It is with a heavy heart that I express my profound sorrow at the departure of my esteemed former colleague and personal friend, Bill Perkins. His passing has cast a somber shadow upon us, for he was not merely a public figure but a cherished native son of Harlem who devoted himself to the service of his community.

Throughout the span of numerous decades, Bill selflessly toiled as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter future for those he represented. He waged a valiant battle against the insidious threat of lead poisoning to safeguard the health and well-being of our beloved communities. His resolute advocacy for more equitable education funding stood as a testament to his staunch-unwavering commitment to providing every child with an equal chance to succeed despite their circumstances.

Bill's dedication to justice and equality was an embodiment of his noble character. His unyielding support for the Central Park Five showcased an extraordinary quality possessed by only a select few leaders—the ability to stand unwaveringly on the side of truth and justice, even in the face of adversity.

It was my privilege to have shared time with Bill in office and running marathons together. In those moments, we forged a connection that I shall forever hold dear.

During this time of profound loss, my thoughts extend to Bill's family, his loved ones, and the Harlem community. May they find solace in the indelible mark he left upon their lives and draw strength from his enduring legacy.

Let us remember him not with tears of sorrow but with gratitude for the profound impact he made, and may his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of tranquility.

2023 NYS Senate Women of Distinction Award

I was proud to have honored Joselinne Minaya, Director of the Washington Heights Office of Manhattan DA, with the 2023 NYS Senate Women of Distinction Award for District 31.

Joselinne's outstanding leadership in tackling significant matters like domestic violence and immigration fraud while serving as the Director of The Manhattan DA’s Washington Heights Office on West 166th Street is truly admirable. Through her unwavering dedication, Joselinne has empowered our working-class and immigrant community, consistently bridging residents with valuable resources and making a positive impact on countless lives.

Heartfelt congratulations to Joselinne Minaya for this well-deserved recognition!

One Fair Wage Act Mother’s Day Rally

Last week, I joined the One Fair Wage Coalition, award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, and my colleague Assemblymember Jessica Rojas, at a rally in support of our bill, the One Fair Wage Act.

For too long, women, particularly women of color and immigrant women, have been unjustly deprived of their right to wage equity. It is past time to put an end to the injustice of subminimum wages for our state's invaluable tipped workers and include them in our plans for wage hikes.

It is time for NY to join other states & improve the working conditions in the restaurant industry to ensure that all workers are treated equally & fairly. It’s time to pass the One Fair Wage Act!

School Solutions Not Suspensions Rally 

It was a powerful day at the Tweed courthouse as I joined forces with parents and students to advocate for my bill the School Solutions Not Suspensions Act. I was proud to stand with this incredible community fighting for equitable and effective solutions in our schools.

NYS Jails Justice Network Presser

Last week, a joint press conference was organized by advocates and my office to endorse the passage of my bill, S181. Our primary objective was to communicate a strong message: all correctional facilities within our state must adhere to uniform standards and oversight. We cannot permit any discrepancies or loopholes to compromise the efficiency of our criminal justice system.

By enacting my bill, S181, New York will enable legislative staff and relevant department members to visit local correctional facilities upon request. This measure will guarantee transparency and accountability across all levels. It is time to close this glaring loophole.

Labor Meeting in Albany

I had a great meeting last week at my Albany office with NYSUT and UFT members to discuss our legislative priorities, including our bill S1039. This bill aims to guarantee a fair hearing process for disciplinary action against certain public employees. Providing an impartial hearing, a fair shot at presenting their case to an unbiased arbitrator.

Bronx Satellite Office in District 31!

Team Jackson continues to make services more accessible to Bronx constituents of District 31! Many Bronx residents took advantage of this opportunity at the Sedgwick Library. 

Keep an eye out for upcoming dates, and spread the word to your friends and family so they can take advantage of this great opportunity too!

A Visit to Amalgamated Houses

I met with Amalgamated Houses shareholders alongside my colleagues to address their concerns. It was a productive meeting, and I was grateful for the opportunity to listen and collaborate. Excited for the future as we continue to work together!

Bill of the Week

This section highlights and explains legislation that I sponsor or strongly support in the 2023 legislative session.

The Bill of the Week is S15A, the Elder Parole Act, sponsored by my colleague Senator Brad Holyman. With this bill, New York State can take a step towards rehabilitation and second chances offering elderly inmates a chance for freedom and reintegration into society.

For too long, the prison system has been a source of despair, injustice, and inequality, decades of harsh sentencing led New York State to rank third in life imprisonment. Many incarcerated New Yorkers, including parents and grandparents, may never have an individualized release assessment despite personal growth. Disproportionately Black and Latino, those serving life sentences are rapidly aging in prison.

This bill offers hope to aging inmates for a chance at rehabilitation and reintegration. It would provide New York State inmates aged 55 or older who have served at least 15 years of a sentence an opportunity to have an interview with the Board of Parole to determine whether they should be released to community supervision within 60 days of their 55th birthday or the last day of the 15th year of their sentence, whichever is later. If parole is denied, the board would be required to schedule a follow-up hearing within two years and provide the inmate with a written explanation and legal justification for its decision. 

The longer we wait, the more elders in prison will go without health care or dignity; the more elders will get sick and die without ever seeing the outside again. As a progressive leader, New York must take into account the voices of those who have experienced trauma and advocate for rehabilitation and healing, and resources, not an endless cycle of punishment.

For more on this bill, visit here for details. 

Tenant Housing Clinics with Met Council on Housing & CUNY

If you are having problems with your landlord, need repairs, or have high rents, I invite you to join the Tenant Rights Clinic Series with Met Council on Housing!

This collaborative effort with Met Council, Cuny in The Heights, and my office is designed to empower you. Clinics will be held at CUNY in the Heights (one door over from my district office building) on the following days: May 25th and June 13th, with doors opening at 5:30 pm.

This is a great opportunity for tenants to receive free, one-on-one advice from experienced tenant advocates and attorneys about their rights and how to protect them

Gun Violence Awareness Evening of Action & Vigil

On June 2nd, my office will host a “National Gun Violence Awareness Evening of Vigil and Action.” The event will take place at the  J. Hood Wright Park (entry point at 173rd St. & Fort Washington Ave.) from 5 to 7 pm. We encourage all from Uptown and the Bronx to come out in solidarity with the families and wear the color orange in memory of the victims of gun violence.

Bronx Satellite Office

We continue to offer Bronx constituents of District 31 better access to our services with two satellite offices!

Here are the locations, times, and dates:

Jerome Park Library

Address: 118 Eames Place Bronx, NY 10468

Hours:  10 am – 5 pm

Dates:   June 7

Sedgwick Library

Address: 1701 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Bronx, NY 10453

Hours:  10:30 am – 5 pm

Dates:  June 21

For more information, please call my office at 212.544.0173.

Planet Fitness Invites High Schoolers to Work Out Free All Summer

Planet Fitness invites high school students ages 14 –19 to work out for FREE at any Planet Fitness locations in New York now through August 31 as part of the High School Summer Pass program.

High schoolers can visit this link to register for the program!

Bard Early College

Bard College and the New York City Department of Education are teaming up to launch a new, public early college high school in the South Bronx in September 2023. Bard High School Early College Bronx will provide high school students with an exceptional chance to earn a Bard College AA degree and 60 transferable college credits, entirely free of cost to students and their families. With a core curriculum in biomedical sciences and liberal arts, the school also offers extensive guidance on postsecondary options and credit transfer, internships, and applied learning opportunities, particularly in biomedical sciences, as well as robust student support structures.

Discover more about this innovative program at www.bard.edu/earlycollege or reach out to bronx@bhsec.bard.edu.

Community Impact and Innovation Grant Program

Shipt is now accepting applications for its Community Impact and Innovation Grant program, continuing its investment in building healthy, resilient, and more equitable communities. This year, they are thrilled to extend support to more organizations through the third grant cycle of this program – offering community organizations and nonprofits in our state the opportunity to receive funding and greater visibility. Applications are open today and will close on June 15. 

If you know of a deserving organization or nonprofit in our community, please direct them here to learn more and apply before June 15.

For more information about the program visit Shipt’s newsroom.

ARC Shuttle information

Moriah has partnered with ARC XVI Ft. Washington, Inc. to provide daily shuttle service between 184th Street & Overlook Terrace to 190th and Overlook Terrace and back from 190th Street and Fort Washington Ave. to 184th Street & Fort Washington Ave. from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, Monday-Friday.

The shuttle service is available to those registered with transportation, and someone will be at the stops to register you if necessary. We hope this helps in some small way while the subway tunnel is undergoing repair and encourages seniors to call the transportation office at 929-431-5128 to register over the phone or register inside the bus with one of the transportation clericals.

Scholarship for Aspiring Union Leaders

Are you interested in pursuing a leadership role in your union? The Union Leadership Institute (ULI) is a great way to develop your leadership skills. Hundreds of union members throughout the state have gone through the program, and many have since progressed to leadership positions within their respective unions. 

To help foster equity in the union movement, the NYS AFL-CIO Social Justice Task Force and Executive Council created the Union LEAD Scholarship to help union members from diverse backgrounds access the program. Any union member in good standing may apply with the approval of their union. 

The scholarship application deadline is June 1, 2023. Learn more about the program and the scholarship here.

NY DEP Internship Program

Are you looking for a unique and rewarding experience? The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) is offering paid and unpaid internships in a wide range of fields for undergraduate and graduate students. With fall, spring, and summer sessions, you have the opportunity to gain valuable experience while exploring the city. 

For internship information, visit here. For answers to commonly asked questions about our internships, visit Internship Opportunities FAQs.

Apply now and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!

Cannabis Corner

If you have any questions about the CAURD license or have issues applying, please call 1-888-OCM-5151 (1-888-626- 5151) or contact licensing@ocm.ny.gov for assistance. 

Housing Programs for Low-Income Families

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides Housing Choice Vouchers to eligible low-income households. Learn more about these programs and check your eligibility here.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of having your utility service shut off.

Find out your eligibility here. Any questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your HEAP Local District Contact.

Half-priced MetroCard's for Eligible New Yorkers

Fair Fares NYC is here to make transportation more affordable for low-income New Yorkers. This city program offers discounted MetroCards. If you need assistance applying, please call 311 or visit a Fair Fares NYC location.

Undocumented Youth Internship Program

Applications are open for The Oyate Group’s Beyond Rising Internship Program for undocumented high schoolers! 

Oyate is looking for the next group of leaders who want to learn, grow, and have a blast this summer! Last year's interns gained career-readiness skills, built strong peer-to-peer networks, developed relationships with mentors, and explored New York City, including a trip to Six Flags. If you know any undocumented high-school youth aged 16-18 from the Bronx, Harlem, or Washington Heights, share!

The program runs from July 6 - August 11, 2023, and includes: 

• An internship placement in a Fordham University department
  
• A work schedule of Monday - Thursday from 10 AM - 4 PM
  
• A weekly stipend of $500 via Visa gift card
  
• Enrichment activities including trips, mentoring and more every Friday at the Oyate Group offices in the Bronx

For more information, click here to visit their website or submit an application through this link.

Your Path to Contracting with the City

New to, or interested in, contracting with the City of New York? 

Your Path to Contracting with the City is a visual representation of a vendor's typical roadmap to contracting with the City of New York. Click here to visit their resource page and obtain more information.

Student Loan Payment Pause Extended

The student loan payment pause is extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program, or the litigation is resolved. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 – payments will resume 60 days after that. We will notify borrowers before payments restart.

You can also visit here for more information.

Resources for Veterans

If you are a veteran who needs employment or career services, Acacia Network, Promesa Inc, and Seedco have launched a program that may help you. They are now enrolling homeless veterans, incarcerated veterans, female veterans, and veterans with families.

For information and referrals, call 646-499-1230 or email cstaten@promesa.org.

NMIC's Disability Assistance Program

If you have been recently denied Federal Disability benefits under the SSI or SSDI programs, NMIC has announced that they received a grant to provide legal services for those denied disability benefits. 

For more information about this program, please email Abe Greene at abrahamgreene@nmic.org or call (929) 415-8745 on Mondays from 9 am-1 pm. 

Supplemental Food Program for Seniors

The New York State Department of Health’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers free, healthy food to seniors ages 60 and older that live in New York City and Long Island.

For more information on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, click here.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for internet service. Eligible households could receive: 

• $30/month discount on your internet service
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer

Enroll today by visiting here.

Civil Service Exams

The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) represents the largest local government in the U.S., with more than 400,000 employees and 80 agencies. They are providing plenty of career opportunities with great benefits.

The City Jobs and Civil Service announcements for upcoming exams can be found here. Fee waivers are available for UI recipients and New York City residents and receiving full benefits (Cash, Medicaid, and Food Stamps).

Free Cancer Screening for the Uninsured 

The Manhattan Cancer Services Program at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYP)  is hosting free Cancer screening for uninsured women & men. They will offer breast and cervical screening for women age 40 or older and colorectal screening for those age 45 or older. For more information or for an appointment, call (212) 851-4516.

CaringKind Programs and Services

CaringKind is an Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving organization that works directly with community partners to develop the information, tools, and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia. They provide a helpline staffed by Dementia Care Specialists trained to provide you with the most up-to-date information, education, and support regarding dementia. To access their services, please visit their updated CKConnection form available online here. For more information on any of CaringKind’s Programs and Services, please call the CaringKind Helpline: 646-744-2900 or visit us at www.caringkindnyc.org.

Gun Violence Prevention Initiative  

New York State has launched a long-term jobs program that will serve unemployed, underemployed, and out-of-school young New Yorkers ages 18-24 in areas impacted by high rates of gun violence.

Youth can sign up to participate in our partnership with the Consortium for Worker Education, the workforce development arm of the NYC Central Labor Council. If you’re between 18 and 24 and are interested in job training and placement services, please register here to obtain job training and placement in good, long-term jobs. Please note that youth enrolled in college or university will not be eligible. For more information, please visit this link.

Maintenance Work on the Broadway Bridge 

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) will continue to work on installing electrical conduits, constructing interior walls of the control deck, and repairing the bridge deck of the Broadway Bridge over the Harlem River from Monday, May 22, through Friday, June 2. As a result, the right lane in both directions will be closed between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

In addition, alternate closures of the central lanes in the direction of Bronx - Manhattan (but not both times) will occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The actual closure of the Bronx Manhattan approach will be in effect.

University Ave., Tremont Ave. to Kingsbridge Rd. Transit Improvements

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) gears up for transit transformation on University Ave., Tremont Ave., to Kingsbridge Rd. 

Upcoming enhancements include curbside and camera-enforced bus lanes, upgraded bus stops, and a brand new two-way bike path, along with freshly painted curb spaces. For more details, read the flyer below.

Together for Kingsbridge 

Do you have ideas for the future redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory? 

Join The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) on Wednesday, May 23rd, at 5 pm at the Walton High School Campus Gym (780 Reservoir Ave, Bronx, NY 10468).

NYCEDC will host a discussion on the scale and condition of the Armory building to help us develop a shared understanding of the opportunity. For the past few months, they’ve engaged residents, business owners, and local organizations in the Kingsbridge Together community visioning process. 

Register here to join us for a residents-focused workshop and make your voice heard!

Volunteer with the NYC Parks Stewardship Program

NYC Parks is committed to maintaining the city's green spaces, and one way they do this is by hosting stewards all year round. Regardless of the weather or the terrain, they work tirelessly to keep the city green and thriving.

If you're interested in helping out, join them for their upcoming Citywide Nursery Gardening event at Arthur Ross Nursery in Van Cortlandt Park on May 24.

Register today and be a part of making NYC greener and greater. For more information, visit this link or email stewardship@parks.nyc.gov.

Reading In The Garden With NYPL

Join the Inwood New York Public Library and Literacy Inc.(LINC) for a fun-filled day at the Ring Garden! 

Families can expect an engaging read-aloud, singing, and dancing activities for all ages. Plus, all registered families will receive a FREE BOOK to take home. Don't miss out on this opportunity to bond over literacy and fun! 

You can join them at the Met Cloisters (99 Margaret Corbin Dr. NY, NY) on May 23 and 30 at 11:30 am - sign up here.

If you would like more information, you can contact Rocio Apolonio at rapolonio@lincnyc.org. 

Planned Service Change to the A Train

Due to signal improvements, there will be no A train service between 168 St and Inwood-207 St during the following weekend:

• Friday, May 26, 2023, at 9:45 pm through Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 5:00 am (includes Memorial Day)

A trains will run between Far Rockaway-Mott Av/Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd and 168 St, the last stop.

1 trains will make nearby stops between 168 St-Washington Hts and 207 St.

Free Broadway shuttle buses will make stops between 168 St and Inwood-207 St.

Free Fort Washington Av shuttle buses make stops between 168 St and 190 St. 

As always, please consult the MTA website or the MyMTA app for the latest service information and alternative service options. Customers can also call 511 for service-related information and customer service. To stay up-to-date on weekend service, customers can sign up for our MTA Weekender newsletter.

Community Garden Day

Join Washington Heights/Inwood Food Council (WHIN) for its first Community Garden Day of 2023! Help harvest produce that's ready to take home and plant for our summer crops. The event will take place at the Riley Levin Children Garden, located at 3703 10th Ave; come on Saturday, May 27, from 1-3 PM. 

All ages are welcome to participate!

¡Vive Tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!

Join the Hispanic Federation & National Alliance for Hispanic Health Expo in Washington Heights!

Experience a day of wellness, education, and fun at the 17th annual ¡Vive Tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving! event. Discover healthy living through health screenings, physical activities, vaccines, and more. Save the date: June 3, 2023, from 11 AM to 4:30 PM at Carnaval de Boulevard, St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033.

Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry

The Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry operates Saturdays from 7:30 - 9 AM year-round at Church of the Good Shepherd (630 Isham Street, New York, NY 10034). They serve hundreds of families each month, distributing bags of food that include nutritionally diverse and culturally appropriate selections. They prioritize offering fresh produce to their clients and have received recognition for our program from the City of New York.

For more information about their Food Pantry, contact their Food Pantry Coordinator, Paul Kwon, at 212-791-4590 ext. 102 or foodpantry@cis-nyc.org.

Dyckman St A-Train Stairwell Construction

The MTA continues its stairwell repair work at the Dyckman Street A-Train Station.

The Dyckman Street Station stairwell, located on the southwest side of Broadway and Riverside Drive, is closed 24/7 for repairs occurring between 7 am-5 pm. Repairs will consist of complete stairwell demolition and refurbishment.

This work is slated for completion by the end of April.

Customers will continue to have immediate, unobstructed access to two (2) other station stairwells throughout the project duration.

Fort Tryon Park Events

Fort Tryon Park hosts weekly activities for people of all ages.Visit here for the list of activities that will be going on in Fort Tryon Park during the rest of the month.

NAMI-NYC Events

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. Please visit here to view their calendar of events during the rest of the month.

Morris-Jumel Mansion Events

As Manhattan’s oldest surviving residence, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, built-in 1765, preserves, collects and interprets history, culture, and the arts to explore inclusive narratives that engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Visit here to see what's happening at the Mansion.

Met Council on Housing Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline

Met Council on Housing seeks bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers for their Mutual Aid Tenants’ Rights Hotline team. The hotline serves thousands of tenants all over the city every year. Hotline Team Members answer questions on common tenant issues, inform callers of their rights and help them determine the best course of action to assert those rights. As part of their hotline team, you will be directly assisting tenants in need fight against their predatory, abusive landlords and stay in their homes.

If you’re interested in joining the hotline team, please email katee@metcouncilonhousing.org include any questions you may have about the position.

In solidarity, 

RJ