Student Loan Webinar, Flu Shot Event, Policy & Community Updates

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
What's Inside:
* Student Loan Seminar: 9/12/23
* Flu Shot Drive: 10/12/23
* Preventing Drunk Driving
* Reforming School Lockdown Drills
* Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Open Filing Period
* Brooklyn’s Cat Cafe
* New Tenant Helpline
* Free Covid Test Kits
* National Diaper Week
* School Supply Distribution
* BQE Repair Work
* Carroll Gardens Library Activities during Renovation
* Brooklyn Navy Yard
* Brooklyn Arts Council Grants
* Climate Friendly Homes Fund
* Upcoming Community Events

------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Neighbors & Friends,

As you may be aware, the U.S. Department of Education is ending its pause on student loan repayments. Interest on student loans resumed on September 1, and payments will be due in October. It can be a challenge navigating this system along with what it means for individuals and families who now have to adjust their finances. My office is partnering with the Community Service Society of NY (CSS ([link removed]) ) and EDCAP ([link removed]) , a program under the CSS and funded by the state legislature, on a free webinar to share expert guidance on student loan repayment and forgiveness options before payments resume. There will be time for you to ask questions. Join us over Zoom next Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 12pm-1pm. Please register here for the link ([link removed]) .

EDCAP has also created The Hero’s Guide to Strategic Student Loan Repayment ([link removed]) , a wide-ranging toolkit loaded with helpful resources. They also offer one-on-one student debt counseling with their team of student loan experts. To schedule a free, confidential session with an EDCAP expert, call their Helpline at 888-614-5004 or email [email protected].

Please also note that the Biden administration recently rolled out a new loan forgiveness program SAVE which will provide relief to certain college and graduate students with federal loans. Visit StudentAid.gov/SAVE ([link removed]) to learn more and apply to the program.

Sincerely,

Jo Anne Simon
[link removed]
------------------------------------------------------------

Stay Healthy, Brooklyn! Flu Shot Drive: 10/12/2023, 3pm-7pm. I am once again partnering with NYU to provide flu shots to the community at the new NYU Langone Health Cobble Hill ED (70 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201), along with my colleagues. Insurance is not required. Please fill out this brief form to make an appointment ([link removed]) . The flu vaccine will not only protect your own health and give you peace of mind, but reduced cases of the flu will ease the burden on our healthcare system.
------------------------------------------------------------
Preventing Drunk Driving. It was an honor to be recognized by MADD ([link removed]) as a champion in the fight against drunk driving. I was grateful to meet with MADD's new Regional Director, Paige Carbone, and MADD Board Member, Erica Linn. Erica tragically lost both of her parents to a drunk driver speeding at three times the legal limit, and has since dedicated her life to preventing drunk driving and saving lives.

New York was once a leader in combating drinking and driving decades ago, but we have fallen behind and it’s time to update our standards to align with countries across the world. I am working to pass my bill A1627 to lower NY's legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) from .08% to .05%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association recommends every state lower their BAC to .05 as each year nearly 10,000 people are killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, and nearly 173,000 are injured. I will be participating in the Assembly’s public hearing on this matter ([link removed]) , along with other related issues, in Albany on September 22, 2023 at 10am. You can watch the livestream here ([link removed]) . Two lives were tragically lost in this area recently from crashes that involved speeding and alcohol.
------------------------------------------------------------

Reforming School Lockdown Drills. As students returned to school, Senator Gounardes and I rallied to reform New York’s excessive and ineffective school lockdown drills, meant to prepare for a school shooting. Our state has one of the highest mandates in the country. There is research that shows that the drills cause anxiety and depression and PTSD in students ([link removed]) , while there is almost no research to support their efficacy after 20+ years of implementation throughout the country and no objective evidence ([link removed]) that drills increase preparedness for a dangerous attack.

Unlike many other states ([link removed]) , NY law does not require that lockdown drills be age-appropriate, accessible to students with disabilities, culturally competent, trauma-informed, or that notification be given to parents in advance. My bill A6665 reduces the mandate from 4 to 1 (schools who want to do more are free to do so), and ensures drills are age-appropriate and trauma-informed, and that parents are given advance notice and able to opt-out. Current law also requires NYS schools to conduct 8 fire and evacuation drills, apart from the lockdown drills, and this bill doesn’t change that.

We received strong support from the NY American Academy of Pediatricians, as well as Moms Demand Action, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, and March for Our Lives. Some news coverage of our event: NBC4 ([link removed]) , Eagle ([link removed]) , & press release ([link removed]) . I’d like to share remarks from Raghav Joshi, an NYU college student, graduate of NYC public schools, and member of youth group March For Our Lives:

"Young people don’t need more trauma, instead we need more legislators who will pass tangible reform. We’re done being known as the lockdown generation. We’re done being told to run, hide, and fight. And we’re done with leaders who’d rather cross their fingers and put the onus on us to survive, instead of addressing the root causes that are fueling this epidemic. At March For Our Lives, we look at gun violence prevention holistically and advocate proactively, and this bill is a part of that approach – ensuring that students, faculty, and parents are prepared, without traumatizing and desensitizing everyone involved.”

------------------------------------------------------------

Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse: Look Back Period is Open through Nov. 23, 2023. One of the things we learned while passing the Child Victims Act a few years ago was the shocking number of adults who suffered from sexual violence and abuse but had not known enough about their rights to pursue them legally in a timely manner. This included numerous instances of physicians who preyed on their patients. In response, the legislature passed the Adult Survivors Act which provides for a one year window to file suit regardless of when the assault occurred. That one year window is now open and closes on November 23, 2023. We encourage anyone who might be protected by this law to look into their newly reinstated right to pursue a civil action for damages. Learn more. ([link removed]) You can also call the Safe Horizon helpline Mon - Fri, 9am-5pm at 855-234-1042 for more information or to get support.
------------------------------------------------------------

Brooklyn’s Own Cat Cafe! I had a wonderful visit to the Brooklyn Cat Café! I’m so proud that our district is home to the only non-profit cat café in New York City; one that offers opportunities for fostering, adopting, volunteering, and low-cost services to pet owners and rescuers with lower incomes. They also have rooms dedicated to supporting cats with feline leukemia, who are some of the sweetest and friendliest cats we have met. The Brooklyn Cat Cafe is run by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition (BBAWC), an animal rescue non-profit that has rescued over 7,000 cats and homed 6,000 animals since 2007. So grateful for all the good work they are doing for our community and supporting pets in need. I hope you will consider adopting and growing your family! @catcafebk ([link removed]) @brooklynbridgeanimals ([link removed])
P.S. Meet the adorable Kraken…he loves making muffins!
------------------------------------------------------------

New Live Operator Tenant Helpline. The Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (PEU) has launched a new resource for New Yorkers: a live operator Tenant Helpline. The Tenant Helpline can assist tenants in learning about their rights and connect them to housing-related resources, including free legal services. Call 311 and ask for “Tenant Helpline” or fill out their online form ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------

Pick up a COVID TEST KIT! Stop by our office (341 Smith St in Carroll Gardens) from 9am-5pm to pick up a free COVID-19 rapid test kit! Covid cases and hospitalizations are up in NYC, so we encourage everyone to remember to take the necessary precautions–wash your hands, wear a mask in crowded settings, and stay home if you are sick. The latest CDC update ([link removed]) says these measures also work against the newer variant that is circulating and reminds people that our current at-home Covid tests will still work to detect the new variant. The updated booster shot is expected to be available this month, and that will be a safe and effective way to help prevent a major fall or winter surge.
------------------------------------------------------------

It's National Diaper Awareness Week! The Brooklyn Diaper Project and Gowanus Mutual Aid have provided diapers to NYCHA and local families for years. With many new asylum-seeking families in Brooklyn, the need for diapers is greater than ever. Diapers are essential to the health and development of babies and their families, and help prevent UTIs and other infections. Please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) if you would like to support your neighbors with much needed diapers during this critical time. You can connect with the Brooklyn Diaper Project here ([link removed]) .

I’m proud to have co-sponsored the bill to create the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council to reduce child poverty in our state and to have co-sponsored the 'DIAPER Act,' exempting diapers from all sales taxes in New York to make diapers more affordable.
------------------------------------------------------------

Back to School Supply Distribution. Thank you to Gowanus Mutual Aid ([link removed]) (GMA) for organizing our Back to School Supply Drive this year! As always, I am so grateful for the generosity our community shows to our neighbors. If your family is in need of backpacks and other school supplies, GMA will be hosting their distribution event tomorrow, Sat. Sep. 9 from 10am-12pm (or while supplies last) at 621 Degraw St., between 4th and 3rd Ave.
------------------------------------------------------------

BQE Interim Repair Work. The pavement removal work required for the interim repairs at Span 4 (Grace Ct) and Span 34 (Clark St) began in mid-August and work will continue for the next few weeks or until complete. Work hours are early mornings Tuesday to Friday from 1am-5am and Saturdays from 1am-6am. As of now, no work will be done on Sundays and Monday mornings. During this work, only one lane will be available in the Queens-bound direction. The Atlantic Avenue entrance ramp to the Queens-bound BQE ramp will also be closed when the right Queens-bound lane is closed and detours identified during hours of construction. NYC DOT has set up decibel meters and will use noise-reducing equipment to limit the disruptions.

If you have questions or concerns, or want to be notified directly of future NYC DOT repairs to the BQE or community meetings, reach out to DOT Community Liaison, Anita Navalurkar at (347) 647-0876 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
------------------------------------------------------------

Carroll Gardens Library Closing for 2 Years; Alternate Services Announced. Carroll Gardens Library is closed for renovations for 18-24 months. A new HVAC system will be installed and the mezzanine will be transformed into a teen space. The nearby Brooklyn Heights Branch and Pacific Branch Libraries will remain open. I’m looking forward to these upgrades!

The library staff are still conducting many events in the community at nearby locations, and the schedule for their mobile services at Carroll Park and other local sites, including toddler time events, babies & books, & more can be found here ([link removed]) . You can still access Carroll Gardens Library’s vast collection of e-books and audiobooks online here ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------

Brooklyn Navy Yard. I recently toured the Brooklyn Navy Yard, along with President & CEO Lindsay Greene, which has a rich history rooted in manufacturing and shipping along our working waterfront. Today, it houses a museum, restaurants, and hundreds of businesses, including many that have a focus on creating green technology. At the Brooklyn STEAM Center, High School students learn about tech, computer science, culinary arts & more. The Navy Yard’s Albert C. Wiltshire Employment Center ([link removed]) connects local residents to jobs at the Navy Yard. They can connect job seekers to full time and part time jobs in a wide range of sectors at the Yard, including culinary, engineering, security, and manufacturing, as well as offer job training and help with preparing for an interview.
------------------------------------------------------------
Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) Grants. The BAC awards grants to local artists and small arts organizations whose work enhances the culture of our borough and city. The next virtual info session about applying for their grants will be Thu, Sept 14 at 12:30PM. Check your eligibility here ([link removed]) . Meeting details and schedule can be found here ([link removed]) .
------------------------------------------------------------
Apply for Climate Friendly Homes Fund. The Climate Friendly Homes Fund provides 0% interest financing for existing, 5-50 unit buildings in NYS that focuses on replacing older and less energy-efficient systems with all-electric heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Click here ([link removed]) to see if you are eligible for this financing and to apply for the program.
------------------------------------------------------------

Upcoming Community Events
* NY Bike Jumble at Old Stone House, Sat. Sept. 9, 10am-4pm. Join friends at NY Bike Jumble, Old Stone House, and the Fifth Ave BID in Park Slope at JJ Bryne Playground for back-to-school bargains, replacement parts, and new and used bicycles. Gear up for commuting season, test out a new ride, or buy your children early holiday gifts. Park Slope will be buzzing with the sound of happy cyclists! This is a rain or shine event, vendors will be set up outdoors around the Park.
* Brooklyn Book Bodega Book Giveaway at Atlantic Terminal Mall on Sept. 9, 12-2pm. Stop by for a live show with Fyütch ([link removed]) and get free books for the whole family. Programming will take place on the plaza facing Barclays Center. No registration is required. Walk-ins welcome.
* Understanding Medicaid for Long-Term Home Care: Webinar on Sept. 19, 7pm. Does your loved one need help at home? Many older New Yorkers use Medicare and Medicaid together to pay for long-term, in-home care, but Medicaid access can seem complex. Join Caregiver Program Director Megan Nelson, LMSW and Heights and Hills ([link removed]) for this free online workshop on Tuesday, September 19 from 7-8pm that will help you understand the ins and outs of Medicaid access for long-term in-home care. Register here ([link removed]) .
* Curbside Composting is Expanding to All Brooklyn Residents. Great news for our environment and community: The NYC Department of Sanitation will expand Curbside Composting beginning on October 2nd, the same day as recycling. Composting reduces the carbon emissions in our waste by up to 50%. No sign-up is needed! Need a DSNY brown bin for your compost? Click Here ([link removed].) to find out how to get one for free and to learn more details about how to compost.

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Mailing address: 341 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-246-4889

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.