[Para ver la versión en español visite aquí).

Dear Neighbors, 

May is here! The arrival of springtime weather, the sight of fully bloomed flowers, and a special occasion to honor mothers, including my wife and daughter, all belong to May. The month kicked off with International Workers' Day, a time to celebrate labor, and will conclude with Memorial Day, a time to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans for our nation.

May is also recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness. It is important to recognize that mental health affects everyone, as demonstrated by the recent tragedy involving the killing of Jordan Neely - a black homeless man with mental health challenges who had impersonated Michael Jackson to the delight of many subway commuters. 

This homicide was a direct consequence of the sustained neglect and dehumanization of individuals grappling with homelessness and mental health issues, perpetuated by political and systemic factors and fueled by biased media coverage. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to address these issues and to work towards creating a more compassionate and just society.

Please visit and share this link where I list some locations that provide mental health assistance. By promoting mental health awareness, we can work towards creating a world where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to achieve good mental health.

A New State Budget

After weeks of tense negotiations, the state legislature finally voted on the budget. The vote comes over a month after the budget’s April 1st due date.

Throughout the current legislative session, which began in January, I have been actively working for a state budget that is fair and impartial for the fiscal year of 2023-2024. The month-late $229 billion budget does not address all of my concerns, but it does include some notable achievements for both the state and our communities - this isn’t called the "Big Ugly" for nothing.

In this e-update, I share some of the budget highlights with you, and you can read my floor speech here. Later this month, you will receive a more detailed summary of the state budget in your mailboxes. 

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, and please stay safe!

Peace & blessings, 

RJ 

Weeks of tense negotiations finally led to a voting session that concluded last Tuesday close to midnight on a $229 billion budget. The Enacted Budget prioritizes affordability and creates more economic opportunity.

Here is a small snapshot of the state budget:

Senate Majority passed key economic measures to aid middle- and working-class families facing high living expenses:

• Expanding Child Tax Credit to make the tax credit available to families with children under 4 years old. This will allow approximately 584,000 more households to claim the credit, benefitting 993,500 adults and 993,700 children in those households.
  
• Continuing the phase-in of the lowest personal income tax rate for working and middle-class families in New York State for over 70 years.
  
• Implementing new comprehensive programs to ensure high-quality, affordable child care, including $500 million towards a Workforce Retention Grant Program and $25 million to support the Employer Child Care Tax Credit.
  
• $5.4 Million to expand SNAP outreach to eligible families
  
• $150,000 to replace stolen temporary benefits
  
• $35 Million to the MTA specifically to improve subway service frequency, plus a new pilot program to bring one free bus route to each of the five boroughs

As a staunch advocate for education, I take great pride in the role I played in achieving the education-related goals outlined in this budget.

• Fully funding of Foundation Aid for the first time in New York’s history and committing the largest annual School Aid amount of $34.5 billion.
• Investing $135 million toward free school lunches for all public school students
• Securing $20 million in capital funding for public libraries.

For higher education, the budget includes:

• Successfully blocking tuition hikes for CUNY and SUNY in-state students while providing $103 million in operating aid for SUNY and $53 million for CUNY, and allocating $50 million in new funding for transformational initiatives at CUNY.

It is evident that addressing housing affordability requires a housing plan that supports both tenant's protections and homeowners. The Senate Majority was able to successfully include some critical funding to support tenants and homeowners that include:

• $391 million in funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist tenants with rental arrears living in public and subsidized housing, including NYCHA residents and Section 8 recipients.
• Securing $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program, including $25 million for a First Time Homeowners Program and $10 million for Land Banks.  

I have been extremely vocal in my support of Climate justice; the budget includes:

• Enacting the All-Electric Building Act, a first-in-the-nation zero-emissions requirement for all new homes and buildings.
• The Public Renewables Act with robust labor standards and renewable energy access and assistance with utility costs for low-income New Yorkers and small businesses.
• $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund for capital projects that protect the environment and advance environmental justice.
• $500 million for the Clean Water and Infrastructure Act.

Support for economic development, job creation, small business & Minority & Women-owned Business:

• Securing an additional $1.4 million for the MWBE Development Lending Program from the Executive Proposal, for a total of $2 million.
• $12 million in legislative grants for businesses, including the creation of a matching grant program for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs. 

#CommunityFirst

School Solutions Not Suspensions Rally

I attended the School Solutions Not Suspensions rally with advocates, parents, and students before a public hearing on school policies related to discipline and suspensions. Current suspension policies disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students across New York, hindering their education. To address this, I have introduced the Judith Kaye School Solutions Not Suspensions Act, which aims to replace suspensions with effective restorative approaches to discipline.

Budget Talk at Bronx Talk!

Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest at Bronx Talk hosted at the BronxNet studios at Lehman College. Alongside Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, we discussed the state budget and delved into important topics like education funding and healthcare. It was an engaging conversation, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective on such crucial issues. A big thanks to BronxNet for the fantastic experience!⁣

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 S182, the End Qualified Immunity Act.

Having civil rights means very little if government officials who violate them are shielded from accountability. Qualified Immunity currently gives a near-total pass for public officials to violate our civil rights without consequence.

In 2022, statewide polling found that 58% of New Yorkers favor ending qualified immunity. In New York State, we have an opportunity to pass the nation’s most comprehensive bill in Albany that would allow us to do away with this doctrine. My bill, which has garnered strong support, will provide New Yorkers with the transparency, accountability, and justice they’ve asked for. Let's end qualified immunity now. It is a matter of civil rights.

You can visit here for details if you want more information on this bill. 

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 9th, 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

Bronx Public Bank Town Hall 

Join me on May 11th at 6 pm as I co-host alongside advocates and other elected officials for our “Bronx Public Banking Town Hall.” The town hall will take place at the Bronx Library Center (310 E. Kingsbridge Rd, BX, NY).

Public banking can provide us with the resources to build an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant community. Come and share your thoughts and give your input on public banking.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Uptown Wagon Free Store

Are you looking to donate gently used clothing or household items? Look no further than the Uptown Wagon Free Store! Join Uptown Wagon, Team Jackson, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office on Friday, May 12th, from 2 -7 pm. 

Donations will be accepted on Thursday, May 11th, from 10 am-6 pm, and Friday, May 12th, from 10 am-1 pm. New or gently used men's, women's, and children's clothing, new underwear, socks, accessories, toys, small household items, and unopened toiletries are welcome. Please note that no books or food will be accepted.

Save the date and come out to support the Uptown Wagon Free Store!

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:

Sedgwick Library

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

Hours:  10:30 am – 5 pm

Dates:  May 17 and June 21

Jerome Park Library

Address: 118 Eames Place Bronx, NY 10468

Hours:  10 am – 5 pm

Dates:   June 7

For more information, please call my office at 212.544.0173.

Elections 2023 Community & Citywide Education Councils 

Want to make a difference in your community? The NYC education councils are now open for elections for the 2023-2025 term!

The NYC education councils give parents a voice in shaping the policies and priorities for New York City schools. Education councils are elected every two years, and elections are now open to fill all 325 elected seats for the two-year term that begins on July 1 - Voting ends on May 9.

Don't miss your chance to make a difference in your community - submit your vote now via the NYC Schools Account Portal. 

For more information, parents can visit here.

Summer 2023 Gun Violence Prevention Initiative

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is taking proactive steps to combat gun violence in New York City by launching the Summer 2023 Gun Violence Prevention Initiative.

With a focus on building positive connections and providing pro-social programming for youth in targeted Manhattan areas, the initiative seeks to empower community-based organizations with additional funds and capacity to work towards preventing gun violence and making the community safer.

The Manhattan DA’s Office is offering $20,000 microgrants to up to 10 local organizations specifically focused on gun violence prevention and who can successfully engage young people at risk of gun violence. This RFP presents an opportunity for community-based organizations to make a significant impact in their communities and prevent gun violence in targeted Manhattan areas.

*Proposals are due by Tuesday, May 16th, at 3 p.m.

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.

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.

Local One Apprenticeship Exam Registration 

Don't miss out on the Local One apprenticeship exam - registration starts on Monday!

Get your friends and family involved and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to join the premier stagehand union of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. With excellent wages, benefits, and a range of industry-relevant training opportunities, this is a great chance to join the world of stagehanding and technical production.

Register here now!

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 heat and 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 running out of fuel or 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.

Green Thumbs Are Needed!

Papai’s Garden is seeking volunteers for their upcoming gardening event on Sunday, May 7th, from 9:30 AM to 12 PM. The event will take place at the Riley Levin Children's Garden at Swindler's Cove, located at 3703 10th Avenue in Inwood. 

Volunteers will be involved in preparing three garden beds, pulling out winter cover crops, turning the soil, adding fertilizer and compost, and potentially planting. Refreshments will be served. If you are interested in participating, please call or text 646-919-5706 or email info@pap.org to sign up. 

Join Papai’s Garden and help make your community a greener place!

Water Shutdown on W 181st St b/t St. Nicholas & Audubon Aves

Attention residents and business owners in the vicinity of W 181st Street between St. Nicholas Avenue and Audubon Avenue:

Please be advised that a temporary nighttime water shutdown is anticipated to occur on Monday night, May 8, and Tuesday night, May 9, from 9 PM until 6 AM (for approximately 9 hours) in order to facilitate the installation of a 12" water main.

To prepare for this shutdown, the DDC recommends that you shut off the water main valve in your building to prevent any issues that may occur when sediment enters or is released from your plumbing.

Please refer to the Community Advisory and Water Handling Info Sheet below for additional information. Also, please note that a 24-hour confirmation notification will be provided to either confirm or cancel the scheduled water main shutdown.

“A Musical About Musicals” – Free Concert for the Community

Experience the magic of Broadway right here in our neighborhood!

Don't miss out on an exceptional performance by the talented students of the Media & Performing Arts Division at the High School for Media & Communications. They will be presenting the best songs and dances from the greatest musicals in a show directed and produced by Zulaika Velázquez and choreographed by Willy Mena. This is an event that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Don't miss out on the chance to see an amazing show - get your free tickets now - RSVP here!

Maintenance Work on the Broadway Bridge 

From Monday, May 8 to Friday, May 19, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Division of Bridges will be conducting important maintenance work on the Broadway Bridge over the Harlem River. During this time, there will be right lane closures in both directions from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as alternating center lane closures in either direction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Additionally, alternating sidewalk closures will be in effect. However, please note that at least one lane of traffic and one sidewalk will remain open at all times to ensure smooth transit. The work includes conduit installation, control house interior wall construction, and steel grid deck repairs. 

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 10, 12, 17, or 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.

GDS Mental Health Awareness

Looking for a safe space to express yourself and support others while learning about mental health? Look no further than Growth and Development Services' virtual Mental Wellness Series. 

Join the community in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month by bringing your favorite artistic expression and sharing in the conversation about promoting emotional well-being. Each week, program partners and community members will come together to destigmatize mental health, offer support and resources, and create a supportive environment for all. 

Available dates are on the flyer below - RSVP here to join.

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 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 11:30 am - sign up here.

Or join them on May 11 & 18 at 11 am at Lt. William Tighe Triangle, located at the intersection of Seaman Avenue, Riverside Drive, and Dyckman St in New York, NY.- sign up here.

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

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