The 19th Senatorial District represents Constituents in Canarsie, Cypress Hills, East New York, Brownsville, Lindenwood, Ocean Hill, Starrett City and portions of Howard Beach.

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

On Wednesday April 26, staffer Michael represented Senator Persaud at the NYPD 63rd Precinct Community Council's meeting. While there he presented a NY Senate certificate to Police Officer Liliana Cruz, March 2023 Cop of the month. 

On Wednesday April 26, SD-19 district office and Albany staff wore denim in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims.

National Denim Day is the annual sexual assault awareness event that works to start conversations about the destructive attitudes surrounding sexual assault, such as victim blaming. It is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of April.
To learn more about the origins of this day go here:
https://nationaltoday.com/denim-day/

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

On Wednesday April 26, staffer Jennifer represented Senator Persaud at the Fresh Creek Nature Preserve in partnership with the NY Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR). The President of Fresh Creek Civic Organization Maria Garett and her team coordinated a very successful replanting initiative with several community partners at the Fresh Creek Nature Preserve. This replanting effort is a very important phase of the environmental conservation process after the completion of the construction of the Fresh Creek Coastal Resiliency Project.  

On Tuesday April 25, Staffer Tanequa represented Senator Persaud at the NYPD 69th Precinct Community Council meeting at Hebrew Educational Society (H.E.S.) Canarsie is making great improvements in the district. It was great to hear the updates regarding 20% crime reduction since 2021 and 30% shooting reduction from the start of this year.

Also, in attendance was H.E.S Executive Director Moshit Rovkin and NYPD Explorers. The meeting was bittersweet as Captain Abdullah announces it’s his last session and he’s joining the 81st Precinct. Congratulations Captain Abdullah and thank you for your leadership and partnership to building a strong Senate District 19.

On Monday April 24, Chief of Staff represented Senator Persaud at the  Line of Duty Plaque Dedication Ceremony for fallen New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Firefighter Timothy Klein. FF Timothy Klein, died in the line of duty on April 24,2022. The FDNY was presented with a NY State Resolution to be offered to his family honoring his life. He was selfless and heroic and will never be forgotten for his bravery and acts of kindness. Condolences and continued prayers of comfort with his parents retired FDNY Firefighter Patrick & Dina Klein, siblings, and extended family members, friends and his FDNY Ladder 170 family.

Also in attendance was Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

On Saturday April 22, Staffer Sandy represented Senator Persaud at the Bayview Houses Community Association which was hosted its annual International Spring Festival. 

Staffer Sandy was delighted to deliver remarks on the behalf of Senator Persaud commending Ms. Boyce and her team for a job well done.

This event serves to celebrate the diverse ethnicities and nationalities within the development. The afternoon's entertainment included performances by the Bayview Houses Active Adults on steel pan and a Drum Corp presentation from Coney Island Youth Alive under the direction of Ms. Sheila Smalls, TA President at O'Dwyer Houses. There was a multicultural fare. Attendees were able to sample cuisine from Europe and the Caribbean.

On Saturday April 22, Senator Persaud joined the epresentatives of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce for the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Patty Heaven located at 1464 Rockaway Parkway in Canarsie. Senator Persaud presented a New York State Senate Certificate of congratulations to owner Eric Akers-Bey and his team.

Patty Heaven truly lives up to its name with vegan and traditional Jamaican patties. They offer a wide variety of patties including oxtail and cheese, oxtail, buffalo, chicken, shrimp, salmon, codfish, pumpkin, Mac & cheese and kale to name a few. In addition, there are delicious tropical juices.

Small businesses are an important element in the community. 

On Saturday April 22, Senator Persaud with staffers Christine and Jennifer attended The Opportunity Hub Health Fair at Spring Creek Towers. The office distributed resource packets, hand sanitizers and treats to the attendees at the venue. 

To learn more more about the Resource Hub go to: https://www.theopphub.org/

Senator Persaud would like to thank the following organizations for making the Earth Day Distribution for 2023 a success: NYC Department of Sanitation, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Con Edison, Cornell Small Farms Program, New York Agriculture in the Classroom, and Deterra System.

On Friday April 21, Staffers Heather and Jennifer represented Senator Persaud at the Earth Day 2023 Distribution at MTA Carnarsie/Rockaway Train Station - L Train Stop.

While connecting with constituents' resources in keeping with earth day were handed out: Reusable bags, seeds, hand sanitizer and other items from our community partners. 

“Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place.” ~ Scott Peters

On Friday April 21, Staffers Christine and Sandy were in the community of Starrett City distributing Earth Day information and resources. Remember this for Earth Day, 
"When we invest in our planet together, we are supporting healthy, happy and wealthy communities worldwide."
www.earthday.org. 

On Friday April 21, Services for the UnderServed - S:US opened a New Community Refrigerator. In a day of food insecurity, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) has sought ways to meet the needs of the vulnerable population. Staffers Tanequa Strong and Sandy Miller represented Senator Persaud at the ribbon cutting and opening of a new community refrigerator. Food grown in the urban garden was used to stock the fridge. After the ribbon cutting and refrigerator stocking, there was a tour of the facility.

On Thursday April 20, Staffer Christine represented Senator Persaud at the Community Council Meeting for PSA 1. Community members came together to discuss with the NYPD and other city agencies concerns and plans for the upcoming summer season.

On Thursday April 20, Staffer Tanequa Strong represented Senator Persaud at Floyd Bennett Field Community Planning Event to discuss future updates and planning. Ideas were shared regarding Park Amenities, Workforce Development and Art & Culture.

On Thursday April 20, staffer Jennifer represented Senator Persaud at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Boulevard Houses. The meeting involved distributing information, a raffle at the start, and serving refreshments at the end.

"A loss leads to victory, being fired leads to a dream job. I find comfort in believing that good things can grow out of tragedy."

~Ronda Rousey

The New York State Budget

This week in Albany, Senator Persaud voted on legislation to continue appropriations supporting government operations as FY 2023-2024 budget negotiations continue.

On Tuesday 4/25 and Wednesday 4/26, members of The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network filled the halls of the Capitol and Legislative Office Building advocating for their priority legislation including S. 1196 (Persaud) which would require health insurers and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing.    

What is biomarker testing?  Biomarker testing, also known as molecular testing, is a form of precision medicine that uses the unique pattern of each patient’s body fluids to provide personalized information about medical conditions.  Biomarker testing can be used in cancer treatment to predict cancer spread and treatment outcomes.  Comprehensive biomarker testing is associated with improvements in patient outcomes and quality-of-life and reductions in incidences of non-beneficial treatments, cancer recurrence and healthcare costs. 

On April 26, Senator Persaud celebrated the Veterans of the Korean War which coincided with the NYS Senate’s Annual West Point Day, where a number of West Point cadets and officers visited the Senate Chamber to celebrate the establishment of West Point 221 years ago on March 16, 1802.
The Korean War is often referred to as the "Forgotten War because it was largely overshadowed by WWII and Vietnam. This is the first annual celebration in the Legislature.
It was an honor to have those Veterans who defended this country meet cadets who have pledged to do the same.
Thank you, Veterans, and best wishes to the Cadets.

April Resolutions

Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 24-30, 2023, as Immunization Week in the State of New York. Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of modern civilization, preventing the spread of life-threatening diseases and the deaths of more than two million people each year according to the World Health Organization. The discovery of vaccines for polio and smallpox changed the course of world history and allowed for the eradication of diseases long thought to be unavoidable and uncontrollable.

Immunization protects against diseases that are historically some of the most virulent killers of children under five years old, including pneumonia and rotavirus diarrhea. Vaccines also protect children, adolescents, and adults against the flu, meningitis, cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus, liver cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, tetanus, and other harmful diseases. According to the World Health Organization, up to 1.5 million children around the world still die each year from diseases that could have been prevented with a simple vaccine.

Senator Persaud understands the history and importance of keeping children who are highly susceptible to infection safe and up to date on vaccines, which is why Senate resolution J211 is being sponsored. This legislation comes in direct response to a recent outbreak of measles and whooping cough in different parts of the United States, including New York, in part due to misinformation regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccinations that prevent these diseases. This Legislative Body should use every measure at its disposal to promote the health of our children and the use of vaccines to accomplish this crucial public health goal.

SAFE Disposal Registration Link: https://bit.ly/43L8VKK

 Hire youth ages 16-24                                                                                                       Foster coaching and mentorship skills in current employees                                               Six-week jobs/internships

Deadline May 26, 2023

To apply go to: https://worksitepreapp.nycsyep.com/

Summer Rising is free and open to any NYC student currently in kindergarten through grade 8. The program will begin July 5, and will run Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the months of July and August. Students will be provided with free breakfast, lunch, and snack. Summer Rising will run for six weeks for all students, with a seventh week of enrichment for students in grades K–5. Families can apply at nyc.gov/SummerRising between April 17 and May 1.
If you have questions or need support with the application, please contact your school’s parent coordinator or
email: summer@schools.nyc.gov.
Visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer/grades-k-8.

Apply for a NYCHA-CUNY Scholarship!

The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program is a collaboration of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and The City University of New York to help low- and moderate-income New Yorkers realize their full potential through higher education.
 Annually, the Resident Scholarship Program awards $1,000 in scholarships to eligible NYCHA residents who are enrolled at CUNY colleges.
 Application Opens: April 18, 2023
Apply online: on.nyc.gov/nycha-cuny

Attention NYCHA residents:

Are you familiar with Public Housing Assessment System, or PHAS? It is the
US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) inspection process and it helps New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) determine whether our developments meet the necessary HUD standards and where improvements are required.
NYCHA residents, employees, contractors, and the public can file complaints with these departments related to the following at NYCHA:
👉Potential violations of laws, rules, or regulations;
👉Improper maintenance work intended to hide actual building conditions;
👉Previously reported unsafe health and safety conditions related to lead, mold, pests, heating, elevators, and fire safety that were not corrected;
👉Policies or procedures not followed; or
👉Poor quality maintenance work in an apartment or building.
To file a complaint regarding any of the above issues, call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 (and select menu option seven when prompted).

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

The City’s Dept. of Environmental Protection offers an Amnesty Program to provide much-needed relief to qualified delinquent customers struggling to pay their water and wastewater bills due to the pandemic. This limited one-time amnesty started on 1/30 and runs for only 90 days until 4/30. Your accrued interest can be reduced or forgiven by paying the principal balance. Learn more at the link or call DEP at (718) 595-7000 Monday–Friday (8 am–7 pm) and Saturday (9 am–2 pm) or email amnesty@dep.nyc.gov.

For more information go to: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/ pay-my-bills/amnesty-program- faq.page.

Free Spring and Summer Events- April 23,2023 -July 28, 2023                                          Learn more and Register online at: JBRPC.ORG/FBF

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Albany Office:                                                                  District Office:
409 Legislative Office Building                                        1222 East 96th Street
Albany, NY 12247                                                           Brooklyn, NY 11236                             518-455-2788                                                                  718-649-7653