May 30, 2020
To my beloved constituents,
Thank you for your efforts and sacrifices made to rebuild our community since the devastation of this pandemic. I'm in the fight for our community’s well-being and will continue to be active in Congress in the coming days, weeks and months to make sure we’re doing all that can and must be done to protect frontline workers, keep our businesses and institutions afloat, and win this battle against the spread of COVID-19. We are entering another week of social distancing and summer weather is here. Please continue to do all you can to stay inside and away from others to flatten this curve.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and as this month comes to an end, hearts are heavy. From grieving the loss of loved ones to experiencing food and job insecurity to the heightened awareness of police brutality across the nation, communities are hurting. And through this all we are having to remain isolated nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, either by ourselves or with a very small group of close individuals. Resources are available for New Yorkers by contacting 1-888-NYC-WELL or texting “WELL” to 65173. For more information visit: https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us. For older New Yorkers who are feeling isolated, you can contact friendly volunteers to talk with over the phone. Call 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469). For other mental health resources, including for veterans and caregivers, visit: https://thrivenyc.cityofnewyork.us/mental_health_support_while_home
As my offices continue to telework, please don’t hesitate contacting us for assistance. You can contact us Monday-Friday this week from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at (718) 287-1142. While many of us are now teleworking, home with kids, or home as part of our most vulnerable populations, please remember the importance of the 2020 Census. Our district is one of the hardest-to-count in the country, so it is vital that everyone in our community is counted. To respond to the 2020 Census, please go to “2020census.gov”. Call my office should you have questions.
In good health,
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke
Member of Congress
Legislative Updates:
- I led a letter to the Federal Communications Commission to ask for answers and accountability about whether our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico have access to reliable broadband, WiFi & telephone after the recent earthquakes.
- As a result of my work with Governor Cuomo and Ready Responders, fow families living in two NYCHA locations in NY-09 (at Albany 1 & 2 and Nostrand/Sheepshead Bay) have access to free coronavirus testing.
- I worked with the Turkish American Steering Committee to deliver 2,000 Hazmat suits & 5,000 surgical masks to our frontline workers at Kings County Hospital in my district.
House of Representatives Leadership Updates:
- The House took additional steps this week to help small businesses and workers, passing a bipartisan bill:
- The PPP Flexibility Act, which reflects the needs of vulnerable small businesses, will increase flexibility and access to PPP loans including by:
- allowing forgiveness for expenses beyond the 8-week covered period to 24 weeks and extending the rehiring deadline;
- increasing the current limitation on non-payroll expenses (such as rent, utility payments and mortgage interest) for loan forgiveness from 25 to 40 percent;
- extending the program from June 30 to December 31;
- extending loan terms from two to five years; and
- ensuring full access to payroll tax deferment for businesses that take PPP loans.
- Every day, we see the need for further action to combat the coronavirus crisis. Months into the pandemic, the numbers are devastating:
- over 100,000 dead — a staggering milestone of immense sadness;
- over 1.7 million confirmed cases;
- nearly 41 million initial unemployment claims in the past ten weeks, equivalent to one in four workers, with the April jobs report showing the highest national unemployment rate since the Great Depression.
- This dire situation shows the urgent need for a legislative package that is equal to the crisis gripping our nation. That is why, two weeks ago, the House passed The Heroes Act: urgently-needed legislation to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people and the life of our democracy – responding to the pandemic and the economic catastrophe that has followed.
- The Heroes Act is based on our three pillars:
- Opening the economy with a science-based path of testing, tracing, treatment and social distancing: our legislation commits another $75 billion for the testing, tracing and treatment we need and helps ensure that every American can access free coronavirus treatment.
- Providing strong support for our heroes with nearly $1 trillion for state, local, territorial and tribal governments on the frontlines who desperately need funds to pay the health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other vital workers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs. The Heroes Act will also establish a $200 billion Heroes’ Fund to ensure that essential workers receive hazard pay.
- Putting money in the pockets of workers with a second round of direct payments to families up to $6,000 per household, new payroll protection measures to keep 60 million workers connected with their jobs and extending weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through next January. We are also putting money in workers’ pockets by supporting:
- Small businesses’ economic security: strengthening the Payroll Protection Program to ensure that it reaches underserved communities, nonprofits of all sizes and types and responds flexibly to small businesses by providing $10 billion for Covid-19 emergency grants through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
- Health security: with COBRA subsidies and a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for those without insurance.
- Workplace security: requiring OSHA to ensure that all workplaces develop science-based infection control plans and preventing employers from retaliating against workers who report problems.
- Housing security: with $175 billion in new supports to assist renters and homeowners make monthly rent, mortgage and utility payments and other housing-related costs.
- Food security: with a 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table.
- Security of our democracy: with new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census and preserve the Postal Service.
- The American people overwhelmingly support the strong, urgent relief action included in The Heroes Act. More than two-thirds of the American people – and 8 out of 10 Independents – support the House-passed Heroes Act, according to a new Navigator Research poll.
- In a new Quinnipiac Poll, two out of three Americans say Congress should pass another coronavirus package to address the catastrophic economic impact of the pandemic on households, small businesses and communities across the country.
- Further, new polling shows that, by a strong 3-1 margin, voters say that funding for education, health care and other public support is more important than keeping down spending and the debt.
- A full 84 percent approve of The Heroes Act’s $1 trillion in support for state, local, tribal and territorial governments, while just as many fully reject McConnell’s cruel and senseless call for the states to go bankrupt.
- All of these elements have been supported in the four previous covid-19 bills – all of which were bipartisan.
- In the CARES 1 bill and in the interim Paycheck Protection Program bill, Leader McConnell developed and presented the Senate bills, which we then negotiated and passed. Now the House Democrats have presented our proposal to lead to negotiation.
- We urge the President and Leader McConnell to join us in supporting the evidence-based solutions in The Heroes Act, which reflect the needs of the American people and allocate the resources to save lives and grow the economy. Time is of the essence, and Republicans must come to the table to help save lives and livelihoods now.
NYC & NYS Updates:
- The Health Insurance Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through Monday, June 15th—with all coverage effective as of April 1st. For free enrollment assistance, call 311 or visit http://nyc.gov/GetCoveredNYC.
- Protecting Homeless New Yorkers
- The MTA is closing stations nightly from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM for deep cleaning, and DHS outreach teams are engaging homeless individuals as they leave the trains. Last night, DHS engaged 269 people, and 163 accepted services.
- This included 148 people who went to shelters, and 15 who were brought to the hospital.
- This means in the last three nights, we’ve been able to get 520 New Yorkers who are homeless to come into safe havens and shelters or go to medical facilities.
- Social Distancing in Our Parks
- In order to best protect New Yorkers from the spread of COVID, the City will increase social distancing in parks that have been experiencing large crowds in tight spaces: we will limit capacity at Hudson River Park Piers 45 and 46 and increase NYPD presence and monitoring of Domino Park in Williamsburg.
- Other Recent Announcements:
- VetCheck Mental Health for Veterans: Today, the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services and the Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC launched Mission: VetCheck. Members of the veteran community will call other veterans to check in and provide information about vital public services, including meals, COVID-19 test sites, and mental health resources. Mission: VetCheck.
- Antibody Testing for Health Care Workers and First Responders: NYS is launching a program next week to test 140,000 healthcare workers and first responders in hospitals, firehouses, police stations and correction facilities.
- Antibody Testing for New Yorkers: Also launching two phase antibody testing for another 140,000 New Yorkers next week, in partnership with BioReference Labs.
- The first survey of 70,000 will start Monday and run through late May. We’ll repeat the survey for another 140,000 in June.
- Antibody testing will be by appointment only, with priority for local communities. Complete this survey to schedule an appointment: Antibody Testing Appointment Survey or call 888- 279-0967.
- Please encourage folks to use the website, in order to keep the hotline free for those without internet access.
- Our initial capacity will be 1,000 tests a day at each antibody testing sites:
- Extension of Eviction Moratorium: The State announced an extension of the eviction moratorium for residential and commercial tenants facing COVID-related hardship for an additional 60 days through August 20.
- Banned late payment fees for missed payments during moratorium and will allow renters facing hardship due to COVID-19 to use their security deposit to pay rent.
- Additional Face Covering Distribution: We are distributing 7.5 million free face coverings.
- Five million 3-ply non-medical masks and 2.5 million cloth face coverings will be given out at a variety of locations, including NYCHA, DOE Grab & Go sites, Parks, Mitchell-Lama buildings, grocery stores, and as part of social distancing enforcement.
- The map with distribution sites is available online: Face Coverings.
- NYC Open Streets: If you know of streets in your community that could be safely closed with the staffing of community partners, please submit suggestions here.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Please submit separate applications for each corridor you are proposing to pedestrianize in your community. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
- GetFood: Our goal is to grow our capacity to deliver 1 million meals a day to seniors. We are seeking nonprofits to increase capacity, with a focus on culturally sensitive meals. We need support in Melrose, Washington Heights, Morris Park, Flushing, Sunset Park, and more. Please share the Request for Information here, and encourage nonprofits to visit NYC.gov/nonprofits for information.
- NYCHA: Details about the Mayor’s 5-point plan are available here: Mayor de Blasio Announces New Plan to Combat COVID-19 at NYCHA. NYCHA has installed hand sanitizer dispensers in all 69 senior developments, and we have mailed every NYCHA household masks and gloves for every household member.
- Grab & Go Meals for All New Yorkers: No one is turned away, and participants are able to pick up three meals. To find a location, text “NYCFOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 or here: Free Meal Sites.
- Halal Meals: Available at all 400+ grab-and-go sites. We are adding 25% capacity at 32 DOE sites during the month of Ramadan.
- Paid Sick Leave: Direct constituents to the City’s Call Center at 855-491-2667 or 311 to facilitate claiming paid sick leave.
- ● Health Insurance Special Enrollment: Extended through 6/15, health insurance enrollment is open for uninsured New Yorkers as part of a Special Enrollment Period: Get Covered
- Job Opportunities:
- As a reminder, vulnerable New Yorkers who have symptoms or questions about COVID-19 can call 1-844-NYC-4NYC to connect with a medical provider from Health and Hospitals.
IRS Updates:
- The Internal Revenue Service urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing attempts about the Coronavirus, or COVID-19. These contacts can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft.
- IRS and Security Summit warn tax pros of cybercriminals taking advantage of COVID-19 to create new scams: https://go.usa.gov/xvKAW
- To help everyone check the status of their Economic Impact Payment, IRS has launched a tool that provides the status of a payment, including the date it’s scheduled to be deposited or mailed. www.irs.gov/eip
- IRS is issuing Economic Impact Payments in record time, but we understand you may have pending questions. Take a moment to check our FAQs: www.irs.gov/EIPFAQ
- IRSTaxTip: Be sure to know the signs of an IRS impersonating phone scam, especially during tax filing season: http://go.usa.gov/xd73W
- An IRS tool lets you submit your banking information online to get an Economic Impact Payment faster. If the IRS doesn’t have your direct deposit information, get it ready now and submit it as soon as the feature is launched. www.irs.gov/eip
- IRS is now accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant programs through Monday, June 1. The application packages and guidelines are available on the IRS site. Apply today: https://go.usa.gov/xvwNe
- IRS alerts taxpayers of scams that may pop up during the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn to recognize scams and check that your donation goes to legitimate charities: www.irs.gov/teos
- Are you a small business owner who offers paid family and medical leave to your employees? Here’s what you need to know about the IRS employer credit for paid family and medical leave and how to claim it: https://go.usa.gov/xVwTS
- IRS: Three new tax credits are available to many businesses hit by COVID-19. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xvjbp
- Recipients of #Veterans Affairs benefits will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments without the need to file taxes for 2018 or 2019. Date TBD. More details from IRS at www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- IRSTaxTip: Learn to avoid common errors when filing IRS Form 7200 for advance payment of employer credits due to COVID-19: https://go.usa.gov/xvEwa
- IRS reminder: Deadline extended to July 15 for those who pay estimated taxes for tax year 2020. Questions? Learn more at: www.irs.gov/covidtaxdeadlines
- The IRS employee retention credit encourages businesses to keep workers on the payroll. It’s a refundable tax credit for employers whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Learn more: https://go.usa.gov/xvGRk
- The employee retention credit encourages employers to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19. IRS has posted FAQs to help you understand this new credit. See www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- Most data breaches begin with phishing scams. IRS urges you not to let your guard down: www.irs.gov/phishing
- The employee retention credit encourages tax-exempt organizations to keep employees on their payroll, despite experiencing economic hardship related to COVID-19. IRS has information to help you understand this new credit: https://go.usa.gov/xvYqa
- Whether you’re filing a tax return to claim a refund or to get an extension, IRS can help you get it right. Find help at www.irs.gov/help
- IRS Reminder: The federal income tax filing and payments deadline is now July 15, regardless of amount owed. See www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- U.S. citizens who work abroad also qualify for the newly extended IRS tax return filing and payment deadline of July 15. Learn more at: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
- IRS and Security Summit warn #TaxPros of cybercriminals taking advantage of COVID-19 to create new scams: https://go.usa.gov/xvKAW #TaxSecurity
- IRS is issuing Economic Impact Payments in record time, but we understand you may have pending questions. Take a moment to check our FAQs: www.irs.gov/EIPFAQ
- IRS has launched a tool that provides taxpayers the status of an Economic Impact Payments, including the date it’s scheduled to be deposited or mailed. www.irs.gov/eip
- IRS reminds you that scammers may ask you to sign your Economic Impact Payment over to them. Don’t fall for it. To learn more about coronavirus-related scams, read https://go.usa.gov/xvrf7
- Get My Payment FAQs:
- My payment was mailed weeks ago but the Post Office was unable to deliver it. What should I do?
- If you have not received your payment within 14 days of the payment date, check Get My Payment periodically. If the IRS receives your payment back because the Post Office was unable to deliver it, we will update your payment status to “Need More Information,” at which point you will be able to enter your bank account information.
- If you don’t provide your bank account information, the IRS will hold your Economic Impact Payment until we receive your updated address. To update your address please see: Address changes
- Can I have my economic impact payment sent to my prepaid debit card?
- Maybe. It depends on your prepaid card and whether your payment has already been scheduled.
- Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that you could provide to the IRS through the Get My Payment application or Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool.
- You would need to check with the financial institution to ensure your card can be re-used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number.
- If you obtained your prepaid debit card through the filing of a federal tax return, you must contact the financial institution that issued your prepaid debit card to get the correct routing number and account number.
- Do not use the routing number and account number shown on your copy of the tax return filed.
- When providing this information to the IRS, you should indicate that the account and routing number provided are for a checking account unless your financial institution indicates otherwise.
SNAP Updates:
- Despite 36 million-plus jobless claims, unemployment projected to hit 25% by July, and food bank lines miles long, the Trump USDA is proceeding with its unconscionable crackdown on SNAP work rules.
- In the Heroes Act, House Democrats provide a 15% increase in SNAP benefits, and $300 million for states to meet the needs of new SNAP enrollments. Meanwhile the ideologues at the Trump USDA are moving ahead with their cuts to SNAP.
- Congress overwhelmingly and historically voted against the Trump USDA’s SNAP policies in the 2018 Farm Bill. #HandsOffSNAP
- Hungry families have told @USDA, through tens of thousands of public comments, this rule would cut life-saving nutrition assistance even before the pandemic. Now that need threatens millions more families and USDA is ignoring them.
- Before the pandemic, USDA’s cruel crackdown on SNAP work rules would have kicked nearly a million beneficiaries off the program. Now as millions \1ct;more Americans have lost their jobs, the Trump USDA wants to take their SNAP benefits too. #HandsOffSNAP
- During a time of unprecedented need, President Trump wants to kick millions off SNAP by imposing stricter work requirements and putting bureaucratic barriers between hungry Americans and the help they need.
- Before the pandemic, the Trump USDA argued the economy was strong enough to get SNAP beneficiaries back to work. Now, with the pandemic taking a brutal economic toll, USDA is proceeding with its crackdown on work rules anyway. #HandsOffSNAP
- Demand at food banks is up 70 percent nationwide—and as much as 600 percent in some places—but the Trump USDA continues to try to cut SNAP, which makes the problem even worse. #HandsOffSNAP
- 40 percent of low-income American workers lost their jobs in March. They need support, but the Trump USDA wants to cut SNAP through stricter work crackdowns instead.
- Across the country, inventory at food banks is down and many are short on volunteers. Despite that, the Trump USDA continues their efforts to cut SNAP.
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