Clarke Leads NY Delegation Letter to Census Bureau for Extension
U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Kensington, Midwood, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Park Slope) led members of the New York Congressional delegation in a letter to the United States Secretary of Commerce to extend the data-gathering period to September for the 2020 Census due to social disruption caused by COVID-19 yesterday.
“Our country is suffering from a major pandemic, and the resources used for health care in instances just like this Coronavirus pandemic are rooted in Census counts. New York and our country must be smart not only when it comes to protecting ourselves from COVID-19, but we must look forward to the next decade for the sake of our community’s future by ensuring all people in every district are counted.
“We must do everything we can to set our communities up for success by having the most accurate Census count. However, the current climate of practicing social distancing deepens the challenges of Census collection and so I and my New York colleagues, as per our letter to Secretary Ross who is responsible for the Census Bureau, are requesting an extension to best allow for accurate collection of Census data,” said Clarke.
Census data is currently scheduled to begin April 1st and is scheduled to conclude by the end of July.“Data for the Census is collected once a decade and impacts over $675 billion in federal funds, which are distributed for community resources based on this data including funding for schools, infrastructure and public transportation.
Adams and Local Doctors Call For Expansion Of Telemedicine
Borough President Eric Adams held a press conference with New York-based doctors and advocates to call for expanded use of telemedicine as a means of mitigating the overcrowding of emergency rooms while pre-screening patients to prevent the transmission of novel coronavirus yesterday.
“We believe if we start educating the public on using telemedicine, we will stop over-stressing our emergency rooms and will start being proactive about addressing this crisis. I have long advocated for telemedicine as a way to empower patients to take control of their health, and I believe the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the strain it’s already placing on our health care system underscores the need for innovative approaches.
“I am calling on the City and State to immediately begin scaling up capacity for telemedicine options, particularly among our uninsured population, and support our social adult daycares to help them continue providing services to those who need it most remotely,” said Adams.
Telemedicine services, available with the touch of a button on mobile devices, can assist New Yorkers in understanding whether they are in need of emergency room (ER) services, and they can even perform pre-screenings for COVID-19.
Statement from Lander and Carroll on P.S. 107 Coronavirus Parent
City Council Member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Gowanus) along with Assembly Member Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park) issued a joint statement yesterday on a parent at P.S. 107, 1301 8th Avenue in Park Slope testing positive for the novel coronavirus.
“It is our understanding that a parent at P.S. 107 tested positive for the coronavirus today. We hope for a swift recovery for this parent, and for the rest of their family to stay virus-free. We know that parents, teachers and community members at P.S. 107 are feeling a lot of anxiety at this time, and we share your concerns.
“Given that the sick parent was in the building on Friday, before they were tested for the virus, we believe that P.S. 107 should at least be subject to the 24-hour closure which is currently DOE policy when a student or teacher is confirmed positive. We made that case strongly to senior DOE leadership. Given that they declined our pleas, we stand with you in whatever decision your family feels is right about whether your children attend school tomorrow.
“The DOE has confirmed that attendance during this time period will not affect admissions decisions for your children. We are sympathetic to parents who do not feel comfortable sending their kids and staff who do not feel comfortable coming in. We urge community members to follow guidance from public health officials to the best of your ability. We will continue to call on City Hall and the DOE to rapidly adopt a more proactive policy for school closure to control the spread of COVID-19.”
Ortiz Calls To Pass Single-Payer Health Plan
Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) is calling for the State Legislature to pass the New York Health Act, a single-payer, universal health care plan now as the state and the nation continues bracing for the impact of the novel coronavirus.
“As we did last week in taking quick and bold action by passing my bill that provides $40 million to prepare the state for the growing threats of the coronavirus, we must pass and enact a single-payer health care plan for New Yorkers,” Ortiz said. “Legislation I co-sponsor, the “New York Health Act” will create a single-payer health care plan for every New Yorker.”
The New York Health Act would create a universal compressive health care program that includes dental, vision and long term care and eliminates all co-payments and deductibles.
