|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
This email focuses on issue updates, upcoming
events and useful resources.
Immediately below, you will find an op-ed that I
co-authored with Assembly Member Dinowitz, my concerns about budget cuts to
NYC schools, and updates on COVID-19 testing and Monkeypox. I provide information
on upcoming community events, the August 23 Primary Election, and other community
updates further below in this email.
Please note that if you are not registered to
vote, Today, July 29 at midnight is the deadline to register! Additional details are provided under “2022
Election & Voting Updates.”
I am pleased to share that National Night Out Against
Crime events will be hosted by NYPD Precincts on Tuesday evening, August 2.
Details for the NYPD 19th, 17th, and 13th
Precinct events are provided below under “In-Person & Virtual Community Activities.”
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 click here to complete an unemployment intake web
form so that my office can provide
assistance:
Best,
Liz Krueger
State Senator
|
|
|
|
Making Polluters Pay for Cleaning Up Their Mess
Last week the New York Daily News published an
op-ed that I co-authored with Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz from the
Bronx. In it we argue that fossil fuel companies, not taxpayers, should be
the ones to pay to clean up the mess they've made of our climate. You can
read the op-ed here: https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-make-the-climate-polluters-pay-up-20220718-yfhzmhdw3zc4ffi25mut3rblim-story.html.
Assm. Dinowitz and I carry a bill called the
Climate Change Superfund Act (S.9417/A.10556), which would implement a
first-in-the-nation “polluter pays” program, modeled on the existing state
Superfund program, to charge the largest fossil fuel companies for New York’s
climate adaptation costs while insulating consumers.
In light of the billions of dollars in damages
that New York State has suffered as a result of climate change, and the
tens of billions more to come in future decades, this legislation would
collect $30 billion over ten years for climate change adaptation from the
parties most responsible for causing the climate crisis - fossil fuel
companies.
Right now consumers are facing pain at the pump as well as in their gas and
electric bills. At the same time, the oil and gas industry is raking in
enormous profits. The Climate Change Superfund Act will claw back some of
the oil and gas industry's recent windfall profits and use them for
adaptation costs that would otherwise be charged to state taxpayers. The
program is designed to prevent such costs from being passed on to
consumers.
New Yorkers are already experiencing significant impacts from the climate
crisis – deadly superstorms, heatwaves, flooding, toxic algal blooms,
extreme weather of all kinds, and billions of dollars in damage to property
and critical infrastructure. According to one recent study, by the middle of this century, the damage
caused by climate change could cost New York State nearly $10 billion
dollars every year.
The total claim assessed against the fossil fuel industry as a whole would
be $30 billion, payable over ten years. To put that in perspective,
Gazprom, the Russian fossil fuel company, made $29 billion in profits last
year alone. ExxonMobil made nearly $6 billion in profits in just the first
quarter of this year.
Because the assessments are sunk costs that do not affect the marginal cost
of the product being sold, textbook economics says that the cost will
generally not be passed on to consumers. In addition, because companies
will not be paying the same assessment amount, there will be market
pressure preventing companies with larger assessments from charging more
for their product when competing against companies that faced smaller
assessments.
Funds would be dispersed to qualifying climate change adaptive
infrastructure projects, which are defined as projects designed to avoid,
moderate, or repair damage caused by climate change. These would include,
for example, storm water drainage systems, coastal wetlands restoration,
defensive upgrades to roads, bridges, and subways, air conditioning and
other upgrades to schools and public buildings, as well as projects to
adapt to damage to agricultural land or fisheries.
In line with the requirements of the CLCPA, at least 35% of expenditures
will go to projects that directly benefit disadvantaged communities.
The climate crisis is here, right now, and it's
already causing billions of dollars in damage and a growing death toll in
New York State. We must begin to make the investments necessary not only to
mitigate future climate change, but to adapt to and defend ourselves from
the damage that's already been done. The cost of inaction is inconceivable
- in money, in lives, and in countless other ways. Nonetheless, there will
be a large price-tag to the work we have to do, and it's only fair that the
companies who made the mess should pay for cleaning it up. The Climate
Change Superfund Act is one critical piece of the puzzle of funding our
state's response to the climate emergency.
|
|
|
|
Rethinking NYC School Budget Cuts
Earlier this month I sent a letter to Mayor Eric
Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, urging them to rethink the
large cuts to school budgets across the city that are proposed to be
implemented over the coming year.
The budget cuts schools are being forced to
absorb are inexcusable when students, their families, and school staff are
still struggling to recover from the trauma and learning losses caused by
the pandemic. At a time when the Department of Education has received
unprecedented levels of city and state funding and has billions of dollars
in unspent stimulus funds, our schools should be providing enhanced
academic and social-emotional support services rather than cutting vital
programing and increasing class sizes.
As the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I
am all too aware that extraordinarily difficult budget decisions must be
made each year and government cannot fund all worthwhile programs. However,
I also know that budgets reflect policy and political priorities, and every
effort should be made to protect funding that responds to the most pressing
needs of vulnerable New Yorkers. After the learning losses and upheaval of
last three school years, it is more important than ever that our public
schools receive the support they need.
To read the full letter, go to https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/articles/2022/liz-krueger/sen-krueger-urges-mayor-and-speaker-rethink-nyc-school-budget.
|
|
COVID-19 Testing Update
·
Free At-home COVID-19 Tests for
People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision: The
Biden-Harris Administration has launched a new initiative to expand the
availability of at-home tests that are more accessible for people who are
blind or have low vision. The tests work with a Bluetooth-enabled
smartphone/tablet app to provide users with audible instructions, and
audible test results. Read more about the tests.
NOTE:
Due to very limited supplies when the program began, each order included
only two test kits. People were asked to order these tests only if they did
not have options for using the traditional kits. As of July 8, the program
is expanding. People will now receive 12 test kits with each order. In
addition, anyone who is blind or who has low vision is now
encouraged to order the more-accessible tests.
Individuals
who placed an order before July 7 and received only two tests may place
another order now to receive 12 additional tests.
How
to get the tests:
o
Order online or by calling 1-800-232-0233.
o Each
order will include two rapid-antigen tests that are more accessible for
people who are blind or have low vision.
o
Orders will ship free, while supplies
last.
Disability
Information and Access Line (DIAL)
The
trained staff at the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) can
provide assistance with:
o
Ordering tests.
o Understanding
instructions for test administration and test results.
o Providing
alternative instructions for traditional at-home tests for people who are
unable to access, read, or understand the manufacturer’s version.
o For
those who cannot use an at-home test, DIAL operators can:
o Assist
with ordering “swab and send” kits to collect a sample and mail it back for
results.
o
Connect callers to local
organizations for assistance locating other testing options in their
community, including in-home testing programs or transportation or
companion support to visit a community-based testing site.
Call
888-677-1199 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern) or email [email protected].
|
|
|
|
Monkeypox Update
Overview
As of July 28, 21,148 cases of Monkeypox have
been diagnosed globally, as reported by the CDC. There are 4,906 cases in
the U.S., 1,341 cases in New York State, and 1,251 cases in New York City.
In NYS, cases have been diagnosed in 17 counties. A predominant majority of
people who have been diagnosed with this virus so far are gay, bisexual, or
other men who have sex with men; however, women and children have tested
positive as well. It is very important to be aware that anyone can get
Monkeypox and that transmission does not only happen through sexual
activity. Monkeypox is less contagious than COVID-19; however, there
has been a steady increase in cases, which is attributable to community
transmission and increased testing capacity.
Declarations of Global and Local Public Health
Emergencies
On July 23, out of growing concern for public
health in multiple countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared
the Monkeypox outbreak to be a public health emergency of international
concern. In the U.S., New York and California have the highest case
counts to date. On July 28, NYS Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary Bassett, issued
a Declaration of an Imminent Threat to Public Health for Monkeypox Virus.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public
Health (SFDPH) declared
a local public health emergency.
Containment Efforts
Global, national, and local health agencies are actively
working to raise awareness and contain the Monkeypox outbreak. I encourage
you to visit the CDC,
NYC
Health Department, and NYS
Health Department Monkeypox websites, which include information about
the virus, testing, vaccination, and treatment; resources; and data. If
you have symptoms, it is important that you isolate from others immediately
and contact a health care provider for testing and evaluation. People
with weakened immune systems (from HIV and other health conditions), older
adults, children under the age of 8, and pregnant people are at greater
risk for severe illness from this virus.
The NYC Health Department has posted the
following resources since my last email:
·
New
York City’s Monkeypox Response
·
Monkeypox
Data page
·
Search the NYC Health Map if
you have symptoms of Monkeypox and need a health care provider to get tested,
or call 311
·
How
to Safely Wash Your Laundry if You Have Monkeypox
·
How
to Protect Yourself and Others from Monkeypox
To receive Monkeypox text alerts, you can text “MONKEYPOX”
to 692-692 to receive alerts from the City and you can text “MONKEYPOX”
to 81336 to receive alerts from the State.
Monkeypox is not common in the U.S., and
therefore, there are some gaps in what is known about the virus, for
example:
·
It is unknown if this virus can spread
if a person is asymptomatic
·
It is unknown if this virus can spread
through saliva, semen, vaginal fluids, or feces
The City and State Health Departments are posting
new information about Monkeypox as it becomes available so that New Yorkers
know what preventive measures to take, and what diagnostic and treatment
options are available.
Vaccine Supply
A shortage of Monkeypox vaccine continues to be
an issue, which is due to several factors, including:
·
JYNNEOS is the primary vaccine being
administered globally for prevention of the Monkeypox virus. The
manufacturer of JYNNEOS is Bavarian Nordic.
·
This virus has been endemic in
Central and West Africa; under the current outbreak, cases have been
diagnosed in over 70 countries, which means that demand for the vaccine has
increased exponentially.
·
A significant quantity of vaccine doses
was held up from being shipped to the U.S. from a Bavarian Nordic facility;
the FDA had not inspected the plant and would
not accept the findings of an inspection conducted by a European Union regulatory
agency, which found the facility safe.
On July 27, the
FDA announced it has approved a supplement to the biologics license for
the JYNNEOS vaccine, allowing for additional manufacturing capabilities at
one of the plants where the vaccine is manufactured. Close to 800,000 doses
have been cleared for shipment to the U.S. and will soon be available for distribution.
U.S. City and State Health Departments and officials continue to be in
communication with the federal government, advocating for proportional
allocation of the vaccine.
If you or someone you know is trying to get an
appointment to get vaccinated, please check the NYC Health Department
Monkeypox website, following @NYCHealthy on Twitter, and sign up to receive
text alerts from the City for updates on appointment availability.
Vaccine Eligibility
At this time, people who are eligible for the
vaccine include:
·
Gay, bisexual, or other man who has
sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender
non-binary
·
Age 18 or older
·
Have had multiple or anonymous sex
partners in the last 14 days
People who have been informed by the Health
Department that they are a close contact of someone who was diagnosed with
the virus can also get vaccinated. Individuals who had Monkeypox are currently
not eligible to get vaccinated.
Eligibility may change as the outbreak evolves
and as vaccine supply increases. The NYC Health Department has posted the
following FAQs about the JYNNEOS vaccine that you can review: JYNNEOS Vaccine for Monkeypox: Frequently Asked
Questions
|
|
|
|
Community Update Contents:
Please click on the following links to go
directly to the specified content further below in this email. If links do
not work properly, you may need to click “view entire message” at the end
of this page.
·
2022 Election & Voting Updates
·
Federal Updates
·
State Updates
·
City Updates
·
Other Updates
·
Online
& In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
·
COVID-19
and the Economy
·
Physical
and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
·
Food
·
Housing
·
MTA/Transportation
·
Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships,
Fellowships
·
Grants & Scholarships
·
Volunteer Opportunities
·
Social and Legal Services
·
Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
·
Resources for Small Businesses &
Non-Profits
·
In-Person & Virtual Community
Activities
|
|
2022 Election & Voting Updates
The next Primary Election Day is August 23, at
which time New Yorkers will vote for State Senators and Congressional
Representatives. Please see the following for upcoming voting deadlines and
other information.
Important Update Regarding the August 23 Primary: The redistricting court decision created a
loophole in NYS election law that impacts the voting options registered
voters have for the August 23, 2022 Primary. Normally, if you are
registered to vote and want to enroll with a party or change your party
enrollment in advance of the Primary Election, you have until February 14
to do so. Due to the loophole, if you are registered to vote and want to
register with a party or change your party affiliation, you can do so up through
August 23.
There are a couple of ways that you can change
your party affiliation:
1.
You can submit an updated voter
registration form to the NYC Board of Elections (BOE) office, indicating the
party you would like to register with for this Primary Election. If the NYC
BOE processes the form in advance of the Primary and your name is listed in
the poll book with the new party affiliation, then you can use the scanner
to vote.
2.
If your name is not listed in the
poll book with the new party affiliation, you can request an affidavit
ballot to register your party affiliation. You will then be able to caste
an affidavit ballot.
If you have already requested and
submitted an absentee ballot,
an affidavit ballot will not be
counted.
However, if you requested but did
not submit the absentee ballot,
you can still change your party
affiliation and caste an affidavit ballot.
Please Note: although there
has been reporting of the loophole, and guidance
on change of enrollment procedures for the August 23 Primary Election
has been sent to election commissioners, the NYC and NYS Board of Election
websites have not yet been updated to reflect this information.
·
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 wish to vote by absentee
ballot for the August 23rd Primary Election (even if you requested an
absentee ballot for the June Primary Election), you will need to request a
new absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is
August 8th.
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
July 29:
Voter registration deadline for the August 23 Primary
o
August 3:
Deadline to update your address in advance of the August 23 Primary
o
August 8: Last day to submit a request for an
absentee ballot for the August 23 Primary (online)
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
August 23:
Deadline to postmark and mail your absentee ballot, or return your absentee
ballot in person; Deadline to change your party affiliation for the August
23 Primary if you are eligible (see details above)
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.)
·
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
·
General Election Ballot Proposals:
The NYC Racial Justice Commission has placed three non-partisan ballot proposals on the 11/8/22 General
Election ballot:
o Proposal
#1: Add a Statement of Values to Guide Government
o Proposal
#2: Establish a Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission
o
Proposal #3: Measure the True Cost of Living
Click the links above to learn more.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
Federal Updates
·
Public Health Emergency Extended:
The Biden Administration has extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
(PHE) for an additional 3 months. The PHE is now scheduled to expire on
October 13, 2022.
·
Social
Security Administration (SSA) – The Best Ways to Contact Social Security: Social Security Administration offices continue
to expand in-person service, however, you are strongly encouraged to
continue going online, calling for assistance, and scheduling appointments
in advance.
- Online
services allow you to apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare
benefits, check the status of an application or appeal, request a
replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification
letter, and more.
- If you
are unable to complete your business online, you can call the SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213
from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to speak to a representative. For
quicker access to a representative, try calling between 8 - 10 a.m. or
between 4 - 7 p.m. SSA is less busy Wednesday – Friday and later in
the month. SSA also offers many automated telephone services 24 hours
a day, without speaking to a representative.
While
appointments are not required, they are strongly recommended. An
appointment reduces wait times, ensures that you know what documents to
bring, and reduces the number of visits to SSA offices. SSA offices tend to
be less busy later in the day, later in the week, and later in the month.
To learn more about scheduling an appointment and safety measures and
restrictions before visiting SSA offices, visit the SSA webpage, How to Get Help from Social Security.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
City Updates
·
Hurricane IDA Supplemental Funding
Program, NYC Mayor’s Office of Housing
Recovery Operations: Were you impacted by Post Tropical Storm Ida? The NYC
Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery may be able to help!
o If
you own a 1-4 family home that was uninhabitable because of damage from
Ida; and
o You
applied for FEMA or were not eligible for FEMA assistance because you are a
landlord; and
o Have
either been denied or received less than the amount needed to complete
repairs that would make the home habitable, then
o
You may be eligible for assistance up
to $72,000* to cover the cost of the repairs to make the home habitable**
and for mitigation measures to protect against future damage.
Application
Deadline September 12, 2022
*Subject
to program policy guidelines.
**Program habitability is defined as having functioning heat, hot water, electricity,
and gas
(where applicable) with at least one running tap with potable water and one
functioning toilet.
For more information, please contact us!
Phone: (212) 615-8329
Email: [email protected]
·
“Summer Streets” Program 2022, August
6th, 13th, and 20th, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Mayor Adams
and DOT Commissioner Rodriguez announced a nearly two-mile expansion of the
“Summer Streets” program, extending it for the first time from the Brooklyn
Bridge up to East Harlem in Manhattan and restoring it to three Saturdays
for the first time since 2019. the program will offer fun and free
activities along eight miles of car-free streets on August 6th, 13th, and
20th from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, along Park Avenue, Lafayette Street, and
Centre Street up to East 109th Street – including free Citi Bike day passes
available on August 6th with code SUMMER22. Visit
the Summer Streets website for additional details
·
Rainfall Ready NYC Action Plan
Released: Mayor Adams, DEP Commissioner
Aggarwala, and NYCEM Commissioner Iscol released a plan to prepare the city
government and everyday New Yorkers for more extreme rainfall in the
future. As climate change brings more extreme weather to the five boroughs,
the city is making significant investments in infrastructure to keep New
Yorkers safe, and the Rainfall Ready NYC action plan outlines the additional
steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves and their property.
·
July 27: Mayor
Adams Announces 'Rise Up NYC' Concert Series, Presenting 10 Free and Safe
Events for New Yorkers Through September
·
July 27: Mayor
Adams Releases Homeowner Handbook, Comprehensive Guide to Help New Yorkers
Protect, Maintain Their Homes
·
July 26: Mayor
Adams Announces $1.5 Million Investment in NYC Small Business Resource
Network
·
July 24: Mayor
Adams, NYC Health + Hospitals Announces $1 Million Anonymous Donation to
Launch Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Behavioral Health Professionals
·
July 18: Mayor
Adams Announces First Section of East Side Coastal Resiliency Project
Completed as Asser Levy Playground Reopens with new Floodwall and Resilient
Play Areas
City Agency Updates
·
NYC Department of Emergency Management
and Cooling Centers: On extremely hot days, the National
Weather Service may issue a heat emergency advisory. During these heat
emergency days, the City offers additional resources for residents. Visit
the NYC Department of Emergency Managements Beat the Heat website to learn more about
extreme heat in NYC.
During
heat emergencies, the City will open cooling centers throughout the five
boroughs. Visit the Cooling Center Finder or contact 311
(212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) to find out
whether a cooling center is open near you.
·
NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA)
Launches Silver Stars Program: In DFTA’s continued efforts to fight
ageism and give older adults the opportunity to continue contributing to
the workforce, the agency launched a new program called Silver Stars. Designed for retired civil
servants who want to continue working, this program is an opportunity for
them to be hired by a City agency where they can earn up to $35,000 working
part-time, while continuing to receive benefits from the City's pension
system.
This
is a win-win, where qualified City retirees have an opportunity to become
employed and agencies are able to fill their needs with experienced
professionals. DFTA is working closely with the
Office of Management and Budget to post positions and hire qualified individuals
as quickly as possible, and the Department of Citywide Administrative
Services to make sure City agencies are aware of how to hire a Silver Star,
which helps them save money on administrative expenses.
To learn more about this opportunity, you can visit the Older Adult Employment page on DFTA’s website, email [email protected], or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC
(212-244-6469).
·
NYC Department of Small Business
Services (SBS) - BID Development Grant Program: The
BID Development Grant Program will fund community-based development
organizations (CBDOs) to explore or further the formation of a Business
Improvement District (BID). BID Exploration and BID Formation Grants will
be available for CBDOs.
o
BID Exploration Grants
are available to either citywide or place-based community-based development
organizations (CBDOs) that are currently working with local stakeholders
interested in BID formation who have not yet completed a needs assessment
survey.
Ø A formal steering committee may or may not exist,
and stakeholders may need more information before agreeing to formally
begin the BID formation process.
Ø Up to $20,000 per year per neighborhood will be awarded to grantees for
initial funding of BID exploration.
Ø BID Exploration grantees will work in a
cohort-based model with technical assistance provided by SBS to undertake
and complete a variety of BID formation pre- and early-stage planning tasks
in preparation for a formal Formation effort.
Read
the BID Exploration Grant
program guidelines for
more information. Learn More and Apply. Applications close on August 8, 11:59 PM.
o
BID Formation Grants
are available to place-based community-based development organizations
(CBDOs) that are currently working with a formal steering committee that
has completed and analyzed needs assessment survey data.
Ø Applicants may be in the planning or outreach
phases of the BID formation process (Learn more here).
Ø Up to $100,000 per year per neighborhood will be awarded to grantees for
the staffing, planning, and implementation of a BID formation proposal.
Read
the BID Formation Grant program
guidelines for more information. Learn More and Apply. Applications close on August 8, 11:59 PM.
·
NYC Districting Commission – Redistricting
Public Hearings: The Districting Commission is charged
with the mission of redistricting the fifty-one City Council districts
according to the 2020 Census and other criteria mandated by the New York
City Charter.
The
New York City Districting Commission has released draft maps for the 51 NYC Council districts;
average resident count in a district grew from the current 160,710 to
172,882. These maps are based on the 2020 US Census, showing growth of
600,000+ new New Yorkers since 2010; and also on input from 500+ NYC
residents who testified at public hearings held in each borough last
spring.
The
Commission will now hold another set of five hearings in each of the
boroughs to get public feedback on these new maps: Aug. 15, 16, 17, 18, and
22. More information can be found here. Testimony may be provided via Zoom during
the public hearings, by email at [email protected],
and by mail at 235 Broadway, NY, NY 10007.
To
learn more about 2022 City Council Redistricting, you can also visit the Citizens Union Redistricting
website.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Other Updates
·
Beyond Plastics Restaurant Guide:
After years of pandemic-driven take-out orders, many consumers whose
drawers are overflowing with plastic straws, disposable plastic cutlery,
and single-use plastic packets of ketchup, soy sauce, and mustard are
clamoring for less plastic with their food. Fortunately, a new guide called
“Hold
The Plastic, Please - A Restaurant’s Guide To Reducing Plastic” from
Beyond Plastics offers restaurants detailed, practical, and inspiring
advice for how to reduce the use of plastic in their operations and how to
effectively convey those changes to customers, reporters, and the general
public.
The
free guide offers practical advice, tools, resources (including funding
resources), and case studies, and is available at https://www.beyondplastics.org/restaurant-guide.
Why
Does this Matter?
o
The United States generates more
plastic waste than any other nation. Between 9 and 15 million metric tons of plastic pollution
enter the ocean each year globally.
o Plastics
damage the planet and endanger human health.
o The
manufacture of plastics involves toxic chemicals including PFAS,
phthalates, and heavy metals. Plastics persist in the environment where
they can kill seabirds and animals and eventually break down
into tiny pieces called microplastics that contaminate the food chain and travel through our air and water. Even when used under
regular conditions, the chemical additives in plastics can leach into food.
Tiny fragments of plastics called nanoplastics have been found in all three
sides of the human placenta, in breast
milk, in the bloodstream, and in lung tissue.
o Plastics
release toxins when they are burned in incinerators,
polluting our air, water, and soil. It’s important to note that plastics
manufacturing facilities, incinerators, and landfills are overwhelmingly
located in low-income communities and communities of color, jeopardizing
the health of residents and posing a major threat to environmental justice.
o
Plastics are also a major contributor
to our growing climate change crisis. As of 2020, the U.S. plastics
industry is responsible for at least 232 million tons of CO2e gas emissions
per year and is on track to surpass the greenhouse gas emissions of the U.S. coal
industry by 2030.
·
The Open Plans nonprofit is working to establish more open
streets near schools, and is reaching out to
administrators, teachers, students and parents at these schools on the Upper East Side to learn more
about the needs of those schools. If you are connected to one of these
schools, or know someone who is, email [email protected].
·
Survey on Health Equity and Access to
Care in New York City: The CUNY School of Public Health is
holding focus groups on Health Equity and Access to Care (HEAC) in New York
City. In the survey, the School of Public Health is inviting New Yorkers,
18 years and older, to take part in a focus group study that seeks to better
understand their experiences accessing healthcare in New York City. This
will involve participating in an online (Zoom) focus group discussion,
lasting 1.5 - 2 hours with approximately 6-10 participants.
In order to participate, participants must: 1) currently reside in NYC, and
2) have obtained, or tried to obtain, healthcare in a hospital in NYC in
the past 12 months. To learn more details about the survey, as well as how
to participate, view the flyer on it.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and
Webinars
·
President of the Federal Reserve Bank
of Cleveland on the economy and inflation, Tuesday, August 2, 1 p.m.: With
inflation at a 40-year high, the Federal Reserve continues to raise
interest rates even as the economy shows signs of slowing. Loretta J.
Mester, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, joins
Washington Post global economics correspondent David J. Lynch to discuss
the Fed’s plan to tamp down on inflation and the concerns that it could
induce a recession. Register
Here
·
CB 8 Street Life Committee, Tuesday,
August 2, 6:30 p.m.: New Applications and Change
Applications to the New York State Liquor Authority for Liquor Licenses. Register
Here
·
Juju Chang on covering rising
anti-Asian bias and violence, Thursday, August 4, 10 a.m.: Juju
Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline,” has covered breaking news for
decades, reported on stories from violence against women to climate change
and sat down for interviews with major global figures. Join Washington
Post’s Michelle Ye Hee Lee for a conversation with the veteran journalist
about covering the rising hate against Asian Americans during the
coronavirus pandemic and her trailblazing career. Register
Here
·
DOHMH Virtual Rat Academy Training
With Council Member Julie Menin, Wednesday, August 10, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: At
this free rat academy training hosted by the NYC Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and sponsored by Council Member Menin, building
supers and staff, homeowners and tenants, and managing companies all get to
learn about rat prevention methods. Register
Here
·
CB6 Executive Committee, Wednesday,
August 17, 6:30 p.m.: Agenda TBD. Register
Here
·
NYC Small Business Services calendar of upcoming
information sessions and webinars for small businesses
In Case You Missed Viewing It:
·
If you were unable to attend Senator
Krueger’s July 21 Virtual Town Hall, “Sharing Our Streets: How Better
Design Can Make Streets Safer And More User Friendly For Everyone,” click
here to view a recording of the Town Hall.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
Physical
and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research
·
Abortion is legal and protected
reproductive health care in New York. Abortion services are still available
to all patients seeking care. Patients seeking a medication abortion may be
able to receive their medicine by mail without visiting their doctor's
office. To learn more, access resources, and for help getting services,
visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/abortion.page.
In
New York, information and resources are also available here.
HHS
has launched a new website, ReproductiveRights.gov, to provide accurate,
up-to-date information about access to and coverage of reproductive health
care and resources.
Additionally,
New York Attorney General Letitia James, 24 national law firms, and eight
reproductive rights organizations announced the launch of a legal hotline that will provide
legal guidance and resources to patients, healthcare providers, and
supporters seeking information about their legal rights to access and
provide abortions. The legal hotline, which is part of Attorney General
James’ new Pro Bono Task Force on Reproductive Health, will be available to
anyone who is seeking legal information and legal advice about abortions in
New York, patients seeking to travel to New York to obtain an abortion,
healthcare providers, and people and organizations providing material support.
The hotline is free and will be available in the 12 most common languages
spoken in New York.
Hotline
Number: (212) 899-5567
Learn
more about the hotline and other NY resources here.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Food
·
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
·
NYC Neighborhood
Food Resource Guides: Hunter
College New York City Food Policy Center has compiled these resource guides
to help New Yorkers find free and low-cost food resources in their
community, as well as social services and additional resources for New Yorkers.
o
NYC Food Resource Guide: Upper East Side
o
NYC Food Resource Guide: Midtown
o
NYC Food Resource Guide: Stuyvesant Town/Turtle
Bay
Return
to Top
|
|
Education, Libraries, Student Loans
·
2022 Virtual Speech & Debate
Summer Camp: The American Debate League’s
one-week summer debate camps, are held virtually every week
until 8/26. Leaders
of Tomorrow scholarships are available. Summer Camp offerings include courses
on public speaking & public forum debate (elementary and middle school
levels), intro to speech (elementary and middle school levels), public
forum debate (high school level), Lincoln Douglas Debate (high school
level), policy debate (high school level), and competitive speech (middle and
high school levels). Debaters of all skill levels are welcome.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Jobs, Job Training, Residencies,
Internships, Fellowships
·
Ready to Join the Force? Law
Enforcement Program Applications are Live:
A career in law enforcement is waiting for you! Several state agencies are
recruiting police officers, and the application period for New York State’s
Entry-Level Law Enforcement Examination Program to fill those positions is
now open!
This
multiple-choice Civil Service exam provides opportunities within New York
State’s:
o
Environmental Conservation Police
o Forest
Rangers
o University
Police
o
Park Police
Plus,
it’s used to fill police officer and deputy sheriff roles at some local
municipalities. The exam application process runs through August 3. Go
to cs.ny.gov/police/ to find out more about the program and to start
your career as a member of New York State law enforcement.
·
NYS Department of Labor (DOL) is
Hiring: Now is your chance to join the DOL
team and help other New Yorkers get the support they need in the world of
work. Right now, the NYS DOL has openings for the general public as well as
positions open only to current state employees. Competitive positions open
only to state employees include Investigative Officers, Directors of Human
Resources, Office Assistants, Employment Counselors, and more.
Positions
that are open to the general public include Investigative Officers, Project
Coordinators, Labor Service Representatives, Directors of Immigrant
Workers, and more. There are options to suit any interest or level of
experience. For more information about job openings at the DOL, visit: statejobs.ny.gov and search vacancies in the Department of Labor.
·
City of New York Jobs: The
City of New York is hiring! Search for open positions and learn more about
NYC government employment here.
Many
City jobs require a civil service title. The NYC Department of Citywide
Administrative Services (DCAS) is responsible for administering civil
service exams. Find out about upcoming civil service exams citywide by
subscribing to the DCAS mailing list and select "City Jobs and Civil
Service Announcements” to receive announcements for upcoming exams. Learn more here.
Return
to Top
|
|
Grants and Scholarships
·
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
Grant Programs: Lower Manhattan Cultural Council
announced the launch of its three 2023 grant programs: Creative Engagement,
Creative Learning, and UMEZ Arts Engagement.
The
grants support Manhattan-based artists, arts groups, and community-focused
organizations in sharing rich arts activities with the public. Creative
Engagement and Creative Learning grants provide technical support to
applicants and awards of up to $10,000 to enable hunds of arts projects in
all disciplines, serving communities from Inwood to The Battery. Umez Arts
Engagement grants provide technical support to applicants of up to $10,000
to enhance the diversity and frequency of arts and cultural presentations
in Upper Manhattan.
To
learn more about these grant programs, you can register to attend an
information session.
o
Creative Engagement & Creative
Learning:
Ø
Monday, 8/1, 3–5 p.m.:
Hosted in partnership with Chinese American Arts Council. Chatham Square
Library, 33 East Broadway: Presented in Mandarin Chinese. RSVP
Here
Ø
Tuesday, 8/30, 4–6 p.m.:
Hosted in partnership with Community Word Project & NYC Arts in
Education Roundtable. ASL interpretation available. RSVP
Here
Ø
Wednesday, September 7, 6-8 p.m.:
Hosted in partnership with The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York. RSVP
Here
o Creative
Engagement & Umez Arts Engagement:
Ø
Thursday, 7/28, 6–8 p.m.:
Hosted in partnership with the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance Esta sesión
será en ingles y español. This session presented in English and Spanish. RSVP
Here
Ø
Tuesday, August 16, 4–6 p.m.:
Hosted in partnership with Harlem Arts Alliance. ASL interpretation
available. RSVP
Here
The
application deadline is Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 5 p.m.
·
New York Foundation for the Arts
(NYFA) Grants:
o
Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants:
NYFA administers the Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants (funded by the
Robert Rauschenberg Foundation) which provides one-time grants of up to
$5,000 for recent unexpected medical, dental, and mental health emergencies
to artists in financial need who are practicing in the visual arts, film/video/electronic/digital
arts, and choreography. To be eligible to apply, your average adjusted gross
income for the last two years you’ve filed tax returns must be no greater
than $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
This
is a competitive grant program. Before applying, please review eligibility
requirements and types of eligible expenses. This one-time grant does not
cover lost wages, living expenses, or medical care for individuals other
than the artist. Cycle 14 is now open, with a deadline of Tuesday, August
2, 11:59 p.m., for emergencies occurring December 1, 2021 and later.
Apply
Here
o
Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants:
NYFA provides one-time Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 to
professional dancers in need, who have a dire financial emergency due to
the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. To be eligible to apply, your
average adjusted gross income for the last two years you’ve filed tax
returns must be no greater than $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).
You
may request funding for eligible expenses for up to a three-month period,
ranging from four months before the grant deadline through four months
after the grant deadline. Please review the grant program web page for
additional details to determine if you are eligible, as well as information
regarding eligible and ineligible expenses.
Grant
Cycle 4 is now open with a deadline of August 19. Cycle 5 will open on
September 13 with a deadline of October 14.
Apply
Here
Questions
about either grant may be sent
to the Rauschenberg Grants Coordinator at [email protected],
or 212-366-6900 x 239.
Return
to Top
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities
·
Volunteer to Support Older Adults: On
June 9, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) launched a new volunteer portal
to make it easier for individuals and public/private partners to sign up
for opportunities to support older adults. With the portal's new
streamlined process, New Yorkers can see what opportunities are available
and register online.
To
learn more about these opportunities, click here to explore the new portal.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Social and Legal Services
·
Grandparent Resource Center (GRC): The
Department for the Aging’s (DFTA) Grandparent Resource Center can help
older adults with primary caregiver responsibilities for their grandchild
or another young relative. Grandparent Resource Center services include:
o Workshops
on legal issues, benefits and entitlements, nutrition, budgeting, and other
topics
o Referrals
and information about available resources and services
o Peer
support groups and guidance on starting individual groups
o Virtual
Empowerment Series course for kinship caregivers
o Computer
classes and technology support
o Parenting
a Second Time Around classes
o
Grandparent Sensitivity training,
Kinship Care 101 for professionals and the basics of kinship care for
caregivers
For
more information about the GRC, visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/intergenerational.page,
or call 212-AGING-NYC or 212-244-6469.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Resources for Older Adults &
Caregivers
·
VNS Resources and Classes
o Best
Qualities of a Good Caregiver
o How
to Help Someone Who Has Fallen
o Zumba
Gold Series: Live Zumba Class every Monday
hosted by CHOICE 10:00am – 11:00am
(Click here to join)
o Let's
Kick It Kickboxing: Live Class every Tuesday hosted
by SelectHealth 1:00pm- 2:00pm (Click here to join)
o Virtual
Exercise Series for Seniors: Live Chair Exercise every Tuesday
and live Chair Yoga every Thursday hosted by CHOICE 10:00am
– 11:00am (Click here to join)
o Hip
Hop ’Til You Drop: Live Class every Thursday hosted
by SelectHealth 1:00pm- 2:00pm (Click here to join)
o
Tai Chi Series:
Live Tai Chi Class every Friday hosted by CHOICE 10:00am –
11:00am (Click here to join)
·
New York-Presbyterian Event
o
HealthOutreach: Senior Fitness (60+
and Older), Monday, August 1: HealthOutreach invites you to join
Senior Fitness Aerobics Class. Aerobic exercise keeps your muscles strong,
which can help you maintain mobility as you get older. Exercise can also
lower the risk of falls and injuries from falls in older adults. And it can
improve your quality of life. If you would like to join the class please
call us at 212-932-5844 or email [email protected] to become a member of the
HealthOutreach program.
·
Tech Tutoring for Older Adults:
AARP Senior Planet is offering virtual, 1-on-1 tech tutoring sessions over
Zoom. Volunteers from Verizon will help you with any technology-related
questions you might have. You do not need to own a Verizon device to take
advantage of this free opportunity!
To
register for personalized assistance, please visit seniorplanet.org/tech-tutoring. Select your preferred language, and fill out a
sign-up form. Need assistance? Email Rebecca Altneu at [email protected]. (Senior Planet offers much more than this:
exercise classes, book clubs, social media and smart phone tutoring; see them all and sign up for
their newsletter here.)
·
Housing Education Series for Older
Adults: Manhattan Community Board 7's Senior
Task Force sponsored a virtual housing education series for older adults on
obtaining housing, maintaining housing, and thriving in housing. Please
click on the links below to view each webinar.
o Session I - Obtaining
Housing: Learn how to navigate the housing search process, including
waitlists, housing lotteries, income verifications, and types of affordable
housing.
o Session II -
Maintaining Housing: Resources to help tenants maintain housing,
including rental assistance, benefits and entitlements, and basic human
rights.
o
Session III - Thriving
in Housing: Community resources and organizations working in CB7 that
can help tenants thrive in their housing. Some of these resources might be
available to you as well.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
Resources
for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
·
PACE University SBDC Updates:
o
Expanded Eligibility for the NYS
Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program: The
NYS Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program now
has an expanded range of eligibility, enabling more small businesses to
apply for grant funds. Under the revised guidelines, the demonstration of
positive net profit on 2019 Business Tax Return ($1 or greater) will no
longer be considered. This means businesses who reported a net loss in 2019
may now be eligible.
Existing
applicants will be reexamined and contacted by Lendistry (please do not
submit a new application.) If you have not yet applied, check out the application
guide PowerPoint Presentation or the program FAQ Document for more information.
Not
Sure if You Are Eligible? Not
a problem! The PACE University SBDC team of business advisors would be
happy to meet with you one-on-one and help you determine your eligibility
for this program. They can also answer any questions you have regarding
this grant or other COVID-19 relief programs you're interested in. Contact the Pace University
SBDC to schedule a 1:1 advisory session at no-cost to you.
o
COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit
Program: The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides a
tax credit of of up to $25,000 to eligible NYS businesses that made
investments to comply with pandemic-related emergency orders and
regulations, or to increase public safety.
The
tax credit is calculated as 50% of qualifying expenses up to a maximum of
$25,000 in tax credits based on qualifying expenses of $50,000 and is open
to all small independently owned and operated NYS businesses with 100
employees or less and gross receipts of less than $2.5 million. In
addition, a small business must have incurred at least $2,000 of qualifying
expenses between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2022.
Qualifying
expenses include costs such as:
Ø
structural changes and building
upgrades (eg. retrofits to accommodate social distancing and installation
of air purifying equipment).
Ø
health-related supplies and materials
(eg. supplies to disinfect and physical barriers and sneeze guards to
protect against COVID-19 transmission).
Ø
machinery and equipment to
accommodate contactless sales and increased outdoor activity.
For
a full list, check out the COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax
Credit Program website. To
get started and see whether your business qualifies, complete NYS's required
eligibility screening tool.
Have
questions about this program? Want to discuss your entrepreneurial
challenges with a NYS-certified business advisor? Contact the Pace SBDC to schedule a no-cost, one-on-one virtual
appointment for business counseling.
Return
to Top
|
|
|
|
In-Person & Virtual Community
Activities
·
National Night Out Against Crime
Events, Tuesday, August 2:
o NYPD
19th Precinct National Night Out In Carl Schurz Park, Tuesday,
August 2, 5:00pm-8:00pm (86th Street and East End Avenue):
Arts & Crafts, Raffles & Prizes, Pop-Up Barre Class by Pure Barre @
6:30pm, Ice Cream & Food
o
NYPD 17th Precinct National
Night Out, 5-8 p.m., Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (47th Street between
1st & 2nd Avenues): Burgers
and Dogs Grilled by New York’s Finest, Bouncy House and Carnival Games for
Kids, Live Music by B.D. Lenz All Stars, Photo Ops with Police Vehicles, Treats
from Insomnia Cookies, Crime Prevention Info, and Community Organization Giveaways!
o
NYPD 13th Precinct
National Night Out, 5-8 p.m., Augustus St. Gaudeus Playground (2nd
Avenue between 19th & 20th Streets):
Join the 13th Precinct Community Council on their National Night
Out Against Crime! Enjoy entertainment, safety/health information, and
promotional giveaways.
·
Carl
Schurz Park Conservancy Sunset Films
o
Babe, Wednesday, August 3, 8:30 p.m.
o Encanto, Wednesday, August 10, 8:30 p.m.
Movies are held in the Basketball/Hockey Court
(84th – 85th Streets). Free popcorn and Insomnia
Cookies at the film showings. In the event of the threat of rain, please
visit the Carl Schurz Park website, www.carlschurzparknyc.org, or call the Carl Schurz
Park Conservancy, 212-459-4455, after 1:00 for rain date information. View a Map of Carl Schurz Park
·
Dance
Party NYC, Saturday, August 6: One day,
five boroughs—join the New York Public Library (NYPL) for Dance Party NYC,
a joyous citywide festival of music and movement, and discover Summer at
the Library, including NYPL book giveaway for kids and teens, programs for
all ages, and more.
The Library is hosting parties at more than 20
locations, including a K-Pop dance party at the Stephen A. Schwarzman
Building in Midtown Manhattan! Plus, there are more than 50 dance parties
happening at other locations across the five boroughs—from live salsa bands
and silent discos to block parties and family dance classes. Find dance party locations near you and additional
details!
·
This year’s
second production of Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park is As You Like It opening
8/10 and running through 9/11. Ticketing options:
o
In-person distribution in Central Park;
o
In-person lottery at The Public Theater;
o
In-person distribution in the boroughs;
o
A digital lottery with TodayTix; and
o In-person standby line in Central Park.
·
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 August
activities
·
NYC
Parks Free Summer Movies Under the Stars: view the calendar of movie viewings scheduled throughout the 5
boroughs.
·
Beat
the Heat: Stay Cool at NYC Parks this Summer
Return
to Top
|
|