Lander, Carroll Launch Program for Small Businesses
City Councilmember Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Gowanus, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) and Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park), announced yesterday are teaming up with local philanthropists to make 0%-interest loans available to Brooklyn small business owners and independent contractors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
The philanthropic partners are the Hebrew Free Loan Society and The Change Reaction. The Greg Perlman and Michael Clark Small Business Angel Fund will offer two types of interest-free loans to Brooklyn businesses: 1) 0% interest loans up to $25,000 for small businesses in the area which are currently operating and need support to get through this time of reduced revenue, and 2) loans of $3,000-$7,500 for independent contractors and small business owners who have been required to close or cease operating due to the state’s PAUSE order.
“One of the heartbreaking parts of this crisis has been walking past the darkened doors of many beloved neighborhood businesses,” said Lander. “In conversations with small business owners in my district, I’ve heard over and over how difficult it is to get and then use the federal relief programs for small businesses. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Greg Perlman and Michael Clark of The Change Reaction, and the partnership of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, we are grateful to be able to offer another source of funds to help fill the gaps in federal and city assistance to help some of our beloved local businesses weather this devastating storm.”
“Covid-19 has not only impacted the health of New Yorkers but greatly impacted our small businesses,” said Carroll. “I speak with a variety of small businesses every day and without fail each business owner reminds me of how important working capital is to re-starting their business. Greg Perlman and Michael Clark of The Change Reaction, and the partnership of the Hebrew Free Loan Society, have answered the call of our small businesses and have generously offered to assist by providing zero-interest small business loans. These loans will be invaluable to businesses that have been shutout of other government programs.”
More details and the application for the Brooklyn loan can be found here: https://council.nyc.gov/brad-lander/small-business-loan-fund/
Wright Gets EMILY’S List Endorsement
Assemblymember Tremaine Wright (D-Bed-Stuy, Northern Crown Heights) announced a new endorsement from EMILY’s List.
“I am honored that EMILY’s List has chosen to back my campaign. As the only woman in this race, I am committed to bettering the lives of the women and families I aim to represent, and to safeguard women’s fundamental rights, including a woman’s right to choose,” said Wright.
Since 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to put women into office who can make significant contributions to education, health care, voting rights, and economic equality, and have systematically defined a strategic approach to winning elections that drive progressive change.
Rose: Little Leagues and More Need Our Help
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (South Brooklyn, Staten Island) introduced the COVID-19 Youth Sports and Working Families Relief Act which would equip working families with the financial tools to bounce back from this economic crisis and help save the organizations which serve as cultural bedrocks of our communities.
“Little league, youth soccer, dance and all our youth sports organizations and activities are so much more than a chance for our kids to play—they serve as foundations to our community,” Rose said. “But unfortunately like every other corner of our society, these organizations and the families that support them have been hit incredibly hard by the coronavirus. They need our help and I’m proud to fight to get them the relief they so desperately need.”
Specifically, Rose’s COVID-19 Youth Sports and Working Families Relief Act (H.R. 6912) would:
- Authorize a relief fund for youth sports providers, programs, and organizations currently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and ensure it includes expenses for youth physical activities, including organized individual and team sports, fitness and exercise, and other recreational activities;
- Ensure that expenses related to youth physical activities are eligible to be paid for with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); and
- Increase the maximum contribution per household for Dependent Care FSAs from $5,000 to $10,000.
Eugene to Give Out Free Masks
Council Members Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, East Flatbush) will continue his advocacy for preventing the spread of COVID-19 with a free mask distribution on Tuesday.
“COVID-19 is a very serious disease that has altered our way of life, and it is up to each of us to do our part to protect the health and wellbeing of the community,” said Eugene. “I have been an advocate for providing health resources that prevent the spread of illness all my life, and by distributing free protective face coverings in this community, we are collectively making an effort to curtail the spread of this horrible virus. I was honored to distribute free face coverings earlier this month, and I am fortunate to be able to do so again. I have seen firsthand the level of gratitude people have when they can obtain a free mask, and I am confident that by collaborating and using our resources, we will be able to overcome COVID-19 and save lives.”
The mask giving is slated to happen at 4 p.m. today, May 19, at the corner of Cortelyou Road and East 17th Street.
Persaud to Host a Virtual Conversation with Local Authors
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, Starrett City), in partnership with Nicole Francois, Kamla Millwood, and Anaya Willabus is hosting, “A Virtual Conversation with Local Authors: Discussing their Paths to Becoming Published Authors,”.
“I am proud to represent many published authors from Senate District 19 in Albany. This virtual conversation will bring three such constituents, area students, and aspiring authors together to have many questions answered regarding publishing and breaking into the literary world,” said Senator Persaud; “I encourage students and writers alike to partake in this Facebook Live event to help answer queries on the publication industry, mastering the art of storytelling, and how to strengthen one’s writing skills,” said Persaud.
The stream is slated to take place from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21. The Virtual conversation will be streamed at www.facebook.com/sd19senatorpersaud and constituents are encouraged to submit questions by clicking HERE or on Senator Persaud’s NYS Senate Site at, persaud.nysenate.gov. Questions will be accepted until 9:00 AM on Thursday (5/21/20)
