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What's Inside:
* Message from Jo Anne: Budget Delay
* Protecting our Climate Act from Being Gutted
* DEC Town Hall on Gowanus Brownfields, 4/20
* Expanding Access to Contraceptives
* Gun Violence Policy Webinar, 4/19
* Java with Jo Anne New Date: 4/27
* Carroll Street Bridge Update
* Women’s History Month
* Free Tax Prep Services
* Get Help Applying for & Using Health Care
* Arts Hub Opens in Downtown Brooklyn
* Brooklyn Bus Redesign Meetings
* Avoiding Mail Theft
* Free Leaf & Lawn Bags
* Community Updates & Resources

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Dear Neighbors & Friends,

Our State budget, which was due on April 1st, will arrive late this year, due to issues that need further negotiation between the Governor and the legislature. I am disappointed, but I would rather delay and get this right than force through a budget that does not adequately meet the needs of New Yorkers. We passed a one-week budget extender to ensure that the government can function properly until we return to the Capitol next week; it is likely that we will pass a second extender until a final budget is agreed upon.

One of the areas that has caused a delay is the Governor’s proposal to roll back our 2019 bail reforms, which neither the Assembly nor the Senate accepted. The Governor's proposal would fundamentally alter the pretrial detention system in New York for the worse, create more confusion for judges during bail hearings, and upend over 50 years of state law that protects against the deprivation of liberty. It’s important to note that this protection derives from the US Constitution as delineated by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 1970 case (U.S. v. Salerno), which found that even mobsters may not be jailed while awaiting trial if there is a less restrictive means to ensure their return to court. The Court of Appeals ruling in Kesselbrenner v. Anonymous in 1973 enshrined this in New York case law. The legislature merely codified it in 2019.

The data shows New York’s bail reform reduced pre-trial jailing and increased court appearance rates without impacting re-arrest rates. We must follow the facts and not give in to fear-mongering; rolling back bail reforms to pre-1973 levels would have devastating consequences for our criminal justice system and for public safety. Bail is about returning to court, not your ability to access financial resources. I will advocate to protect these crucial civil rights to prevent a slide back into a discriminatory system that punishes Black, brown and low-income individuals for a mere lack of resources. You can read my longer statement on this topic here ([link removed]) including a link to a recent briefing I held on this issue.

There are other areas that are still being worked out, including the housing proposals and charter schools, to name a few. I will be working to ensure that the final budget adequately funds public schools, expands access to housing voucher programs to prevent evictions, fairly pays home care workers to address the current staff shortages, and that allows New York City to reduce the speed limit in certain areas in order to save lives (a/k/a Sammy’s law).
Among my perennial frustrations during budget season is the constitutional supremacy of the Executive in the budget process. As a private citizen, this is something I knew from grade school, but only academically. I often reflected that the legislature seemed perennially between the proverbial rock and a hard place. This became much more real to me as a member of the legislature. Under New York's constitution, the governor has enormous ([link removed]) powers — and the legislature has but two choices: accept or reject. But if we reject, the Governor’s bill stands and that would be far worse than if we were able to craft an agreement to modify many of the Executive’s proposals to be more consistent with our constituents’ goals. Each year, we make the best deal we can, but I am always left with a pervasive sense that there ought to be a better way.

Sincerely,

Jo Anne Simon

To all those celebrating, Happy Passover, Happy Easter, and Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you a warm and peaceful celebration with your loved ones.
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Protecting Our Climate Act from Being Gutted. I stood with my colleagues to reject a last minute industry-led proposal intended to gut our state’s efforts to fight climate change. A key aspect of our state’s 2019 climate law is the use of methodology that accounts for the global warming effects of methane gas over a 20 year period, instead of the outdated standard of 100 years. This attempt by the fossil fuel industry to roll back our laws would have disastrous effects on our climate by encouraging development using toxic gasses and inaccurately accounting for the environmental damage caused by methane which dissipates over a 10-12 year cycle and is constantly regenerating; a 100 year standard would largely miss those emissions which are particularly potent as methane is 80 times more powerful over 20 years than carbon dioxide which lasts longer, but is less potent. Scientists estimate that methane alone has caused roughly 20% of the earth’s warming so far. We cannot risk the future of our
planet by caving in to the fossil fuel industry, who want nothing more than less accountability and oversight, which is why I reject this approach.

After rapid advocacy from many legislators including myself, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, climate advocates, and the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, I’m so pleased to say that the Governor announced yesterday that she is pulling this effort from the budge ([link removed]) t. We will continue to advocate for a budget that addresses the climate crisis.
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Gowanus Community Meeting on DEC Brownfield Cleanups: 4/20/23, 7-9pm, at P.S. 372, The Children’s School, 215 1st St. in Brooklyn. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will conduct a community availability session ([link removed]) for the Gowanus Canal area brownfield cleanup program and state superfund sites. DEC will provide a review of NYS’s remedial programs, an overview of work completed to date, information about the ongoing investigation and remediation in the Gowanus Area. The NYS Department of Health (DOH) will also be on hand to answer any questions. This is an important meeting that the community and elected officials have been asking for, so I encourage all who can to attend and ask their questions.

Requests for free interpreter services for hearing impaired persons and language interpreter services should be sent to Aaron Fischer, Project Manager, at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) . 518-402-9767. More details can be found in this Fact Sheet ([link removed]) .
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Assembly Passes Bill Expanding Access to Contraceptives. I’m proud to have co-sponsored this crucial bill to expand access to contraceptives, which just passed both the Assembly and Senate. This bill will allow pharmacists to dispense certain birth control and contraceptive options from non-patient specific orders from physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and the health commissioner. This will eliminate hurdles like lengthy waits for medical appointments that have limited hours and inconvenient locations. These hurdles notably do not exist to obtain male birth control products like condoms. With access to reproductive health under assault at the federal level, NY must be at the forefront on this fight to expand the reproductive rights for our citizens.
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Gun Violence Prevention Webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 10am. The Regional Gun Violence Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute of Government has invited me to be a panelist, along with legislators from New Jersey and Connecticut, to discuss current challenges of addressing gun violence and effective policy tools for meeting those challenges. As gun violence continues to rise across the country and mass shootings increase, I’m looking forward to this important conversation. To receive the Zoom link, please register here ([link removed]) .

I sponsored and passed New York’s red flag law, which temporarily restricts access to firearms to those who pose a demonstrated threat to themselves or others. You can learn about NYS's red flag law and how to file for an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) here ([link removed]) .
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Java with Jo Anne on Thursday, April 27 from 9:30-11am. Is there a community issue or current event you’re passionate about? Come and talk with me about it! Join me and your neighbors for a cup of coffee at my next "Java with Jo Anne.” We will meet at Emma's Torch ([link removed]) in Carroll Gardens at 345 Smith St from 9:30-11am. We are big fans of their mission to empower refugees (and their biscuits!). Please RSVP here ([link removed]) .

Note: the original date has been postponed to April 27th due to the budget delay.
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Carroll Street Bridge Update. We learned from the Gowanus Remediation Team (GRT) and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) that the Carroll Street Bridge will continue to remain closed to all traffic until further notice:

“The Carroll Street Bridge was rendered unusable after damages were detected during Canal construction and remediation activities taking place near the bridge. The bridge was closed for public safety and must remain closed until repairs are completed. The DOT, the GRT and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are working to move forward with design and construction of the repair work as soon as possible. The GRT has explored the possibility of opening the bridge to cyclists and pedestrians, but based on the assessment, it is not safe to reopen the bridge for any uses at this time. The GRT is continuing to coordinate with DOT on communications to the public, including the installation of project information signs with contact info at the bridge approaches.”

Bookmark this site ([link removed]) for updates on the Gowanus bridge crossings.
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Women’s History Month: Each March, we honor incredible women who fought to give future generations a brighter future and who strive every day to make an indelible mark on our community and our world. We are thrilled to highlight Aleysha Hosang and her mother Marisol Miranda as Women of Distinction in Assembly District 52!

When the City opened two emergency shelters in our neighborhood to serve asylum seekers arriving from the southern border, Alesha and Marisol quickly organized support for the new immigrants. They helped galvanize a strong community response, working tirelessly to arrange donations of clothing and supplies, escorting immigrants through the city, even hosting birthday parties for children. They have continued to provide ongoing, daily help and support for many families. Aleysha said “It’s important for people to feel welcome in our city and to get the help they need to survive and thrive. So many people in Brooklyn are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. They arrived here with practically nothing; our community is so generous. It feels good to be part of that.”

Our heartfelt thanks to Aleysha and Marisol. We are delighted to recognize you as 2023 Women of Distinction in District 52, and thank you for the work you’re doing in the community!

I was also thrilled to present Rolanda Telesford-Hastick with her Woman of Distinction Award and honor her on the Assembly floor (watch the video clip ([link removed]) ). She was joined by her granddaughter, Rylie. Rolanda has dedicated 25 years towards empowering women and girls, immigrants & families in Brooklyn. She's a co-founder of the YWCA's YW LEAD college access program which serves girls of color in 44+ high schools. She is the Board President for Black Women for Black Girls. Thank you, Rolanda!

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Free Tax Prep Services: Deadline to File is April 18. Individuals who earned $56,000 or less and families that earned $80,000 or less qualify for Free NYC Tax Prep. An IRS-certified volunteer can help walk you through and prepare your tax filing; options are available for virtual assistance, drop-off service, and in-person services. See if you are eligible and apply for Free Tax Prep here ([link removed]) .

If you need more time, you can request an extension from the IRS by filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return ([link removed]) , by April 18th.
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Do you Need Applying for or Using Your Health Care? Get help through the Community Service Society’s Community Health Advocates (CHA) program. CHA helps New Yorkers navigate the complex health care system by providing individual assistance, outreach, and education to communities throughout New York State. CHA provides one-stop service to consumers with public or private coverage, or no coverage at all. Contact them at (888) 614-5004, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , or visit communityhealthadvocates.org ([link removed]∥=1&trk=a2A8X00000tftsQUAQ) .
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Arts Hub Opens in Downtown Brooklyn. The Arts Office of the NYC Department of Education has opened their groundbreaking new Arts Hub, which will provide programming focused on urban arts education, featuring world-class instruction and high-tech spaces for students to collaborate, create and learn. The Arts Office is launching the Principal Fellows Program to support school leaders to expand their art-education programming and resources. The opening featured a powerful performance from Grammy-winning singer Meshell Mdegeocello, demonstrating the kind of talent that is invested in the success of this program.
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Bus Riders: Provide Input on MTA’s Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign. The MTA will host a series of outdoor “open house” and Pop-Up outreach events, to provide information and give customers an opportunity to provide feedback to MTA staff on the upcoming Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign. The Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign (BkBNR) team will partner with the MTA’s MetroCard Mobile Sales team at four locations for pop-up events, host five outdoor outreach events, and six additional pop-up events to continue to meet with and hear from Brooklyn bus customers. Language interpreters, including ASL, can be made available upon advance request 5 business days before an event. Email [email protected] to request accommodations and include “BkBNR accommodation request” in the subject. Visit the Bus Redesign site ([link removed]) for more information, dates/locations and rain dates, and to check out the proposed changes.
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Mail Theft: There has been an alarming surge in letters and checks being stolen from mail boxes in Brooklyn Heights, including Hicks Street and Henry Street. Please be vigilant when sending out mail, especially checks and other sensitive material, while the NYPD and USPS Inspector General investigates this extremely serious federal crime. In the meantime, utilize online payments and electronic transfers, or drop your checks off directly at your local post office. If you suspect your mail was stolen or see a theft happening, contact police immediately and report to the Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455. Read more about this ([link removed]) .
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Community Events & Resources

Need Leaf Bags? If you have leftover leaves from the fall and want to do some spring cleaning, stop by our office to pick up DSNY’s brown paper lawn & leaf bags (leaves, flowers, twigs, and grass clippings can be put out for DSNY to pick up as compos).

SAFE Disposal Event Sunday April 16, 10am-4pm, rain or shine. The NYC Department of Sanitation will hold a SAFE Disposal Event ([link removed]) (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal ([link removed]) in Red Hook. You can dispose of potentially harmful household products such as pesticides, cleaners, mercury-containing devices, paints, automotive fluids, and medications. You can also bring electronics. Only NYC residents’ waste will be accepted.

Arts Gowanus Open Call for Artist Submissions due April 30. Arts Gowanus is accepting submissions for a public outdoor exhibition inviting Brooklyn based LGBTQIA+ artists to submit works celebrating their community, “Together We Will…” Accepted artworks will be printed on vinyl and displayed on the fence surrounding the Old Stone House & Washington Park. The exhibition will run from June 1-August 23. Learn more here ([link removed]) .

New York Memory Center Nature Walk on April 23rd. NY Memory Center, with support from the office of Council Member Shahana Hanif, is planning a guided nature walk for people with dementia and their caregivers, at Green-Wood Cemetery on Sunday, April 23d from 11am-12:30pm. Savor the blossoming trees and flowers, and keep an eye out for hawks, ducks, and monk parrots too! Participation is free, but you must register online ([link removed]) . Call Susan Ramos with the Memory Center at 718-499-7701 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

Smith St Alliance Public Meeting on April 19. The Smith Street Alliance Steering Committee invites you to come learn about the Business Improvement District (BID) formation effort and it will help Smith Street. The Smith Street Alliance Steering Committee is a group of local property owners, business owners, and residents who have banded together in order to establish a BID on Smith Street in the Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods of Brooklyn. BIDs exist across New York City in order to deliver services above and beyond what is provided by New York City. RSVPhere ([link removed]) .

Brooklyn Legal Services Housing Webinar on April 27 at 6:30pm: “New Reality for Renters.” There are a lot of rumors flying around the city as housing policies have changed dramatically during the pandemic. It can be confusing to sort out: who can be evicted? What relief money is available? What are the rules right now? Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A is here to set the record straight! The program will be in both English and Spanish. Register ([link removed]) to receive the Zoom link.

Bard Microcollege Applications Accepted through April 14th. If you didn’t finish college and want to get back on track - no matter how old you are or how much schooling you had - consider applying to the Bard Microcollege! Expanding from a shared commitment to democratize access to all kinds of learning, Brooklyn Public Library and the Bard Prison Initiative have created a unique, borough-based college for undergraduates of every age. Bard at BPL brings full-time, tuition-free college opportunities to Brooklyn, holding classes at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza. More information and a link to apply is here ([link removed]) .

NAMI-NYC New Support Groups on Addiction & Mental Health Challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC (NAMI-NYC ([link removed]) ) offers new support groups for people living with addiction and mental health challenges, and for their families and friends. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome to participate. No registration necessary.
* For Peers: for any adult living with addiction and mental health challenges. The virtual group meets on 2nd Tuesdays, 2:30-4 PM ([link removed]) . The in-person group meets on 4th Tuesdays, 2:30-4 PM ([link removed]) at NAMI-NYC's office at
307 West 38th St, 8th Floor, Manhattan. This group is offered in partnership with the T’Shuvah Center ([link removed]) .
* For Family Members: for all family members and close friends of people living with a mental health condition and substance use challenges. The in-person group meets at NAMI-NYC's office at 307 W. 38th St, 8th Fl., Manhattan on 2nd Wednesdays, 12-1:30 PM ([link removed]) . The virtual group will be 4th Wednesdays, 6-7:30 PM
([link removed]) .

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