Senator Persaud's E-Newsletter, Thursday, 02/02/2023

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

“Do the best you can until you know better.

Then, when you know better, Do better.”

Maya Angelou

Updates from Albany

February Resolutions

World Wetlands Day is being celebrated February 2nd in recognition of the importance they play in a proper balance in the ecosystem.

Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands are critical to human and plant life. They are a source of food, raw materials, genetic resources for medicines, and hydropower, among other uses.

Senator Persaud understands that wetlands are important as Superstorm Sandy would have caused even more damage if not for the coastal wetlands in the area. This resolution J250 recognizes the importance of preserving a proper balance in our ecosystem.

Click here: bit.ly/theneedtoknow2022TS

Tax Talk Thursdays

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

New York State Comptroller Unclaimed Funds

$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

Identity Theft Awareness Week

As unique as we each are, we all look the same to identity thieves: like good targets. To them, it’s all about our Social Security numbers, birth dates, account login credentials, and other personal information. But during Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 30-February 3) we can all fight back against identity theft.

For more info go to: identity theft week

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

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

Enrollment in the NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) opened on January 3, 2023.

Click here to learn about HEAP and assess your eligibility.

New York City applicants must download an application from NYS OTDA, complete and return via mail to:

NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP

P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station

New York, NY 10008

Households may also be eligible for an emergency benefit if they are in danger of running out of heating fuel or having their utility service shut off. Emergency HEAP benefits and eligibility are based on income, available resources, and the type of emergency. Households facing an energy emergency should call their local Department of Social Services’ HEAP office for assistance.

The 2022-2023 Heat Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit is open.

Homeowners may be eligible for assistance to replace or repair a furnace, boiler, or other direct heating equipment. Benefit amounts are based on actual cost of repair or replacement. Households may call their local Department of Social Services’ HEAP office to apply.

For more information on eligibility and applying for HEAP benefits, visit Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

If you do not have heat, immediately tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly.

Winter Electricity and Gas Bill Increases – Con Edison & National Grid Resources Available

The NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice is anticipating higher prices for gas and electric services this coming winter. Con Edison & National Grid utility bills are increasing because of geopolitical events, supply constraints, and dynamic market forces which have resulted in an increase to the commodity price of fuel.

There are financial assistance and payment assistance programs available to help income-eligible customers manage their utility bills:

Con Edison’s Energy Affordability Program – apply online or on paper.

National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program – sign up online or on paper.

National Grid offers help through their consumer advocates. Call (718) 643-4050 or email ConsumerAdvocatesNYC@nationalgrid.com.

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.

MTA Service Disruptions Beginning President's Day Weekend

Subway service on the A, C, D, E, F and M lines will be disrupted for more than a week next month, with the MTA performing track and replacement work.

The work, according to the MTA, is scheduled to begin over Presidents’ Day weekend and last for 10 days. The MTA plans to replace tracks and switches north of the 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The service changes will take place from Friday, Feb. 17 at 9:45 p.m. through Monday, Feb. 27 at 5 a.m.

The MTA says that the work is critical and is being done over the holiday week to ensure minimal impact to customers. Given the holiday, service will be affected on four weekdays.

For info on which lines are affected go to:

https://www.amny.com/.../mta-announces-service.../

Brooklyn Library Upcoming Events

Feb 8: Wednesday of Wisdom: Winter Safety and Savings Tips 11:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual-Link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/wednesday-wisdom-winter-virtual-20230208

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

March 7: Senior Debate for Older Adults Spring 2023 Series Virtual- Link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/senior-debate-for-older-virtual-20230307

March 8: Making the Most of Your Social Security 11:00 a.m.-12 p.m. Virtual- Link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/making-most-your-social-virtual-20230308

NYC School Council Election

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

Candidates are to register by February 13, 2023.

NY State Seed Grant

The NYS Seed Grant Program application window is now open. Early-stage small businesses can apply for grants of up to $25,000. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get COVID-19 relief for your business! Check eligibility requirements at

nyseedgrant.com.

COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program

Up to $25,000 in New York State tax credits available for costs incurred to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Empire State Development recently announced the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program, providing up to $25,000 in tax credits to eligible businesses that spent money to comply with emergency orders and regulations, or to increase public safety in response to COVID-19.

Required Eligibility Screening Tool

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

Big Apple Awards

Nominations are OPEN for the Big Apple Awards through February 28, 2023!

More information here: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/vision-and-mission/big-apple-awards

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

Go to link below for winter publications webpage:

Winter Publications

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.

Proper Disposal Information

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

EBT Skimming

SUNY Downstate Maimonides Cancer Center Press Conference
February 2, 2023

SUNY Downstate and Maimonides continue their partnership by expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Staffers Joe and Christine attended this press Conference where speakers spoke about the local care. From medical professionals to politicians to a cancer survivor everyone talked about the importance of not just cancer treatment but the importance of early care as well.

NYPD 69th Precinct Community Council Meeting January 31, 2023

The NYPD 69th Precinct Community Council held its first meeting of 2023 on Tuesday.

Staffer Jennnifer represented Senator Persaud at the meeting and gave updates about the priorities and upcoming events in the district. The constituents had a unique opportunity to voice their concerns directly to NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and Dep. Inspector Abdullah Khandahar, Commander of the precinct.

Congratulations to the December 2022 Cop of the Month recipients: Police Officers Kingsley Okafor and Ridhwanul Rabbe.

Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol Lunar New Year Celebration January 28, 2023

On January 28, Senator Persaud and Staffer Christine attended the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol's Lunar New Year Celebration at the Deshi Senior Center.

Community members, volunteers, and local elected officials were in attendance at the festivities celebrating the Year of the Rabbit.
Happiness Chinese Dance Group performed traditional dances, followed by a kickboxing demonstration from Mayo Academy. Both organizations received citations from elected officials for their work in the community.
Thank you to Mohammad Khan, Iqbal Ali, and the CITYLINE Ozone Park Civilian Patrol team for all the fantastic work bringing the community together.

ANS I AM Beautiful Conference January 28, 2023

On Saturday January 28, Chief of Staff Tanequa Strong represented Senator Persaud and presented citations at the annual ANS “I Am Beautiful Conference” hosted by Apostle Dr. Chloe Natacha. Senator Persaud's colleague, Assembly Member Brian Cunningham was in attendance.

Men, women, and youth were honored for making an impact in their communities. Congratulations to the honorees and thank you for changing lives.

Brooklyn Legal Services NYC Legislative Breakfast January 27,2023

On Friday, January 27, Staffer Sandy represented Senator Persaud at the Brooklyn Legal Services (BLS) - Legal Services NYC Legislative Breakfast. Senator Persaud is proud to support BLS's tremendous scope of work and has provided funding to sustain the constituent services they provide across Brooklyn, particularly in SD19.
Thank you to Judge Betty Stanton, President of BLS, Raun Rasmussen, Executive Director, Legal Services NYC, Tanya Wong, Project Director, BLS, and Monique St. Marie, for the warm welcome.
Click on the link below to learn more about the services provided by BLS.
https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/our-program/brooklyn

NYPD 75th Precinct January 26, 2023

On Thursday January 26, Senator Persaud attended the NYPD 75th Precinct Medal Day. This ceremony honored NYPD Officers and Civilians for 2021 and 2022.
Congratulations to over 100 honorees in attendance for their hard work and dedication to the NYPD and the communities they serve.
Their commitment, strength and bravery does not go unnoticed.
On behalf of Senatorial District 19, Thank You!

The Week in Albany

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

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 Food Bank for New York and Brooklyn Public Library

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/

NYC DOT Engineering Job Fair

NYCDOT is hosting a Job Fair to fill full-time entry-level engineering positions in all areas of our agency’s operations.

We are inviting you to join us on

Friday, February 3, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at

55 Water Street, New York, NY 10041, Concourse Level/BID Room.

Sign up at: http://on.nyc.gov/dotjf. Anyone unable to attend the fair can complete the online form (same link provided) and attach their resume for consideration for future job openings and agency events.

All candidates for the Job Fair positions must have at least a bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering by June 2023, and must be authorized to work in the United States. The salary is $59,125 for a 35-hour week with benefits including a defined pension, free health care, 12 vacation days a year, and a robust deferred compensation program.

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

To register email: info@sisterswithpurpose.net

or call at: 646-460-4101

COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program

Empire State Development is partnering with FORWARD to administer the $250M COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program. FORWARD and the Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network is hosting a webinar for New York small businesses to learn about the program, the application and complete the prescreening tool to begin the application process to qualify for refundable tax credits of up to $25,000.

click here to: RSVP

WomensNet Startup Grant

In 1998, we gave our first Amber Grant in honor of 19-year-old Amber Wigdahl, who died before fulfilling her business dreams. Today, we award two $10,000 Amber Grant each month. And two of our 24 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant.

Apply Now

For more info got to: https://hotbreadkitchen.org

To register email: info@sisterswithpurpose.net

or call at: 646-460-4101

The Aim Project is an organization committed to tackling education inequality among prospective high school students in New York City public schools. It's goal is to increase diversity in Specialized High Schools and ensure that students have an equal opportunity to SHSAT tutoring resources.

The SHSAT gives students a chance to be admitted to some of the top high schools in New York City and the United States. Specialized High Schools give students wonderful academic opportunities and resources.

VISIT THE SITE:

https://sites.google.com/view/theaimproject/home

CONTACT:

manhattanaimproject@gmail.com

Community Resources

Click the button under each graphic for more information.

Brooklyn Public Library Online Resources

Want to nominate a SD19 Constituent?

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.

CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE

About Us

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.

Albany Office:
409 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2788

District Office:
1222 East 96th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11236
718-649-7653