Rose Calls for Local Social Security Offices
U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) is calling on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to open Social Security Hearing Offices on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn.
Brooklyn and Staten Island are the only two boroughs in New York City without a Hearing Office, forcing those who are sick or injured to travel long distances to the offices in Queens, the Bronx or Manhattan to have their case heard.
“We’ve made real progress in reducing the Social Security backlog, but it’s still outrageous that after waiting months for a hearing, my constituents also have to drive hours out of their way just to have their cases heard,” Rose said. “Bringing Hearing Offices to Staten Island and Brooklyn is a win-win. Not only is it good for my constituents, it’ll also help the Social Security Administration save money that would be better spent improving its systems and continuing to drive down the backlog.”
Currently, Staten Island and South Brooklyn residents who are looking to appeal their claims are assigned to hearing offices in Queens, the Bronx, or one of two offices in Manhattan. In a letter to the SSA Administrator, Rose points out that Staten Island and Brooklyn offer plenty of opportunities to find lower-priced leases than its current Manhattan locations, with one office at the intersection of the Lower West Village and SoHo and another between the Financial District and Tribeca. He argues that these cost savings could be redirected towards hiring more staff and upgrading systems to assist in reducing the backlog further.
Gounardes, Malliotakis Bankruptcy of Century 21
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Gerritsen Beach, Manhattan Beach, Marine Park) and Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis (Bay Ridge, Staten Island) both released the following statements on the retail story, Century 21 filing for bankruptcy.
“Yet another business that has been vital to our community and has supplied many New Yorkers with jobs will shut down. The reason, according to the co- CEO Raymond Gindi, was the failure of their insurance company to honor Century 21’s business interruption insurance.
“If a pandemic does not constitute a legitimate business interruption, what does? It’s time for insurance companies to stop turning their backs on our businesses in their moment of need. It’s time to hold insurance companies accountable for their actions. It’s time to pass my bill, S8211, with Assemblymember Robert Carroll, to mandate that insurance companies pay the legitimate claims they owe to businesses,” said Gounardes
“Today’s announcement that retailer Century 21 is filing for bankruptcy and closing all its stores, including its original store on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, is bad news for its employees and our city. Mayor de Blasio has once again dropped the ball. He’s spent months placating far left demonstrators, fighting with Albany and Washington and letting our city descend into an era of gun violence and street crime instead of reopening New York City and fighting for its businesses and their employees. Whether it’s a major retailer like Century 21 or your neighborhood restaurant, the story is the same; Bill de Blasio’s policies helped put them out of business,” said Malliotakis.
Persaud Updates- 9/11 & More
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) gives a brief update on upcoming and current events in her weekly newsletter.
“This Friday marks the 19th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Let us all take time to reflect and memorialize the lives lost on this tragic day in our history. We will never forget. If possible, I encourage you to participate in a service event such as the clean up of Rockaway Parkway around the area of the L Train station,” she wrote.
Schools:
- Schools across New York City will open next week. I am urging students, parents, and educators to remain patient with the new remote/in-person teaching models at our area schools. This school year will be untraditional, but the City agencies, Department of Education, and UFT are all taking the necessary precautions to ensure and promote a learning environment focusing on the wellbeing of all families during these difficult times.
Restaurants:
- On September 30, NYC restaurants will be allowed to move forward with indoor dining. Several criteria must be met for this development to be a success and ensure the health and safety of patrons. Please review the dedicated section in this e-newsletter.
Census:
- Less than 20 days are remaining for you to complete the 2020 Census online or by telephone. Have you and your family filed your Census forms? If yes, thank you. By completing your Census information, you are helping your community to receive its fair share of federal funding. I urge you to take ten minutes or less out of your day and complete the ten questions for ten years of resources. Please take a moment to answer the survey today by phone at (844) 330-2020 or online at my2020census.gov. There are No immigration questions asked. It’s fast, easy, and completely confidential.
Elections:
- Election Day less than two months away and this has become the most critical election cycle in our lifetime. Please review the Election section in this e-newsletter to see important registration dates if you are not already registered to vote and how to apply for an absentee ballot if you plan on submitting your ballot by mail. You will also have an opportunity to vote in person during early voting or on election day, November 3, 2020.
