[image: Inline image 1]





Dear Neighbor,



August was an unusually busy month this year, with important hearings on
two issues of interest to many of my constituents: implementation of
congestion pricing and City Council redistricting. Below I offer some
thought on these issues, as well as links to my testimony to the MTA and
the New York City Redistricting Commission.



In this email, I also provide public health updates on COVID-19, Monkeypox,
and Polio to ensure that you have up-to-date information. For many months,
my COVID-19 updates have included detailed information about how to access
COVID-19 vaccinations, testing, and treatment. Starting with this email,
links to these resources are provided under *COVID-19 Resources*.



Finally, I have also included below other community updates, including
information about student loan debt relief and forgiveness, and changes in
FDA regulations surrounding hearing aids.





Best,





Liz Krueger

State Senator




*Congestion Pricing*



I recognize that congestion pricing is a contentious issue for many
residents of Manhattan as well as other parts of the New York City
metropolitan area. I have long supported congestion pricing as a way to
address the overcrowding of our streets, reduce pollution, and ensure
adequate funding for public transportation. That said, I do believe there
are important issues that need to be considered in order to ensure that the
new tolling system is implemented in an equitable way that does not create
unintended negative impacts.



This week I submitted testimony to the MTA on the Environmental Assessment
for congestion pricing, which provides my comments on a number of issues.
Some of the key topics I focus on are tolling patterns for the 59th Street
Bridge, the need to structure tolls in a way that discourages unnecessary
truck traffic through the zone, the need to treat taxis and buses
equitably, and the need to ensure that disability and income-based
exemptions/tax credits are easily accessible for those who are eligible.
You can read my testimony here:
[link removed]
.



The public comment period on the Environmental Assessment is open until
September 9th. If you wish to submit comments and have not already done so,
you can use the “Comment on the Environmental Assessment” link on this
page: [link removed].



Following the public review period, the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) will determine whether establishment of the program would result in
significant effects in addition to the widespread benefits detailed in the
assessment. Based on that review, the FHWA will either approve the
assessment or, if it determines that there are significant effects that
cannot be mitigated, request an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
requiring further study of the proposed program. If the FHWA approves the
project, contractors would have up to 310 days to design, develop and
implement the tolling infrastructure and tolling system technology that
would process the tolls





*Council Redistricting*



I also submitted testimony to the New York City Redistricting Commission
expressing my concerns about the draft district maps, which would move a
portion of the Upper East Side, along with Sutton Place and Roosevelt
Island, into a council district that is primarily based in Queens. These
neighborhoods have traditionally been linked in Council District 5 and are
part of a single community of interest with the Upper East Side, with a
shared history, infrastructure, and institutional relationships. The lines
as proposed will result in less streamlined, less effective representation
for the residents of these areas. I testified in support of the map
submitted by Manhattan Community Boards 6 and 8 that keeps these
communities of interest united within two Manhattan-based Council
Districts. My testimony is available at
[link removed]
.





*Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids*



Hearing loss is common in older adults and ranges in severity. Without
treatment, it may be difficult for individuals to engage with others, and
they may experience depression and cognitive decline. Hearing aids are
available to improve hearing capacity, but they can cost thousands of
dollars and are not covered by Medicare.



*On August 16, the FDA issued a *final rule
<[link removed]>*
to improve access to hearing aids, which will hopefully lower costs for
millions of Americans.* The final rule creates a new category of
over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, enabling consumers with perceived mild
to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from
stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam,
prescription or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist.



*The FDA’s final rule will go into effect in 60 days from August 16.* It is
anticipated that as we get closer to the effective date, new hearing aid
products will begin to appear on the market for purchase at lower cost. To
learn more, please see the following resources:



· Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to
Know
<[link removed]>
(FDA)

· F.D.A. Clears Path for Hearing Aids to Be Sold Over the Counter
<[link removed]>
(NY Times)





*Student Loan Debt Relief*



Last week, the Biden Administration announced the U.S. Department of
Education will take the following steps to address the burden of growing
college costs and make the student loan system more manageable for working
families:



· *Provide targeted debt relief to address the financial harms of
the pandemic. *The Department of Education will provide up to $20,000 in
debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the
Department of Education, and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell
Grant recipients. Borrowers are eligible for this relief if their
individual income is less than $125,000 ($250,000 for married couples). To
ensure a smooth transition to repayment and prevent unnecessary defaults, *the
pause on federal student loan repayment will be extended one final time
through December 31, 2022. *Borrowers should expect to resume payment in
January 2023.



More information on how to apply for this student loan debt cancellation
will be provided in the coming weeks. The deadline for eligible student
loan recipients to apply is December 31, 2023. Please visit the Federal
Student Aid Student Debt Relief web page
<[link removed]> for more information. *If
you would like to be notified when the application is open,* please sign up
at the Department of Education subscription page
<[link removed]>.



· *Make the student loan system more manageable for current and
future borrowers by:*


o *Cutting monthly payments in half for undergraduate loans. *The
Department of Education is proposing a new income-driven repayment plan
that protects more low-income borrowers from making any payments and caps
monthly payments for undergraduate loans at 5% of a borrower’s
discretionary income—half of the rate that borrowers must pay now under
most existing plans. This means that the average annual student loan
payment will be lowered by more than $1,000 for both current and future
borrowers.


o *Fixing the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program by
proposing a rule that borrowers who have worked at a nonprofit, in the
military, or in federal, state, tribal, or local government, receive
appropriate credit toward loan forgiveness. *These improvements will build
on temporary changes the Department of Education has already made to PSLF,
under which more than 175,000 public servants have already had more than
$10 billion in loan forgiveness approved.





*COVID-19 Vaccine Updates*



· *Updated COVID-19 Booster Shots:* Last week, Moderna
<[link removed]>
and Pfizer
<[link removed]>
applied to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of their
respective updated COVID-19 booster shots. The Moderna and Pfizer booster
shots have both been updated to target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron
subvariants. Pfizer is seeking EUA of its booster for use with individuals
age 12+, while Moderna is seeking EUA of its booster for use with
individuals age 18+.



*FDA and CDC authorization of the updated booster shots is required before
they can be administered.* NBC News
<[link removed]>
reports that the FDA plans to authorize use of the updated booster shots
around Labor Day. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
(ACIP) has a meeting scheduled to discuss its recommendations on September
1 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and 2 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.). Click here
<[link removed]> for ACIP meeting updates and
to watch the meeting online. The CDC is expected to announce its EUA
authorization determination within several days after the ACIP meeting. *Once
the FDA and CDC have issued authorization, additional details will be
provided regarding booster eligibility and when eligible New Yorkers will
be able to get the updated booster shot.*



· *FDA Issues EUA of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted for
children age 12 – 17 years:* The FDA issued Emergency Use Authorization
(EUA) for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to individuals age
12-17 years. The vaccine is a two-dose primary series given three weeks
apart. The CDC is also required to issue EUA before the vaccine may be
administered. For additional information, please see the FDA press release
<[link removed]>
and the FDA web page
<[link removed]>
on the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.





*COVID-19 Resources*



*COVID-19 Vaccinations*

· General Vaccine Information and Eligibility
<[link removed]>

· NYC Vaccine Finder <[link removed]>: Find
COVID-19 vaccine sites online or call 877-829-4692

· NYC Health + Hospitals Vaccine Sites*:* Call 877-829-4692 or Schedule
Online
<[link removed]>

· Local and Nationwide vaccine sites:
[link removed]

· CVS Pharmacy: Call 800-746-7287 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Rite Aid Pharmacy: Call 800-748-3243 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Walgreens Pharmacy: Call 800-925-4733 or Schedule Online
<[link removed]>

· Request an in-home vaccination (Pfizer vaccine only) if you are
an NYC resident who is homebound or age 65+. Sign up online
<[link removed]> or by calling 877-820-4692.



*COVID-19 Testing*

· Find NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· Check the wait time at NYC Health + Hospital Testing Sites
<[link removed]>

· NYC COVID-19 Test Site Finder
<[link removed]>

· Find a COVID-19 Test Site in New York State
<[link removed]>

· Request free in-home COVID-19 diagnostic testing (for New Yorkers
who are immunocompromised or age 65+) by calling *929-298-9400*



*COVID-19 Treatment*

· Visit the NYC Health Department COVID-19: When You Are Sick
<[link removed]> web page for
information about how to access available treatment if you contract
COVID-19 or Long COVID.



*COVID-19 Data*

· NYC COVID-19 Alert Level System
<[link removed]>

· NYC Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· NYS Health Department COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· CDC COVID-19 Data
<[link removed]>

· Check the transmission level in your neighborhood at: NYC Health
Department COVID-19 data web page
<[link removed]>.
Click “Transmission” and then “Your Neighborhood.”



*COVID-19 Supplies*

· *Order free COVID-19 at-home rapid testing kits from the federal
government:* Order online <[link removed]> or call
800-232-0233. *Important Update:* ordering free tests through this program
will be suspended as of Friday, September 2. See below under COVID-19
Updates for additional details.

· *Pick up free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests from City-distribution
sites.* Click here to see a list of community sites and times when you can
pick up a free rapid test kit
<[link removed]>.

· COVID.gov: <[link removed]> a federal website where you
can look up information on where to get free masks, as well as COVID-19
vaccinations, treatment, and testing.





*COVID-19 Updates*



COVID-19 case, hospitalization, and fatality rates are currently decreasing
in New York City, which is welcome news, however, our case rates are still
high overall. At this time, the primary variants circulating in the City
are the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. Public health experts anticipate
a fall/winter surge in case rates, as that is the trend we have experienced
since the start of the pandemic.



While we continue to experience new variants and case surges, it is still
important to follow COVID-19 safety measures when case rates are high to
help manage community transmission and prevent severe illness. Staying up
to date with COVID-19 vaccinations is paramount, especially with the
2022-2023 school year about to begin and the colder months approaching. *Only
42.9% of children age 0-17 have completed their primary vaccine series.
7.3% of children are partially vaccinated and 49.8% are not yet vaccinated.
*There have been far more cases of severe illness, hospitalization, and
death among adults, however, children have experienced these severe
outcomes as well.



We have relied on COVID-19 guidance to know how to keep ourselves and
others safe, as well as to be aware of COVID-19 requirements. As you may be
aware, recent updates have been made to CDC COVID-19 guidance, FDA testing
guidance and recommendations, and NYC Department of Education guidance for
NYC public schools. There is also an important update regarding ordering
free COVID-19 at-home rapid tests from the Federal Government.



· *Suspension of the Federal Government COVID-19 At-Home Rapid Test
Distribution Program as of September 2: *Through this program, homes in the
U.S. have been eligible to order three rounds of free COVID-19 rapid tests
from the Federal Government. The program will be suspended as of September
2 because Congress has not provided additional funding to replenish the
nation’s stockpile of tests. *If you have not already ordered three rounds
of free test kits, make sure to place your order before September 2 at:
[link removed] <[link removed]>*



*Please Note**:* The City Government continues to distribute free at-home
rapid tests at designated sites
<[link removed]>
.



· *CDC Guidance Updates: *Earlier this month, the CDC issued
updated COVID-19 safety guidance, relaxing certain requirements related to
isolation/quarantine guidelines, testing requirements, and school settings.



Please see the resources listed below for additional details.

Ø Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Individual
Persons, Communities, and Health Care Systems — United States, August 2022
<[link removed]>

Ø Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
<[link removed]>

Ø Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education
Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning
<[link removed]>

Ø Improving Ventilation in Your Home
<[link removed]>



· *FDA Updates*

o There has been ongoing concern regarding the efficacy of rapid antigen
tests vs. PCR diagnostic COVID-19 test results. The FDA has issued
recommendations for how to decrease the likelihood of false negative
results: At-Home COVID-19 Antigen Tests-Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk of
False Negative: FDA Safety Communication
<[link removed]>

o *Expiration date extensions of COVID-19 at-home tests: *Check the
Expiration Date column of the List of Authorized At-Home OTC COVID-19
Diagnostic Tests
<[link removed]>
to see if the expiration date for your at-home OTC COVID-19 test has been
extended and how to find any new expiration date.

· *Updated COVID-19 Guidance for NYC Public Schools:* The NYC
Department of Education (DOE) has released the much-anticipated COVID-19
guidance for NYC public schools, which aligns with the updated CDC
guidance. Please visit the following NYC DOE website to view the guidance: NYC
Department of Education (DOE) Fall 2022 COVID-19 Guidance
<[link removed]>





*Monkeypox Updates*



As of August 27, 2,986 cases of Monkeypox were confirmed in New York City.
Since my last monkeypox update, the supply of JYNNEOS vaccine has
increased. This is for two reasons: 1) The City and State have received
additional shipments of the vaccine, and 2) The Federal Government has
mandated administering the JYNNEOS vaccine intradermally
<[link removed]>
instead of subcutaneously, which makes it possible to get 4-5 doses from
each vial instead of 1 dose. The NYC Health Department is in the process of
coordinating this transition.



At this time first doses continue to be prioritized. The NYC Health
Department will inform vaccine recipients when they are able to schedule
their second dose. *If you are *eligible for a first dose
<[link removed]>* of
the JYNNEOS vaccine, you can schedule an appointment online at the *NYC
Monkeypox Vaccine Portal <[link removed]>*or
by calling 877-829-4692. **Please note that individuals are not eligible to
get vaccinated at this time if: 1) They had Monkeypox or 2) If they have
Monkeypox symptoms.*



The NYC Health Department urges New Yorkers who develop possible symptoms
of Monkeypox to consult with their health care provider and get tested,
stay home, and separate from anyone in your household. If you do not have a
health care provider, *call 311* or search the NYC Health Map
<[link removed]>



The NYC Health Department Monkeypox website
<[link removed]>
continues to be updated with helpful prevention, vaccination, and treatment
information, as well as case and vaccine data. The following resources have
recently been added:



· Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance During Monkeypox for Homes,
Workplaces, Schools and Other Facilities
<[link removed]>

· Preventing and Responding to Monkeypox in Schools, Child Care
Settings and After-School Programs
<[link removed]>



It is important to note that treatment of Monkeypox symptoms includes a
number of non-prescription remedies to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms,
including taking ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen, applying cooling
lotions, and taking a warm oatmeal bath. Please visit the What to Do When
Sick
<[link removed]>
web page for additional details.



Finally, to help prevent spread of the virus, guidance is provided on
precautions
to take when sick
<[link removed]>
to help determine whether it is necessary to stay home and when it is
appropriate to be around others.





*Poliovirus Detected in New York City*



As you may be aware, the NYS Health Department announced on July 21 that a
resident of Rockland County contracted polio and was experiencing symptoms
of paralysis. *Wastewater surveillance now indicates that the poliovirus is
circulating in New York City.* It is not possible to identify in which
neighborhoods, specifically, but polio is known to be a very contagious
virus, which can be spread whether or not one has symptoms. There is no
cure for polio, but it is preventable by getting vaccinated. Thanks to the
vaccine, the last naturally occurring case of polio in the U.S. was in 1979.



The polio vaccine is safe and effective prevention against polio, which can
cause mild and flu-like symptoms, permanent paralysis of parts of the body,
and even death. If you or your children have not received all required
doses of the polio vaccine, it is critical to do so now. If you have
questions or need to get vaccinated, please contact your health care
provider or your child's Pediatrician. *If you or your child do not have a
primary care physician, you can call 844-692-4692 for help finding one*. Make
an appointment for children age 4 and above here
<[link removed]>.



For additional information about polio and the polio vaccine, please visit
the following websites:

· Polio Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
<[link removed]> (CDC)

· NYS Health Department Polio website
<[link removed]>

· NYC Health Department Polio website
<[link removed]>





*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.



· State Updates <#stateupdates>

· City Updates <#cityupdates>

· Other Updates <#otherupdates>

· Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars
<#meetingsandwebinars>

· COVID-19 and the Economy <#covidandeconomy>

· Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health,
Research <#healthcareupdates>

· Food <#foodupdates>

· Education, Libraries, Student Loans <#educationupdates>

· MTA/Transportation <#mtaupdates>

· Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships
<#jobupdates>

· Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers <#resourcesforolderadults>

· Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
<#resourcesforsmallbusinesses>

· In-Person & Virtual Community Activities <#communityactivities>







*State Updates*



· *Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program:* New
York State’s Health Care and Mental Hygiene Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has
launched, providing frontline healthcare workers (with base salaries under
$125,000) bonuses for their dedication during the COVID pandemic. Learn
more about the requirements here
<[link removed]>
.



This program establishes a fund of $1.3 billion to be disbursed in bonuses
to certain eligible frontline healthcare workers across New York. Depending
on title, number of hours worked, and salary, employees may qualify for up
to $3,000 in bonuses. Employers must apply to the HWB Program on behalf of
eligible employees for them to receive bonuses. A list of eligible employee
titles and criteria for eligible employers can be found on New York State
Department of Health’s website, here
<[link removed]>
.



Applications must be submitted by September 2, 2022, to claim funds for the
first vesting period in the Program. Please note that the HWB Program also
enables the State to penalize employers for up to $1,000 per employee if
they fail to identify, claim, and/or pay bonuses for eligible employees.



The State has established a hotline for more information about the HWB
Program: (866) 682-0077. OTDA has issued guidance on how these payments
will impact recipients of TA, SNAP, and HEAP, available here
<[link removed]>
.



· *August 30: *Governor Hochul Launches Statewide Campaign To
Highlight Funding for Child Care Providers and Families
<[link removed]>

· *August 26: *On Women's Equality Day, Governor Hochul Announces
State Actions to Combat Sex Discrimination
<[link removed]>

· *August 26:* Governor Hochul Commissions New Report on Women in
the Workplace in Honor of Women's Equality Day
<[link removed]>

· *August 25:* Governor Hochul Announces $4 Million to Increase
Mental Health Workforce Diversity
<[link removed]>

· *August 25:* Governor Hochul Announces Maine and Rhode Island
Join Multi-State Agreement to Propose a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub
<[link removed]>



Return to Index <#top>





*City Updates*



· *The Women’s Fund for Media, Music & Theater:* The Mayor's Office
of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and New York Foundation for the Arts
(NYFA) announced that applications are open for the fourth round of grants
as part of the NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre. Qualified
applicants can apply for finishing grants through November 1, 2022 at
www.nyfa.org/nycwomensfund
<[link removed]>
.



· *August 22: *Transcript: Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Launch
Operation "Heavy Duty Enforcement" to Target Illegally Parked
<[link removed]>

· *August 19: *Adams Administration Announces 'Project Open Arms,'
Comprehensive Support Plan to Meet Educational Needs of Families Seeking
Asylum
<[link removed]>

· *August 18: *Mayor Adams Removes Abandoned Outdoor Dining Sheds,
Completes Initial Blitz Demolishing 24 Neglected Sheds
<[link removed]>



*City Council Hearings*



· Committee on Civil Service and Labor, Tuesday, September 6, 1 p.m.
<[link removed]>:
Maximum working hours for home care aides.

· Committee on Aging, Wednesday, September 7, 10 a.m.
<[link removed]>:
Oversight – improving older New Yorkers’ access to City services.



*City Agency Updates*



· *NYC Department of Small Business Services Update – BID
Exploration Grant Deadline Extended:* *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.

o A formal steering committee may or may not exist, and stakeholders may
need more information before agreeing to formally begin the BID formation
process.

o *Up to $20,000 per year* per neighborhood will be awarded to grantees
for initial funding of BID exploration.

o 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
<[link removed]>
for more information. *Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, September 2,
2022. *Learn More and Apply
<[link removed]>



Return to Index <#top>





*Other Updates*



· Hold the Plastic, Please: A Restaurant’s Guide to Reducing Plastic
<[link removed]>: Beyond Plastics has
created a thorough, practical, and inspiring guide to help any restaurant
that is interested in reducing its use of plastic make key switches and
communicate them effectively to existing customers, prospective customers,
the media, and the general public. The guide offers practical advice,
tools, resources, and case studies of two restaurants who have successfully
reduced their use of plastic.



· In The Bag: A Guide for Dry Cleaners to Move Beyond Plastic
<[link removed]>: Beyond Plastics has
created a detailed and practical guide to help dry cleaners reduce their
use of plastic to decrease their plastic waste and carbon footprint while
increasing customer satisfaction and reaching new sustainably-minded
customers.



Return to Index <#top>





*Online & In-Person Meetings, Town Halls, and Webinars*



· *New York City Council Virtual Chat and Chew Session on COVID-19
and Monkeypox, Thursday, September 1, 12:30 p.m. (Virtual Event): *Join
Council Members and leading experts for a Virtual Chat & Chew Session as
they discuss ways to help raise awareness and combat the spread of COVID-19
and monkeypox, as well as their stigma. For questions about accessibility,
please email [email protected].

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB 8 Street Life Committee, Tuesday, September 6, 6:30 p.m.: *New
Applications to the New York State Liquor Authority for Liquor Licenses

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB 6 Environment & Parks Committee, September 6, 7 p.m.: *Report
from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation; Report on opportunities
for new publicly accessible greenspace in Manhattan Community District 6;
Discussion of proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget requests

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *Green Infrastructure Grant Program Summer Workshop, September 7,
2 – 3:30 p.m. (Virtual):* Please join DEP at a virtual workshop on the
Green Infrastructure Grant Program on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Attendees will learn about funding available for green
roof retrofits on private property, eligibility requirements, and how to
apply. To learn more about the Green Infrastructure Grant Program, visit
nyc.gov/dep/gigrantprogram
<[link removed]>
.

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *Council Member Brewer’s September Housing Clinic, September 7, 6
p.m. (Virtual):* In partnership with the Goddard Riverside Law Project,
this month’s topic is “Breaking Down the Basics of Holdovers.”

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB 6 Bylaws Committee, September 7, 6:30 p.m.: *Discussion of
bylaws Section 7 (Board Meeting Procedures); Discussion of bylaws Section
10 (Duties of District Manager), Section 11 (Internal Operation of
Community Board), Section 12 (Savings Clause), and Section 13 (Amendments);
Review of working draft of bylaws revisions.

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB 8 Transportation Committee, Wednesday, September 7, 6:30
p.m.: *Discussion of Gaps in the Bike Lane Network within CB8 and Potential
Upgrades of Painted Crosstown Bike Lanes to Protected Bike Lanes; Update on
Open Streets within Community District 8 - Open Streets - 2022 2023 School
Year
<[link removed]>;
Discussion Regarding How to Address Parking Placard Abuse; Updates from the
NYC Department of Transportation.

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB 6 Health & Human Services Committee, September 8, 6:30
p.m.: *Presentation
from NYC Smoke-Free on their organization and the services they provide.

Register Here
<[link removed]>



· *CB8 Congestion Pricing Task Force, Tuesday, September 13, 6:30
p.m.: *Updates on the Central Business District Tolling Program
(Appointments to the Traffic Mobility Review Board, Release of the
Environmental Assessment); Review of Public Hearings conducted between
August 25th and August 31st; Discussion of Environmental Assessment
Findings & Proposed Policies Impacting Community District 8; Determination
of Next Steps.

Register Here
<[link removed]>



Return to Index <#top>





*COVID-19 and the Economy*



· Labor force participation and employment rates have recovered for
the city's women workers, but not men
<[link removed]>.
by L.K. Moe and James Parrott, Center for New York City Affairs, The New
School – August 18, 2022



Return to Index <#top>





*Physical and Mental Health Care, Health Insurance, Public Health, Research*



· *Staying Safe in the Heat:* Even though summer is coming to an
end, we may still encounter some hot days before fall arrives. View this New
York Presbyterian resource
<[link removed]> for
advice on how to stay safe in the heat.



· *Breastfeeding Support Group - Brooklyn Methodist Hospital*: The
group meets virtually on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. for breastfeeding parents
and their babies (up to 3 months old). Click here
<[link removed]>
to view additional information and to access the Zoom link.



Return to Index <#top>





*Food*



· Get Food NYC:
<[link removed]>
Visit this online map to find locations that offer free food (food
pantries, soup kitchens), as well as grocery stores and farmers’ markets.



· *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
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Midtown
<[link removed]>

o NYC Food Resource Guide: Stuyvesant Town/Turtle Bay
<[link removed]>



Return to Index <#top>





*Education, Libraries, Student Loans*



· *Let’s Talk Schools Annual School Fair, Tuesday, 8/30, 10 a.m. –
5 p.m. and Wednesday, 8/31, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Virtual Event):* The virtual
fair begins with the Kindergarten Admissions Panel Discussion on Tuesday at
10 a.m., and is followed by 30-minute individual school sessions for the
remainder of the fair. A diverse group of independent school directors
gather to talk about their schools' plans and admissions processes for the
coming admission season, enabling families to meet with numerous schools in
one venue and get a head start on their applications. *All sessions are
free and open to the public, but you must register ahead of time*. Click
here
<[link removed]>
to view the school fair schedule. Register for as many school sessions as
you wish below by clicking “Add to Cart” by the name of the school you’re
interested in.



· *SUNY Application Fees Waived:* SUNY has automatically waived
application fees for every student at the 500 high schools statewide with
the highest percentages of students receiving free lunch. Additionally, any
student at any high school in the state who receives free lunch will also
have their fees waived. Please click here
<[link removed]> for additional
information and to see which schools qualify.



Return to Index <#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.



· *Fair Fares NYC Enrollment: *The Fair Fares NYC program continues
to offer eligible New York City residents a 50% discount on subway and
eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride paratransit trips. Fair Fares
enrollment is simple and can be completed online, without visiting an HRA
office. Apply for Fair Fares on ACCESS HRA
<[link removed]>
*!*



While there is no need to visit an HRA office to apply or renew, Fair Fares
NYC locations have reopened and are available to help with applications,
renewal applications, document upload, or to report an issue with a
Metrocard. To find a location please visit the Fair Fares website
<[link removed]>.
Clients will also be able to request an in-person appointment by calling
311.



Clients who need a replacement card or a refund must mail in their card to:



*Fair Fares NYC*

P.O. Box 7099

New York, NY 10008-7099



Clients must include their first and last name, date of birth, and Fair
Fares Client ID number in the envelope with the card. All new cards and
replacement cards will be mailed to the client.



Return to Index <#top>





*Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships*



· *Certified Teacher Assistant Training:* Have you thought about a
career in education? Grow Your Own (GYO) offers training to become an
NYS-certified Teacher Assistant. The 6-week program is free for
participants, and covers the costs of all mandated screenings, workshops,
and tests.



For more information about the training program and eligibility
requirements, please click here <[link removed]>. If you are
interested in applying for the GYO program, please contact Workforce
Coordinator Mira Handman ([email protected]) for more information.



· *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Spring 2023 Internship
Program: *The Late Show is accepting applications for its Spring 2023
internship program. This paid, in-person program provides college juniors,
seniors, and recent graduates the opportunity to understand the production
process of an hour-long late night variety show. Click here
<[link removed]>
for additional information about internship responsibilities and
eligibility requirements, and to apply.



Return to Index <#top>





*Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers*



· *Belly Dancing Class (60+ and Older), Wednesday, August 31, 3-4
p.m.:* New York-Presbyterian’s HealthOutreach program invites you to join
Belly Dancing Class. (Females Only). Dance is a gentle and painless way to
exercise, because it engages the mind and body in an enjoyable way that
does not feel like exercise. And it causes fewer injuries because its
varied movements are less repetitive in nature. Click here
<[link removed]>
for additional information.



If you would like to join the class, please call NYP at 212-932-5844 or
email [email protected] to become a member of the HealthOutreach program.
Must be 60+ and older to join.



HealthOutreach is a free membership program for people age 60+. Click here
<[link removed]> to view other HealthOutreach
events



Return to Index <#top>





*Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits*



· *PACE University SBDC Updates:*

o *Non-Disclosure Agreements: When Should You Require an NDA, When Should
You Sign an NDA, Tuesday, September 13th, 12:00pm - 1pm: *In this webinar,
Dr. Jessica A. Magaldi will provide an introduction for the small business
owner and entrepreneur to problems related to contracts and risk
management, including the importance and significance of:

§ Risks that an NDA can help mitigate (and risks that an NDA won’t
mitigate);

§ Understanding key contractual provisions of an NDA;

§ How to protect your small business with an NDA; and

§ How to protect yourself as an individual who is asked to sign an NDA.

Register Here <[link removed]>



o *Market Research to Build & Launch your Small Business, Tuesday,
September 20th, 2:00pm - 3pm: *For this live webinar, the Pace SBDC has
teamed up with the New York SBDC's Research Network to demonstrate how the
power of Market Research Data can help build and launch your small
business. Attendees will learn more about the range of market research
options available to New York SBDC clients through our Research Network,
including:

§ Identifying purchasing power and demographics for your business's target
area

§ How your business's expenses compare to industry norms

§ Securing a targeted list of business development contacts to land new
sales

Register Here
<[link removed]>



o *COVID-19 Relief Program Updates: *Empire State Development (ESD) has
launched a new program as well as revised another small business pandemic
recovery program. To start, the newly launched COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax
Credit Program
<[link removed]>
provides tax credits of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses that made
investments to comply with pandemic-related emergency orders and
regulations, or to increase public safety. Additionally, ESD has amended
the COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program
<[link removed]>
such that demonstrating positive net profit in 2019 is no longer a
requirement. To learn more about these programs and hear about all the
COVID-19 relief your business could qualify for, meet virtually with a Pace
SBDC Business Advisor at no-cost
<[link removed]>
.



Return to Index <#top>




*In-Person & Virtual Community Activities*



· *Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (Along the river on the Promenade
of the Sutton Place Parks between East 56th and East 57th Streets)
Children’s Storytelling, Tuesday, September 6, 11 – 11:30 a.m.: *Join
librarians from NYPL's Children's Center for songs, rhymes, and favorite
read-aloud books for story time that's fun for the whole family. This is
for young children of all ages and ideal for caregivers with multiple-aged
children. Get your library card!



· This year’s second production of Public Theater’s Shakespeare in
the Park is As You Like It
<[link removed]>
runs through 9/11. Ticketing options:

o In-person distribution in Central Park
<[link removed]>
;

o In-person lottery at The Public Theater
<[link removed]>
;

o In-person distribution in the boroughs
<[link removed]>
;

o A digital lottery with TodayTix
<[link removed]>;
and

o In-person standby line in Central Park
<[link removed]>
.



· *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 <[link removed]>.



· Lincoln Center calendar of August activities
<[link removed]>



· NYC Parks Free Summer Movies Under the Stars:
<[link removed]> view
the calendar of movie viewings scheduled throughout the 5 boroughs.



Return to Index <#top>










*District Office*: 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 1201 | New York, NY 10017
<[link removed]>
|
(212) 490-9535 | Fax: (212) 499-2558
*Albany Office*: Legislative Office Building, Room 808 | Albany, NY 12247 |
(518) 455-2297 | Fax: (518) 426-6874
*Email*: [email protected] | *On the Web*:
[link removed]
<[link removed]>
*Facebook* <[link removed]>:
/statesenatorlizkrueger | *Twitter* <[link removed]>:
@LizKrueger | *Instagram* <[link removed]>:
@senatorlizkrueger
--~----------------------------------------------------------------
You are subscribed as [email protected]
Unsubscribe and manage your settings:
[link removed]
or unsubscribe by email:
news-cunsub-qk1z28z5dz-154296679-782-bl2747@lizkrueger.biglisthosting.com
Sent by State Senator Liz Krueger <[link removed]>
--~--