Dear Neighbor,

Below please find some legislative updates, as well as details of upcoming events and other useful information from around the district.

Starting on Tuesday, I will be hosting my new Virtual Housing Lunch Hour Series, with four events covering housing issues that affect everyone, from young renters to rent-regulated tenants to co-op and condo owners. See below for more information and registration details.

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

I am pleased with Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to restart Congestion Pricing in January, so that this critical program can't be killed by the incoming administration in Washington - it's a smart call, and the right move.

This election was clearly about affordability, and that's just what Congestion Pricing delivers: desperately needed funding to support critical public transit that makes life more affordable for the vast majority of New York City residents and commuters who use it (85% of people use transit to get to work in the zone), supported by a fee on the small minority who choose to drive private cars on taxpayer-funded roads in the most congested city in the world.

The fee will be set at a daily total of $9 during peak times. That means that driving a car into the zone will cost only $3 more than a round trip on the subway - throw in a third subway trip for an errand during the work day, and the prices are equal. It's $5 LESS than a peak round trip LIRR City Ticket, and $32 less than a peak round trip ticket from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station.

Implementing Congestion Pricing will close a massive, multi-billion dollar hole in the MTA Capital Budget, which would otherwise have to be filled by taxpayers across the state. It will also deliver safer streets, cleaner air, and faster emergency response times - all of which lower medical costs and improve quality of life, not to mention saving lives - and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. And it will support the millions of working New Yorkers who use public transit every single day.

I applaud Governor Hochul for taking this crucial action to safeguard the economy, safety, and quality of life of New Yorkers as we head into an uncertain future.

Last month, I joined Assemblymember Tony Simone to introduce A.5661a/S.9935, a bill that would place democratic and transparency safeguards on the New York City Charter Revision Commission process. The legislation would repeal the “bumping” provision in state law that allows a mayor to use a Charter Revision Commission to block ballot proposals initiated by New Yorkers or the City Council. It would also require a Charter Revision Commission to be created at least 180 days before submitting any proposal for election ballot and publicly release any proposal 30 days before submission for the ballot.

The way that Mayor Adams wielded his Charter Revision Commission like a political cudgel against the City Council this year makes clear that the state laws around charter revision ballot questions need to be fixed. These may seem like arcane details, but this year's events make it evident that a rebalancing of the powers between the Mayor and the City Council is needed to ensure that New York City's democracy remains strong and functional.

In New York, the City Council, or voters (by petition), may propose a city charter amendment to go on the ballot for approval in a referendum. However, the mayor can "bump" that proposal off the ballot simply by appointing a charter revision commission and having that commission propose any charter amendment. Under state Municipal Home Rule Law, if that commission puts a proposal on the ballot - regardless of the subject or how minor it might be - then no other proposal may be put on the ballot that year by the City Council or by petition. Mayors have used this power to effectively suppress charter revision proposals they oppose.

In 1998, there were proposed city charter amendments relating to a proposed sports stadium and campaign finance. Then Mayor Giuliani opposed these proposals, so he appointed a charter revision commission to put proposals on the ballot, bumping not only the Yankee Stadium question, but a campaign finance initiative as well.

In 2024, the New York City Council proposed a charter amendment to require that more mayoral appointments of City agency leaders be subject to City Council advice and consent confirmation, much like the New York State Senate conducts for gubernatorial appointments and many local legislative bodies do throughout the country. Mayor Adams blocked this from being on the ballot for voters to decide by appointing a charter revision commission that came up with a handful of proposals in less than two months that were put on the 2024 ballot. This blocked the City Council proposal from appearing on the ballot.

This legislation would prevent a charter revision commission from being hastily organized or misused for political purposes, or its proposals put on the ballot without adequate public input or thorough policy review. 

My staff and I often hear from constituents about myriad housing issues that affect everyone, from young renters to rent-regulated tenants to co-op and condo owners. In the upcoming weeks, I am hosting a four-part virtual lunch hour series with housing attorneys and advocates on a wide range of housing. At these virtual events, you will learn how to get repairs, steps to take if you are behind on your rent, informative tools for navigating housing court, and resources for co-op and condo owners. 

Below please find the date, time, and speaker for each webinar along with an individual RSVP link for each event. 

Session 1: How to Get My Landlord to Make Repairs

Tuesday, November 19, 12 pm - 1 pm

Michael Grinthal, Take Root Justice

Session 2: You've Fallen Behind on Your Rent, Now What?

Thursday, November 21, 12 pm - 1 pm

Jenny Laurie, Housing Court Answers

Session 3: Appearing in Housing Court Without a Lawyer

Tuesday, December 3, 12 pm - 1 pm

Pablo Zevallos, The Legal Aid Society

Session 4: Co-op and Condo Owner Rights and Resources

Thursday, December 5, 12 pm - 1 pm

Rose Marie Cantanno, NYLAG

You will have the option of joining the events online through Zoom or watching them live-streamed on Facebook. You do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the events through Facebook. You will also have the option of calling in to access the audio-only portion of the events. 

Each event will feature a question-and-answer session with Senator Krueger and the webinar presenter. Attendees can submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the events but are strongly encouraged to submit them in advance.

The events will be recorded and available to view afterward at krueger.nysenate.gov and facebook.com/statesenatorlizkrueger, along with the slides and links that were shared. They will also be emailed to everyone who RSVP'd for the events.

After you register, a confirmation email with the Zoom link and the call-in information will be sent immediately and you will receive a reminder email one week before the events. 

Please let us know if you plan to attend any or all sessions of the Virtual Housing Lunch Hour Series by registering at each RSVP link above.

Please see below for details and registration information for Senator Krueger's 2024 Virtual Older Adult Resource Fair.

Session I: Connecting While Solo Aging

Friday, December 6th

2 pm – 3:30 pm

Loneliness is a growing epidemic in the United States but aging solo does not mean you are alone. In this session you will hear from presenters that offer programs to help you connect and from older adults who are having new adventures.

• Beverly Bartlett, Associate Pastor, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
• Grace Morton, Center for Healthy Aging, New York Academy of Medicine
• Detective Anothony Nuccio, Crime Prevention Office and Older Adult Liaison, 19th Precinct
• Robin Stratchun, Volunteer Director, Search and Care, With Solo Agers
• Lauren Taylor, M.A., M.S., L.C.S.W., SPOP

Session II: Arts and Culture

Thursday, December 12th

2 pm – 3:30 pm



New York is the cultural capital of the world! Hear from a selection of leading cultural institutions to learn about no- and low-cost options for older adults providing access to the best of what the City has to offer.

• Laura Schweller, Associate Educator, Community and Access Programs, MoMA
• Eleni DeSiervo, Senior Director Government Relations, Lincoln Center
• John-Morgan Bush, Dean, Juilliard Extension Program
• David Knapp, Deputy Director, Hiram Brown Center for Older Adults, 92Y
• Gladys Perez-Mojica, Associate Director of Public Engagement Programs, TDF (Theater Development Fund)

Session III: Legal Resources

Friday, December 13th

2 pm – 3:45 pm



Many of us need legal resources as we age to create later life planning documents, access home care, and to help obtain benefits. Hear from legal services organizations that offer no- and low-cost services. (Be aware there are income eligibility requirements which vary for each program.)

• Elisa M. Tustian, Director, Senior Law Project, Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS)
• Libby Vasquez, Director of Legal Services, Legal Hotline and Planning and Estates Law Project, New York City Bar Association
• Michele Kirschbaum, Director of Programs, New York Peace Institute
• Rebecca Wallach, Director, Evelyn Frank Legal Resource Program, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
• Erin Shahinfar, Staff Attorney, Advanced Planning Practice, Public Benefits Resource Program, NYLAG
• Nic Shugar, Law Graduate, Elder Law Practice, NYLAG

"Heat Season" Begins in NYC

New York City’s eight-month-long “heat season" began at the start of October, 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.

Opportunities to Save on Energy Bills

and Conserve Energy This Winter

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP is a federally funded program that provides annual grants to help income-eligible homeowners and renters pay for their energy costs. Monthly income limits vary by household size (the maximum monthly income for a one person household is $3,322 and $6,390 for a 4 person household) and there no asset limits. HEAP is available to households that pay directly for heat and to those where heat is included in rent. HEAP includes the following benefits:

• Regular Benefit – assists households that pay a high proportion of house-hold income for heat or heat-related energy. Annual grant generally ranges between $21 and $900 based on whether a household pays directly for heating costs, type of housing, and source of heat. The 2024-25 Regular Benefit opened on November 1, 2024.
• Emergency Benefit – assists households who are facing a heat or heat-related energy emergency. If you have an emergency, contact your local Department of Social Services office. Income limits are lower than those for the Regular Benefit. The yearly application period is scheduled to be open from January 2, 2025.
• Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement - helps income eligible homeowners repair or replace furnaces, boilers, and other direct heating equipment necessary to keep their primary heating source functional. The application period opened on October 1, 2024.
• Cooling Assistance Benefit - provides for cooling assistance services to households that include an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat. Applications are expected to be accepted from April 15, 2025 through August 31, 2025.

Additional details about HEAP are available at https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. NYC residents can determine their eligibility and obtain an application online at https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page. You can also call the NYC HRA HEAP unit at 212-331-3126 or the NYC HEAP Infoline at 800-692-0557 with any questions or for an application. NYC residents who receive SNAP benefits and/or Cash Assistance should be automatically enrolled in HEAP.

Energy Affordability Program

Through the Energy Affordability Program, Con Edison customers who receive certain types of government assistance are eligible for discounts on their monthly energy bills. 

• Con Edison customers should be enrolled automatically if the utility is notified by a government agency that a customer is receiving HEAP, SNAP, SSI, or public assistance but this does not always happen. Customers who are automatically enrolled will receive a letter from Con Edison that will provide details about when they can expect to receive a discount. Check your online account or bill if you aren’t certain whether you’ve been automatically enrolled.
• Customers will not be automatically enrolled if they receive Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Lifeline, and must submit an application to Con Edison. 

Applications can be submitted online, via email, by mail, by fax, or in person. Visit https://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/payment-plans-assistance/help-paying-your-bill for more details and applications.

MONEY SAVING ENERGY TIPS

• Install LED bulbs, which last 25 times longer and use at least 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
• Open your shades and drapes during the day to let the sun’s warmth in, and close them at night to keep cold air out.
• Insulate your windows and doors
• Insulate and seal heating ducts to prevent wasting 10-20 percent of your energy.
• Close vents in rooms not in use.
• Regularly clear air conditioner filers and refrigerator coils.
• Use ENERGY STAR appliances.
• Caulk cracks around windows and doors.
• Lower your thermostat—for every degree you lower it, you could save 3 percent on your heating bills.
• Use a programmable thermostat, which can lead to savings of hundreds of dollars a year.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS

In addition to low-cost or no-cost steps you can do yourself, New York State and the state’s utilities offer several programs to improve the energy efficiency of your home. These improvements will help lower your energy use and make your utility bills more affordable. There are also programs to help low-income customers with energy efficiency solutions, sometimes at no cost to the resident. Contact your local utility to learn about programs that may be available to you.

NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers a variety of residential programs that provide financial incentives and low cost financing to help make energy efficiency improvements more affordable. In addition, there are programs that offer energy efficiency improvements and financial and energy management education for low-income customers. To learn more about these programs, visit https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/residents-and-homeowners or call 1-866-NYSERDA (1-866-697-3732).

Community Solar: Utility customers, including renters, co-op and condo owners, and businesses, can sign up for community solar to save money every month on their electric bills. Consumers can subscribe to a Community Solar project where available and start receiving credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced by a solar farm. To get started, go to https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/communitysolar.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal oversees the NYS Weatherization Assistance Program which provides income-eligible families and individuals with energy efficiency measures designed to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool homes, and provide hot water. Weatherization services are available to both homeowners and renters, with priority given to senior citizens, families with children, and persons with disabilities. To learn more about the program, call 1-518-474-5700 or visit https://hcr.ny.gov/weatherization.

Child Care Assistance Program

The income threshold for New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) has been increased to the federal maximum of 85 percent of State Median Income (SMI) – currently more than $108,000 per year for a family of four – and family share copays have been capped at one percent of a family’s income above the poverty level, among other significant changes.

Eligible families can use CCAP to pay for part or all of their child care costs, including after school care. Families in New York City are able to conveniently apply for CCAP via the MyCity application. 

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is pleased to share an online video tutorial that explains the CCAP application process for New York City residents using MyCity. The video tutorial is available on OCFS’ YouTube channel and can be accessed via the following link:

The New York City Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Consortium is available to support families in accessing child care options and maintains a toll-free parent referral line staffed with parent counselors who are ready to assist families locate child care that’s suited to their needs. The parent referral line can be reached at 1-888-469-5999. Information about the Consortium can be found on their website at https://nyccrr.org/.

Parents can also search for licensed child care providers, including school-age child care (SACC) programs, in their area on the OCFS website at https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/looking/ccfs-search.php or on the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) website at https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/ChildCare/search.action. Additionally, general information on CCAP is available on the OCFS website by visiting https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccap/.

As we enter the holiday season, my office has received many calls asking about Thanksgiving-specific meal programs. Please see the resources below for Sunday, November 24th - Thursday, November 28th. Not all of these locations are in the district but are accessible via public transportation. 

Turkey Giveaway

• On Nov, 20th Grand Central Neighborhood Service Corp will do a turkey giveaway from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at 120 East 32nd Street (between Park and Lexington). All are welcome. You can contact them at [email protected] or 212-883-0680 Ext. 108.

Sunday, November 24th:

• Christ Church Methodist offers a sit-down style hot meal dinner from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm every Sunday at 524 Park Ave (between E 60th Street and E 61st Street). All are welcome. You can contact them at 212-838-3038 or [email protected].

Monday, November 25th:

• New York Common Pantry (NYCP) will offer a sit-down or take-away hot meal Monday to Friday from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm and brown bag meals to go on Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm at 8 East 109th Street (between 5th and Madison). NYCP is accessible via the M1 bus on Madison Avenue going North and 5th Avenue going South. You can contact them at (917) 720-9700 or [email protected]. 

Tuesday, November 26th:

• The Urban Outreach Center will be preparing a grab-and-go Thanksgiving-style dinner from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at 1745 1st Avenue (between 90th and 91st Sts). You can contact them at (212) 288-6743 or email at [email protected]. https://www.uocnyc.org/programs 
• Lenox Hill Neighborhood House offers sit-down style hot meals for lunch and dinner at The Center. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and dinner will be served from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. All adults aged 60 and over are welcome. The senior center is located at 343 East 70th Street (between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave). You can contact them at 212-218-0319.

Wednesday, November 27th:

• Crossroads Community Services provides a carry-out style breakfast every Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday from 7:45 am to 8:45 am at 108 East 51st Street (between Park and Lexington Ave). You can contact them at 212-378-0229 or at https://www.crossroadsnyc.org/program.
• Lenox Hill Neighborhood House offers sit-down style hot meals for lunch and dinner at The Center. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and dinner will be served from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm. All adults aged 60 and over are welcome. The senior center is located at 343 East 70th Street (between 1st Ave and 2nd Ave). You can contact them at 212-218-0319.
• Grand Central Neighborhood Service Corp offers restaurant-style hot meals from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm at 120 East 32nd Street. 
• Church of the Epiphany has a sit-down or grab-and-go Thanksgiving-style dinner starting at 6:00 pm located at 351 East 74th Street (between 2nd and 1st Aves). All are welcome. You can contact them at (212) 737-2720 or email at [email protected]. 

Thursday, November 28th: 

• The Bowery Mission offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal with festivities and live music for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am - 9:00 am and lunch will be served from 11:30 am - 4:00 pm at 227 Bowery (between Rivington and Stanton Sts). Indoor and outdoor seating will be available. You can contact them at (212) 674-3456. https://www.bowery.org/updates/2024/10/thanksgiving-2024/ 
• Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen provides a hot and nutritious grab-and-go meal every weekday, including on Thanksgiving, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm at 296 9th Ave (between W 26th Street and W 28th Street). You can contact them at (212) 924-0167. https://holyapostlesnyc.org/soup-kitchen-and-pantry/daily-meal-service/ 
• Hudson Guild’s Older Adult Center will be hosting a sit-down hot meal at 11:30 am at 119 9th Avenue (between 17th and 18th Sts). You can reach them at (212) 760-9800 or email them at [email protected].
• Metro Baptist Church is hosting a sit-down or grab-n-go Thanksgiving lunch from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at 410 West 40th Street (between 9th and 10th Sts). You can contact them at (212) 594-4464. 
• Goddard Riverside has a sit-down Thanksgiving meal from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm located at 593 Columbus Ave (between 88th and 89th Sts). The line opens at 11:00 am. Goddard Riverside is accessible via the 7 train (34th Hudson Yard bound) from Grand Central Station to 5th Ave and transfer to the B train (Bedford Park Blvd) to 86 Street. You can contact them at (212) 873-6600. https://goddard.org/holiday/ 
• Crossroads Community Services in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless provides carry-out style hot meals every weeknight (including Saturday and Sunday). It will be served from 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm at 108 East 51st Street (between Park and Lexington Ave). You can contact them at 212-378-0229 or via their website at https://www.crossroadsnyc.org/program.
• Grand Central Neighborhood Service Corp offers sit-down hot meals on Thursday and Friday from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm at 120 East 32nd Street. 

Please find additional food resources for the Upper East Side here and for Midtown here.

Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Schools Chancellor Listening Tour

Corporate Transparency Act Compliance

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is spreading awareness about business compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a recently passed federal law that mandates the disclosure of business ownership to the U.S. Treasury Department, making it more difficult for bad actors to conceal their financial activities. Many businesses must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by December 31, 2024, or face the prospect of significant financial penalties.

To help small business owners better understand this new requirement, and its potential ramifications on their bottom line, SBS, in partnership with Legal Aid Society and Patterson Belknap, is hosting a series of a free, online workshops. Click here to learn more.