Dear Neighbor,

This email offers some information on ballot proposals that will be on the November 8th ballot, as well as upcoming events and useful resources.

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

Ballot Proposals:

Election Day is Tuesday November 8th, and in addition to the elections for Federal and State offices, four ballot proposals will also be up for your consideration. These proposals will appear on the back of the ballot. 

I offer a brief summary of the four proposals for you here. In addition, on October 18th I will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall on these proposals. Details on the Town Hall and how to register are below.

Proposal 1 – The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022

If passed this proposal would allow New York State to issue $4.2 billion in general obligation bonds for projects classified as climate change mitigation, flood-risk reduction, water infrastructure, and land conservation and recreation. The ballot measure would require that bond issue revenue be distributed as follows:

-       Up to $1.5 billion for air and water pollution reduction projects; wetland protections to address sea-level rise, storm surge, and flooding; relocating or retrofitting facilities; green building projects; solar arrays, heat pumps, and wind turbines in public low-income housing areas; zero-emission school buses; street trees and urban forest programs; green roofs and reflective roofs; and carbon sequestration on natural and working lands.

-       At least $1.1 billion for flood-risk reduction, coastal and shoreline restoration, relocating and repairing flood-prone infrastructure and roadways, and ecological restoration projects.

-       Up to $650 million for land conservation and recreation plans, programs, and projects, as well as fish hatcheries; and

-       At least $650 million for projects related to wastewater, sewage, and septic infrastructure; lead service line replacement; riparian buffers; stormwater runoff reduction; agricultural nutrient runoff reduction; and addressing harmful algal blooms.

The ballot measure would require that at least 35% of bond revenue benefit disadvantaged communities.

Proposal 2 – Statement of Values to Guide Government

This proposal would amend the New York City Charter and add the Racial Justice Commission’s proposed preamble. The preamble would be an introductory statement of values and vision aspiring toward “a just and equitable city for all” New Yorkers. It would include a statement that the City must strive to remedy “past and continuing harms and to reconstruct, revise, and reimagine our foundations, structures, institutions, and laws to promote justice and equity for all New Yorkers.” The preamble is intended to guide City government in fulfilling its duties.

Proposal 3 – Creation of an Office of Racial Equity

This proposal would amend the New York City Charter to create an Office of Racial Equity and Chief Equity Officer to advance racial equity and coordinate the City’s racial equity planning process. In addition, it would require city-wide and agency-specific Racial Equity Plans every two years. Finally, it would establish a Commission on Racial Equity, appointed by City elected officials to identify and propose priorities to inform the racial equity planning process and review agency and citywide Racial Equity Plans.

Proposal 4 – Creation of a “True Cost of Living Measure”

This proposal would amend the New York City Charter to require the City to create a “true cost of living” measure to track the actual cost in New York City of meeting essential needs, including housing, food, childcare, transportation, and other necessary costs, and without considering public, private, or informal assistance. This measure would be used to inform programmatic and policy decisions, and require the City government to report annually on the “true cost of living” measure.

“Make an informed Choice:

The Four Proposals On Your General Election Ballot”

A Virtual Town Hall sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger

Tuesday, October 18^th from 7pm – 8:15 pm

This fall, New York City voters will have the opportunity approve or disapprove of four City and State ballot proposals. Learn details about the proposals so that you can make an informed choice this general election season.

Proposals include:

Proposal 1: Environmental Bond Act

Proposal 2: Statement of Values for City Government

Proposal 3: Racial Equity Plans and Office

Proposal 4: True Cost of Living

The Virtual Town Hall will feature:

• Carter Strickland, VP, Mid-Atlantic Region and New York State Director, Trust for Public Land
• Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director, Asian American Federation
• Harrold Miller, Executive Director, Racial Justice Commission
• Debipriya Chatterjee, Senior Economist, Community Service Society

You will have the option of joining the event online through Zoom, a webinar hosting service. 

You will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook.

If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone.

**Once you register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom and Facebook links, and the call-in information.**

The event will feature a question and answer session with Carter Strickland, Jo-Ann Yoo, Harrold Miller, and Debipriya Chatterjee. If you want information about any of the four proposals on the ballot this fall, you should attend the October 18thTown Hall. Attendees will be able to submit questions through Zoom and Facebook during the event but are *strongly* encouraged to submit them in advance.

Please let us know if you plan to attend the Tuesday, October 18th Virtual Town Hall by registering at https://tinyurl.com/10-18-22VirtualTownHall.

Senator Liz Krueger’s Virtual Senior Resource Fair
Engage the Heart, the Body, and the Creative Spirit

October 25th – 27th

2 pm – 3:30 pm

Reach Out Beyond Loneliness: How to Begin to Build Networks and Find Community

Tuesday, October 25th from 2 pm - 3:30 pm

Research shows that loneliness can affect your mental and physical health. Learn how you can address isolation, and find out how to access resources to build your social networks and find community.

Presentations by:

- New York State Office for the Aging, Greg Olsen, Acting Director

- Church of the Heavenly Rest, Reverend Matt Heyd, Rector

- Carnegie Hill Village, Alden Prouty

- Health Advocates for Older People, Nancy Houghton, Executive Director, Elizabeth Timberman, President, Advisory Board, Josh Krasner, Home Safety and Fall Prevention Coordinator

- Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, James Goldman, LMSW, Supervising Social Worker

Essential Movement for Older People: Keeping the Body Strong and Healthy
Wednesday, October 26th from 2 pm – 3:30 pm

Put on some comfortable clothes to stretch and build balance, strength, and endurance, and learn how fitness and meditation can contribute to your overall wellness.

Presentations by:

- Senior Planet, Castulo Castro

- Vanderbilt YMCA, Tai Chi, Roberto Sharpe

- Health Advocates for Older People, Building Strength and Balance, and Fall Prevention, Lynn Crimando

- Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Cardio Fitness, Sara Berg

Engage in the Arts: Nurture Your Creative Spirit
Thursday, October 27th from 2 pm – 3:30 pm

It’s important to age creatively. Learn about programs where you can foster your artistic spirit through dance, theater, and the fine arts. 

Presentations by:
- Lifetime Arts, Inc., Maura O’Malley, Co-Founder and CEO

- Dance for a Variable Population, Naomi Goldberg Haas, Founding Artistic Director, and Bryanna Dean, Master Teacher

- Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Rose Ginsberg, Director, Older Adult Center, and Jessica Leylavergne, Director, Visual and Performing Arts

- Greenwich House, Laura Marceca, Associate Director, Older Adult Services, and Nicole Brown, Director, Senior Center   

 
 
You will have the option of joining the event(s) online through Zoom, a webinar hosting service.

You will also have the option to view the event online through Facebook. Please note that you do not need a Facebook account or profile to view the event through Facebook.

If you do not have access to a computer, tablet, or other electronic device, you can listen in by telephone.

**Once you register for the event, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom and Facebook links, and the call-in information.**

Please let us know if you plan to join us on October 25th, 26th and 27th. You can attend one, two or all three events. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/seniorfair2022.

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.

Health Update Contents:

·      COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

·      Monkeypox Updates

·      Poliovirus Updates

Community Update Contents:

·      2022 Election & Voting 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

·      Donation and Volunteer Opportunities

·      Social and Legal Services

·      Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers

·      Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits

·      In-Person & Virtual Community Activities

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

·      Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shots: A friendly reminder that now is the time for eligible individuals to get a Moderna or Pfizer Bivalent COVID-19 booster shot in order to remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and to have maximum protection against the Coronavirus. COVID-19 hospitalization rates are starting to increase in Western Europe, which may be attributable to changing weather, waning immunity, and/or changing behaviors. As has occurred throughout the pandemic, it is possible that the U.S. will start to see an increase in hospitalization rates in the near future as well. Furthermore, there are several new Omicron subvariants that are circulating in the U.S. and have the potential to cause an increase in COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates as early as November.

You can schedule an appointment for the Bivalent COVID-19 booster online using NYC Vaccine Finder or you can call 1-877-829-4692. At this time, supply of the Pfizer Bivalent vaccine is greater than that of the Moderna Bivalent vaccine, however, it is possible to find available appointments at select CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens pharmacies. It may be necessary to search a broader selection of pharmacies. If appointments are not found during the current week, try searching for appointments the following week.

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Monkeypox Updates

The NYC Health Department has announced the following: 1) Starting Thursday, October 6, the City will expand eligibility for the JYNNEOS vaccine to protect more New Yorkers who may be at risk of exposure to the Monkeypox (MPV) virus; and 2) The City will open 30,000 new JYNNEOS vaccine appointments on October 6 at 4:00 p.m., under the new eligibility guidelines, which include:

·      people of any sexual orientation or gender identity who have or may have multiple (more than 1) or anonymous sex partners, or participate or may participate in group sex;

·      people of any sexual orientation or gender identity whose sex partners are eligible per the criteria above;

·      people who know or suspect they have been exposed to MPV in the last 14 days; and 

·      anyone else who considers themselves to be at risk for MPV through sex or other intimate contact.

To make an appointment to get the JYNNEOS vaccine, you can schedule online using NYC Vaccine Finder or call 877-829-4692.

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Poliovirus Updates

Children should receive four doses of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) to be fully vaccinated against polio. If you or your child have not received all four doses, it is very important to get the remaining doses at this time, as poliovirus has been detected in NYC and other counties in New York State. To get the IPV immunization, please contact your or your child's primary care provider. It is also possible for children age 2 months+ and adults to get the polio vaccine at certain CVS Minute Clinics. Please make sure to confirm the CVS Minute Clinic accepts your health insurance.

·      To schedule an appointment online, go to the following CVS web page to look up locations where the polio vaccine is available and to schedule an appointment: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/services/ipv-polio

·      If you do not have access to the internet, you can call the CVS Minute Clinics helpline at 1-866-389-2727 to schedule an appointment. The helpline is not solely dedicated to scheduling appointments. In order to reach a live representative, please follow these steps:

1)    Follow the prompts to listen to information in the language of your choice (simply hold for English);

2)    When you are prompted to indicate whether you are calling about the COVID-19 vaccine, indicate “no”;

3)    When you are prompted to say what you are calling about, say "making an appointment";

4)    An automated message will instruct you to use the website to schedule an appointment (do not hang up), and you will be asked if you want to receive a text with a link to the website - indicate "no";

5)    You will then be prompted to indicate if you are done with the phone call, if you want to return to the former menu of options, or if you want to speak with a representative - follow the prompts to speak with a representative.

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2022 Election & Voting Updates

The general election is Tuesday, November, 8, and early voting will take place from October 29 to November 6. If you need an absentee ballot for the election, you can request it here: https://nycabsentee.com/absentee.

·      Voting Resources

o   Look up your Early Voting and Primary Election Day Poll Sites and View a Sample Ballot: https://findmypollsite.vote.nyc/

o   Track your absentee ballot: https://nycabsentee.com/tracking

o   NYC Board of Elections: 1-866-868-3692

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

·      MTA Procurement Webinar: On October 11th, Senator Tim Kennedy & Senator Leroy Comrie are hosting a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Procurement Webinar. This event will inform local businesses about potential opportunities to contract and subcontract with the MTA.

With the announcement of the MTA’s 5-year, $51.5 billion Capital Program, this is a chance for local businesses to learn about a wide array of opportunities to become contractors for the largest regional public transportation provider in the United States. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Sign up here to join.

·      Homelessness in NYC: A Virtual Panel Discussion: On Monday, October 17^th at 6:30 PM, Councilmember Eric Bottcher is hosting a panel discussion on the homelessness crisis, why it is happening and what is being done about it. Panelists include Shane Cox, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Homeless Services, Jacquelyn Simone, Policy Director, Coalition for the Homeless, Christine Quinn, President and CEO of WIN and Douglas James, COO of CUCS. You can register here.

·      Medicare Minute: Changing Part D Plans, Thursday October 20^th, 3:00-3:30: Your prescription drug coverage can change from year to year and comparing Part D plans yearly is shown to save people money. During this Medicare Minute, you’ll learn how to choose and change Part D plans, both during Fall Open Enrollment and beyond. Hosted by the Medicare Rights Center. To register, visit https://www.medicareinteractive.org/medicare-minute-login. If you do not already have a Medicare Interactive profile, you will need to set one up in order to register.

·      East Sixties Neighborhood Association Virtual Annual Meeting, Thursday October 20, 6:30 p.m.: To view the event, go to www.facebook.com/esnanyc. To attend by phone, call 212-755-1296 before noon on Tuesday October 18 for call-in information.

·       “How to Get Funding for Your Neighborhood” Grant Info Session:  On Monday October 24^th at 5 PM I am hosting a Grant Info Session along with the Citizens Committee for NYC. CitizensNYC awards micro-grants up to $5,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to address issues they identify as important to them. You can register for the info session at https://citizensnyc.salsalabs.org/grantinfosession221024/index.html.

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COVID-19 and the Economy

·      New York by the Numbers - Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook, by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander

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

·      NYC Well: Free, confidential mental health support in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365. Call 888-NYC-WELL or text “WELL” to 65173.

·      Mental Health for All:  A comprehensive hub with helplines and services that offer a range of free, direct support to meet the needs of all New Yorkers. Access resources  at https://mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov/.

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Food

·      Greenmarkets: The 94th Street Greenmarket, on 1^st Avenue at 94^th Street in Manhattan is now open on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is a temporary location due to construction on 92^nd Street.

The 82^nd Street Greenmarket on East 82^nd Street between First and York is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket at 2^nd Avenue and 47^th Street is open Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.

The Union Square Greenmarket is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.

GrowNYC farmers markets are a great chance for community members to access the freshest, most nutritious locally-grown food the region has to offer.

Please note that shoppers can use their SNAP/EBT/P-EBT benefits at the market! When customers spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, they receive a bonus $2 Health Buck (up to $10 per day) to purchase additional fruits and vegetables!

·      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

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Housing

·      Affordable Housing Lotteries: You can view open affordable housing lotteries on the NYC Housing Connect website here: https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/search-lotteries

·      Heat Season Rules: The City Housing Maintenance Code and State Multiple Dwelling Law require building owners to provide heat and hot water to all tenants. Building owners are required to provide hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Between October 1st and May 31st, a period designated as “Heat Season,” building owners are also required to provide tenants with heat under the following conditions:

•           Between the hours of 6AM and 10PM if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

•           Between the hours of 10PM and 6AM the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that there is no longer any outside temperature requirement for night hours

Tenants who are cold in their apartments should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should call the City’s Citizen Service Center at 311. For the hearing-impaired, the TTY number is (212) 504-4115. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

·      NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) hosts Buildings After Hours, their in-person information session with DOB staff every Tuesday from 4 – 7 pm in each local DOB borough office. (Manhattan’s DOB office is at 280 Broadway, 4th Floor). More details are available here: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/buildingsafterhours-sn.pdf.

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MTA/Transportation

·      NYC Ferry Discount Program Information: The NYC Ferry Discount Program permits eligible individuals to purchase a reduced fare One-Way Ticket for the NYCF. Ferry Discount Program eligible riders include:

• Senior citizens, aged 65 and older;

• Persons with disabilities; and

• Current participants in the Fair Fares NYC program.

The application(s) for the NYC Ferry Discount Program and all NYC Ferry ticketing information can be accessed at https://www.ferry.nyc/ticketing-info/.

Riders can submit the application using the digital form on that webpage, or they can access the application(s) to print and mail them in at the below links:

• For Persons with disabilities, download the Reduced Fare Application for Persons with Disabilities PDF to start the process.

• For Senior Citizens, download the Reduced Fare Application for Senior Citizen PDF to start the process.

• For Current participants in the Fair Fares NYC program, download the Reduced Fare Application for Current participants in the Fair Fares NYC program PDF to start the process.

Validation/processing time may take up to 30 days.

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Jobs, Job Training, Residencies, Internships, Fellowships

·      Free Lifeguard Training and Certification: The YMCA of Greater New York is offering free Lifeguard Training and Certification. Pre-testing for the next session closes on October 15^th. You can register for the pre-test at https://ymcanyc.org/ymca-lifeguard-training-certification.

·      New York State Career Center Events and Recruitment: New York's Career Centers offer a variety of classes, workshops, job fairs, job clubs including virtual career fairs and virtual workshops, including informational sessions on a variety of topics.For a complete schedule, visit https://statistics.labor.ny.gov/career-zone/career-calendar.shtml.

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Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

·      Toy Drive for Families Experiencing Homelessness:  Through October 14^th. Epiphany Library is collecting gently used or new toys, childrens’ books and stuffed animals for families experiencing homelessness.  Items can be dropped off from 12-6pm on Thursday October 13^th and from 12-5 pm on Friday October 14^th at Epiphany Library, 228 East 23^rd Street. You can also donate via their wishlist at http://tinyurl.com/toydrivemidtown.  This event is cosponsored by my office as well as Open Hearts Initiative, CB6, Councilmember Rivera, and Assemblymember Epstein.

·      GENuine Connections Intergenerational Volunteer Opportunity: DOROT is excited to launch GENuine Connections, a free, virtual program, where teens and older adults connect in small groups on a  weekly basis to bridge the generational gap and have fun doing it. Do you know an adult aged 65+ or a high school student looking for a new volunteer opportunity? Find out more here.

·      Volunteer Opportunities for those interested in helping Asylum Seekers:

o   NYC/Catholic Charities is looking for people to volunteer at the asylum seeker navigation center: http://tinyurl.com/4n5h3nbu

o   NY Immigration Coalition: https://www.nyic.org/get-involved/volunteer/

o   Grannies Respond (one of the primary groups greeting people at Port Authority): https://www.granniesrespond.org/volunteer.

·      Donation Drive for Asylum Seekers: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and the New York Immigration Coalition are sponsoring a clothing and toiletry donation drive for newly arrived asylum seekers, migrants and immigrants.

o   What to Donate: Toiletries (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, nail clippers, menstrual products (unopened), baby/body wipes, bath towels, face cloths, diapers). New and Packaged Clothing (underwear, socks, t-shirts for men, women and children).

o   Where to Donate: 1 Centre Street, 19^th Foor, South Side, M-F 9am-5pm or 431 West 125^th Street, M-F 10am-5pm.

For questions or information, vitsit tinyurl.com/57bfye67, email [email protected] or call 212-669-8300.

·      Partnerships for Parks, It’s My Park Program: The It’s My Park program provides opportunities to help care for parks across the city by lending a hand to beautify a neighborhood green space. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals and groups year-round. Click here for more information.

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Social and Legal Services

·      The State Comptroller’s Office administers the NYS Achieving a Better Life Experience (NY ABLE) program which allows eligible New Yorkers with disabilities to save for qualified short-term and long-term disability-related expenses on a tax-free basis while also keeping Medicaid, SSI and other government benefits. Disability-related expenses are costly and can make it hard to save for long-term financial security; NY ABLE can help. For details, visit https://www.mynyable.org/home.html.

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Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers

·      Classes for Seniors in New York City: If you’re an older adult in New York, you can take part in live, in-person and online classes to learn new skills, discover ways to save money, and find a community where you can get in shape and make new friends. Senior Planet offers courses, programs, and activities that enhance the lives of older adults. Please join us! Got questions? Call our Senior Planet in NYC hotline:(917) 936-4410

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Resources for Small Businesses and Non-Profits

·      New York State Seed Funding Grant Program: The New York State Seed Funding Grant Program is now taking applications. If you own a viable small business that started on or after September 1, 2018, then you may qualify for a grant of up to $25,000. The Seed Grant program is new, and specifically for businesses that did not qualify for assistance under the Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program. Qualifying small businesses are eligible for grants between $5,000-$25,000 depending on how big your business is. Visit nyseedgrant.com today to find out more and apply.

·      The PACE Small Business Development Center provides no-cost, one-on-one business counseling to entrepreneurs in New York City. Our advisors guide both existing small business owners as well as entrepreneurs with emerging ventures and discuss a range of topics including marketing, digital media, financing, business planning, government contracting, and more. Sign up here to schedule an appointment: https://www.pacesbdc.org/contact.  They also host regular webinars on issues impacting businesses which can be viewed here: https://www.pacesbdc.org/events.

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In-Person & Virtual Community Activities

·      No Cost Community Shredding Event: On Saturday October 8^th from 10am – 2pm on York Avenue between 79^th and 80^th. No hard-cover books, notebooks, bindings, or X-Rays. Sponsored by Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

·      Community Board 8 Manhattan Presents the Fall Outdoor Art Show: On October 15^th at James Cagney Place, East 91^st Street (b/t 2^nd and 3^rd Avenues). The exhibition with feature paintings, photography and crafts. Rain Date is October 16^th.

·      Live Music Saturdays at Aycock: On Saturday October 29^th from 1 – 4 pm, Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks will be performing at 60^th Street and the East River Esplanade on the Waterfront as part of the Saturdays at Aycock series sponsored by the Friends of the East River Esplanade.  Free Ice Cream!

·      City Parks Foundation Programs:

o   Senior Fitness Classes for those 60+ at NYC parks. In Manhattan, they offer yoga in Carl Schurz Park and tennis in Central Park, among many other classes. View more classes and register here or contact [email protected] or call (718) 760-6999 with any questions.

·      Lincoln Center calendar of events

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