Email from NYS Senate What's Happening in SD28?   Dear Neighbor, I would like to wish all students, teachers, and staff a great first day of school, and a fun and enriching year ahead! Below you will find governmental updates, recent actions by the Trump Administration impacting New Yorkers, and upcoming events and other useful information affecting our district. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535. Liz Krueger State Senator What's In This Newsletter? Governmental Updates: Update on Trump Administration Impacts Virtual Older Adult Roundtable Session I Make Your Voice Heard on Manhattan Casino Proposals Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign Reproductive Freedom Bills Update on West Nile Virus Event on Standing Against Anti-Semitism Upcoming Changes to the F and M Subway Lines Guide to Free Fall Activities Information on Distraction-Free Schools Community Updates: Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Community Companion Program 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Carl Schurz Park Rosh Hashanah Package Delivery Gracie Square Art Show Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival NYC Dept. of Sanitation SAFE Disposal Events Update on Trump Administration Impacts Once again I would like to highlight a very small sample of some of the actions of the Trump Administration that have had concrete, negative impacts on New Yorkers. Click on the links included below for more details. Here is some of what the Administration has been up to: The independent climate journalists at Grist have an excellent rundown of the impacts that the Trump Administration’s radical cuts and rollbacks on environmental policies and protections will have on your everyday life. These include increasing your electricity bills; increasing your grocery bills; allowing PFAS contamination in your water, pollution in your air, and making your food less safe to eat; making it harder to predict extreme weather and reducing communities’ ability to prepare for it; making your new appliances more expensive to use; and making it more expensive to buy and drive your car while reducing public transit options. The President has struck a series of trade deals with our erstwhile allies that somehow manage to leave damagingly high tariffs in place while providing only imaginary benefits to the US and sometimes actively hurting US industries. As economist Paul Krugman explains here, Trump’s “deal” with Japan will have the result of applying lower tariff rates to cars made in Japan than to cars made primarily in America. The “deal” with the European Union will have a similar impact on cars, while the Europeans placated Trump’s ego with empty promises to invest billions of dollars into the US which they cannot deliver on because they don’t dictate the actions of businesses in their member countries. The upshot of these bad trade deals, which still keep significantly higher tariffs in place, is increased prices for Americans and a drag on the economy, including great uncertainty for New York businesses. That uncertainty, as the President staggers back and forth between keeping tariffs in place or not, has a significant negative economic impact all on its own. The tariffs that remain in place affect every aspect of life, including increasing the cost of back-to-school supplies parents are shelling out for right now. The below image shows just how extreme Trump’s tariff increases are in historical terms, reaching levels not seen since the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which deepened the misery of the Great Depression. Source: Yale Budget Lab Lee Zeldin’s Environmental Protection Agency (a name that is now painfully ironic) has made climate denial its official policy by announcing that they will begin the process to revoke something called the endangerment finding. The endangerment finding was a 2009 statement by the EPA that allows the agency and others to use the Clean Air Act to regulate the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global warming and in turn drive climate change. The move by the EPA is in-part based on a poorly thrown-together “report” commissioned by the Department of Energy (led by fracking executive Chris Wright), written by five hand-picked climate deniers. Meanwhile, the DOE has issued emergency orders that will force ratepayers to pay to keep up to 90 old, expensive, and dirty coal power plants that were slated to retire in operation. This could cost American ratepayers an additional $6 billion every year. Coal power plants use essentially the same 18th century technology that runs old-fashioned steam engines. And just like steam engines, coal plants belong in museums, not on our 21st century electricity grid. Fortunately, because of forward-looking leadership, New York closed our last coal power plant in 2020, so New Yorkers will be spared from paying these costs. In an escalation of his push toward authoritarianism, the President fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after the BLS released monthly employment numbers that he did not like. This is bad news not only because it damages yet another independent institution of our democracy, but also because when would-be dictators in other countries have started “cooking the books” on their economic data, is has foreshadowed growing economic problems down the road. Similarly, this week Trump attempted to fire Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Fortunately, and rightly, she has refused to go, because he does not actually have the power to fire her. But he may yet get his way, which would be another blow to our democracy and our economy. And because Trump fired 3 out of 5 members of the Consumer Products Safety Commission in May, the CPSC is not moving forward with critical regulations on small lithium-ion batteries. The FDNY argues that these regulations are desperately needed to prevent dangerous, unregulated batteries (of the sort sometimes used for e-bikes) from entering the country. Trump’s meddling at the CPSC also leaves other consumer safety regulations up in the air, putting Americans at risk. The Administration also attempted to remove Susan Monarez, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who was confirmed by the Senate only a month ago, because she refused to participate in the politicization of science and the damaging anti-vaccine policies of RFK Jr. that threaten public health. Reportedly, Health Secretary Kennedy demanded that Dr. Monarez rubber stamp unscientific vaccine recommendations and fire top CDC officials, which she refused to do. Her ouster subsequently led to the resignation of four senior CDC officials, including the CDC's chief medical officer and heads of the National Center of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and the Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (like COVID). Experts warn that cuts to SNAP food aid in the Big Ugly Bill passed by Congress and signed by the President in July could result in the closure of thousands of small grocery stores, particularly in rural areas. Similarly, the Fiscal Policy Institute estimates that cuts to Medicaid could lead to the loss of 19,000 hospital jobs in New York, with rural hospitals at particular risk. Cuts to Medicaid could also reverse recent progress in fighting the national opioid crisis, ending opioid addiction treatment to over 150,000 Americans. The FDA approved the updated COVID-19 vaccines this week, but only for people who are at high risk of severe health outcomes from the Coronavirus, which includes individuals age 65 and above. In addition, emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines are rescinded. It is unclear what this will mean for people under the age of 65, including children, being able to access a COVID-19 vaccination and whether health insurance will provide coverage. RFK Jr.’s Department of Health announced that it will be pulling $500 million in funding that supports 22 projects developing vaccines using mRNA technology, including new vaccines for COVID, the flu, and H5N1 (bird flu). There have also been reports that DOH may be planning to pull the existing COVID vaccines off the market due to their imaginary fears of mRNA vaccines. That’s part of the reason why 750 current and former employees of US health agencies recently described Trump’s Health Secretary as “an existential threat to public health.” As we approach Labor Day, the celebration of workers, the President has issued a second executive order that takes away collective bargaining rights from federal employees, citing national security concerns - the first executive order was issued on March 27th. Collective bargaining has allowed federal workers to negotiate for improved working conditions and whistle blower protections. Federal worker unions filed a lawsuit against the first executive order, which has been making its way through the court system. In April, a federal judge ruled that the executive order was unlawful and blocked implementation. In July, a federal appeals court directed federal agencies to wait until the case was fully litigated before terminating collective bargaining agreements, but allowed the President to move forward with the order. Although the court case is still underway, it has been reported that over one million federal employees have lost their collective bargaining rights. The unions argue that the executive order was a form of retaliation for their participation in a multitude of lawsuits challenging Trump's policies. Local and national resistance to Trump Administration policies continued this past month. National resistance included the National Day of Action protests on August 2nd and the "Fight the Trump Takeover" protest events held on August 16th to push back against Trump's efforts to draw a new gerrymandered electoral map more favorable to the GOP ahead of 2026 midterms. Local groups have found a variety of ways to protest and push back against the administration's policies that are hurting their communities and states, including here in New York City: The Trump Administration Tried to Silence Mahmoud Khalil, So I Asked Him to Talk (New York Times) Texas House Democrats break quorum again by staying out of state (NPR) Checkpoint with ICE agents met by protesters in D.C. (Washington Post) 'Digital resistance' volunteers push back against deportations without due process (MSNBC) ICE protests in NYC as Trump administration challenges sanctuary laws (CBS News) And don't forget that knowledge is power. A podcast episode and article are provided below that examine the current political landscape and reactions to the Trump Administration's dismantling of our democracy: Omar Wasow, Associate Professor of Political Science at UC Berkley, joined Chris Hayes’ “Why Is This Happening?” podcast to discuss current protests, how to make sense of our politics, and more. The episode is titled “The Resistance vs. Trump 2.0” “Trump Has Reawakened the Resistance” (NY Times) considers how things have changed since Trump's first term in office, and how some of his worst impulses are causing opposition to his authoritarian agenda. Senator Liz Krueger’s Virtual Older Adult Roundtable Series The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Older Adults Session I - We Can Fight Back: Learn How to Advocate for What We Need Thursday, September 11th, 2pm – 3:30pm These days, simply opening the paper, turning on the TV, or scrolling through social media can be frightening. Many older adults are worried about real and proposed cuts to funding for programs like Social Security and Medicare. They want us to feel afraid and helpless. But knowledge is power! Learn the true facts (as of now) about the funding cuts to critical programs and services and how we can fight back effectively and reduce our stress. Speakers: Alison Nickerson Executive Director, LiveOn NY Kevin Kiprovski Director of Public Policy, LiveOn NY Jenna Gladfelter Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships Amber Christ Managing Director of Health Advocacy, Justice in Aging You will have the option of joining the event online through Zoom, a webinar hosting service. You will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook. If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone. **If you register, a confirmation email with the Zoom link and the call-in information will be sent at least a week in advance of the event.** The event will feature a question-and-answer session with the presenters. If you have questions about how you can advocate and fight for older adult programs and services, please RSVP for the event on September 11th. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are *strongly* encouraged to submit them in advance. The event will be recorded and available online approximately a week afterwards. A link to the recording and resources will be emailed to everyone who RSVPs. Please let us know if you plan to attend the Thursday, September 11th Virtual Roundtable and RSVP to [link removed]. RSVP for the Virtual Roundtable on September 11th Make Your Voice Heard on Manhattan Casino Proposals Developers for eight casino proposals in the New York City region have submitted their formal applications to the state, including three in Manhattan. You can read more about all of the proposals in the news outlet The City by clicking here. The proposals in Manhattan are: Caesars Palace Times Square, at 1515 Broadway between West 44th and 45th Streets Freedom Plaza, 686 First Ave. between East 38th and 41st Streets The Avenir, on 11th Ave and West 41st St Each application is now being considered by a six-member Community Advisory Committee (CAC), consisting of appointees from the Governor, the Mayor, and the proposed casino location’s applicable State Senator, State Assemblymember, Borough President and City Councilmember. The CACs must hold a minimum of two public hearings and act on applications by September 30th. I have appointed former Assemblymember Dick Gottfried to be my representative on the CAC for the Times Square application. The Avenir is located in Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal's district, and Freedom Plaza is in Senator Kristen Gonzalez's district. The second public hearing for the proposed Caesars Palace Times Square casino is scheduled for Thursday, September 11th, from 2pm to 8pm, at the Broadhurst Theatre, located at 235 West 44th Street. Speakers will be permitted two minutes to present their statements on a first come first serve basis. Additional details are available online here. The September 11th CAC hearing will also be livestreamed and a recording will be posted online after it concludes. The second public hearing for the Freedom Plaza proposal will take place on Monday, September 15th, from 10am to 5pm, at Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue. Additional details are available online here. If three of a CAC's six members vote against an application, it will not proceed so it is extremely important that you make your voice heard. You do not need to attend a public hearing to share your thoughts with the relevant CAC. You can submit written comments at any time before September 30th but are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. All comments – spoken, emailed, and mailed – will be documented and reviewed by CAC members. Information on how to submit written comments regarding the Times Square and Freedom Plaza casino applications is below. You can find details on the other CACs and how to submit comments here. Written comments on the Times Square casino application can be submitted by email or standard mail to: Email: [email protected] Standard mail: Caesars Palace Times Square Community Advisory Committee c/o NYSTEC Attn: CAC Consultant Team 540 Broadway​, 3rd Floor​ Albany, New York 12207 Written comments on the Freedom Plaza casino application can be submitted by email or standard mail to: Email: [email protected] Standard Mail: Freedom Plaza Community Advisory Committee c/o NYSTEC​ Attn: CAC Consultant Team​ 540 Broadway​, 3rd Floor​ Albany, New York 12207 I have long been clear that I do not support casinos in general, and in Manhattan in particular. Casino gambling can be very addictive, exploit those least able to afford to lose their money, and redirect people's disposable income away from other activities and toward casino owners. As they say: "the house always wins." Last year, I held a Virtual Town Hall on The Impact of Casinos on Urban Communities, during which we heard from experts why a casino in Manhattan would be a losing proposition for everyone except the developers. You can watch a recording of that event here. Click Here to View Sen. Krueger's Virtual Town Hall on Casinos Op-Ed: Governor Must Sign Reproductive Freedom Bills This week Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, authored an op-ed in the Albany Times Union urging Governor Hochul to sign three critical bills to protect the reproductive freedom of New Yorkers and those who come to our state for care. These bills include the New York Health Information Protection Act, which I carry along with Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal. Click Here to Read the Op-Ed from Donna Lieberman West Nile Virus and Reducing Exposure to Mosquitos As you may already be aware, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitos throughout the five boroughs and two residents of Queens have been confirmed to have the virus. The NYC Health Department sprayed pesticides in sections of Manhattan earlier this week and is advising New Yorkers, especially individuals 55 and older and those with weakened immune systems, to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites: Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535. Visit the EPA site to search by product and duration of effectiveness. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and socks, in addition to using repellent, especially during dawn and dusk. People with severely compromised immune systems should avoid going outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are active and bite. Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code. Make sure roof gutters are clean and drained properly. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers. Symptoms of West Nile virus may be mild to severe and include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, vomiting, and extreme fatigue, but most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms. Recovery may take several weeks or months. For more information, please visit the NYC Health Department website. If you have symptoms of West Nile virus, please contact your health care provider. CDPAP Information for Consumers and Personal Assistants (PAs) At the request of PPL, the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for the CDPAP program, I am sharing the following information for those of you who are CDPAP consumers or personal assistants (PAs). If you have any questions about this information, please contact PPL directly. Message from PPL: To remain eligible to work in New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), all personal assistants (PAs) who transitioned to PPL must complete a health assessment by October 1, 2025. Health assessments are available through PPL’s partner Mobile Health at no cost, but appointments must be scheduled by September 17 to ensure PAs can meet the October 1 deadline. PAs who have not completed their health assessment should go to mobilehealth.com/ny-cdpap-ppl-medical-screenings to schedule today using one of the following options: Schedule an In-Person or Telehealth Appointment Upload Medical Documentation from Your Physician Visit a Pop-Up Clinic Near You For more information, call Mobile Health’s PPL Hotline at 646-680-0450, email [email protected], or visit mobilehealth.com/ny-cdpap-ppl-medical-screenings.  Please do not wait. Schedule your screening today. Event at Temple Shaaray Tefila Upcoming Changes to the F and M Subway Lines In June, the MTA announced that it would be making changes to the F and M lines serving the East Side and Roosevelt Island. Starting in late fall, M trains will cross the East River through the 63rd St. tunnel, making stops at 21st. St.-Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Ave.-63rd St. and 57th St. — all stops currently served by the F train. Similarly, the F train will transit the river via the 53rd St. tunnel that currently carries the E and the M trains. The rerouted F will stop at Fifth Ave. and Lexington Ave. in Manhattan, as well as Court Square and Queens Plaza in Queens. The MTA will be making a presentation on these changes to the Community Board 8 Transportation Committee on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm. The meeting will take place on Zoom - click here for more information. Free Fall Activities My office has just released a guide to free fall activities around our district for people of all ages. Thank you to our office interns for their excellent work compiling the information. Click Here to View or Download the Free Fall Activities Guide A Message from the Governor's Office on Distraction-Free Schools Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Community Companion Program 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Carl Schurz Park Carl Schurz park will once again host a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, titled "Lighting the Way," on Thursday, September 11th, at 5:30pm. It will be a community commemorative event showcasing music, poetry and reflections on 9/11. The Ceremony continues a tradition from the first years after 9/11 that drew together people from across the community and City. All community members are invited – FREE (Rain or Shine) Carl Schurz Park entrance 86th St & East End Ave (wheelchair 84th & 87th Sts). Rosh Hashanah Package Delivery Gracie Square Art Show Roosevelt Island Fall for Arts Festival NYC Department of Sanitation SAFE Disposal Events District Office: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000 | New York, NY 10017 | (212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558 Albany Office: Capitol Building, Room 416 | Albany, NY 12247 | (518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874 Email: [email protected] | On the Web: krueger.nysenate.gov   Senator Liz Krueger | 211 E 43rd St #2000 | New York, NY 10017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice