Link to Senate hearings: www.nysenate.gov

Link to the New York State Office for the Prevention of domestic violence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJWVoTGnc0U

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

If you have the skill, then you can move as you age.

Joe Morton

               Updates From Albany

This weekend staffers, and representative converged on Albany. Even civic minded youth were engaged, curious and ready to learn how government works.

               February Resolutions

This Legislative Body commemorates the 52nd Anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic celebrated on February 23, 2023. Guyana, officially the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is a sovereign state on the Caribbean coast of South America, and one of the few Caribbean countries that are part of South America.

 On February 23, 1970, Guyana officially became a Republic and in 2008, the country joined the Union of South American Nations as a founding member. Guyana is a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations and has the distinction of being the only South American nation in which English is the official language.

 The 53rd Anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic provides an opportunity to recognize the significance of their contributions to the quality and character of life. Through events and activities, for all people to gain a greater appreciation of Guyanese history and traditions. The role Guyanese have played, and will continue to play, in our society contributing to the rich tapestry that is the American way of life.

 Senator Persaud passed J247 and recognizes this best as Guyana is her birthplace. She has used her upbringing and ethics from her parents to make the best contribution to Senate District 19.

           Waste Setout Times Change 

                     April 1, 2023

As part of our commitment to keeping our streets clean, the NYC Department of Sanitation is implementing a new rule to reduce the time that trash, recycling, and curbside composting will sit on sidewalks. The new rule goes into effect April 1, 2023.

Residents
Residential buildings have two options:

Place waste out after 6:00 PM in a container of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid, or
Place waste out after 8:00 PM, if putting bags directly on the curb
To ensure collection, all waste must be set out by midnight.

Businesses
Businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two options:

If using a container with a secure lid, place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or
If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM
* This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

Remember, containers must be removed from the curb by the time your business reopens.

For more info: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/site/services/collection-setout-times

            Traffic Advisory NYC

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

       New York State Comptroller                            Unclaimed Funds

$17.5 BILLION in Unclaimed Funds
Everyday 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

        Met Council - SENIOREPAIR                                   Services

Met Council’s project, SenioRepair, ensures New Yorkers 60 years and older, stay safe at home. Through the program, seniors can request support in installing and repairing bathtub grab bars, light bulbs, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, window locks and screens, and so much more. For more information or to determine eligibility, please call 929-292-9261 or email cmacal@metcouncil.org.

Property Tax Exemption Deadline: March 15

The Department of Finance administers tax exemptions and abatements that help New Yorkers save on their property taxes, including:
Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE): Available to owners 65+ with annual income of $58,399 or less.

Disabled Homeowner Exemption (DHE): Available to owners with disabilities and annual income of $58,399 or less.

Veterans: Available to eligible veterans of foreign wars, veterans with honorable discharges, spouses/widow(er)s of veterans, and Gold Star parents.

Clergy Exemption: Available to eligible members of the clergy or their unremarried surviving spouses.

Full eligibility information and application instructions: www.nyc.gov/ownerexemption.

$150 Property Tax Rebate 

Great news! Homeowners have until March 15, 2023, to apply if they haven’t already received the fiscal year 2023 property tax rebate. If your property is your primary residence and your
total household income is $250,000 or less, you may be entitled to a $150 property tax rebate.

Think you qualify? More info at www.nyc.gov/propertytaxrebate.

            FTC Trade Alert: GoodRx

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

         Federal Trade Commission                        MoneyGram Advisory

Most of the time, if you send money to a scammer with a wire transfer, you don’t get money back. But if you paid a scammer through MoneyGram and filed a refund claim with Gilardi & Co., watch your mailbox. Refund checks worth over $115 million are on the way to almost 39,000 people whose claims were approved.

For more info: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/02/over-115-million-goes-moneygram-users-who-paid-scammers?utm_source=govdelivery

                         IRS Scams

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

               Nursing Home Advisory

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

                     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.

Traffic Control Study New York City Department of Transportation

The Department recently completed its study regarding the need for additional traffic controls at the intersection of New Lots and Alabama Avenues. we are pleased to inform you that a traffic signal has been approved at this location. Installation will be performed by contract and the work is tentatively scheduled to be completed by May 31, 2023.

Source: Ketih Bray Brooklyn Borough Commissioner                                                             NYC Department of Transportation

The Citi Bike Community Grant application for 2023 is now open! The overarching goal of the program is to extend Lyft’s investment in communities by increasing access to bike share in low-income neighborhoods and underrepresented communities where Citi Bike currently exists and future expansion areas. Community Grants support programs, events, and activities organized by non-profit & community-based organizations that align with Citi Bike’s equity goals.

Register Here

Brooklyn Library Upcoming Events 

Adult Education Workshop With Planned Parenthood Of Greater NY

March 11, 2023 1:00 p.m-2:15 p.m.

RSVP here: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/adult-education-workshop-new-lots-library-20230311

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)

                 OMNY Information

Interested in OMNY?

go to: https://reducedfare.mta.info/omny-registration/

for more information

     Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign

This project is part of our larger effort to modernize New York City’s bus network and improve bus service borough by borough. We are taking a fresh look at the bus network, with the goal of meeting customers’ priorities: frequent service, faster travel, reliable service, better connections, and an easy ride. 

Please join Virtual Workshop on the date for your community via Zoom: 

https://mta.zoom.us/j/87221443989?pwd=L014cXlGQittY2pML3pSNlk1UTVjdz09 
All workshops will happen from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sessions will begin at 6:30- 7:30pm and 
7:30 p.m.- 8:30pm, though you can join at any time

Wednesday, March 1
Community District 15
Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend, Homecrest, Kings Highway, Manhattan Beach, Plumb Beach, Sheepshead Bay
Thursday, March 2
Community District 16
Broadway Junction, Brownsville, Ocean Hill
Tuesday, March 7
Community District 17
East Flatbush, Farragut, Flatbush, Northeast Flatbush, Remsen Village, Rugby, Erasmus
Thursday, March 9
Community District 18
Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Paerdegat Basin

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. 

        Senator Persaud On the Move

On Wednesday February 22, representing Senator Persaud Staffer Sandy was honored to present a New York State Resolution, at a reception in observance of Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary.
H.E Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent
Representative of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the United Nations and Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, New York delivered heartfelt remarks to a packed room. The atmosphere was festive as those gathered celebrated the strides that have been made by the nation of Guyana.
The Consul General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the USA, Mr. Rondy Luta McIntosh was also in attendance.

On Wednesday February 22, Chief of Staff Tanequa and Senator Persaud attended the CUNY Brooklyn Borough Legislative Breakfast at Kingsborough Community College. 
It was great to see colleagues and Presidents of Medgar Evers College, CUNY Brooklyn College and NYC College of Technology and Kingsborough CUNY students are in good hands!

Brooklyn is home to four City University of New York institutions.

Senator Persaud stands with CUNY in ensuring funding is allocated to continue premiere education. 

On Tuesday February 21, Senator Persaud I had a very productive meeting with Chief Henderson, Commander of NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn North. Senator Persaud is dedicated to work together to make Senate District 19 safe for everyone.

On Tuesday February 21, Staffers Jonathan and Christine attended NYC Health + Hospitals South Brooklyn Health’s Lunar New Year Celebration at Kane Auditorium, Coney Island Hospital.

On Friday February 17, Staffer Jennifer represented Senator Persaud at the 2023 East Brooklyn Reinvestment Forum.
The forum was attended by key stakeholders and representatives of banks/financial institutions, Financial Inclusion and Empowerment at DFS, as well as Elected Officials/representatives including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s office.

On Friday February 17, Staffer Christine represented Senator Persaud PS 770 The New American Academy Hosted a Curriculum Celebration in the Arts, which celebrated music and dance honoring Black History Month.
Student dancers from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes performed various dance techniques from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The dance performances were followed by the musical programs highlighting various African American artists and their impact on American culture.

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

NYC Parks Lifeguard

To sign up go to: www.nyc.gov/parks/lifeguards.

New York State Legislative Fellowship

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

        The Campaign Against Hunger

For more info contact:
Howard Brown Youth Empowerment Department Manager
email: hbrown@tcahnyc.org
718-773-3551 ext. 116
or Visit: beacheats.org

To gain more info visit: tcahfarms.org/green-teens
or contact Howard Brown
email: hbrown@tcahnyc.org
phone: 718-773-3551 ext. 116

Young people aged 14-24 can now apply to DYCD’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Participants have the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that help develop their social, civic, and leadership skills.

To apply, visit nyc.gov/syep. Employers can also apply to hire NYC youth through SYEP.

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 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/

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.