Link to Senate hearings: www.nysenate.gov

To see legislative work and sign up for weekly newsletter go to: 

https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/roxanne-j-persaud

The Senate District 19 lines are different.

Please visit the links below for more information:

Please visit NYS Redistricting 2021-2022 (redistrictingandyou.org), where you can enter your address and see your district information. 

You may also visit New York State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment to view the maps.

Quote of the Week

Only in America could you get away with the kind of comedy I did.

Pat Morita

SFY 2023-2024 Budget Hearings Commenced This Week. 

Last week, the Governor released their proposed budget for SFY 2023-2024 which begins on April 1st.  Until then, The Legislature will hear from all state agencies and advocates and ultimately craft a spending plan agreement.  On Monday, February 6th, Senator Persaud participated in the Transportation budget hearing where she heard from and asked questions of the State DOT, the MTA and various transit and traffic safety advocates.  Senator Persaud will also be participating in the Human Services hearing on Monday February 13th.  Other hearings scheduled for this week included Education, Public Protection and Economic Development/Arts. 

Click here: bit.ly/theneedtoknow2022TS

Upcoming clinic dates include February 9, and February 23. Individuals can log on anytime between 11am and 1pm on the clinic day to speak to an attorney. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/taxtalkthursdays

From: Notify NYC

Planned Work Reminder: All NJ-bound lanes of the Holland Tunnel will be closed Sun-Thur nights from 11PM-5:30AM & Fri nights from 11:59PM-9AM through 2025. Use alternate routes.

To find routes go to: https://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/en/holland-tunnel/ht-sandy-repairs-and-resiliency-improvements.html?fbclid=IwAR1SIFmnchUHyGa96b_G-fTK-m36MP0KAkCLGVWZfA-ESJC0A9Pr-5I3GuE

$17.5 BILLION in Unclaimed Funds
Every day New York State returns $1.5 million to those who file claims here. Is any yours?
.

For more info go here: New York State Comptroller

The FTC says GoodRx, a digital health platform that offers virtual doctor visits and lets users get coupons for prescription drugs, broke its promises to users about how it would use and share their personal health information.

The FTC claims GoodRx shared information about users’ health conditions and prescription drugs with digital advertisers like Facebook and Google without users’ permission — and contrary to what it told users in its privacy policy. GoodRx then used that sensitive health information to target its users with health ads on users’ social media feeds.

To read the full article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/02/goodrxs-not-so-good-privacy-practices-come-light?utm_source=govdelivery

It's Tax filing season-

The IRS won't text cell phones about refunds!

This is a scam. To report a scam to the FTC go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Is your loved one in a Nursing Home?
If your loved one is in a nursing home and you believe they could be at risk, please call the @NewYorkStateAG
Hotline: 1-800-771-7755

New York State Attorney General Letitia James

Consumer Assistance Webpage
The Department’s winter preparedness has valuable resources for consumers such as controlling heating costs, consumer protections, energy efficiency and winter safety, as well as links to state and utility financial assistance programs.

www.dps.ny.gov/winter

Winter Preparedness Flyer

Food Resources

-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.

Brooklyn Library Upcoming Events 

February 23: Spring Creek presents Creative Aging: “Sketchbook Journaling: Drawing & Writing” 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. virtual program- Link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/spring-creek-presents-virtual-20230228

February 23: Mental Health First Aid Workshop (Free Certification Course):   10:00 am. to 5:00 p.m.
To sign up go to:  https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/mental-health-first-aid-new-lots-library-20230223

The Brooklyn Public Library offers many activities for all ages. To find the list of activities and events and your closest library, visit Events Calendar | Brooklyn Public Library Click Here: (bklynlibrary.org)

For eligible candidates go to: schools.nyc.gov/elections2023

Candidates are to register by February 13, 2023.

In Person Job and Resource Fair
Thursday February 16, 2023
at 665 New Lots Avenue (at Barbey Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11207 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

To RSVP: email- rsinclair@bklynlibrary.org
call 718-649-0311
go to: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/new-lots-job-resource-new-lots-library-20230216?fbclid=IwAR2mI3LcB88XYY94WdYU_iEDq3MjtIgUK-it97whDA1T5SfrAhSR80rPx7k

The deadline to get a REAL ID is May 7, 2025 – after that, a standard license will no longer be accepted to board a plane or enter federal facilities.

With same-day and next-day appointments available at most DMV offices across the state, now is the best time to upgrade and avoid the last-minute rush.

For more information, see here.

Low-income New York City residents at or below the federal poverty level may qualify for a half-priced transit fare using a Fair Fares MetroCard.

Check your eligibility at nyc.gov/fairfares or call 311 for more information.

Call 988 to reach Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

There is hope. Providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The Lifeline helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.

More information about 988 is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

NY Project Hope has launched New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline.

They can be reached at 1-844-863-9314.

For more information, visit their site here. 

Do Not Discard Your Unused Covid Test Kits
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a shelf-life extension on COVID-19 at-home test kits.

Ever wanted to dispose of something, but wasn't sure about the proper way to do so?

Find and FOLLOW proper disposal info at on.nyc.gov/howtogetridof

On February 6 Chief of Staff Tanequa Strong represented Senator Persaud at an event to honor survivors of gun violence. The night highlighted the role of survivors as change makers, who are leading efforts to end gun violence and support other survivors in their communities. 

Thank you to Everytown for Gun Safety, 67th Precinct Clergy Council, The God Squad and Clergy for Safe Cities for bringing elected officials, clergy and community together to end this scourge in our district. 

Hold on to this thought from the event holders: "We remember, We Recover, We Restore."

On Friday February 3, Senator Persaud did a walk through with Pastor McKenzie, Dr. Simpson, and Chief of Staff Tanequa Strong on Livonia Avenue at the New Grace Center Christian School to discuss plans regarding the renovation of Grace Project Phase I & Phase II. This site will be converted to affordable housing.

Friday February 3rd was "National Wear Red Day". Senator Persaud and Staff wore Red to raise and spread awareness to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in women of this nation.

On Friday February 3, Chief of Staff Tanequa Strong represented Senator Persaud at Medgar Evers College, CUNY for the (AACEO) monthly meeting.
This month's theme, 2023 Modern Historians: Clergy & Community working together. My colleague, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke asked, "as we rise, so do you rise, but can you keep the altitude?"
During black history month, as we acknowledge those who went before us. Let us stand with those who walk with us, our Modern Historians!

On Thursday February 2 an informative and interactive meeting was held. There were meaningful discussions about ways to make the neighborhood safer for everyone.
The constituents not only shared their concerns but also complimented the officers for their visibility in the area.
Staffer Jennifer distributed Senate resources which included upcoming events flyers and the 2023 New York City Parking Calendar on behalf of Senator Persaud.

Visit Senator Persaud's Facebook page to see more photos from SD19 events. 

What to do if your online order never arrives?

Your package doesn’t come when the seller said it would. And worse, you hear nothing. Your happy anticipation is turning to anger and frustration. So now what?

Get consumer information from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

For more information visit: https://consumer.ftc.gov

New York State Legislative Fellowship

For More info go here: https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2021/new-york-senate-graduate-fellowships

For more information and to apply visit: jbrpc.org/fellowship

DFTA Bill Payer Program

Do you need help organizing your bills and making sure they are paid on time?

The Bill Payer Program helps adults, 60 years or older, manage their household bills. DFTA has partnered with SilverBills, a financial-technology company, to provide services.

A Bill Payer representative will make a one-time visit to the home to help with budgeting and enrollment. After that, the program will continue to review and process the payment of bills each month and inform the participant of any discrepancies or potential fraud.

For more information, see here.

DFTA Launches Silver Stars Program

In the Department for the Aging's continued efforts to fight ageism and give older adults the opportunity to continue contributing to the workforce, we launched a called Silver Stars.

Designed for retired civil servants who want to continue working, this program is an opportunity for them to be hired by a City agency where they can earn up to $35,000 working part-time, while continuing to receive benefits from the City's pension system.

To learn more about this opportunity, you can visit the Older Adult Employment page on our website, email SilverStars@aging.nyc.gov, or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469).

Free tax help: The Food Bank for New York City in partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library will aid in filing taxes.
To make an appointment online go to: https://go.oncehub.com/Brooklynlibraries
or call 646-981-6111

To register visit: NYPDRECRUIT.COM

For more info go here: bit.ly/CareerFairNYC

For more information on this position go to: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/careers/civilians/school-crossing-guard.page

2023 Civil Service Exam

For more info about exams go to: https://www.cs.ny.gov/

Click here: http://bit.ly/3GIS0PA to check out openings

Community Resources

Click the button under each graphic for more information.

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.  For more information, click here.

The NYS Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who
have made a lasting contribution to their community.  For more information, click here.

The NYS Senate Empire Award recognizes excellence in business in Senate District 19. For more information, click here.

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

As your State Senator in the 19th Senatorial District: Senator Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of Canarsie, Cypress Hills, East New York, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, Starrett City, Lindenwood, Howard Beach & City Line.

For more information, click the logos below for Senator Persaud's official website, Facebook or Twitter.