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July 2, 2021
To the Good People of New York’s 9th Congressional District,
I hope this edition of the Yvette Gazette finds you well. Always remember, I cannot do it alone. Through the support of passionate individuals such as yourself, we bring tangible, meaningful change to our district.
To reach out to my office, send us an email at clarke.house.gov/contact/email/. If you’d like to call, you can reach my D.C. office at 202-225-6231 or my Brooklyn office at 718-287-1142. Remember to encourage your neighbors to sign up for this newsletter at clarke.house.gov/contact/newsletter/. If you’d like daily updates on my work in Congress, visit my website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Before we dive into the details of this week's newsletter, allow me to wish you and your family a wonderful Fourth of July. Stay safe, stay healthy, and enjoy the fireworks!
Regards,
Yvette D. Clarke
Member of Congress
New York's Emergency Rental Assistance Program
New York State's Emergency Rental Assistance Program is now open to applicants.
For low and moderate-income households facing instability with their housing, this program will provide invaluable aid in the form of rental arrears, temporary rental assistance and utility arrears assistance. For more information, and to apply, click here.
Urgent Passport Struggles
In recent weeks, I have heard ever-increasing pleas from my constituents on their inability to renew or receive their passports. For countless Americans, a passport is more than a means for traveling; it is an essential possession necessary for their lives. The State Department has noted routine services can take up to 18 weeks from the day you submit your application to when you receive your passport and offers expedited services for a fee. Fortunately, my office has been able to assist several of our constituents who have come forward with their own passport related issues. If you are struggling with issues or concerns related to your passport, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Issues
It has come to my attention that many of you are having difficulty applying the EBB credit to your current plans. While I am working to address it, I want you to be informed that as of right now this credit is temporary and will be utilized for as long as there remains funding. It is important that you understand that by changing your plan for the purposes of receiving this credit, you are at risk of being stuck with the new plan and you may not be able to receive the older plan you were on previously. It is important that you fully discuss your options with your Internet service provider before you make any changes. Additionally, as it currently stands, the legislation allows providers to apply the credit to any plan they had at the time of its passage. It is important to me that you know I am working diligently with my colleagues in congress to make this credit permanent and applicable to all plans going forward. My office is currently exploring all options to make this credit more inclusive and applicable to all plans. Please make sure to follow the newest editions of my newsletter and my social media pages for the latest on this issue.
Getting Vaccinated
To overcome the COVID-19 virus once and for all, it will take as many of us as possible to do our part and get vaccinated. If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccine but are interested in doing so, and New Yorkers ages 12 years and older can receive their vaccine at select sites across our city found here. If you’d like to make an appointment to get vaccinated, please click here to find a location that best suits you. For New Yorkers who are ages 75 and older, an in-home vaccination appointment can be made here, or by calling 1-877-VAX-4-NYC. We are so close to the finish line; let’s cross it together!
Co-Sponsored Legislation: This week, I lent my support and commitment to the following bills:
- H.R. 4133:
This bill would provide nearly $75,000,000 in funding per year from 2022 to 2026 for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a shared security partnership between the United States and several Caribbean nations that supports efforts to reduce illicit drug trafficking, increase citizen security, and prevent crime. This crucial funding would address corruption in government, establish programs for at-risk youth, and combat China’s growing influence in the region. These measures will provide security to both the United States and our neighbors in the Caribbean. Issues affecting Caribbean nations are very near and dear to my heart and I am proud to support this legislation that will further strengthen the mutually beneficial economic, security, and democratic ties that the United States has developed with the Caribbean.
- H.R. 4166:
The Saving Hazardous and Declining Environments Act, or the SHADE Act, would create grant programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to plant trees in formerly redlined districts considered hazardous and in-decline. Formerly redlined districts, seen throughout Brooklyn, have historically lacked access to federal investments which has perpetuated both environmental and health disparities in marginalized communities. The SHADE Act seeks to address these inequities by appropriating $50,000,000 per year over the next ten years for the design, planting, and maintenance of trees. Trees have been proven to significantly reduce surface temperatures and increase air quality. Several studies have shown that lowering ambient temperatures through tree planting can reduce avoidable premature deaths and provide several mental health benefits. I am proud to support this legislation that will bring green spaces and environmental benefits to deserving communities throughout the 9th Congressional District.
- H.R. 4225
3D printed guns represent a growing and lethal threat to the safety of our communities. Individuals, even felons and domestic abusers, can procure and manufacture unregistered and unlicensed firearms with only a plastic printer and a click of a mouse. The 3D Printed Gun Safety Act would prohibit the distribution of blueprints for 3D firearms online that can automatically program a 3D printer to produce a firearm. This gaping loophole in our regulatory system must be addressed immediately, especially at a time where gun violence is surging nationwide.
- H.R. 4292:
The COVID-19 and Pandemic Response Centers of Excellence Act would designate certain academic medical centers as research hubs to develop methods to swiftly address emerging public health threats and the ongoing pandemic. Our commitment to our nation’s public health emergency response preparedness should not weaken as we recover from COVID-19. We must learn from this life changing experience and ensure that our centers for scientific research, which played a leading role in the battle against,
COVID-19, have the federal assistance they need to further innovate and keep the American people safe and healthy.
Clark Leads New York Congressional Delegation Letter To Acting Assistant Secretary Of State Brownlee And Post Master General Louis Dejoy Regarding Delays In The Issuance Of Passports.
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Brooklyn has a new affordable housing development located at 1089 President Street, courtesy of the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) Program of (HDC) and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) Program of HPD. This development features 55 newly constructed apartments available by lottery to those with an income between $14,778 and $88,800 and features a free application. To learn more about this development and how to apply, click here.
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Though Pride Month has ended, it is essential we do not let our pride in the LGBTQ+ community end with it. Whether they be white or people of color, from America or abroad, young or old, we must always remember to honor their bravery and commitment towards self-truth. I will forever remain their faithful ally and advocate.
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