Brooklyn Lawmakers on the Move Aug. 21, 2020

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Persaud Offers Legal Assistance and Resources  

State Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D- Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Old Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, Starrett City) reminds everyone that she has  has partnered with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)-Legal Help Center to provide free civil legal services to New Yorkers in need. 

In the past this service was performed in their Mobile Legal Help Center; however, consultations are now held via telephone appointment to follow COVID-19 social distancing protocols.  Appointments are still available for the August 27th date. Call her District Office at 718-649-7653 to schedule an appointment.

Other Updates:

• This week also marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment and addition to the US Consitution on August 26, 1920, “forever protecting American women’s right to vote.”  However, the fight for women’s suffrage did not end there; it wasn’t until the 1965 Voting Rights Act that all women (and men) had the right to vote.  
• Although it may seem a long way off from November 11th, Veterans Day will be here before we know it. Persaud’s office would like all veterans in SD-19 to please let her office know of your veterans’ status by giving her district office a call at 718-649-7653 or emailing at senatorpersaud@gmail.com.
• Not only does the census determine funding for our schools and affordable housing, but it also impacts funding for hospitals, emergency services, and critical healthcare programs.  The census guides distribution of federal funds based on population.  These are resources that our City and our communities need now more than ever.   Please take a moment to answer the ten-question survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at My2020Census.gov. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.

Myrie Gives COVID & Census Updates 

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie (D-Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, South Slope, Sunset Park) updated the public with important reminders and available resources. 

• Online appointments for constituent services: Our Brooklyn office (1077 Nostrand Avenue) is now open for one-on-one constituent service appointments. Schedule an appointment to get help with housing, legal services, immigration and more. All services are by appointment only– walk-ins are not permitted at this time. To schedule your appointment, click here.
• New COVID-19 testing sites in the district: All New Yorkers are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Free testing, without an appointment, is available at these locations in our district:
  • Sunset Park
    • Mobile testing unit from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the corner of 44th Street and 6th Avenue 
    • from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., every day at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street
  • Crown Heights
    • From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday at St. Marks Episcopal Church Day School, 1346 President Street 
  • East Flatbush
    • From 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday at the NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, 451 Clarkson Avenue
  • Don’t see your neighborhood listed?
    • Click here to browse testing locations across the city. Note that some may require appointments or charge a fee.
• If you missed our Environmental and Climate Justice Teach-In last night in partnership with Uprose and the Brooklyn Movement Center, check it out here.

• Fill out the census in front of our office: Every Thursday in August, from 3-6pm, the Myrie Census Corner event will be happening in front of 1077 Nostrand Avenue. Come by and fill out the Census if you haven’t already, and spread the word!

• NYC Department of Finance Lien Sale Virtual Info Sessions throughout August: The deadline to resolve debt on homes before the city’s lien sale is September 3rd. Find out if your property has a tax lien and sign up for an info session here. Feel free to contact our office with questions or for assistance.

 Rose: We Need More Relief Packages

U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers yesterday in calling on Congressional leadership to return to the negotiating table in order to address the desperate need for additional COVID-19 relief.  

“It’s appalling that Mayor de Blasio is threatening to fire hundreds of EMTs and paramedics—who have gone through hell for this city due to COVID-19. But let’s be clear: the coronavirus budget gaps our state and city are facing will have grave consequences and it’s a direct result of D.C. Republicans trying to bankrupt New York. By failing to provide the state and local aid we need, Mitch McConnell will be responsible for cuts to first responders, schools, cops, healthcare providers, sanitation and transit workers—the frontline heroes who put their lives on the line. It’s past time to get back to the negotiating table and finally pass additional relief. Failure is not an option,” said Rose. 

This follows reports from the New York Post and Politico New York that New York City is planning to lay off nearly 400 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics due to budget shortfalls.

AM Williams Demands Alternatives to Possible EMT Layoffs

Assemblymember Jaime Williams (D-Canarsie, Georgetown, Mill Basin, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach) yesterday slammed Mayor de Blasio for reports he is planning to lay off nearly 400 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics due to budget shortfalls.

Williams noted the lining the lawns and filling the windows of many constituents in her district is an expression of gratitude for devotion and care by front line workers all who helped save thousands of lives including EMTs.  Nealy 6500 calls per day were responded to by EMTs and paramedics during the height of recent Covid-19 outbreak, she said.

“It is an unfortunate reality that New Yorker’s may face a further outbreak, or likely second wave; and the elimination of even a few EMTs and paramedics will equal the possible death of many. This is not the solution but only a furtherance of an already horrible pandemic and public health crisis,” said Williams.

“Alternatives to these potential layoffs must be explored and I will make sure that my colleagues on both sides help seek possible solutions, but I do know sacrificing people for dollars is not the route to explore,” she added.

Carroll Reads Stories to Young Constituents

Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, Ditmas Park)  will share the joy of books with Brooklyn Public Library’s youngest patrons today. 

“I have wonderful memories of going to the Brooklyn Public Library as a child,” said Carroll. “By participating in storytime, I hope that I can help create memories for Brooklyn’s next generation. The Brooklyn Public Library is a vital resource for our entire community and I am proud to support its efforts.”  

 The event is slated to take place at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 20 at the Cortelyou Library Facebook Page.