Friend,​

I hope that you've been staying safe and healthy. I know that while social distancing is necessary right now, it has made life very difficult for many of us. I want you to know that I'm fighting every single day to ensure that every New Yorker has exactly what they need to get through this crisis.

Relief for Puerto Rico
Over the last three years, Puerto Rico has been devastated by Hurricane Maria and hundreds of earthquakes. As the coronavirus wreaks economic havoc in the U.S., the Puerto Rican economy will experience an even greater decline. As Congress prepares another relief package to mitigate the vast impact of this crisis and stabilize our economy, I'm demanding that it include: robust funding for nutritional assistance for the Island, elimination of the Medicaid cap while ensuring appropriate Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, Paycheck Protection Program eligibility for nonprofits registered in Puerto Rico, immediate assistance for hospitals, and allocation of the funds for the Island's reconstruction post-earthquakes.

Relief for Restaurants
There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the restaurant industry right now, but there are a few ways that you can support local workers who have been hit hardest by this crisis. You can donate to a relief fund, order takeout or delivery, buy food products and merch online, or buy a gift card. I have introduced a bill in which nonprofits could qualify for grants to partner with restaurants for the preparation and distribution of food to vulnerable populations. I will continue to fight for restaurants and culinary workers to get the financial support they need from the federal government, and we should all do everything we can to support them from within our community.

We still have a long road ahead of us, but New Yorkers are tough, and I'm confident if we stand together, we will make it through this time of crisis.

Stay safe,
Nydia

Updates and Resources

The Small Business Administration is again accepting loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program. Information on all SBA coronavirus relief options can be found here >> [link removed]

You can file for unemployment from New York State here >> [link removed]. The state unemployment office has made several upgrades to its system as call centers have been overwhelmed due to spikes in demand. You can read more about those changes here >> [link removed]. You can find a helpful Q & A on unemployment insurance here >> [link removed]

New York has extended health insurance open enrollment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment is now open until May 15 through NY State of Health or directly through insurers. Enroll online here: [link removed]. You may also call 1-855-355-5777 for assistance.

New York City Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) has coronavirus resources online here >> [link removed]. HPD Section 8 tenants experiencing a rent hardship due to a decrease in income may contact HPD via [email protected] or by fax at 212-863-5299.

NYCHA has created a hardship rent program. Read more and apply online here >> [link removed]

For DACA recipients: If you live in New York City and you have DACA, call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365 for help renewing your application.