Schumer, Gillibrand Push For Immediate Fed Major Disaster Declaration
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) wrote President Trump yesterday urging him to accept New York State’s request for a major disaster declaration (MDD) due to its growing number of people testing positive for coronavirus.
“This [MDD] will provide New York with access to the full funding of the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has the resources and authority needed to address the COVID-19 outbreak in New York swiftly and effectively,” the lawmakers wrote Trump.
If granted, this MDD should allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide New York with public and individual assistance under the Stafford Act at a 75% federal to 25% state cost-share for eligible expenses and activities.
Specifically, Governor Cuomo has requested Individual Assistance from three programs: Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Temporary Shelter Assistance, and the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, New York has requested Public Assistance for Emergency Protective Measures, Debris Removal, and Direct Federal Assistance.
Importantly, a MDD would also provide New York State with access to the full $42.643 billion available with the DRF, as of February 29, 2020 according to the March 6, 2020 Disaster Relief Fund: Monthly Report – Fiscal Year 2020 Report to Congress.
Addabbo Postpones Upcoming events Due to Coronavirus
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways) is postponing all events on his calendar for the next two weeks as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus).
The Hiring Event in conjunction with the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, currently scheduled for Friday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Peninsula Library, is now canceled and is in the process of being moved to another date.
As of right now, with all Queens Public Library branches closed until further notice, Addabbo’s popular Mobile Office Hours events — which take place at Queens Public Library branches throughout the district — are being postponed.
The free mammogram screening with Assemblyman Brian Barnwell’s office previously scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Maspeth Federal Saving Bank has been moved to Friday, August 21 at the same location.
“We are in an unprecedented situation in the city, state and country right now with the spread of the Coronavirus, so some changes must be made and some of our events need to be moved,” Addabbo said. “It may be inconvenient for some, but we all need to pitch in to prevent the spread of this virus, especially to the most vulnerable members of the public. Please call my office with any questions you may have about the rescheduling of any of our events.”
Addabbo’s district offices will remain open until the governor mandates that they be closed. Until that time, Addabbo suggests calling into one of his district offices with any questions you may have to comply with the state’s social distancing policy. As always, Addabbo’s offices have a 24/7 live operator to take any calls.
Addabbo’s district office in Howard Beach can be reached at 718-738-1111; the Middle Village satellite office can be reached at 718-497-1630; and the Rockaways satellite office can be reached at 718-318-0702.
Cuomo, Legislature Agree to Emergency Coronavirus Measures
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced a three-way agreement with the stat legislature on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel ronavirus, or COVID-19.
The program bill also includes the permanent comprehensive paid sick leave policy first advanced in the Governor’s FY 2021 Executive Budget proposal.
This follows the Governor’s announcement last week that the state will guarantee two full weeks of paid leave for all state workers who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus.
“The single most effective way to contain the spread of this virus is to ensure people who may have come into contact with it do not interact with others. Last week I said we would lead by example by guaranteeing two weeks’ pay for state workers who have been quarantined as a result of covid-19,” said Cuomo.
“The paid sick leave measure we’ve agreed to today expands those protections to all new Yorkers – because no New Yorker should lose their job or income for following a critical public health order. This is an extraordinary time in this nation’s history, and it will go down in the history books as one of those moments of true crisis and confusion. So my message to New Yorkers is this: Be a little bit more sensitive, understand the stress, understand the fear, be a little bit more loving, a little bit more compassionate, a little bit more comforting, a little bit more cooperative. We are going to get through it and we are going to get through it together,” he added.
