Dear Constituents,

Thank you for taking the time to tune into this week’s newsletter as we provide updates for our wonderful district. It is my hope that you will share this information with your neighbors and friends. As always, we welcome your input in all our affairs, as we are here to serve you. 

- Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

Quote of the Week

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps families afford the everyday expenses of raising a child. All tax filers with qualifying children are eligible for the credit, even if they have no earned income or don’t owe income taxes. The value of the CTC has been increased for tax year 2021:

• up to $3,000 (per child under age 18)

or

• $3,600 (per child under age 6) and can be received as advance payments starting July 15, 2021.
  

For more information on qualifications and how to apply, visit the Access NYC site here. 

A Message from MTA NYC Transit:

Last week, Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.328-A /A.5830-A) making the installation of a gas meter without a permit a class B misdemeanor with the potential for up to a year in prison. The legislation was passed in response to utility company employees taking advantage of consumers by installing gas meters without the knowledge of their companies, as well as the potential safety hazards of unlawfully installed gas meters. In 2015, a faulty gas meter was involved in a gas explosion on the East Side of Manhattan, killing two and injuring 19.

Senator Persaud said, "New Yorkers should not have to deal with the lethal consequences of illegal gas meter installations. We will no longer be lenient on those who are Installing gas meters without a permit in the State of New York. Both the installer and those with knowledge of such practice will be held accountable and the penalty will be enforced to the maximum. By doing so we are ensuring the safety of New Yorkers."

Last week, Governor Cuomo also signed legislation (S.210-B /A.5489-B). Under this new law, medical practitioners have to provide patients undergoing pelvic examinations with an information pamphlet, which includes basic information regarding how the procedure would be performed, privacy and sanitary expectations, and contact information to report any instances of misconduct.

POLL: Do you think this will provide patients undergoing pelvic examinations with all the information they will need? Click here to answer.

July Resolutions

Uterine fibroids, clinically known as uterine leiomyoma, are the most common benign tumors in the uterus and the single most common indication for hysterectomy. In the United States, obstetric outcomes that were
attributed to fibroid tumors resulted in a cost of $238 million to $7.76
billion annually. Uterine fibroid tumors were estimated to cost the
United States $5.9-34.4 billion annually. Over $3.6 billion is spent
annually on the medical expense of hysterectomy procedures. Through awareness, research, and various treatments, NYS works continuously to fight this disease. Senator Persaud sponsored Senate Reso. J. 819 to bring awareness in the month of July for this disease.

The Independent Redistricting Commission of New York State is holding virtual public hearings to solicit input communities. As the IRC embarks on the process of drawing the future district lines of New York State, feedback and guidance from the residents of New York is of the utmost importance and at the core of the Commission’s goal to fairly and equitably redraw Congressional and State Legislature lines. 

Please be sure to register no later than 2PM the day prior to your community's hearing. Kings County's hearing is on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 2PM.

The IRC also welcomes public comment and feedback on the redistricting process. Participants will have up to three minutes of speaking time. Participants are encouraged to submit written testimony. This includes, but is not limited to:

• How do you as a resident feel about the current lines outlining your district?
• What would you like the IRC to know about your community of interest?

All hearings will be recorded for public record, also livestreamed as they occur. These virtual public hearings with communities throughout the State will occur before the Census data is released in August.

To sign up for the Kings County hearing and/or submit a testimony, please click here. 

If you would like to tell the Senate Elections Committee about your experiences with the Board of Elections and your suggestions to improve the voting process and protect our rights, now is your chance! On July 28, 2021 at 10AM, the Senate Elections Committee will be at Medgar Evers College waiting to hear from you. 

To sign up to testify in-person, submit it in writing, or for more information, visit here.

If you have questions about eligibility, benefit levels, obtaining or replacing an EBT or P-EBT card, etc., read the OTDA FAQ here.  If the OTDA guidance does not answer your specific question, call the P-EBT Helpline at 1-(833)452-0096 or submit your question online.  

OTDA ERAP Hotline: (844) NY1 - RENT or (844) 691-7368
or visit www.otda.ny.gov/ERAP

New York City residents may not apply for ERAP through HomeBase or via AccessHRA. Brooklyn ERAP Enrolling Organizations include: 

• Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.
• Good Shepherd Services (GSS)
• Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty
• RiseBoro Community Partnership

To check which senior center locations are open near you, feel free to click here.

On Saturday, July 17, 2021 the NYPD 69th Precinct Day of Play with Officer Link, Officer Rostant and Officer Young took place. It was very interactive and engaging. 

A special thank you to SD19 staffers Christine Delius and Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford for representing at this event.

Feel free to visit Senator Persaud's Facebook page to see more photos from SD19 events. 

Feel free to sign your children ages 6-14 years old for the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. Summer Heritage Workshop series. The series began July 5th and will be continuing until August 13th. See the banner pictured for more details.

-No registration, documentation, or ID is required to receive a free breakfast or lunch
-Locations nearest you will be available for search on Friday, June 25, 2021 after 5PM
-Meals Hubs are open for children and families Monday–Friday
-Breakfast and lunch service times will be 9am to 1pm
-Vegetarian meals are available at all locations
-All meals are Grab and Go, not to be consumed on site
-Kosher and Halal meals are available at select locations
-There will be no service Monday, July 5th (Independence Day Observed) and Tuesday, July 20th (Eid-ul-Adha)
-Community Based Organizations may call the Office of Food & Nutrition Services Accounts Receivable department at 718-707-4371, 718-707-4382 or 718-707-4383 for additional information

To see all location where free "grab & go" meals will be available, please click here.

Do you want a cool place to relax during the hot days?

Find a cooling center near you, by clicking here.

Beginning July 6th, The Fresh Air Fund's Summer Spaces program for kids ages 5-12 offers two three-hour sessions, 9am – 11:45am and 1:15pm – 4pm, Monday – Thursday at neighborhood-based locations. Children participate in arts & crafts projects, STEM activities, play soccer, have hula-hoop contests and more!  

For more information, visit The Fresh Air Fund's site here.

New York Public Library and United Federation of Teachers: Free Online Summer Reading Program

At each session, they will share free resources with the adults including information about free summer camps, activity kits and other tools to help prevent summer reading loss. In addition, they will then read aloud to young scholars from grade-appropriate books.

Students in grades K-2 and their parents
Date: Thursday, July 22
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
To join this session via Zoom:
meeting ID- 883 6337 2078 and passcode-540160.

Students in grades 3-5 and their parents
Date: Thursday, July 29
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
To join this session via Zoom:
meeting ID-849 3496 2453 and passcode- 316303.

Students in grades 6-8 and their parents
Date: Thursday, Aug. 12
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
To join this session via Zoom:
meeting ID- 841 5899 6302 and passcode- 405464.

To learn more about events and programs at your lobal library, feel free to visit the New York Public Library website here.

Greens & Things BKLYN gets fresh, nutritious, and affordable produce to where it’s needed most.  If you’re in Brooklyn, stop by Collective Fare (69 Belmont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212) on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to pick up some nutritious goodies for your household. Click here to reserve a bag!

Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) has several Brooklyn mobile adoption events coming up in August!

• Saturday, August 7, 12pm - 4pm: Petco Sheepshead Bay
  1610 Avenue Y, Brooklyn, NY 11235
• Saturday, August 21: District Office of State Senator Andrew Gounardes
  8018 5th Ave, Brooklyn NY 11209
• Saturday, August 28, 12pm - 4pm: Petco Bensonhurst
  2601 86th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11223

For more information, visit their site HERE. See flyers for more details.

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.

Key Details of the award program include the following:

-Liberty Medals are authorized by Senate Resolution;

-Award criteria include heroic actions, military service, (having prior honors, i.e. purple heart, bronze star, etc.) action taken by law enforcement and first responders which is above and beyond the call of duty, (having prior honors/recognition through employment or community, i.e. Medal of Valor, Distinguished Service, etc.) or exceptional lifetime achievement by the recipient on behalf of their community and New York State;

-Recipients must be a New York State resident;

Procedure for obtaining a Liberty Medal: Email the name of the individual nominated (for consideration), along with a brief bio and description of the actions that you would like them  honored for to persaud@nysenate.gov

The NYS Senate Commendation Award recognizes exceptional people who
have made a lasting contribution to their community.

Key Details of the award program include the following:

-Individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. They devote their personal time, energy, creativity, and expertise to others; they participate in philanthropic efforts, display exceptional generosity through either direct financial support, or outstanding civic and charitable work; their drive and generosity encourages others to get involved in their community.

-Leaders in the community who enrich the social, health, and educational well-being of their fellow citizens. They demonstrate leadership by chairing committees; engage in neighborhood causes and mentoring others.

-Nominee’s efforts and dedication improve the quality of life in their communities.

Procedure for obtaining a Commendation Award: Email the name of the individual nominated (for consideration), along with a brief bio and description of the actions that you would like them honored for to persaud@nysenate.gov

The NYS Senate Empire Award recognizes excellence in business in Senate District 19.

Key Details of the award program include the following:
-Businesses that are leaders in their industry, are developing an outstanding, thriving business; using innovative methods or product(s); increasing jobs, economic growth, and making significant contributions which positively impact their local community and New York State;

-Businesses that encourage other area businesses to form, or have formed partnerships within the community; those that hire veterans; hire/train individuals with disabilities; those that have created entrepreneurial success by increasing economic opportunities; family-owned businesses that have successfully passed from one generation to another; an emerging innovative business that has developed an outstanding and successful product or service.

-Businesses that have created a culture of philanthropy, those that volunteer their time or services, and demonstrate exceptional leadership in the community; conduct virtuous ethical practices; utilize green practices, outstanding service, or have contributed significantly to their community’s quality of life.

Procedure for obtaining an Empire Award: Email the name of the individual nominated (for consideration), along with a brief bio and description of the actions that you would like them honored for to persaud@nysenate.gov

NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is developing the NYC Streets Plan, a five-year transportation plan to improve the safety, accessibility, and quality of the City’s streets for all. The plan will involve an analysis of the current state of New York City’s streets and seeks to respond to the City’s many neighborhoods and local needs.The plan is being developed in response to Local Law 195 enacted in December 2019, which directs NYC DOT to issue and implement a transportation master plan every five years. The final NYC Streets Plan will be released in December 2021.

Community members are invited to participate in the process. Public input will help DOT prioritize transportation projects and programs throughout New York City. Residents can participate and share ideas at public workshops and via an online public survey.

Two ways in which community members can participate: 

1. Public Workshops: DOT is hosting ten virtual public workshops between July 7-July 29, 2021. Click here for the workshop schedule to join.

2. Public Survey: NYC DOT is seeking feedback and your ideas on how to make NYC streets better. Please share your thoughts to help DOT better understand the transportation issues that are important to you. Click here to access survey.

Internal Revenue Service Updates:

Here's the Get My Payment tool on www.irs.gov. This on-line tool provides assistance in determining when your third Economic Impact Payment is scheduled to be sent, or when and how it was sent with the Get My Payment application. Get My Payment updates once a day, usually overnight.

To further assist, please be advised that you can call the IRS' EIP hotline at (800)919-9835.

Finally, here is a link to: IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission Critical Functions Continue.

A Message from NY State Parks:

We are excited to announce the Shirley Chisholm State Park Free Bike Library is open for the season! In partnership with NY State Parks, Natural Heritage Trust, Con Edison and Bloomberg Philanthropies, bikes are offered May 1 to October 31, Thursday through Sunday with the first ride out at 10AM and the last ride in at 4PM or one hour before the park closes.

Enjoy the free bike loan program and explore 10 miles of car-free paths and amazing vistas! You'll be provided with a Bike Library bike and helmet for up to 2 hours for your adventure inside the park. Look for the yellow Bike Library containers at the Pennsylvania Avenue and Fountain Avenue entrances.

Reservations required - learn more at "Hours of Operation" tab here.

#SD19

Bike NYC is offering free educational programs for riders of any age or skill level. Check out their site here for more information.

The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that its five Special Waste Drop-Off Sites will reopened on Saturday, July 10, 2021. The sites, which have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, give residents a place to bring potentially harmful household items for proper disposal. The sites will be open from 10AM to 5PM every Saturday and the last Friday of the month. Sites are closed on legal holidays and may be closed during severe weather.

There is one Special Waste Drop-Off site in each borough. See Brooklyn site below.

Brooklyn: 459 North Henry Street in Greenpoint

The Department’s Special Waste Drop-Off Sites are only for non-commercial materials from City residents. Anyone with a commercial license plate will not be allowed to enter the site. Upon arrival at the Site, visitors will be required to show proof of residency, such as a valid NYS driver’s license. For those not arriving by car, visitors may provide a picture ID and proof of residency, such as a phone or utility bill.

For more information, visit the safe disposal site and download the checklist for acceptable items.

Everyone must apply online via the NYCHA self-service portal. Click here. 

Message from

Office of CSD22 Superintendent Julia Bove:

High School waitlists are now open!
All 8th grade and first-time 9th grade students can join waitlists for Fall 2021 high school admissions. Families can do the following:
Families can see the waitlists their child is on

View their child’s position on each waitlist, and

Add their child to additional waitlists in MySchools (myschools.nyc).

If a student receives a waitlist offer, the family or their current school can accept or decline that offer. Waitlists will close in August 2021. Please email us at HSEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov with questions.

BEOC is offering an opportunity for individuals to earn their high school equivalency diploma and/or prepare for a new career or college. Classes are currently being offered on-line with limited in-person instruction for the Medical Assisting and Direct Support Professional students. Students attending in-person classes will be required to be vaccinated, and social distancing guidelines will apply.

Academic Programs Offered: 

• HSE/TASC Preparation
• College Preparation (CUNY (City University of New York) Assessment Preparation)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  
• Career and Short-term Programs (certificate programs leading to national certification)
  
• Medical Assisting
  
• Medical Electronic Records
  
• Direct Support Professional
  
• Office Administrative Professional (w/Microsoft Office)
  
• Security Guard Training 8/16-hour certification/license
  
• OSHA 40
  

Visit BEOC here for more information about eligibility requirements, programs, and services.

NPower has a tuition-FREE program that offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in technology. In the Tech Fundamentals program, you will master the basics of IT with real world application and credentials. This program includes:

• 16-week instructor-led virtual training
  
• Opportunity for a paid internship or a project-based learning experience
  
• Opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications: CompTIA A+ & IT Fundamentals+, a Google IT Support Certificate, and an IT Generalist Apprenticeship credential*
  
• Exposure to Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, and other leading technologies 
  
• Mentoring from senior-level IT professionals
• Employment readiness workshops
  
• Job placement assistance with access to a wide range of top employers
• A full range of ongoing social service and personal development support 

 
*U.S. Department of Labor recognition; availability varies by region.
4 hour classes running Monday through Friday. This is a 23-week program. 

Program launches in Spring and Fall. Next Class begins August 16, 2021 

Applications are considered on a rolling basis until the class is filled. To apply, click here.

Youth: Job Opportunity

If you are interested in working at Millennium Development After school/Summer Program, please fill out an application here. A member of the hiring team will contact you as soon as possible with potential opportunities that they may have. Listed below are current open positions.

Youth Worker: Youth Workers will report directly to the Program Director. They will be in charge of a group of children and will be responsible for the overall care and safety of the children.  Youth Workers will be responsible for assisting the Activity Specialist and group leader with ensuring supplies are available and retrieving all required supplies, as needed. In addition, Youth Workers will actively participate in the activity by assisting participants.  

__________________________________________________________________

Group Leader: Group Leaders will report directly to the Program Director and will be in responsible for a group of children, and their overall care and safety. They will be responsible for conducting aged appropriate activities alongside the Activity Specialist.

___________________________________________________________________

Instructor: Instructors facilitate service learning, organize trips, conduct outreach and recruitment, and partner with the community on service-based projects. They provide supervision to group leaders/counselors and provide quarterly reports to meet the organization’s and DYCD’s requirements. Our Academic and Sports Instructors are responsible for creating lessons, projects and objectives that meet the individual students’ needs. That employee fosters an atmosphere of fun and learning and serves as a role model to youth, always conducting themself in the utmost professional manner and maintaining appropriate boundaries. They are also responsible for maintaining the target number of participants.  

Attention Small Business Owners:

Many New York Small Business District Centers (NYSBDCs) are hosting webinars to help small business owners across the state recover and re-build their businesses. These are free and registration is open to anyone statewide. Click here for more information and/or sign up. 

NYS Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program

The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is NOW OPEN. 

For eligibility requirements and more information, feel free to visit the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program site.

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is hosting workshops on how you may qualify for the New York State Small Business Recovery Grant Program. 

If you or someone you know may be interested in attending these workshops, click here to RSVP.

Brooklyn EXCELerate Loan Fund

Visit the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce site to find out more and how to apply. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Buses in NYC

To better meet New Yorkers where they live, work, go to school, and play, NYC has deployed temporary, roaming vaccination sites across the City. There are two versions of these temporary sites: mobile and pop-up.

Appointments are not required, but you can book an appointment at many of these sites in advance online or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC.

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline

NY Project Hope has launched a New York’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline. They can be reached at 1-844-863-9314.

For more information, visit their site here. 

NYC Pools and Beaches Opening 

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City’s outdoor pools and eight public beaches will open on time for the season. For more information on pools and beaches this summer, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

Take a look at July 2021 Programs taking place at Shirley Chisolm State Park. 

Community Resources

Click the button under each graphic for more information.

Food Resources

-Public schools are offering free grab & go meals across the city, you can find information about this, including locations near you here.

-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.

-For those looking for ways to donate food, cash, or supplies to those in need please find information here about ways you can help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19.

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

Community Conversations, Workshops & Town Halls

Senator Persaud continues to host timely informational workshops and townhall discussions on various topics of importance to constituents. If you haven't had a chance to participate or watch on Facebook Live, the archived recordings are still available as a resource to you. Simply click on the topic name in bold below.

COVID-19 Vaccine, Saturday, 01/23/2021, sponsored in conjunction with NYC DOHMH and NYC Test & Trace.

Rank Choice Voting, Saturday, 02/27/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Rank the Vote NYC. 

Citizens NYC Grant Information Session, Monday, 03/15/2021, featuring Citizens Committee for New York City. Click here for Citizens NYC All-In Neighborhood Grants Application.

Tenant’s Rights, Tuesday, 03/16/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Brooklyn Legal Services Corp. A. 

Backwater Valves for Homeowners, Monday, 03/22/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for NYC Neighborhoods and NHS Brooklyn.  An additional session was held on Thursday, 5/6/2021. 

Financial Literacy, Thursday, 03/18/2021, sponsored in conjunction with Center for the Women of New York. 

As your State Senator in the 19th Senatorial District: Senator Persaud proudly serves constituents in the communities of  Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill and Starrett City.

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