Queens Gazette

I On Politics


 

ELECTEDS RECOGNIZE BLACK HISTORY MONTH:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams: “This Black History Month we honor those who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods to pave a path for all to walk on. As we reflect on those before us, we must be sure to honor those among us. Black history is American history, and it’s made every day. In New York City we are making history every day – recently celebrating our first Black speaker of the City Council and the first Black district attorney in Manhattan.

“As we look at Black history through the lens of Black Health and Wellness, we must recognize the disproportionate number of maternal deaths among Black women and a lack of African American access to health care. That’s why city agencies are working to address maternal and infant health disparities by funding community-based programs, like doulas, and ensuring a safe and respectful birthing process. Racial inequities are driven by historical injustices against Black women and other women of color, exposing them to residential segregation, poor housing, intimate partner violence, and limited access to healthy food and exercise. We will continue to fight for an equitable health care system that is understanding and accessible.

“Black history is the collective effort of those willing to make a difference. It’s the mothers and fathers that sacrificed, the preachers that marched, and the young people that exercised their right to vote. We owe our progress to those who had the courage to blaze a trail and create change. Everyone can do the same as long as they continue to push forward.”

Governor Kathy Hochul: “Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time for all New Yorkers to reflect on the many contributions of the Black community and the ongoing struggle for equity. As we recognize and celebrate the vital role New York has played in Black history, from the Harlem Renaissance to the Niagara Movement, we must also recommit ourselves to the fight for racial justice – both in New York and across the nation.

“The theme of this year’s national observance, Black Health and Wellness, demands we face the fact that the racism and discrimination faced by Black Americans is especially pronounced when it comes to issues of public health. As New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to vigorously pursue a course of action that will reduce or eliminate health disparities adversely affecting Black New Yorkers, so that everyone – regardless of racial or ethnic background – has access to the services they need to be healthy.

“As we work to expand our State’s promise, it is essential that we take the time to honor the legacies and achievements of the generations of Black New Yorkers like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth who have done the hard work that we must continue to pursue – toward a more just and equitable future for all.”

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr: “We observe the start of Black History Month to celebrate the many contributions that the African-American community has made to our country’s history, as well as remember their struggle. So let us all use this month to learn more about Black History and continue to support our African-American friends, family and neighbors.”

OFF-DUTY OFFICER SHOT IN ROCKAWAY: Elected officials released statements after an off-duty NYPD officer was shot in Rockaway in an apparent attempted carjacking:

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr: “As New York was preparing to lay to rest Police Officer Wilbert Mora — who was shot and killed last month — another cop was shot in Rockaway. Luckily, the off-duty officer survived this horrific ordeal, and the suspects were apprehended by the brave cops of the 100th Precinct. We need to do a better job as a city, state, and nation on keeping guns out of the hands of criminals because we cannot continue to hear stories of our police officers and citizens being shot. I will work with my colleagues in government on all levels to help stop this gun violence.”

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato: “Outrage only starts to describe the emotion the entire Rockaway Peninsula is feeling with the shooting of a police officer in our community. This police officer was on his way to work to protect and serve our city and was shot in an attempted carjacking.

Violence and lawlessness are plaguing our city and state and this is not acceptable. One of my top priorities is to get guns off the streets and I will be working with the Mayor, the Police Commissioner and the Queens District Attorney in any effort needed to accomplish this task.

I am hopeful for the police officer’s full recovery and, as always, have the greatest level of appreciation for those who responded to this crisis.”

BIDEN, ADAMS DELIVER RESOURCES TO TACKLE GUN VIOLENCE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams was joined on Feb. 3 by President Joseph Biden to announce a series of new initiatives and a major commitment of federal resources dedicated to tackling the gun violence crisis plaguing New York City and other communities across the country. President Biden committed that the federal government would focus law enforcement resources on cutting off gun trafficking and the “Iron Pipeline,” while scaling up innovative models pioneered in New York City to get guns off the street and stop violent crime.

“I came to the president with a bold agenda, and together we are delivering the safety New Yorkers and Americans need and deserve,” said Mayor Adams. “It’s true in New York, and it’s true across the country: There is no prosperity without public safety. We must and we will break the iron pipeline, get guns off the street, and lift our communities up. Thanks to President Biden, the cavalry has arrived, and we will tackle the gun violence epidemic head on to build a safer, stronger city.”

“Mayor Adams, you say that gun violence is a sea fed by many rivers,” President Biden said at the meeting. “Well, I put forward a plan to dam up some of those streams. You can count on me to be a partner in that effort…Mayor Adams, you and I agree: The answer is not to abandon our streets — that’s not the answer. The answer is to come together, police and communities, building trust and making us all safer.”

“Today, in addition to visiting NYPD headquarters and pledging support to the men and women of law enforcement, the president committed to substantive action,” said New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “From creating a gun trafficking strike force here in New York City, to launching a National Ghost Gun Enforcement Initiative, to cracking down on the “Iron Pipeline,” these efforts are essential to our intelligence-driven approach to eradicating gun violence on New York City streets. There is a need for all of us — law enforcement, elected officials, community leaders, clergy, and the public — to join together to rebalance justice with fairness. The time for action is now to ensure a safe city for our children, neighbors, and brave police officers.”

The White House and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a set of important new actions to stem the flow of firearms used to commit violence and support local law enforcement partners’ efforts to combat gun violence. DOJ will:

  • Direct U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide to increase resources dedicated to local violent crime strategies. President Biden highlighted New York City’s Gun Violence Strategic Partnership, which he visited with Mayor Adams, as a model of the strategies DOJ will help expand nationwide;
  • Crack down on the “Iron Pipeline” — the illegal flow of guns sold in the south, transported up the East Coast, and found at crime scenes in New York City and elsewhere — and other firearms trafficking by adding personnel and other resources to multi-jurisdictional task forces targeting interstate firearms trafficking;
  • Launch a National Ghost Gun Enforcement Initiative to train prosecutors and disseminate investigation and prosecution tools to help bring cases against those who use ghost guns to commit crimes; and
  • Pursue unlawful gun sellers that put firearms in the wrong hands by taking steps such as prioritizing federal prosecutions of those who criminally sell or transfer firearms used in violent crimes, including unlicensed dealers who sell guns to criminals without the required background checks.

President Biden also highlighted New York City as a national model for tackling gun violence and called on Congress to approve an additional $500 million nationwide in resources for community intervention, government partnerships, and assistance to local law enforcement.

MALONEY JOINS BIDEN TO DISCUSS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) on Feb. 3 joined President Joe Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, P.S. 111 Principal Dionne Jaggon, and other elected officials for the President’s visit to P.S. 111, the Jacob Blackwell School, to discuss gun violence prevention and community violence intervention initiatives and programs.

“I want to thank President Biden for coming to New York City today to announce more actions to treat the gun violence epidemic as the public health crisis it is. In the first month of this year alone, we have lost more than 3,000 American lives to gun violence — we must honor all the victims with action. I am hopeful that with the President’s support, we can break the NRA’s stranglehold on Congress and finally pass meaningful, life-saving legislation.

“I am especially encouraged by President Biden’s focus on stopping the interstate flow of guns through the ‘Iron Pipeline’ and will continue to push my legislation to make gun trafficking and straw purchases a federal offense. For too long, the ‘Iron Pipeline’ has enabled people to skirt New York’s strong gun laws. In New York City alone, as many as 74% of the firearms used in crimes were trafficked from other states with weak gun laws.”

Last February, Congresswoman Maloney introduced her comprehensive package of gun safety legislation, including the following bills:

  • H.R. 1007, Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act;
  • H.R. 825, Gun Violence Prevention Research Act;
  • H.R. 1004, Firearm Risk Protection Act;
  • H.R. 1005, NICS Review Act;
  • H.R. 1006, Gun Show Loophole Closing Act; and
  • H.R. 1008, Handgun Trigger Safety Act

RICHARDS ON BIDEN’S VISIT TO QUEENS: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated the following in response to President Biden’s visit to Queens on February 3, and the Biden Administration’s efforts to combat gun violence and support community intervention programs.

“Less than 24 hours ago, Queens came together for a powerful vigil honoring Detectives Jason Rivera and Wilbert Mora — two young men of color who dedicated their lives to inclusive, community-first policing. Queens knows our response to their murders and the continued spate of gun violence across our city must mirror the inclusivity these two heroes practiced every single time they put on their uniform,” said Borough President Richards. “As he demonstrated today in his visit to The World’s Borough, President Biden wholly believes in striking that necessary balance between firmly cracking down on those who traffic often untraceable guns into our city via the Iron Pipeline and addressing the root causes of violence in our city, while empowering our networks of community violence interrupters who save lives every day. I am deeply grateful to the President for not only his presence here in Queens today, but his pledge of close partnership.

“It is abundantly clear that much more work needs to be done on every level of government, from passing common-sense gun violence prevention measures in Congress to dramatically increasing funding for our cure violence movement here at home,” continued Borough President RICHARDS. “Lives are on the line. Lives continue to be lost. The White House understands this scourge requires holistic and urgent action, and I am ready to work with all our partners, from President Biden on down, to keep Queens families safe.”

SCHUMER: $1.5B NEEDED FOR ATF TO DISRUPT IRON PIPELINE: Days after the New York State Police, NYPD, and more than 50 multi-state representatives met as part of the new Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said that much of the plans to beat back illegal guns and traffickers in New York City, Long Island and beyond depends on the federal government’s, specifically the ATF’s, ability to lend critical resources and support along the way—which all depends on dollars.

“The new task force on illegal guns will be critical for data-sharing, crime gun tracing, and intel gathering,” said Senator Schumer. “At the same time, these plans to beat back illegal guns and traffickers must be fueled by federal funding, specifically at the ATF, which is also represented on the new force. That is why I am pushing for $1.5 billion dollars in federal funds for the agency, so they can help with this work and do much more at the national level.”

“The ATF will need these resources and these dollars to take on trafficking, disrupt the iron pipeline, and focus in on New York, Long Island and beyond. As budget negotiations continue, this priority will remain on the front burner—we know what the scourge of gun violence does to a community, and it is even more tragic when so many, the vast majority, of these crime guns come from outside of New York,” Schumer added.

“Bottom line, the ‘ABCs’ of beating back the scourge of gun violence depends on three federal letters: A, T and F,” Schumer said.

Early last week, the state held its first meeting of the Task Force on Illegal Guns. According to the state, “the multi-state consortium convened to share intelligence, tools, tactics, and strategies to combat gun violence, especially as it relates to the trafficking of firearms between states. Among other things, the State Police discussed the latest tools and technologies available as well as analysis of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other data sources in furtherance of this endeavor.” New York said that “easily obtainable firearms fuel much of New York’s recent surge in gun violence and a rise in ghost guns, with most of these weapons trafficked into and throughout the state from other areas of the country.”

Schumer added that the Department of Justice has a special strike force of its own that aims to crack down on export states and bad actors responsible for New York’s crime guns, and this force, too, will require critical ATF dollars if it is to remain in place and functional. Schumer explained what will happen this week in the Senate as it relates to his push as he detailed why this matters to New York, Long Island and so much of the metro area.

According to the DOJ, their own strike force will “…share information and otherwise collaborate across districts where firearms trafficking schemes cross state or jurisdictional boundaries to focus enforcement against entire trafficking networks, from the places where guns are unlawfully obtained to the areas where they are used to commit violent crimes.”

GETTING TOUGH ON GUN TRAFFICKING FEDERALLY: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) stood in New York City to call for the passage of the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act. They were joined by Everytown for Gun Safety Senior Counsel Samuel Levy and Jennifer Pryear, mother of Nyasia Pryear-Yard. Nyasia tragically lost her life at 17 years old when she was shot by a perpetrator using an illegally trafficked gun in Brooklyn. This bill would address the illegal transfer of guns across state lines by establishing gun trafficking as a federal crime. It also sets strict penalties for those directly involved in the illegal movement of guns across state lines, those who organize the gun trafficking rings, and those who facilitate trafficking through the sale or delivery of firearms.

“I want to thank Jennifer Pryear for standing here with us today and for her relentless courage in this fight. When Jennifer and I met in 2009 she told me about Nyasia, her young, brilliant daughter who tragically lost her life to gun violence,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Nyasia should be here with us today, and Congress has a duty to prevent more senseless tragedies. It’s time to make gun trafficking a federal crime to stop the flow of illegal guns in our state and to save innocent lives.”

“For years, law enforcement has been asking Congress to make gun trafficking a federal offense and to impose harsher penalties on straw purchasers who buy guns for those who are not allowed to buy guns on their own,” said Representative Carolyn Maloney. “Similarly, communities that have been shattered by the gun violence epidemic have called on Congress to put an end to gun trafficking that fuels deadly operations like the Iron Pipeline that pump weapons of death into our cities. The Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act answers those calls, and treats gun trafficking and straw purchases as the dangerous crimes they are in order to prevent more senseless gun violence.”

“Increases in gun violence and other violent crimes are being felt across the nation, but in New York we are leading the way to address the problem head on,” Governor Hochul said. “Illegal guns are finding their way across state boarders and taking the lives of innocent New Yorkers and we must put an end to it. I commend Senator Gillibrand for her proactive efforts to get to the root of this gun violence epidemic and I pledge to provide any support I can in our fight toward meaningful change.”

“My daughter, Nyasia, was an honor student with a bright future ahead of her when she lost her life to senseless gun violence. We need to do so much more to prevent gun violence and make sure what happened to Nyasia will never again happen in New York. This bill would help stop illegal guns from entering our communities in the first place. Senator Gillibrand and Representative Maloney have been fighting for this bill for more than a decade and it’s time for Congress to act,” said Jennifer Pryear, mother to Nyasia Pryear-Yard.

John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety said, “Senator Gillibrand is leading the effort to dismantle the deadly Iron Pipeline that carries trafficked guns into New York, and the Senate should get on board and pass this bill without delay.”

“States with strong gun laws are continuing to be undermined and flooded by illegal guns from states with weak gun laws,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “That’s why our grassroots army of volunteers is proud to stand in strong support of Senator Gillibrand’s legislation to crack down on gun trafficking.”

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are more than 350,000 gun crimes committed resulting in more than 19,000 homicides each year. Despite the illegal movement of guns across state lines, there is currently no federal law to define gun trafficking as a crime. A lack of federal law results in law enforcement and prosecutors having to rely on a patchwork of state regulations to crack down on criminal networks that make prosecutions difficult and convictions nearly impossible. The introduction of the legislation comes as shooting incidents have spiked by 24 percent in New York City this year to date, driven in part by the proliferation of illegal handguns.

The Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act would make trafficking in firearms a federal crime and establish penalties for those who knowingly ship, transport or transfer firearms across state lines to an individual not legally allowed to possess a gun. This bill would also go after individuals who act as organizers of gun trafficking operations and those who sell or deal trafficked firearms.

Specifically, the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Gun Trafficking and Crime Prevention Act would:

Amend the Federal Criminal Code to make trafficking in firearms a federal crime:

  • Makes it unlawful to ship, transport or transfer across state lines 2 or more firearms if the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the recipient would use them illegally.
  • Makes it unlawful to receive 2 or more firearms across state lines if the recipient knows or has reasonable cause to believe that receipt is illegal.
  • Individuals who engage in gun trafficking can face up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Stricter penalties for those who organize gun trafficking rings: Organizers of trafficking rings – those who coordinate with 5 or more individuals – who plan or recruit or direct someone to engage in trafficking of guns can face up to 25 years in prison or 35 years for machine guns or if the gun has a firearm silencer or muffler.

Makes facilitation of trafficking through sale or delivery of firearms subject to criminal and civil penalties: Licensed manufacturers, importers, collectors, or dealers who knowingly facilitate gun trafficking are subject to 10 years in prison and a fine of $20,000 per trafficked gun sold; those who recklessly disregard that a person is acquiring 2 or more guns in violation of, or with intent to, engage in gun trafficking are subject to civil penalties between $5,000 and $10,000 per gun; and those who violate the law could have their license suspended.

TACKLING FOSSIL FUEL POWER PLANT POLLUTION: On February 1, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, introduced the Justice in Power Plant Permitting Act, legislation to curb deadly air pollution from fossil fuel-fired sources and advance an equitable transition to clean energy alternatives while supporting workers and local communities.

“From increased rates of asthma to higher death rates of COVID-19, New Yorkers know firsthand the health effects of living next door to some of the dirtiest power plants. The cruel reality is that​ nationwide, communities of color are disproportionately burdened by pollution from these toxic plants,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “The Justice in Power Plant Permitting Act will address these environmental injustices by enforcing permitting requirements that prioritize the health and well-being of frontline communities and providing the necessary funding to support clean energy alternatives and the transition of workers into good-paying, clean energy jobs. It’s time to put people’s health and well-being first, and that is exactly what my bill will do.”

The Justice in Power Plant Permitting Act expands on Chairwoman Maloney’s work in advancing environmental justice by:

  • Creating a new Clean Air Act permitting and oversight requirement that state permitting authorities would need to follow when considering major sources of air pollution, as well as smaller sources within a mile of a large emitter.
  • Requires any application for a new or renewed permit to have a cumulative impacts analysis that takes into account the combined effect of all sources of air pollution in an area. A cumulative impacts review would provide a more accurate snapshot of a polluter’s impact on public health. If the analysis fails to demonstrate that the source would result in no harm to the health of local communities, the state permitting authority must deny the permit.
  • Establishing a $10 billion Just Energy Transition Fund to replace existing or planned fossil-fuel power plants through clean energy projects that support workers and environmental justice communities.
  • Establishing a Just Energy Transition Fund Advisory Council that would include representatives from community-based environmental justice, labor, and environmental organizations to ensure the Fund advances progress toward a clean economy while also maximizing benefits for the communities hit hardest by pollution.

Ensuring the federal government is a partner in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous air pollutants by transitioning it to 100% renewable, air pollution-free.

OVERSIGHT PASSES ACT TO BOLSTER FED’L CYBERSECURITY: On February 2, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement after the Committee voted favorably to approve the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022, as well as several other bills to improve federal government operations and hiring practices:

“Cyberattacks are now a tool of choice for America’s geopolitical adversaries like Russia and China. After an onslaught of high-profile cyberattacks that threatened and compromised the networks of our federal agencies, it’s imperative that we reform our federal cybersecurity practices with the most advanced protections possible,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “Today, I am proud to report that the Committee approved the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022 to improve the cyber resilience and security of our federal agencies. Cybersecurity is not only a bipartisan issue, it’s an urgent matter of national security, and I will work to get this bill to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”

Bolstering Federal Government Cybersecurity

Introduced by Chairwoman Maloney and Ranking Member James Comer, the bipartisan Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2022 modernizes and strengthens the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), which has not been updated since 2014. Specifically, FISMA 2022 would:

  • Clarify and streamline the roles of the National Cyber Director, the Office of Management and Budget, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Chief Information Security Officer, and other federal entities to better coordinate efforts to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cyber incidents.
  • Improve detection and reporting of cyberattacks through continuous monitoring of federal systems, new supply chain transparency requirements, and requiring federal agencies to report major incidents affecting their data and information systems within 72 hours.
  • Promote cybersecurity modernization and next-generation security principles to meet the challenges of evolving cyber threats.

The Committee also approved the Supply Chain Security Training Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Joe Neguse and Rep. Scott Franklin. Following the SolarWinds cyberattack, the bill requires the General Services Administration to establish a training program to better identify and mitigate supply chain security risks in the products and services the federal government acquires.

Improving Federal Government Operations and Hiring Practices 

The Committee approved the Fair Chance Improvement Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Nancy Mace. The bill makes a technical change to the Fair Chance Act, passed by Congress in 2019, which prohibits the federal government and federal contractors from asking a potential employee about their criminal history before an offer of employment is made. The Fair Chance Improvement Act transfers enforcement authority for federal contractors to the Department of Labor, which is currently the lead agency that oversees federal contractor compliance and better equipped to carry out this authority.

The Committee also approved the GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2022, introduced by Rep. Shontel Brown and cosponsored by Rep. Fred Keller. The bill would modify existing legislative mandates for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to perform financial statement audits or reviews of several agencies. By eliminating these reports GAO will be able to redirect their limited resources to higher priorities.

Ensuring the Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard Lives and Works in Washington, D.C. 

In addition, the Committee approved the District of Columbia National Guard Commanding General Residency Act, introduced by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. The bill would require the Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard to reside in the District of Columbia.

The Committee also passed several postal naming measures for United States Postal Service facilities across the country.

TEST & TRACE CORPS LAUNCHES EXPOSURE GUIDANCE TOOL: The NYC Test & Trace Corps announced that the Trace program texted over 700,000 cases and close contacts in response to the Omicron surge and launched an Exposure Guidance Tool to quickly connect those exposed with critical healthcare and quarantine resources.

“Omicron provided the impetus to innovate—we now text cases so that they can rapidly isolate as soon as we get their positive result, and text close contacts to let them know that they were exposed as soon as we identify them,” said Dr. Ted Long, Executive Director of the NYC Test & Trace Corps and Senior Vice President for Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals. “The launch of our Exposure Guidance Tool will help New Yorkers exposed to COVID-19 to more easily navigate quarantine guidance and provide resources tailored to their specific needs. As we enter a new phase of this pandemic, these innovations will empower New Yorkers to steer themselves towards the information and resources they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The Trace program began texting close contacts of COVID-19 in mid-December to ensure the largest number of people could be notified of their status and access services during the Omicron surge, which caused a 960% increase in new cases between November and December 2021. Soon after, Trace expanded text outreach to cases to ensure that they were linked to healthcare and isolation resources as quickly as possible.

Text messages, which now account for over 35% of case and all contact notifications, enabled the Trace program to keep up with demand during the Omicron surge and reach more cases and contacts than any other period of the pandemic. Within the first week sending text messages, Trace notified over 200,000 cases and, in late December, Trace notified more than 120,000 close contacts.

Since text outreach to cases and close contacts began, Trace has sent 725,000 texts, over 90% of which were successfully delivered. Of those texts attempted, 430,000 were sent to cases and 295,000 were sent to close contacts.

The launch of the Exposure Guidance Tool will provide a mechanism for New Yorkers to navigate complex quarantine guidance based on their date of exposure, symptoms and vaccination status. After answering three or four questions, close contacts will be directed to the Test & Trace Corps COVID-19 Resources page to be connected to the support they need. Those resources include testing, a free hotel room or meal delivery to separate safely, COVID-related employment leave and quarantine letters for employers, vaccination and boosters, medical care and treatment, mental health services, and legal assistance.

If you need immediate assistance, please call the NYC Test & Trace Corps COVID Hotline at 212-COVID19.

PUSH FOR A HEALTH FORCE IN EVERY COMMUNITY: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for $55 billion to be included in President Biden’s budget request to establish and replicate a Health Force in every community. In early 2021, Senator Gillibrand introduced the Health Force, Resilience Force, and Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act, a public health jobs program to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully negotiated its inclusion in the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan included $3 billion for a new public health workforce based on Gillibrand’s Health Force legislation to expand the nation’s public health jobs and infrastructure and aid the country’s vaccine distribution campaign. Senator Gillibrand is now encouraging local governments across New York State to form similar health corps that would benefit from this federal funding and strengthen community health by empowering a knowledgeable workforce that has the trust of local residents, as workers are often from the same neighborhood they serve.

“Over the past two years, our health care system and our health care providers have been under historic levels of stress and are in desperate need of reinforcement. That’s why I fought hard to pass measures from my Health Force, Resilience Force, and Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act in the American Rescue Plan to meet these rising demands and keep our fellow New Yorkers safe and healthy,” said Senator Gillibrand. ”This past week, I visited with some of the more than 500 Health Force workers that make up the inaugural New York City Public Health Corps who are making a difference in equitable and sustainable care in their own communities. Now, we need to ensure every American has the same access to this quality care, which is why I’m calling on President Biden to include $55 billion in his budget request to create a Health Force in every community across the nation.”

Gillibrand continues to champion the implementation of Health Force: her landmark, multibillion-dollar public health legislation passed in the American Rescue Plan. Gillibrand successfully secured nearly $8 billion for a public health workforce investment to create a robust public health workforce to aid vaccine distribution and mobilize community leaders to improve health outcomes in their communities. Over the last decade, the nation’s public health workforce lost nearly 40,000 jobs, while state and local budgets were slashed by 16% and 18%, respectively. It is imperative that vulnerable communities and health leaders impacted by this strain have the resources and capability to distribute vaccines equitably and efficiently, and trusted messengers with whom they can talk through their concerns. Last year, Gillibrand sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pushing to ensure implementation of her ARP-passed provisions behind Health Force in Section 2501, aligned with its original intent, including the implementation of labor standards and wages no less than $15 an hour plus benefits, and targeted hiring in underserved communities.

Last week, Gillibrand visited members of the inaugural NYC Public Health Corps (PHC), New York City’s new local Health Force, to see this request come to fruition. Members of the NYC Public Health Corps carry out initiatives that target a broad spectrum of public health needs—from helping people get vaccinated to counseling residents about diabetes and depression. The NYC PHC received $35 million to help establish the inaugural Health Force based on Gillibrand’s efforts during passage of the American Rescue Plan.

$70 M IN FED’L FUNDING FOR CHILDCARE DESERTS: Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $70 million in grant funding will be available to newly licensed, registered or permitted childcare programs in areas of the state without sufficient child care slots, known as child care deserts. The funds, which are part of the $100 million childcare desert initiative approved in the 2021 Enacted Budget, are being made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and will be administered by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The grants will help new childcare providers in underserved areas build their program, cover start-up and personnel costs, recruit, train, and retain staff, and support staff in accessing COVID-19 vaccines. Grant applications will open in mid-April and run through May 19, 2022—with award announcements slated for June.

“Child care is one of the most critical engines to build back New York stronger from the pandemic, and it will provide countless opportunities for working parents,” Governor Hochul said. “These federal funds will go a long way towards ensuring that no New Yorkers will be without child care. New York will always remain committed to eradicating the problems of child care deserts and will work tirelessly to ensure all parents have access to this vital lifeline.”

For this funding opportunity, childcare deserts are defined as census tracts where there are three or more children younger than five for each available child care slot, or there are no available child care slots in the tract. Based on this criteria, more than 60% of New York State is considered a child care desert. All census tracts in New York State have been mapped depending on the number of available slots, and potential childcare providers can review the childcare desert map to discern appropriate locales. Additional details on eligibility and requirements of the grant can be found in the RFA.

Chair of the Children and Families Committee Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said, “Access to child care must not depend upon someone’s zip code. This money will be used to bring child care to parts of the state that have been starved for services. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Poole for their diligent work to get this funding into the hands of those who need it and address childcare deserts across our state, implementing one of last year’s budget victories. I look forward to working with them, leadership, and my colleagues to secure even more successes for children and families in this year’s budget,”

All applicants must complete the OCFS online orientation before applying for the grant. Please visit the OCFS website for more information. Programs applying to become a NYC DOHMH Article 47 day care center must attend a pre-permit orientation before applying for a new permit.

Applicants needing assistance with starting childcare programs can contact their county’s OCFS Regional Office or their local childcare resource and referral agency (CCR&R), which can help with the licensing process.

MAYOR ADAMS ON CITY’S MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN: New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued the following statement on the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan:

“City retirees have earned their benefits, and, as mayor, I’m committed to delivering for them. The NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan unveiled last year — the product of many months of negotiations between the city and the Municipal Labor Committee, representing more than 100 unions — will continue to offer premium-free health coverage to retirees, along with new and enhanced benefits. That is why after a careful and thorough review by my administration, I am announcing my support for this plan. I believe the new program will be in the best interest of retirees and the city’s taxpayers, who stand to save $600 million annually.

“As a blue-collar mayor and someone who himself will collect municipal retiree benefits, I am sympathetic to those who have voiced concerns about how this plan will affect their coverage. Our administration will continue to work to assuage these concerns before and after the plan is implemented. To all retirees: We assure you that the city has had, and will continue to have, your best interests at heart.”

MALONEY VOTES TO PASS AMERICA COMPETES ACT: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act of 2022.

“I am delighted to be a co-sponsor of and vote for the America COMPETES Act, a bold legislative package which will make necessary new investments in research, innovation, and American manufacturing. This package will accelerate the production of critical semiconductor chips in the United States, strengthen the supply chain by making more goods at home, turbocharge our research capacity to lead the technologies of the future, and advance our global competitiveness, all while supporting strong labor standards and human rights.

“I’m especially proud that this package includes my Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act, which encourages the recruitment and retention of women and minority students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Women and minorities are under-represented in STEM jobs and in the educational pipelines necessary to gain the skills and training needed to enter these growing career fields. As we continue to recover from the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, investing in our skilled workforce, especially in STEM fields, is more important than ever.

“The America COMPETES Act also includes H.R. 4469, a bill I co-led to ensure the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board has the authority and resources it needs to protect civil liberties through oversight of artificial intelligence use by executive branch agencies.

“Now is the time to boldly and strategically invest in our nation’s future – to promote America’s economic strength, national security, and leadership in the world. This transformative legislation will ensure that America can out-compete any nation, for decades to come.”

Maloney noted that the America COMPETES Act includes “bold, smart, and strategic investments to power the success of America’s workers, businesses, and economy” based on bipartisan bills including:

  • Supercharging investments in semiconductor chips: with $52 billion to support U.S. production of semiconductors — a key component in consumer electronics, cars, defense systems, and other key products — address supply chain disruptions that push up costs for families, bring back chips production to America and ensure that the U.S. leads the way on semiconductor fabrication.
  • Strengthening supply chains and manufacturing at home: with $45 billion to support the manufacture and acquisition of critical goods or industrial equipment that are essential for national security and economic vitality – including public health and biological preparedness, information and communications technology, the energy and transportation sector’s industrial base, and agricultural commodities and food product supply chains. COMPETES reduces our reliance on critical goods from countries of concern and encourages the relocation of manufacturing facilities out of these countries.
  • Advancing American scientific research and innovation excellence: ensure that we lead the technologies of the future with a suite of bipartisan science, research and technology bills to turbocharge American innovation, focused squarely on producing solutions and results. COMPETES also maximizes the American talent pool by strengthening and diversifying our nation’s STEM workforce.
  • Promoting U.S. global leadership: positioning the interests and values of the United States, not China, to win on the world stage, including with strong action to hold the PRC accountable for its trade abuses, which hurt U.S. workers, and for its human rights violations, including the genocide against the Uyghurs.

HOCHUL ON PASSAGE OF AMERICA COMPETES ACT: Governor Kathy Hochul on the passage of the America COMPETES Act: “I applaud the House of Representatives for passing the America COMPETES Act, which includes the $52 billion CHIPS Act to grow the domestic microchip industry and help the U.S. regain its economic edge while addressing supply chain issues and the global chip shortage. New York has been investing in growing this industry for years, and we’re ready to meet this moment and continue creating jobs in this sector. I recently met with Senator Schumer, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves and industry leaders in Albany to urge the House to act and to proudly show off the Albany Nanotech Complex as the best location for the new National Semiconductor Technology Center. I join President Biden in urging the House and Senate to swiftly reach a final agreement on this critical legislation so it can be signed into law and help New York as we continue to drive the nation’s innovation economy forward.”

SCHUMER: LEGALIZE MARIJUANA NOW ACROSS THE NATION: US Senator Charles Schumer, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, and Rep. Nydia Velázquez show how New Yorkers are still impacted by federal prohibition and call for swift passage of comprehensive reform that addresses damage done by War On Drugs.

Senator Schumer, Members of the New York Congressional Delegation, Kassandra Frederique, Drug Policy Alliance, and coalition organizations, who helped pass New York’s Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, reiterated their call for comprehensive, equity-driven marijuana legalization through Congress. They highlighted the successful passage of the MRTA as a model for how comprehensive legalization can address the harms of the War on Drugs and set up a market that allows small businesses to flourish. Senator Schumer and advocates called attention to the ways in which the federal War on Drugs continues to harm New Yorkers despite legalization in NYS.

Schumer made the following remarks at a press conference on marijuana legalization: “Across the country, too many are still ensnared by absurd punitive action for marijuana use. And right here in New York, and we’re going to hear about it, despite legalization, New Yorkers are still impacted every day by the federal prohibition. High stakes housing decisions, immigration issues, access to federal funding are warped and blocked by the federal prohibition. So that’s why we are focused on delivering comprehensive reform at the federal level just as New York has done. Plain and simple. And we need reform that actually deals with racial and economic justice, and critically to make sure the big corporations, the alcohol, the tobacco and others, don’t squeak in and overwhelm the market and control it from the beginning. We want the communities that were hurt most to benefit most, and small businesses in those communities to be able to take advantage when the law is legalized federally as they can now in New York.

“So I am working with two of my colleagues in the Senate, Senator Wyden, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Senator Booker, who’ve been strong leaders on this issue, to put forward comprehensive cannabis reform legislation. Last year, we introduced a discussion draft. We got over 1,800 comments, and right now we’re taking those comments reaching out to Democratic and Republican Senators, we want some Republican support. Let’s not forget that even South Dakota on a referendum – the voters of one of the most conservative states in the country – South Dakota voted to legalize cannabis. So this shows you where the country is at and we need to get the Senate to catch up to the House and the rest of the country. Like the MORE Act that Jerry and Nydia have pursued in the House, it deals in deep ways with addressing the harm of the War on Drugs. So in the coming weeks, we’re ramping up our outreach, and we expect to introduce formal legislation.”

‘REPAIR HEATING AT WOODSIDE HOUSES’: Council Member Julie Won, along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NYS Senator Jessica Ramos, a representative of State Assemblymember Brian Barnwell and a representative of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards toured Woodside Houses to call for full restoration of Woodside Houses’ heating plant. The plant flooded during Hurricane Ida rendering it inoperable and has left residents without reliable heat or hot water during the coldest months of the year. NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) has provided mobile boiler units that have not been providing consistent or reliable heat for residents while they await federal funding to repair the heating plant. NYCHA is awaiting funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) to move forward with the necessary repairs to bring the heating plant back online.

Woodside Houses is a 20 building NYCHA complex in District 26 that houses nearly 2900 tenants that has reported 20 hot water outages since September and 11 separate heating outages this winter alone. These numbers are underreported as many cases with issues besides heating have been reported to Council Member Won that have not appeared on the NYCHA website, such as unsafe mold conditions. Council Member Won began working on these cases even before she officially took office when it was reported to her that heating was out on the day before Christmas Eve, and it has been a top issue ever since with over 20 complaints filed with her office since January 3.

NYCHA has not produced a plan to deal with these heating outages aside from the unreliable mobile boiler that has failed residents this winter and is pointing to FEMA for more aid. The problems at Woodside Houses and all NYCHA developments stem from a lack of comprehensive planning and management that has left them in a $40 billion hole to bring all buildings up to livable standards. Ensuring proper heat standards in buildings is both a personal and public health priority. Landlords and building managers neglecting the heating needs of their tenants was the cause of the tragic and deadly Twin Parks fire in the Bronx earlier this month.

“Since September 2021 when Hurricane Ida hit – NYCHA had months to prepare in advance to repair the heating plant at Woodside Houses. Heat outages during the coldest months are unacceptable – residents are left with no choice but to use dangerous space heaters or stovetops to keep themselves warm,” said Council Member Won. “NYCHA should release a long term solution instead of unreliable mobile boilers. FEMA and HUD must make funding the repair of the heating plant a top priority for the health and safety of everyone at Woodside Houses immediately.”

“The residents of Woodside Houses have been dealing with heat and hot water issues (among other things) for years. These residents have repeatedly been treated like second-class citizens time and time again. I was glad my colleagues and I were able to help restore heat and hot water in the short term, but we need action from NYCHA, not excuses, in resolving this issue long term,” said State Assembly Member Brian Barnwell “I ask every single resident of Woodside Houses to continue to contact my office whenever they have an issue. We will always fight to resolve them.”

“As we head deeper into the winter months, it is unacceptable that the residents of Woodside Houses still do not have reliable heat and hot water,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “NYCHA has had almost five months to fix this problem, so far without success. It needs to step up to the plate and complete its heating plant repairs so that Woodside Houses residents have the reliable heat and hot water they deserve, and are entitled to.”

“NYCHA is the worst landlord in the city – the heating and hot water outages at Woodside Houses are at once entirely unacceptable and entirely predictable given NYCHA’s history of mismanagement,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, “The city has an obligation to tenants in Woodside Houses and at NYCHA complexes across the city to provide safe, quality housing by immediately making these repairs and providing tenants with protections against freezing temperatures until the heat is back on.”

GUIDE HELPS ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) announced a comprehensive new guide from the Biden Administration to help New York communities navigate the historic investments under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This guidebook (www.whitehouse.gov/build) highlights how local communities can take full advantage of urgently needed infrastructure funding for road maintenance, expanded public transit, airport upgrades, and other critical projects.

“After decades of underinvestment, our nation’s crumbling infrastructure is holding back our economy and New Yorkers are paying the price,” said Rep. Maloney. “I was proud to support President Biden’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and secure historic funding to invest in our communities, create good-paying jobs, and position our state for the future. The Administration’s new guidebook will be an essential resource for New York City as we work together to bring home our share of these transformational investments and continue building on the past year’s historic economic recovery.”

The landmark bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Biden in November 2021, makes long-overdue investments to repair, upgrade, and maintain New York’s roads, bridges, public transit, airports, water systems, and other long-neglected infrastructure. New York received a C- on its Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, facing deficiencies that require immediate attention.

The Administration’s new guidebook provides key information on all available funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, totaling more than 350 distinct programs supporting a wide range of infrastructure projects. This guide outlines eligibility criteria, application deadlines and contact information, as well as additional resources to help navigate these programs.

ADDABBO PRESENTS BENEFITS FOR OLDER ADULTS: NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. and LiveOn NY present a virtual presentation on Benefits for Older Adults. Learn about benefits that can help you: pay food, freeze your rent, lower property taxes, cover some medical expenses and more, on Wednesday, February 23 at 4 pm. Register at bitly/3fRWtkD.

For additional info, contact LiveOn NY at 212-398-5045 or klerner@liveon-ny.org.

ADAMS ANNOUNCES SOCIAL SAFETY NET APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Eric Adams made a number of appointments to his administration that will “help build on his vision of creating a stronger social safety net for New Yorkers.” Mayor Adams announced the appointments of Gary Jenkins as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Lisa Fitzpatrick as Administrator of the Human Resources Administration (HRA), as well as the reappointment of Joslyn Carter as Administrator of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). The three have combined decades of experience serving some of the most vulnerable people in New York City.

“In order to help New Yorkers who are struggling, and ensure a robust recovery from the pandemic, we need leadership with the right mix of experience, talent, and emotional intelligence,” said Mayor Adams. “Commissioner Jenkins, Administrator Fitzpatrick, and Administrator Carter have shown throughout their long careers in public service that they can deliver for New Yorkers who need help the most, and we are proud to have them join our team as we work every day to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”

Mayor Adams has articulated a vision to make social services more effective and accessible for New Yorkers in the greatest need that includes targeted outreach the development of a MyCity app — a single portal for all city services and benefits. He also put forward proposals to help homeless New Yorkers transition out of shelters and into stable, permanent housing.

“The unifying mission at the Department of Social Services is to support New Yorkers in need, and I cannot think of two individuals better qualified to carry forward this mission and lead the Department of Homeless Services and Human Resources Administration,” said DSS Commissioner Jenkins. “Administrator Carter and Administrator Fitzpatrick have dedicated their lives to strengthening the city’s social safety net, and I look forward to working with both to build on the progress we have made to tackle poverty and inequality, prevent homelessness, and provide critical services to our fellow New Yorkers in a compassionate and caring manner.”

“It is an honor to be appointed HRA administrator and I am eager to get to work improving how we serve New Yorkers in need and ensuring they can access vital resources,” said HRA Administrator Fitzpatrick. “For more than 35 years at HRA, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of the services we provide to New Yorkers and the care and compassion our staff strive to bring to our shared mission every day. I look forward to working with Mayor Adams, Commissioner Jenkins, and all our great staff at HRA, and am confident that our agency can play an important role in ensuring our city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is rooted in equity and inclusion.”

“Supporting New Yorkers in need has been my life’s mission, and it is a true honor to continue serving in my capacity as DHS Administrator,” said DHS Administrator Carter. “Each day at DHS, I am reminded of the important work our staff and provider partners do 24/7/365 to support New Yorkers experiencing homelessness, and I want to extend a special thanks to our teams and our collaborators for their tireless work ethic and dedication. I look forward to working with Mayor Adams, Commissioner Jenkins, and all our great staff at DHS to build on the important progress we have made transforming our city’s approach to homeless services, which is more important than ever as we emerge from the unprecedented challenges of the past two years.”

HATE FREE ZONE LAUNCHED TO COMBAT ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE: The Minkwon Center for Community Action in partnership with The Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations, launched the Hate Free Zones initiative to create safe spaces in Flushing and host Know Your Rights sessions on immigration, community safety, and housing to address the recent surge of attacks on Asian American community members.

“As the pandemic recedes and our community reopens, it’s important to welcome people of all backgrounds and emphasize that ‘Flushing Is Open to All,’” stated John Choe, Executive Director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. “Since the 1657 Flushing Remonstrance, when residents and business owners fought for religious liberty, our community has been a beacon for inclusion and freedom for people from around the world. As we celebrate the Year of the Tiger, we must redouble our efforts to bring people together, fight against bigotry and violence, and proclaim to the world that ‘Hate Has No Place Here!’”

The Hate Free Zones will work alongside small businesses in Flushing and civic groups that provide support to the AAPI community to create safe spaces and begin conversations about what it means to re-open Flushing “the right way” after the COVID-19 pandemic devastated many small businesses. As it is Lunar New Year, which focuses on new beginnings, this is especially important. The project aims to create an inclusive, welcoming Flushing as a direct counter to the xenophobia that has been directed towards the AAPI community members.

Speakers at the event included John Park, Executive Director of the Minkwon Center; Jennifer Sun, Co-Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE); Ikhwan Rim, President of the Union Street Small Business Association; Jessica Park, Immigrant Justice Organizer of the Minkwon Center; and, Tasnia Muskan, Student of the Macaulay Honors College at the City University of New York (CUNY).

“We at AAFE are proud to stand with dedicated community organizers in support of a Hate Free Zone in Flushing,” said Jennifer Sun, co-executive director of Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE). “Nothing could be more important than protecting our seniors and other vulnerable community members who are struggling to overcome the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. Our staff and volunteers are looking forward to working together with the Flushing community to create safe spaces, provide desperately needed resources and begin a constructive neighborhood-wide dialogue to further greater understanding and unity.”

Event organizers were also joined by business leaders and community partners Sang Ho Lee, President of the Korean-American Nail Salon Association of New York; Eun Kyung Kim, Executive Director of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Queens; and, representatives from the Office of the New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and New York State Senator John C. Liu.

The MinKwon Center for Community Action empowers the Korean American community and works with the wider Asian Pacific American (APA) and immigrant communities to achieve economic and social justice for all. For more information, visit minkwon.org.

NY BREAKS NAT’L MOBILE SPORTS BETTING RECORD IN ONE MONTH: New York has broken the national record of total handle for mobile sports betting in one month.

“When we brought mobile sports betting to New York, we had confidence it was going to be a success, but to be able to break the national record of total handle for sports betting in a single month in our very first month, with primarily only six sportsbooks, is both rewarding and exciting,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., the Chair of the NYS Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. “Breaking this record proves that New York was ready for mobile sports betting and we are providing our state with a new revenue, educational and addiction funding source. It also can give us an indication of where we go from here, especially with the Super Bowl within our sights. The future is extremely bright for mobile sports betting in New York!”

HOCHUL URGES NY’ERS TO E-FILE TO CLAIM ALL TAX BENEFITS: Governor Kathy Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to take advantage of Free File software, which can help millions of taxpayers claim valuable tax credits without the cost of hiring a paid tax preparer. The software provides savings as well as puts money directly in your pocket by ensuring you claim the credits you deserve, including the earned income tax credit (EITC).

“In the wake of the pandemic, many working families have faced increased financial burdens, and I want to make sure all New Yorkers are taking advantage of the tax benefits that are available to them,” said Governor Hochul. “The Free File program can help individuals claim all the tax credits they deserve while saving them save hundreds in tax-preparation costs. The earned income tax credits can add up to nearly $9,100 – increasing the spending power for those who need it most as we continue to rebuild and recover from COVID-19.”

New York State Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller said, “I encourage all eligible taxpayers to take advantage of Free File—a secure and efficient way to file and reap significant savings—and valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. These can provide a financial lifeline for working families, particularly those coping with the impact of the pandemic.”

Earned Income Tax Credits are worth up to $9,083 for a family with three or more children. EITC is a refundable credit for working taxpayers who earn less than $57,414. This means you get a refund even if the credit amount is more than what you owe in taxes.

In 2019, almost 1.64 million New Yorkers received the federal EITC, claiming more than $4.8 billion in federal, New York State, and New York City EITCs. Unfortunately, federal estimates show that almost 350,000 eligible New Yorkers may fail to claim the credit.

Every year, thousands of New Yorkers qualify for the EITC for the first time as their filing status or personal financial situation changes. Eligibility requirements for the Earned income credit (New York State) are explained on the Tax Department website.

More information about federal, state, and local earned income tax credits, including the value of available credits, is available online.

Ensure you claim the credits you deserve

You must file a personal income tax return to receive the credit, even if you don’t owe any taxes. E-filing is the easiest way to file your return and the fastest way to receive your refund.

Most New Yorkers can file using Free File software, available at no-cost on the Tax Department website. If your 2021 household income is $73,000 or less, you can file both your federal and New York State returns at no cost through the Tax Department website using Free File. Nearly 255,000 taxpayers used this software last year, saving them a combined $51 million in tax preparation fees.

When you’re ready to file, gather your information and documentation. If you received unemployment compensation, request your Form 1099-G from the Department of Labor. Remember to include the full amount on your New York State personal income tax return.

Also, request direct deposit—it’s the easiest and fastest way to get your refund.

The deadline to submit a completed personal income tax return is Friday, April 15, 2022.

Check your refund status at your convenience! Get the most up-to-date information about your refund and your return: “use our online Check your refund status tool.”

Free tax filing software is available in multiple languages

Not eligible to Free File? Learn about other e-file options.

Additional information, including links is available at www.governor.ny.gov

HOCHUL ON NAT’L GOVERNORS WHITE HOUSE MEETING: Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement on the National Governors Association White House Meeting

“Earlier today, I met with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and cabinet officials as part of the National Governors Association’s 2022 Winter Meeting. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing our state and how we can continue working with the federal government to deliver opportunities and protect New Yorkers.

“In particular, I advocated for the passage of a final economic competitiveness package to strengthen the semiconductor industry, address supply chain issues, and create jobs in New York and across the country in this vital field. Governors also discussed our ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, keep schools open, and provide relief for our healthcare workforce. I am encouraged by the federal government’s actions to ramp up access to promising antiviral treatments and to provide staffing support to hospitals and healthcare facilities. Additionally, my fellow governors shared concerns about rising inflation and I am focused on ensuring New Yorkers can thrive in this economy. I will continue to work with other governors to improve and diversify our nation’s workforce development pipelines and train New Yorkers for jobs in growing industries, including in the clean energy sector, expand access to broadband, especially in rural communities, and provide support to working families.

“I look forward to continued partnership on these critical issues and our ongoing work to deliver for New Yorkers.”

LEE IN CITY & STATE’S HEALTHCARE POWER 100: Council Member Linda Lee said, “It was such an honor to be recognized alongside my colleagues Council Member Lynn Schulman and Council Member Mercedes Narcisse in the City and State Healthcare Power 100! As the newly-appointed Chairwoman of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction, we need to work closely with the Committees on Hospitals and Health to address the ongoing mental health crisis that is plaguing our City.

COMMUNITY BOARD 3 ELECTS NEW EXEC BOARD: Giovanna A. Reid, District Manager of Community Board 3 announced that the Board (82-11 37th Avenue, Suite 606, Jackson Heights, New York 11372) held elections for its Executive Officers during their Monthly Board Meeting. Following is a list of the new Executive Board:

Frank Taylor Chairman

Dr. Laverne Nimmons 1st Vice Chair

Kevin Hughes-Noboa 2nd Vice-Chair

Richard Mullings Secretary

Leoncio Romero Treasurer

Members At Large:

Jairo Rodriguez

Lobsang Salaka

Megan Rockwell

Ulrick Gedeon

For more info, visit Queenscb3.cityofnewyork.us

URGE PERMANENT REPEAL OF GLOBAL GAG RULE: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined 45 colleagues in a letter to Senate and House leadership urging the inclusion of a permanent repeal of the Global Gag Rule (GGR) in the FY22 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Agencies government funding legislation. The announcement of this letter coincided with the one-year anniversary of President Biden’s executive order rescinding the dangerous policy that was reinstated and expanded to historic proportions during the Trump administration.

”As a global health leader, our nation’s investments in global health programs have a significant and sustained impact. Last year, U.S. international family planning and reproductive health assistance made it possible for more than 27 million women to receive contraceptive services and prevented 19,000 maternal deaths,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The dangerous global gag rule – also known as the Mexico City Policy – was one of the Trump administration’s most dangerous and far-reaching policies, reducing access to vital global health programs, contraception, and services. It also increased the number of unsafe abortions performed globally. I’m joining my colleagues in urging leadership to seize this opportunity to permanently repeal this harmful policy that threatens women’s access to critical health care.”

The impact of the Global Gag Rule is far-reaching, and due to the Trump administration’s actions, severely impacted the ability of global health organizations to provide care and services to some of the most vulnerable areas around the world, where these groups are often the only source of medical care for communities. The Global Gag Rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, bans federal funds for foreign non-governmental organizations that use non-U.S. funds to provide abortion services or provide information about abortion as part of comprehensive family planning services. This forces clinics to choose between providing limited reproductive health services while accepting U.S. foreign aid or providing inclusive family planning and reproductive health care with a limited budget. The senators also addressed the adverse effects of the constant implementing and rescinding of the policy, which is subject to each administration, and the time lapses of communicating and implementing such significant policy changes.

This letter is led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts

This column was originated by John A. Toscano

 

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