Electeds to Host Virtual Town Hall on Small Businesses
Today, Assemblymember Carmen de la Rosa (D-Upper Manhattan), State Senator Robert Jackson (D-Washington Heights, Fort George, Inwood), U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Washington Heights, Sugar Hill) and Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Washington Heights, Inwood) will be hosting a small business town hall briefing on COVID-19.
The town hall will be open to all small business owners who want to learn how they can sustain their businesses during the pandemic. Small Business Services Gregg Bishop will be leading the meeting.
The event will take place today from 5-6 p.m. To RSVP, click here.
Velázquez “Turning the Corner” on Health Situation
U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-LES, Brooklyn, Queens) released a statement yesterday updating the public on her health.
Last Monday, she released an announcement that she was showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Since then, she said, her symptoms have started to recede.
“Today’s the first day since Sunday that I can say with some confidence I think I’m turning the corner,” said Velázquez. “I’ve been resting a lot and, while still very tired, I feel stronger. The last few days have been physically tough. I will also say, as a Member of Congress, you grow accustomed to interacting with people every day and the loneliness of self-isolating, while ill, has been its own challenge. I urge everyone: continue to practice social distancing, stay home and be safe. Believe me, you do not want to contract coronavirus.”
Johnson Urges Department of Labor to Prepare for Increased Unemployment Insurance Demand
Last Wednesday, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) urged the New York Department of Labor (DOL) to create a system capable of handling the increased demand for unemployment insurance during the pandemic.
Since mid-March, the nation has seen record numbers of people filing for unemployment each week; this is largely because of the strain that social distancing has put on American businesses. In a letter addressed to DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon, Johnson stressed the importance of streamlining the process by which New Yorkers can apply for unemployment.
“It is critical that New Yorkers have access to their unemployment benefits,” wrote Johnson. “As we battle the coronavirus pandemic, these benefits are a lifeline to so many New Yorkers and their families, and will help them get through this unprecedented crisis. While we work together to get the economy back on track once again, New Yorkers need to be able to file for their unemployment insurance benefits.”
Read the full letter here.
Maloney, Axne Urge Trump Administration to Suspend Tariffs on Medical Supplies
Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens) and Cindy Axne (D-IA) lead 18 of their colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to suspend all tariffs on medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.
In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Maloney and Axne argue that we’ll need all the help we can get during the crisis.
“While we continue to support American manufacturers and innovation, there simply are not enough medical supplies and PPE domestically to alleviate the burden on our healthcare system,” they wrote. “The tariffs add substantially to costs and delays in obtaining life-saving equipment and supplies to our healthcare providers who are in a life-and-death struggle. We can – and must – do more to enable those on the front lines to do their jobs effectively and without fear that they might become infected or spread the virus themselves.”
Read the full letter here.
