Dear Neighbor,
As the pace of COVID-19 news has slowed, I am now alternating between COVID and non-COVID focused emails. This will fall into the latter category and focus on information about issues I am working on, upcoming events and useful resources.
Immediately below, I am highlighting two event announcements and an opportunity to recommend constituents for my nomination as a New York Senate Woman of Distinction. I will also include an update on the status of COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months – 4 years of age, which are available as of yesterday, Wednesday, June 22. Please see further below for election and other community updates.
Wednesday, June 29th Legislative Recap Postponed
Unfortunately, I need to postpone the Legislative Recap online event originally scheduled for Wednesday, June 29. I expect to reschedule this sometime in July and will send out information once the date is set.
Friday, June 24th Hearing on Penn Station Redevelopment Plans
One issue that I have been following are state plans for redevelopment of Penn Station and the surrounding area. This will be an even greater focus for me now that a significant part of that area will be in my new Senate District under the new district lines that go into effect on January 1, 2023. This Friday at 10 a.m. I will be joining my colleagues Senator Comrie and Senator Sepulveda in hosting a joint committee hearing on the project. The hearing will take place at 250 Broadway, 19th Floor in the Assembly Hearing Room, and also be viewable online at https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/public-hearings/june-24-2022/joint-public-hearing-receive-update-penn-station.
As the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have long been concerned about ensuring that there is transparency around the financing of this project, which relies in part on proceeds generated by a development plan for the area. This portion of the project funding will come from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), where the additional tax revenue generated by the new development will be dedicated to paying off bonds used to pay for the project. At this point, there are still many unanswered questions about that funding, including what liability the city and state may have for bond payments if the project fails to generate the expected tax revenue. In addition, with the growth of remote work, the assumptions about the need for additional office space that are assumed by the project plan need to be carefully considered. The New York City Independent Budget Office recently did a study of the project which raises these and other issues. That report is available at https://ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/on-track-or-off-the-rails-new-york-states-plan-to-use-new-development-to-fund-penn-station-improvements-leaves-many-open-questions-for-new-york-city-and-state-may-2022.pdf.
The hearing will also address issues around how the plans for Penn Station address transportation needs for New York City residents and commuters both by increasing capacity and improving Penn Station. We will hear from the MTA and transportation advocates who will share their thoughts and concerns about the plans. There are also many questions about the impact of the plans both for the station and the surrounding development on those living and working in the Penn Station area. The hearing will explore issues around displacement of existing residents and businesses as well as the need for improving public amenities and services in the area.
I view this hearing as about providing an opportunity to get answers to important questions and increase transparency around the project.
Nominate a New York Senate Woman of Distinction
Each year I am able to nominate a constituent to be honored by the New York State Senate at a Woman of Distinction event. This year’s event will take place on Women’s Equality Day, August 26th, and will be virtual. If you know someone who you think would make a good nominee, send a brief biography and statement supporting their nomination to my Chief of Staff, Brad Usher, at [email protected]. Please send nominations by July 1.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Age 6 Months – 4 Years
We have been eagerly waiting for our children under the age of 5 to be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. I am very pleased to share that the CDC has issued Emergency Use Authorization of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for use in children age 6 months to 4 years old, as well as use of the Moderna vaccine with 5 year-olds. Children between the age of 6 months and 5 years are now able to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in NYC with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Certain Pediatricians, City-run vaccine sites, pharmacies, and other community vaccine sites are options that parents have from which to select.
Please note: City-run vaccine sites are providing Moderna vaccinations to children age 6 months – 5 years. Many pharmacies indicate they are providing the Pfizer vaccine; designated Rite Aid and Walgreens pharmacies are administering COVID-19 vaccinations to children age 3+, while designated CVS pharmacies are administering vaccinations to children age 18 months+ in their Minute Clinics. All pharmacies may not be administering COVID-19 vaccinations to the same age groups, so please confirm in advance.
The following are resources you can refer to for more information about the vaccines and to locate vaccine sites:
· CDC Press Release: CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children
· CDC Web Page: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens
· NYC Health Department Resource: Vaccinations for Children
· Find Vaccine Sites: visit NYC Vaccine Finder or call 877-829-4692
Stay safe and healthy. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535. If you need assistance with an unemployment issue, please follow this link to complete an unemployment intake web form so that my office can provide assistance: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF5eMgY_Jrjh_1_qXlx0ri7coPS01j4GvWJ4Lu7mpWTG2kNQ/viewform.
Best,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
Contents:
· 2022 Election & Voting Updates
· Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
· Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
· Food
· Education, Libraries, Student Loans
· Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
· Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
· Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
· In-Person & Virtual Community Activities
Updates as of Wednesday Afternoon, 6/22/22:
· June 16: Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Creating New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust
·
June
16: Governor Hochul Announces Release of Statewide
Address-Level Broadband Map
·
June
16: Governor Hochul Announces Electric and Gas Utility
Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families
·
June
20: Governor Hochul Signs Landmark John R. Lewis Voting
Rights Act of New York Into Law
· June 22: Governor Hochul Announces More Than 15,000 Summer Job Opportunities
City Updates
· June 16: New York / New Jersey Selected as Host City for 2026 FIFA World Cup™
NYC Council Hearings
· June 24, 10 a.m.: Committee on State and Federal Legislation Jointly with the Committee on Public Safety, Oversight – Access to Firearms: City and State Efforts to Curb Gun Violence
· June 27, 10 a.m.: Committee on Hospitals Jointly with the Subcommittee on COVID Recovery and Resiliency, Oversight - Long-Term COVID Treatment in New York City Hospitals.
City Agency Updates
·
NYC
Department of Emergency Management - Know Your Zone: Hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and nor’easters are all
different kinds of storms that can affect
New York City. Learn the terms, know the hazards, and be prepared by visiting
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/html/know-your-zone/knowyourzone.html
· NYC Department of Parks and Recreation - NYC Beaches
o Beach Statuses: Sign up for Notify NYC, visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s New York City Area Beaches page for water quality advisories or closures before you head to the beach, or text BEACH to 877-877 to receive real-time opening, closing and water quality information.
o Be Safe in the Sun and Water: Protect your skin when you're on the go! Apply sunscreen before you go, and re-apply frequently.
o Stay safe near and in the water. Here are 10 Tips to Stay Water Safe in New York City.
o What Beach Are You? Take our Beach Quiz to find out which New York City beach is most like you, then plan a visit!
· NYC Department of Social Services and Homeless Services (DSS) Update: NYC DSS announced that the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey of unsheltered homelessness in New York City, conducted annually since 2005, found 3,439 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in New York City on the night of January 25th, 2022. The HOPE 2022 survey results are available for download here.
2022 Election & Voting Updates
Early Voting is underway in advance of our first Primary Election Day on June 28. The following information will help to facilitate the voting process this year.
· Voting Tips
o You are required to wear a mask/face covering and maintain 6 feet of distance when entering any Board of Elections facility
o Important: If you request an absentee ballot, you may not cast a ballot on a voting machine for that election
o If you do not want to worry about the NYC Board of Elections receiving your absentee ballot by mail before the deadline, absentee ballots can be dropped off in person at the Manhattan Board of Elections office, as well as at Manhattan Early Voting and Election Day poll sites.
o If you requested an absentee ballot for the June 28 Primary and you wish to vote by absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary, you must request an additional absentee ballot (the deadline is August 8)
o Early Voting is quicker and less crowded
· Important Dates and Deadlines
o June 18 – June 26: Early Voting for the June 28 Primary
o June 27: Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot for the June 28 Primary
o June 28: Primary Election Day (polls are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
o June 28: If you are voting by absentee ballot, this is the last day to deliver your ballot in person to the Manhattan Board of Elections office or to any poll site in Manhattan by 9 p.m.
o July 5: Primary election ballot Must be received by the Board of Elections to be counted
o August 8: Last day to submit a request for an absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary
o August 13 – August 21: Early Voting for the August 23 Primary
o August 23: Primary Election Day (polls are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
o October 29 – November 6: Early Voting for the November 8 General Election
o November 8: General Election Day (polls are open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
· Early Voting Schedule through Sunday, June 26
o Thursday, June 23: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
o Friday, June 24: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
o Saturday, June 25: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
o Sunday, June 26: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Early Voting poll sites for NYS Senate District 28 are:
o Hunter College Brookdale Dorm, 425 East 25 Street, New York, NY 10010
o Eleanor Roosevelt HS, 411 East 76 Street, New York, NY 10021
o HS of Art & Design, 249 East 56 Street, New York, NY 10022
o Robert Wagner Middle School, 225 East 75 Street, New York, NY 10021
· Voting Resources
o Look up your Early Voting and Primary Election Day Poll Sites and View a Sample Ballot: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/
o Check the Wait Time to Vote at Your Early Voting Poll Site: https://vote.nyc/page/wait-time-map
o Request an absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary Election: https://nycabsentee.com/absentee
o Track your absentee ballot: https://nycabsentee.com/tracking
o NYC Board of Elections: 1-866-868-3692
Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
· CB 8 Youth, Education, and Libraries Committee, Thursday, June 23, 6:30 pm: Discussion about District 2 Community Education Council's recently passed Resolution 199 to Improve School Safety with Council Member and Resolution Sponsor Robin Kelleher. Click Here to Access the Zoom Meeting
· Virtual Bystander Intervention Training to Support Trans* Equality, Saturday, June 25, 2-3 p.m.: This interactive training will teach you Right To Be’s 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology. Topics will include: identities that fall under the trans* umbrella and the types of disrespect that trans* folks are facing right now — from microaggressions to violence — using a tool we call the “spectrum of disrespect”; impacts of disrespect and harassment on trans* identifying folks and the positive impact that intervention can have; and five strategies for intervention - distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct - and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening; as well as practice intervening. Register Here
· CB 6 Land Use & Waterfront Committee, Monday, June 27, 7 p.m.: Continued discussion on possible resolutions regarding automobile recharging stations; Update on the work of the Community Planning Fellow; Continued discussion on Fiscal Year 2024 budget requests. Register Here
· Local, federal and community leaders discuss comprehensive approaches to public safety, Tuesday, June 28, 9 a.m.: In the past two years, homicide numbers have soared across the United States though they remain below the historical highs of earlier decades. Not a single week has passed this year without at least four mass shootings. Join Washington Post Live for conversations with a cross-section of local law enforcement, federal government and community leaders about how they are responding while also working to strengthen police accountability and improve public trust. Register Here
· Search and Care’s Sentinel Series: Fair Pay for Home Care, Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: A virtual workshop for anyone working with older adults – what you need to know and what you can do about it. Advocacy Coordinator Joseph Dibenedetto, LMSW, will present on the Fair Pay for Home Care bill. Click here to register for the event.
· E.U. Parliament President discusses the war in Ukraine, E.U. membership and the E.U.’s role in the conflict, Wednesday, June 29, 11 a.m.: As the war in Ukraine rages on, the strength of the European Union has been renewed, creating a new sense of unity and purpose. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola joins Washington Post national security reporter Missy Ryan to discuss the war in Ukraine, E.U. membership and the E.U.’s role in the conflict. Register Here
· CB 8 Vendor Committee, Wednesday, June 29, 6:30 pm: A representative from the Department of Consumer Affairs will be present to discuss the new street vendor protocols and enforcement as per the two documents attached. Click Here to Access the Zoom Meeting
· NYC SBS Mastermind Session: Principles of Customer Service, Thursday, 6/30, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Join Beatrice Stein of Hospitality Pathways as she shares best practices for building a positive service culture in your organization. Hospitality is a feeling—a practice that can be applied to all businesses—learn how to apply the practices of hospitality to your business and hear the benefits this can have on your customers, employees, and your bottom line. RSVP Here
· Council Member Gale Brewer’s July Housing Clinic, Wednesday, July 6, 6 p.m.: The July Housing Clinic presentation, in partnership with Goddard Riverside Law Project and TakeRoot Justice, is on “How to form a tenant association.” Register Here
· Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s How SBA Programs and Service Can Help You Start, Grow and Succeed, Thursday, July 7, 1 p.m.: In this session, you will learn about the US Small Business Administration's lender match and other financing programs as well as other available resources including investment capital, disaster assistance, grants, business education/one-on-one counseling, and other government contracting assistance that can help you start and grow your business. Register Here
In Case You Missed Viewing It:
· Senator Krueger’s Thursday, May 26 Virtual Town Hall, “Skyrocketing Utility Costs: Why Is My Con Ed Bill So High?”
Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
· Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic: A temporary clinic has been opened to administer the two-dose JYNNEOSTM vaccine to eligible people who may have had a recent exposure to monkeypox. Getting vaccinated shortly after an exposure reduces the risk of developing monkeypox and can reduce symptoms for those who do get it. The vaccine clinic is located at the Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic (303 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan). The clinic will be open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Click here for more information and to schedule an appointment
· Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) 101, June 30, 6 p.m.: Are you or a loved one struggling with postpartum anxiety or depression? Join the Motherhood Center’s free monthly seminar on June 30 to learn more. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), otherwise known as postpartum depression, are a group of illnesses that affect at least 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. PMADs cause emotional and physical problems that make it hard for women and birthing people to function adequately, such as caring for themself, their baby, or family. Register Here
· Smoking - NYC Quits: If you are interested in quitting, or need support managing cravings and staying smoke-free when you want to, help is available:
Quitting will:
ü Reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.
ü Protect your loved ones from secondhand smoke.
ü Save you money.
Learn more: https://on.nyc.gov/2RSk8YU
· Get Food NYC: Visit this online map to find locations that offer free food (food pantries, soup kitchens), as well as grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
· NYC Department of Education (DOE) Summer Meals: Starting June 28, NYC DOE will offer free breakfast and lunch meals at sites across the City, including schools, parks, and pools. No identification or application is required, and meals will be available Monday – Friday. Breakfast will be served from 8 – 9:15 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at designated sites. Click here to view additional details
Education, Libraries, Student Loans
NYC DOE Updates
· High school offers are available, and waitlists are open through September 16!
o Log in to your MySchools(Open external link) account to view your child's offer letter online.
o
Don't
have a MySchools account and want to view your offer now? Talk to your current
school or a Family Welcome Center.
· 3-k Results Are Here
o All families who submitted an application by the April 14 deadline can now view your child's 3-K results letter in MySchools(Open external link).
o If you opted for print notifications, a copy of this letter will also be mailed to you.
o Don't have a MySchools account and don't want to wait?
o Watch the "How to Create a MySchools Account" tutorial(Open external link)––we'll walk you through the process.
o You can also get your offer now by emailing [email protected], calling 718-935-2009, or visiting a Family Welcome Center.
· Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Waiver: For a limited time, Federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced a temporary period during which borrowers may receive credit for payments that previously did not qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF). This waiver makes it easier for public service employees to receive credit for more payments. All waiver forms must be submitted by October 31, 2022.
Learn more about Public Service Loan Forgiveness here, and the temporary PSLF waiver here. Apply by Oct. 31!
· SUNY/CUNY Excelsior Scholarship: Excelsior Scholarships are open to first-time students entering college in the Fall 2022 term and current students who have never received the Excelsior Scholarship.
Applications are open now until 8/31/2022. To qualify:
o Students must plan to attend a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college
o Complete 30 credits per year towards their program of study
o Be on track to graduate on time with a two-year Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in four years
o Students’ families must have made $125,000 or less in the 2020 tax year.
Click here to learn more or apply to the Excelsior Scholarship.
MTA/Transportation
· Masks Are Required When Riding Public Transportation: All individuals regardless of vaccination status are required to wear a mask when taking public transportation, including subways, buses, taxis, ride sharing services, trains, and airplanes. This is a federal requirement and an important safety measure to protect yourself, others, and public health.
Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
· DSNY: Join The Strongest: The New York City Department of Sanitation is looking for New York’s Strongest! The filing period for the next Sanitation Worker exam will be open from June 8th until June 28th. Go to nyc.gov/dsny to register for the exam.
· New York State Department of Labor’s Seasonal Job Bank: There are thousands of jobs for New Yorkers looking for summer employment. Search the seasonal job bank
· SNAP On-Demand Interviews: SNAP On-Demand telephone eligibility interviews resumed on June 1, 2022. SNAP recertifications that are expiring in July and SNAP applications submitted after May 31 must now complete an interview or be rejected for failing to interview.
The availability of On-Demand interviews gives clients more flexibility as they do not have to wait for HRA to call them to complete their eligibility interview. Beginning June 1st, once they submit their application or recertification form via ACCESS HRA, at a PC Bank, in-person, or by mail, clients are able to call HRA at 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) anytime between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, for an “on-demand” telephone interview. If an applicant has an emergency need for SNAP they should call right after they submit their application. Clients have up to 30 days from the time they submit their form to complete an interview either over the phone or in-person.
· NYLAG Free Summer Legal Clinics for Advance Planning, July 12 and September 21: These are free legal clinics for New Yorkers of modest means. Attendees can create any of the following documents: Health Care Proxy, Living Will regarding medical wishes, Power of Attorney, and Appointment of Agent to Control Disposition of Remains.
o The July 12 legal clinic is being held in downtown Manhattan near the World Trade Center from 3 – 5 p.m.
o The September 21 legal clinic is being held in midtown Manhattan near the Rockefeller Center in the late afternoon.
If you are interested in attending, please complete the following online form: https://survey.legal/doOF2GvvyGOF or call (212) 613-6514 and leave a voicemail with your name and phone number.
Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
· New York Presbyterian Events for Older Adults: NYP offers a variety of presentations and workshops, some of which are free. Topics include Balance Training for people 60+, Senior Fitness, and a variety of health topics. View the NYP calendar of events
· VNS Health Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers:
o Five Steps for Dealing with Anticipatory Grief
o Learn to Advocate for Your Hospitalized Loved One
o Upcoming Community Collaborations Presentations on health topics
o VNS Community Calendar of Health Events and Educational Workshops
· Medicare Orientation - Understand Your Costs and Choices in Medicare: Are you new to Medicare or want to better understand how Medicare works? Come join the NYC Department for the Aging's Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at one of our bi-weekly Medicare orientation sessions. You'll learn about eligibility and enrollment rules, choices in Medicare, when you can make changes to your coverage, and ways that you may be able to save money on Medicare costs. The next orientation date is Friday, July 1. Register Here
Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
· NYS Small Business Grant Funding: Does your small business need help to recover from the pandemic? Grants up to $50k are available with New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Apply today
In-Person & Virtual Community Activities
· Hester Street Fair, Piers 67 & 17 at the South Street Seaport, Saturday, 6/25, 11 am – 6 pm: The Hester Street Fair features all queer-owned or operated businesses showcasing unique, locally-made jewelry, art, food, vintage items, and home goods. View additional details here
· Movies Under the Stars: Raya and the Last Dragon, St. Vartan Park (East 35 Street between 1st & 2nd Avenues), Saturday, June 25, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.: Through Movies Under the Stars, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, there are free movie screenings this time of year in many parks. Learn More »
· Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Street Festival, 12 Eldridge Street (Manhattan), Sunday, 6/26, 12 – 4 p.m.: Join the Museum at Eldridge Street for the 21st Annual Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Street Festival, celebrating the diverse culture that make up the Lower East Side and Chinatown communities. View additional details here
· 2022 Whitney Museum Pride Events: Celebrate Pride at the Whitney with an inclusive weekend of free parties, history tours, art-making activities, and more for LGBTQ+ visitors and allies of all ages. Click here for details
· Picnic Performances at Bryant Park: From May 27-September 17, enjoy 26 live, in-person music, dance, and theater events. Click here to view additional details.
· Concerts in the Park: The schedule for the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks is now available to view. The first concert in Central Park is scheduled for June 15. All performances start at 8 p.m. except for the indoor performance on Staten Island. Click here for the performance schedule and details.
· Lincoln Center calendar of June activities
· NYC Parks Free Summer Movies Under the Stars: view the calendar of movie viewings scheduled throughout the 5 boroughs.
Albany Office: Legislative Office Building, Room 808 | Albany, NY 12247 | (518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
Email: [email protected] | On the Web: http://wwwnysenate.gov/senators/liz-krueger
Facebook: /statesenatorlizkrueger | Twitter: @LizKrueger | Instagram: @senatorlizkrueger