Dear Neighbor,

As you know, we are experiencing a dangerous amount of rainfall and flash flooding throughout New York City today, with additional rainfall forecast through this evening. If you are able, please stay home, and avoid driving. Please check in with your neighbors as well to make sure they are okay.

If you are taking public transportation, please note that there have been delays and suspension in service today due to the severe weather conditions. You can check MTA service status of subways, trains, and buses on this page before heading outside.

As today's torrential rains remind us yet again, these kinds of formerly-rare extreme weather events are happening now with frightening regularity, driven by climate change – this wasn’t even a named storm, just a rainy Friday. We have also been reminded that our city and state remain unprepared to deal with the full impacts of a rapidly changing climate.

That is why I carry a piece of legislation called the Climate Change Superfund Act. New York State is facing well over a hundred billion dollars in climate change-driven damages over the next three decades. Someone is going to have to pay to prepare the state to weather those storms. The only question is who will pay. I believe that the companies most responsible for causing the climate crisis - the biggest multinational oil and gas companies - should pay to clean up their mess, not New York taxpayers and businesses.

The Climate Change Superfund Act uses the polluter-pays model exemplified by existing federal and state superfund laws to collect $75 billion over twenty-five years for New York's climate change adaptation costs from the parties most responsible for causing the climate crisis - big fossil fuel companies. The bill passed the Senate this year, but unfortunately did not pass the Assembly. I will continue to push for this vital piece of legislation in the upcoming session that begins in January.

Below you will find information about work I have been doing both within the district and on the legislative front, as well as COVID-related updates and other helpful announcements.

Stay safe and healthy, and save the date for my upcoming in-person Town Hall at the Weill Music Room in Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, October 31st - more details to come soon.

As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535.

Best,

Liz Krueger

State Senator

Last week, during Climate Week NYC, I was proud to co-author an op-ed in the Daily News with Juan-Carlos Jintiach, a land defender and a member of the Shuar, an indigenous group in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. While we work towards zero greenhouse gas emissions here at home, we can't ignore the emissions we outsource to other countries through our consumer choices. The NY Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act, which passed both houses of the Legislature this year, will ensure that our taxpayer dollars are not driving tropical deforestation through our state procurement policies. That's why I'm urging Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.

This week, the Albany Times Union carried an op-ed that I co-authored with Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, addressing recent lawsuits filed by large corporate interests that have sought to halt the rollout of New York's cannabis licensing process. Big companies trying to undermine our laws must not be allowed to cause any more harm to the New Yorkers - farmers, small business owners, struggling communities - who will benefit from a thriving, equitable cannabis market.

Street safety for all street users remains a priority for me. Earlier this month I sent a letter to the NYC Department of Transportation, opposing draft regulations to authorize the use of larger pedal-assist cargo bicycles in dedicated bike lanes.

Additionally, my staff and I are working on a bill to be introduced in the coming legislative session to increase accountability for business owners who sell mopeds, requiring them to verify that their customers are properly licensed and insured to own and operate mopeds, and that their vehicles are registered with the appropriate authorities as required under current law. 

I also carry a number of other bills on this issue:

• S.1246 would increase the penalties for leaving the scene of a crash involving an e-bike or e-scooter without reporting the incident, making the penalty for doing so consistent with that for leaving the scene of an automobile crash in the same manner.
• S.4394 would make business owners who employ delivery drivers responsible for certain traffic infractions committed by their employees while on the clock. The latter bill also clarifies that motor-assisted bikes are not allowed to be ridden on the sidewalk in New York City.

These bills continue to be a priority for me going into 2024.

The following bills passed the Senate this year, but unfortunately did not pass the Assembly. I will continue to fight for their final passage in the coming legislative session that begins in January:

• S.154C bans lithium-ion batteries that do not meet industry safety requirements from being sold and resold for use in micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters.
• S.157 prohibits the sale of second-use lithium batteries, which are proven to be unsafe.
• S.773B would end the sale of ATVs and off-highway motorcycles in New York City, where they are already banned for use.

Catch our constituent services team out and about in the district this month. Stop by with questions, concerns, or just to say hi!

Wednesday, October 11th, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Chelsea Green

140 West 20th Street, btwn Ave. of the Americas and 7th Ave.

Wednesday, October 25th, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Carter Burden Older Adult Center

546 Main Street, Ground Floor Lobby

Roosevelt Island

If you unable to attend these constituent service hours, we are available to provide assistance in the District Office (generally Monday through Friday, 9:30am-5:30pm). Please call us at 212-490-9535 or email [email protected].

Monday, October 2, 10 am - 12 pm

Thursday, October 5, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Friday, October 6, 11 am - 1 pm

My office is handing out free COVID-19 rapid at-home tests and high-quality masks on three days next week:

Monday, October 2, 10 am - 12 pm at the Vanderbilt YMCA: My staff will have a table close to the main entrance where they will hand out up to 3 free tests and 2 masks per person as long as supplies last. The address is 224 E. 47th St (between 2nd and 3rd Ave), New York, NY 10017. You do not need to be a member of the 47th Street YMCA in order to pick up tests and masks.

Thursday, October 5, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the Vanderbilt YMCA: My staff will again have a table close to the main entrance where they will hand out up to 3 free tests and 2 masks per person as long as supplies last. The address is 224 E. 47th St. (between 2nd and 3rd Ave), New York, NY 10017. You do not need to be a member of the 47th Street YMCA in order to pick up tests and masks.

Friday, October 6, 11 am - 1 pm at my District Office: My staff will hand out up to 3 free tests and 2 masks per person as long as supplies last. My district office is located at 211 E. 43rd Street, Suite #2000 (20th Floor). The building is situated between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. When you enter the building off of 43rd Street, you will be required to sign in at the reception desk. Once you have signed in, please proceed to the bank of elevators and take one of the elevators on the left side to the 20th Floor. Turn right once you exit the elevator and my office is straight ahead.

We hope to see you at one of these distribution events!

Beginning this week, the federal government is once again offering four free at-home COVID tests, available by mail. Simply go to covid.gov/tests, or call 1-800-232-0233.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines Are Now Available

Updated 2023-2024 Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccines Approved

I am very pleased to share that the 2023-2024 updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved by the FDA and the CDC. The updated Novavax vaccine is pending approval.

• Individuals age 5+ are approved to receive one dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination if at least 2 months have passed since their last COVID-19 vaccination. Certain individuals may be approved to receive additional doses, if they are immunocompromised for example, and should consult their physician.
• The recommended dosage for children age 6 months to 4 years old is based on the vaccine and the child's age. For more specific information, please visit the CDC Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines web page.

The following is what you need to know in order to get the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination:

Cost of the COVID-19 vaccination: If you have commercial health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you should be able to get the vaccination without any out-of-pocket cost as long as you receive the vaccination from an in-network provider. If you do not have insurance, you can get the vaccination at no cost through the Bridge Access Program.

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccination appointment: You are able to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies, doctors offices, and health facilities. Please visit the following websites to locate vaccine sites and to schedule an appointment:

• NYC Vaccine Finder: Use this online resource to search for different types of vaccine sites in New York City that are administering the updated COVID-19 vaccine and for information on how to schedule an appointment. If you do not have health insurance, you are also able to search for no-cost vaccine sites. Please note: at the time of writing this email, NYC Vaccine Finder is being updated and the search function is not yet available. Please check the website for updates. You can also call 212-268-4319 for assistance with locating a vaccine site.
• Vaccines.gov: Use this online resource to search for vaccine sites in New York City, including sites that are participating in the Bridge Access Program, to get a free vaccination if you do not have health insurance. Please note: at the time of writing this email, this online directory is in the process of being updated with vaccine sites. Please check the website for updates. You can also call 1-800-232-0233 for assistance with locating a vaccine site.
• Schedule an appointment at CVS: You can schedule a vaccination appointment at participating CVS branches from this website, or by calling 800-746-7287 for assistance.
• Schedule an appointment at Rite Aid: Visit this Rite Aid web page to schedule a vaccination appointment at participating Rite Aid locations, or you can call 800-748-3243 for assistance.
• Schedule an appointment at Walgreens: You can schedule a vaccination appointment at participating Walgreen pharmacies by visiting this website or by calling 800-925-4733 for assistance.

When to get vaccinated: People who are at greatest risk for severe health outcomes should get the updated COVID-19 vaccination right away, as long as at least 2 months have passed since their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, if you recently contracted the Coronavirus, it makes sense to wait at least 3 months before getting the vaccination.

Please Note: This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that the COVID-19 vaccines are being made available through the commercial marketplace. This vaccine rollout has experienced delays, and my office has been informed that some constituents had vaccination appointments rescheduled due to the pharmacy not having enough vaccine supply. There have also been delays due to health insurance providers being required to update their billing systems. Please be aware that it may take another couple of weeks before there is a sufficient supply of the vaccines in pharmacies.

It is also important to think about when to get the COVID-19 vaccination in relationship to when you plan to get the flu and the recently approved respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. Health experts say that it is fine to get the COVID-19 and the flu vaccinations at the same time. Because the RSV vaccine is new, it is better to get the RSV vaccination at least a couple of weeks before or after the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.

• If you have questions or concerns about when to get the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccinations in the coming weeks, please consult with your health care provider.

Government Shutdown FAQs

As we face a looming government shutdown, many have questions about what the implications would be for government services and benefits. Congressman Jerry Nadler has provided the following FAQs to help understand how you will be impacted if there is a government shutdown.

Will I continue to receive my Social Security and SSI checks?

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will provide limited services like issuing Social Security cards and holding appointments for benefit applications. However, SSA will stop services like benefit verifications and processing overpayments. Customer service wait times will dramatically increase.

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.

What will happen to student loan assistance and federal Head Start programs?

The U.S. Department of Education has stated that student aid and loan programs could be disrupted, including processing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications, disbursing Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans and servicing Federal student loans. Thousands of children across the country would lose access to Head Start programs.

Which federal employees keep working during a government shutdown?

When the government shuts down, federal agencies are required to classify their employees whose salaries have lapsed as either "excepted" or "not excepted." The employees classified as "excepted" work without pay during the shutdown. The employees classified as "not excepted" are put on unpaid furlough.

Will air travel be affected?

Air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents will remain on the job without pay. If some do not report to work, as has happened in prior shutdowns, there will be significant delays and longer wait times across the country.

How does this affect passports and help for Americans overseas?

Consular services, passport services, and visa services are expected to continue in the immediate aftermath of a government shutdown. In a prolonged shutdown, passport and visa issuance could be slowed. Access to passport agencies located in some government buildings may be limited.

What does this mean for disaster relief efforts?

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff will still respond to emergencies, but all long-term projects will be delayed due to a lack of funding in the Disaster Relief Fund.

How will this affect environmental protection and cleanup?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will stop inspecting most hazardous waste sites, as well as drinking water and chemical facilities. Efforts to address dangerous contaminants like PFAS — which are linked to severe health effects, including cancer — will be delayed, and cleanup activities at Superfund sites will slow or cease.

What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.

What is the impact on food safety activities? 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety activities — such as routine inspections of facilities — will be delayed across the country.

What is the impact on housing?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

How will this affect small businesses? 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will stop processing new business loans, such as through the 7(a) and 504 programs. However, SBA’s Disaster Loan Program will continue regular operations.

Will my mail still arrive?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is not affected by a shutdown.

What is the impact on U.S. military personnel and federal law enforcement? 

All active-duty and Guard and Reservists on active-duty orders are excepted and therefore are required to work without pay. On-base non-acute health care will cease, although off-base care provided through Tricare will not be affected. On-base child care will be open on a case-by-case basis. Federal law enforcement will also be required to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown.

What happens to veterans' services?

All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits. However, veterans will be affected by the shutdown of other services that they count on, including education and job training, support for veteran-owned businesses, and even assistance for homeless veterans.

Will military and federal retiree benefits be suspended?

Military and federal retirees will continue to receive their retirement benefits. Processing new applications or other requested changes will be delayed. 

What does this mean for medical research?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will be forced to delay new clinical trials. New patients who are waiting for a chance at new treatment through a clinical trial will be turned away.

Will I still be able to visit National Parks and monuments?

Across the country, services that require National Park Service staff — including trash removal and operating campgrounds and concessions — may be stopped. Closures will be determined on a location-by-location basis; open-air parks and monuments in Washington, D.C. will likely remain accessible. Smithsonian museums may also be impacted by a lengthy shutdown.

What is the impact on state and local services?

The federal government shutdown will not immediately affect any state or local services. However, with federal funding cut off, some state or local governments may have to change their operations. Check with state and local agencies for specific questions.

NYC residents can now submit claims to the NYC Department of Social Services/Human Resources Administration to request the replacement of SNAP and Cash Assistance benefits stolen electronically. As a result of a change in federal law earlier this year, NYC is able to reimburse households whose SNAP benefits were electronically stolen between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024. Due to a change in state law, NYC can also reimburse households for Cash Assistance benefits stolen electronically on or after Jan 1, 2022. 

If your benefits were stolen before August 21, 2023, you must submit a claim by October 31, 2023.

If your benefits have been stolen on or after August 21, 2023, you must submit a claim 30 days from the date you discover the fraudulent transactions. 

If you need assistance submitting a claim, my office is available to help. Please call 212-490-9535 or join HRA at the Stanley Issacs Neighborhood Center at the above event.

A special shuttle train will be operated by the MTA during this period on a single track between East 63rd Street in Manhattan and 21st Street in Queens (stopping at Roosevelt Island) at 20 minute intervals. The MTA will be also operating free shuttle buses (the Q95 and Q94) connecting Roosevelt Island with the Queens Plaza and 21 St-Queensbridge subway stations. More details are available on the MTA's website here.

RIOC has already started operating a Red Shuttle Bus each weekend afternoon between the Roosevelt Island Tramway stop and the Manhattan Tramway stop (Southside of 2nd Avenue between 58th and 59th Streets). The shuttle departs hourly from the Roosevelt Island Tramway stop starting at 3pm, making all northbound local stops on the island to Capobianco Field (Opposite PS/IS 217). Return service from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island starts at 3:30 PM and departs hourly on the half hour from the Southwest side of 2nd Avenue, between 58th & 59th Street. The last trip from Roosevelt Island departs at 7pm. The last return trip from Manhattan departs at 7:30pm.

Watch this quick video from RIOC explaining transportation options during this period. If you have any questions, concerns, or need updates, contact RIOC's constituent services department - contact info can be found by clicking here.

You can also check out this video of a helpful webinar from the Urban Green Council on a recently released package of proposed rules for implementing LL97.

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has announced the start of New York City’s eight-month-long “heat season,” during which all residential building owners are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees during the day. Indoor temperatures must also be a minimum of 62 degrees overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. Building owners are legally required to provide hot water at 120 degrees year-round.

If an apartment lacks appropriate heat and/or hot water, tenants should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If service is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. To file a complaint, tenants can call 311, visit 311 online or use the app 311Mobile. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (212) 504-4115. 

Once HPD receives a complaint, HPD will attempt to notify the building's managing agent to advise that a complaint has been filed and that a violation may be issued if the condition is not immediately corrected. Unless a tenant confirms that the condition was corrected, a uniformed Code Enforcement inspector will be sent to inspect the reported condition. While conducting an inspection for a lack of heat or hot water, Housing Inspectors will also check for the following violations: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lead-based paint (if there is a child under six), window guards (if there is a child under 11), double cylinder locks, self-closing doors, mold, pests, and bars on the fire escape windows. Tenants may check to see whether or not HPD responded through HPD Online. 

If a landlord fails to provide heat entirely, HPD’s Emergency Repair Program or Housing Litigation Division will intervene to seek the restoration of heat. 

To prevent serious health issues related to indoor hypothermia, individuals in homes or apartments without heat should protect themselves by wearing warm layers of clothing, staying hydrated, and ensuring there is an adequate amount of safe heat. Use of auxiliary heating can be dangerous. If you must use a space heater, follow these important tips:

• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room, house, or go to bed.
• Do not leave space heaters unattended.
• Only use equipment that has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark which shows that the product has been safety tested.
• Turn off the space heater if the cord becomes hot.
• Plug space heaters directly into the socket instead of into an extension cord.
• Place the heater on the floor and never on a counter top or on furniture.

Low-income households having trouble maintaining heat in their homes should contact the Home Energy Assistance Program at 1-800-692-0557. Eligible households can learn more information about assistance in paying heating bills or repairing heating equipment.

The nonpartisan, nonprofit, independent Citizens Budget Commission (CBC) is conducting a resident survey that asks New Yorkers to rate their satisfaction with City services and the quality of life in their neighborhood. If your household was randomly selected to participate in the NYC Resident Survey and notified by mail, I encourage you to respond so that your voice can be heard. Your feedback—especially as the City has been recovering from the pandemic—will be pivotal in charting a course for the future.

Thank you for taking the time to help your neighbors and your City! Learn more about the survey and prior results at cbcny.org/survey.