Persaud to Host Online “Story Time” with author Kamla Millwood
NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud (D – Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City) in partnership with children’s author Kamla Millwood, will be hosting “Story Time.” Ms. Millwood will be reading from her popular children’s book series, Peach the Duck.
“I am honored to partner with Ms. Millwood to host this online event, now in its sixth week. During these unprecedented times, it is important that children continue a healthy educational routine. This event will help inspire a passion for reading among our youngest constituents while engaging in remote learning,” said Persaud.
To participate with your child, go to www.facebook.com/peachtheduckfanpage/ or Senator Persaud’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sd19senatorpersaud.
Ortiz to Distribute N95 Masks
Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) will join with Frank Yao and the Life Preservation Initiative (LPI) to distribute 2,000 FDA approved N95 masks to members of the NY Fire Department, NYC Sheriff’s Office and The Nursing Home.
“Our first responders are on the front lines helping New Yorkers in this time of pandemic crisis. They must have the tools they need to get their jobs done. I am pleased to have an opportunity to join LPI as a volunteer to provide masks for these brave New Yorkers. I hope people can see their efforts,the risks they face, and support them,” said Ortiz.
The event is slated to take place at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at 4907 4th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
Adams Supports Cuomo’s Order on Renters
BP Eric Adams released a statement fully supporting Governor Cuomo’s new order that allows renters to apply their security deposits towards next month’s rent.
“Rent is the largest monthly expense for many New Yorkers, sometimes swallowing up half of their income or more. Yet even as COVID-19 battered our economy and swelled unemployment rolls, we left renters across our city and state with few options, causing widespread anxiety and frustration.
“In March, I led a coalition of elected officials and tech innovators in calling for a Renters Choice plan that would allow people to apply their security deposits toward their next month’s rent payment. Not only would this provide relief to those facing financial hardship right now — many of whom are Black and Brown New Yorkers — it would also be a multi-billion dollar stimulus package for our city, freeing up frozen cash at a time when we are confronting a bleak fiscal outlook in the months to come.
“Today, I am grateful that Governor Cuomo has finally heard our call to action. Renters now have a source of much-needed temporary relief, and will no longer be on the hook for missed payment fees or late fees either. This is a long-overdue step that will benefit millions of New Yorkers, as is the extension of the State’s existing eviction moratorium for an additional 60 days, but we must go further. Our economy may be shut down partially or completely for several more months, which is why I maintain my call for a 90-day moratorium on rent, mortgage, utility payments, for both commercial and residential properties, to complement these newly-announced measures.”
Bichotte to Hold Meeting about Businesses
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatbush, Ditmas Park) and Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) is hosting a M/WBE & Small Business Informational Conference Call to hear state legislators and experts talk about the state of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in order to provide resources at the federal, state and city level on procurement practices, business inclusion, and business & recovery.
The call is slated for 1 p.m., Monday, May 11, on Facebook Live at Facebook.com/StateSenatorJamesSandersJr/
Myrie to Launch Weekly Food Drive
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) along with Assembly Member Diana C. Richardson (D-Crown Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens) are going to launch a weekly food drive this Friday at 891 Nostrand Avenue (Crown Gardens Community Room) which will continue after from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Other Updates:
- We’ve been calling our neighbors to check on them, offer resources, and remind them to fill out their census. We’ve been blown away by how many folks have stepped up to volunteer and we’ve already called hundreds of neighbors so far but can still use more help. Sign up here and we’ll be in touch with more details.
State Expands Protections for Renters:
- The governor announced further action to provide relief for renters including banning late fees, permitting the use of security deposits to pay rent, and extending the eviction moratorium until Aug. 20. But we know that’s not enough for many of our neighbors, which is why Senator Myrie has co-sponsored legislation that would freeze rent and certain mortgage payments entirely during the crisis.
Cases:
- While many indicators continue to trend downward, we’re still seeing devastating losses from the virus. Over the past day, our state lost another 231 people, bringing the statewide total to 20,828. We know that every single one of these deaths is devastating to families who have lost loved ones. We continue to pray for the families who have suffered most and we continue to stand ready to support you however we can. It remains as crucial as ever to keep practicing social distancing and take precautions to slow the spread of this virus and save as many lives as possible.
Parks:
- Following some concerns about crowding in parks as the weather warmed up this past weekend, the mayor announced that the city would limit entry to some parks to maintain social distancing.
Joint Hearings:
- The leadership of the State Senate and Assembly have announced the date of joint hearings on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and farming: May 13.
