A quick note on monkeypox. First thing, going forward, we’re going to refer to monkeypox as MPX or orthopox. The name, like many virus names, carries a stigma, and we need to do our part to break that. Second, the City has recorded over 778 MPX cases as of this past week, and we know this is an undercount as many people have struggled to access testing. If you have found it difficult to access testing, please let us know so we can advocate to the correct agency. Third, it’s important to remember that anyone can get MPX, and while this cluster is not deadly, it can be extremely painful. Vaccine doses are being allocated to populations who are most at-risk based on the current epidemiological understanding of this outbreak. We’ll update you with more information when we have it.
 
Education Town Hall Recap
This Thursday, I joined a group of parents, teachers, and education equity activists as part of our ongoing conversation with the community around how we're fighting back against cuts to the education budget. I want to extend my gratitude to the Carroll Gardens Library for hosting us and to everyone who came out and took part in this conversation. It’s clear from our meeting that the inner workings of the City Council, understandably, remain a mystery to many, and as we organize, we need to continue to pull back the curtain. Everyone who came brought insightful ideas on how we can organize and fight back. Together, I know we can ensure our schools are fully funded, and our students are getting the investments they deserve.
 
School Funding Fight
This week, details of a potential deal to restore $250 million in education funding between the City Council Speaker and the Mayor became public. I want to start by acknowledging that this progress was only possible because of the hard work and amazing advocacy of parents, teachers, and students who rose up and made their voices heard. However, $250 million simply isn’t enough to plug this budget gap. Despite the first reporting that the lost funding was around $215 million, we know from the Comptroller’s office that the real budget reductions are more along the line of $469 million.
 
Many of you have also reached out asking me not to accept this deal, but this is not something I get to vote on. This is a deal between the Speaker and the Mayor. There is no vote, and most Council Members have not been consulted during these negotiations. This is yet again another backroom deal that will be touted as a victory while the well-being of the City’s youngest suffers. I will continue to use my voice and position in City government to advocate for the restoration of the full $469 million that has been cut from our education budget. This Mayor is hell-bent on privatizing our public schools, so we must be ready to organize, stand strong, and raise hell.
 
COVID-19
As the BA.5 Subvarient continues to spread, Citywide cases are up and what’s most concerning is that hospitalizations are on the rise. I recommend everyone exercise caution by getting tested regularly and wearing a mask when entering indoor settings. It’s also a good reminder to be up to date on your vaccinations and if you have a child, get them vaccinated as well! Last but not least, if you’re feeling unwell, there are new test-and-treat vans in every borough. In under an hour, you can get tested, get your results, and get a prescription for COVID-19 antiviral drugs to help you feel better.
 
Community Bulletin

• Our City is still in the midst of a blistering heat wave so make sure you’re keeping yourself cool! Please stay hydrated, wear your sunblock, and if you need a place to cool off, check out any of the City run cooling centers to experience some beautiful central AC. 
• One of our community’s newest Open Streets is up and running! Thanks to our friends over at Street Lab, Beverley Road now has regular programming in the public space for people of all ages. ​​Check out the calendar for more information about what’s happening.
• Do you have a constituent issue that requires an in-person appointment? Our office is open for in-person appointments Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM - 4 PM. Check out our website to make an appointment.

 
In Solidarity,
Shahana