What's Happening in the 81st Assembly District? NYC DOE Closes Schools for Rest of Year USPS in Trouble Updated Unemployment Claims Process Absentee Ballots Authorized for June 23 Van Cortlandt Park Field Hospital

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NYC DOE Closes Schools for Rest of Year

Today, New York City announced that public schools would be operating remotely for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. I believe this is a prudent decision that allows teachers, parents, students, and school administrators to settle into a new routine and will make everyone involved a little bit more comfortable knowing what to expect for the next several months. However, please note that Governor Cuomo has said that the decision to close schools is up to him and that no final decision has been made yet. As a reminder, all students have the option of free home WiFi through Altice (aka Optimum). I recommend working through your student's school if you have difficulty getting access to this necessary resource, but please let my office know if you need any help. New York City has also made available remote learning devices for those students who do not have them at home. Links and details are available in the summary section below. It is also important to remember that school is also about more than academic learning for students. School is an opportunity for kids to socialize with each other, have fun and explore a wide variety of interests. I highly encourage families to explore some of the resources that our city has made available to support non-academic learning and fun. New York City has launched a Fun at Home portal which contains links to a number of virtual activities that kids and teens can take advantage of during this stay-at-home period. The New York Public Library also has a number of great activities and resources available for people of all ages through their website.

USPS in Trouble

It has been several weeks now since my office first started hearing reports of people not receiving their mail. I am happy to hear people who had been missing packages have started to receive them, but new problems are cropping up and I fully expect this to be a big problem for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. USPS has responded to our concerns from several weeks ago about the Kingsbridge Station and 10463 mail delivery. They brought in extra workers and should have sorted through the backlog by now. I have some serious concerns about the information being communicated between local post offices and leadership in Washington D.C. For example, USPS leadership seems to think that information about reduced post office hours and problems with delivery were effectively communicated by signs posted outside of the post office. Respectfully to the people working at our post offices, I think it is clear that the communication between USPS and postal customers has been wholly inadequate and highly problematic. I am continuing to work hard to organize our community's elected officials for an escalated response to USPS. The United States Postal Service was already financially constrained before this pandemic, and I believe it was also plagued by ineffective management and internecine conflicts about privatization of mail services. The pandemic has only exposed the pre-existing cracks in USPS in a dramatic fashion, with people entirely reliant on mail service while they are confined to their homes. I strongly believe that it is important for our country to have a nationalized postal service (although I do think it is okay to charge more to online retailers like Amazon, especially since their business model detracts from brick and mortar stores that are part of the backbone of our communities). As much as I am loathe to admit this, I cannot solve this problem on my own. I am in active conversations with our Congressional representatives, Congressman Eliot Engel and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, as well as other elected officials in the Bronx to brainstorm ideas on how to get the USPS to step up and offer us some transparency about what to expect for the next several months we are expected to be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. I have raised the issue with representatives from the Governor's Office as well as the White House. I appreciate everyone's patience as we wait for USPS leadership to address the systemwide problem with mail service due to worker shortages. To be frank with you, I believe we should all be tempering expectations about how frequently we get mail delivered to our homes. I am personally expecting mail delivery once every three or so days. I am extremely concerned about people who have gone without mail delivery for over a week, and sometimes more than two weeks. Please continue letting my office know if you are having issues and we will keep adding you to our list. I intend to work with my office to create a dedicated portal (likely through Google Forms) which should help streamline our office's ability to process hundreds of complaints. Stay tuned for updates.

Updated Unemployment Claims Process

At long last, it appears that the New York State unemployment claims process has improved. The NYS Department of Labor coordinated with Google to update their website (so hopefully people don't get bounced out and lose everything they already wrote), and have designed a system which now alerts you when you are missing fields that will require a phone call follow-up. The telephone system, which is the single-largest complaint related to this specific issue that my office has been receiving, has also been changed. Now, you do not need to call the telephone line in order to complete your claim. Once your claim is submitted online, you should be added to a queue for NYS DOL to call you within 72 hours. This is a new system, so I expect there to be hiccups over the next few days as DOL workers adjust to the changes. Please let me know if you experience any problems with the new website or phone system, especially if you do not hear from someone within 72 hours of submitting your claim online. I am also interested to hear from people who had success with the new system so we can estimate how widespread any problems are. For details about how the federal CARES Act impacts your unemployment benefits, please see this webpage from the NYS Department of Labor: https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm

Absentee Ballots Authorized for June 23

At long last, New York State has temporarily authorized absentee ballot eligibility for people who are worried about getting sick. The Governor's Executive Order specifies that this only applies to elections held on or before June 23, which I believe is an important detail that helps this change comply with the New York State Constitution (which governs eligibility for absentee ballots). Please note: you will still have to apply for an absentee ballot. This can be done by requesting a paper application by telephone (1-866-VOTE-NYC aka 1-866-868-3692) or downloading a paper application and mailing it in (available here). The Executive Order also includes language that permits voters to apply for an absentee ballot online (i.e. eliminating the requirement for an in-person signature or appearance), however it does not appear that New York City's Board of Elections has released the details of that process yet. I believe this is a critical change in policy that will empower our democracy to continue operating through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I do think it is important to remember that Boards of Election are operated by people just like everyone else. These workers are getting sick and are afraid of getting sick too, and this expansion of absentee eligibility will undoubtedly be a huge logistical challenge for them. I hope that the federal government steps up with financial support to help local jurisdictions operate elections by mail, as is necessary to continue fighting against the spread of novel coronavirus.

Van Cortlandt Park Field Hospital

As you may have noticed, our beloved Van Cortlandt Park has been identified as a site for an emergency field hospital to help expand hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. I received a call from the contractor who is building this facility in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers last week saying that they have been told to stop work until the need for beds is more clear. I am worried that this decision is premature, but frankly if we don't need the beds (due to sufficient hospital capacity elsewhere) then I think that would be a major victory in our fight against the pandemic. However, presuming that the work resumes as more people get sick, I am incredibly proud that our park will be used to help save lives. For my entire tenure as your Assemblyman, I have fought to protect Van Cortlandt Park. But the lives that could be saved at this location might be those of someone you or I care about, and we should do everything we can to prevent the loss of life. Adding a wrinkle to this field hospital are some unfortunate concerns about the track record of the contractor selected by the federal government to build this field hospital (Parsons). Although I am concerned about the allegations raised in this article from Courthouse News, my immediate priority is saving as many lives as we can. As a state legislator, I will likely not have any oversight capacity on this contract – but at some point, we will need to do a retrospective on all the money that has been spent by every level of government on this public health crisis. For now, I am waiting to see what the need will be. I hope from the bottom of my heart that construction of this field hospital is not necessary, and that delaying work by at least one week will not result in the loss of any lives. Time will tell.

Thank You to Grocery Store Workers

It is important to remember that many members of our community are not able to work from home because their jobs are essential to helping people stay alive during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery store workers are on the frontlines of this public health crisis, and they are putting the health of themselves and their families on the line every day they come to work. Please remember to be patient and kind to grocery store workers when you go shopping (from a safe six-feet away). Even though New York has raised minimum wage to $15 per hour, it is still hard for many workers to put food on their own tables. While I do agree that all frontline workers deserve hazard pay for their work during this pandemic, in the short-term we can all do our part to say thank you.

CORONAVIRUS: DEVELOPING SUMMARY Call NYS Department of Health Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 for Information about Coronavirus

As COVID-19 takes hold in our state, including here in our own backyard, people are understandably getting more nervous and we are seeing changes in how our daily lives typically go. I believe one of the most important things we can do is to make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of disseminating accurate information. The New York State Department of Health has set up a Novel Coronavirus Hotline so that you can get accurate, up-to-date information about COVID-19. Please call 1-888-364-3065 with any questions. You can also visit their website: https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/ For your convenience, here is my running summary of information that is being put forward by Governor Cuomo and other government entities. Items that have been recently updated are marked with the date the new information was announced. Most new items are discussed in detail above, and marked as new below.

GENERAL INFO ON COVID-19 *UPDATED* SYMPTOMS: Per the NYS Department of Health, the 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like: cough, fever, trouble breathing, and pneumonia. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone at high risk for complications should talk to their healthcare provider for more information. NYC Department of Health has issued guidance on when people should call 911 with concerns about COVID-19 symptoms. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, you do not need to call 911 but should self-isolate and contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve after three-four days. If you have any of the following symptoms, please call 911 or go to an emergency room right away: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to stay awake, and blue lips or face. This is not a complete list. If you are concerned you may be experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately. SPREAD: Per the Center for Disease Control, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This happens in the following ways: between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet); through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks – these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. PREVENTION (HEALTHY): The New York State Department of Health has recommended that everyone should: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (especially before eating), avoid touching eyes/nose/mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick (keep a distance of at least 6 feet), cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container, clean frequently touched surfaces and objects. The CDC also recommends covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, but instructs that we not use facemasks that are meant for healthcare workers. PREVENTION (SICK): The New York State Department of Health has recommended that people who are sick should: stay home (if there is a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines such as acetaminophen), keep sick household members away from others (separate room is best), and avoid sharing personal items. For cleaning purposes, NYS DOH recommends using soap and water, a bleach and water solution, or EPA-approved household products. You can make your own cleanser with a mixture of 1 cup of liquid unscented chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of water. MENTAL HEALTH: If you are having trouble coping with things like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use, NYC Well is available 24/7 in 200+ languages by phone (1-888-NYC-WELL), text ("WELL" to 65173), or chat (here). JOBS: The city's Workforce1 Career Center launched a Bronx-specific Virtual Center (or call 718-960-2458) to help New Yorkers prepare for, and connect to, jobs across New York City's five boroughs and in every sector of the economy. *NEW* DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP AVAILABLE Reported incidents of domestic violence have risen since the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions. If you or anyone you know is in this situation, please know that nobody has to suffer through it – regardless of pandemic. New York is taking domestic violence very seriously, and will investigate any and all claims that they received. NYC Family Justice Centers: Available by phone (Bronx: 718-508-1220) Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. They can help you with: planning for your safety, applying for public benefits/shelter/housing/other support services and programs, mental health and counseling services for you and your children, referrals to job training and education programs, legal help for orders of protection/custody/visitation/child support/divorce/housing/immigration, connecting to trained law enforcement. 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-4673 or online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE. Chat with a Safe Horizon advocate: Information, advocacy, and support available online through SafeChat on Monday to Friday from 1pm to 6pm (except for holidays). TEMPORARY RULES FROM STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS *UPDATED 4/9/2020* ELECTIONS: Governor Cuomo has postponed the Presidential Primary election (originally scheduled for April 28) until June 23 (the same date as a previously scheduled primary election for state elections). New York has also expanded absentee ballot eligibility for the June 23 elections to anyone who is worried about getting sick (in addition to already existing eligibility for temporary illness). Absentee ballots can also be requested electronically, instead of requiring an application to be mailed. For the specific language, please refer to Executive Order 202.15. MASS GATHERING RESTRICTIONS: New York State (as well as Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) have ordered that non-essential gatherings of any size be cancelled or postponed. In conjunction with city agencies, NYPD is enforcing these restrictions at places like parks, supermarkets, and more. Please let my office know about any problematic locations and we can refer them to the Mayor's Office for their attention. WORKPLACE RESTRICTIONS: Non-essential businesses must closed. Exemptions will be made for essential service industries, including shipping, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions, and other industries critical to the supply chain. For more information, please read Governor Cuomo's guidance on what is considered an "essential" business here. If you believe your employer is violating existing labor laws or any current executive orders, please file a complaint with the NYS Attorney General's Labor Bureau at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov. For a full list of employment protections offered by the NYS Attorney General, please visit their website here. If your employer is forcing you to work while you are sick, threatened or fired you for reasons related to COVID-19, or to report a non-essential business that is continuing to operate, please file a complaint with the NYS Department of Labor here. CONSTRUCTION RESTRICTIONS: New York State has clarified the definition of essential construction activity. The only construction activity that is currently permitted is: roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals or health care facilities, affordable housing, and homeless shelters. For more information, please visit the Empire State Development website here. *UPDATED 4/10/2020* UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Claims should be filed online and if necessary, the NYS Department of Labor call center will call the claimant within 72 hours. NYS Department of Labor is asking that last names starting with A-F file on Mondays, G-N file on Tuesdays, and O-Z file on Wednesdays. Anyone who missed their scheduled day should file on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you have to call the Department of Labor regarding your claim, their hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8am to 7:30pm and Saturday/Sunday from 7:30am to 8pm and can be reached at 1-888-209-8124. If you are having difficulty with your NY.gov account, please direct those requests for assistance to 800-833-3000. For more information, please visit the NYS Department of Labor unemployment page. Please contact my office if you do not hear from NYS Department of Labor within 72 hours of partially filing a claim or have other technical challenges or questions. *NEW* SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE: There are several options available for small businesses who need assistance to continue operations during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. These may include programs run by the United States federal government, New York State, New York City, and non-governmental institutions. Please visit the US Small Business Administration for information about their COVID-19 relief resources: SBA Guide to COVID-19 Reserouces. Please visit the NYS Empire State Development website here for information about the federal loans available as well as several other resources available from New York State. Please visit the NYC Small Business Services website here for more information about the federal loans available as well as several other resources available from New York City. PAID LEAVE & BENEFITS: For employers with more than 100 employees, employees are entitled to at least 56 hours of paid sick leave (up to 14 days if COVID-19 related) but no temporary disability insurance (TDI) and no paid family leave benefits. For employers with between 5 and 99 employees as well as employers with 4 or fewer employees that generate more than one million dollars in revenue per year, employees are entitled to at least 40 hours of paid sick leave followed by NYS paid family leave benefits and TDI. For employers with fewer than 5 employees and who generate less than one million dollars per year, employees are entitled to 40 hours unpaid sick leave as well as NYS paid family leave benefits and TDI. Employers can independently offer paid sick leave at any time. For more details (including about if you chose to self-quarantine yourself) and to apply, please visit the NYS Paid Leave website. If your employer is refusing to pay leave that you believe you are entitled to, please file a complaint with NYS Department of Labor here. *UPDATED* TAX FILING: The IRS has delayed the filing deadline for federal taxes until July 15, 2020. If you are expecting a refund, you are encouraged to file electronically in order to expedite the receipt of your refund. New York State has also extended their filing deadline until July 15, 2020. For more information from the IRS, please see this guidance here. For more information from NYS Taxation and Finance, please see their website here. RENT RELIEF: Governor Cuomo has ordered a moratorium on all commercial and residential evictions for 90 days (starting March 20, 2020). I have introduced legislation to extend this for six additional months and prevent landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment due to COVID-19 lost income. NYCHA has launched their Rent Hardship Program, which reduces rent if there is at least a 5% reduction in income and current rent is at least 30% of net household income (apply via NYCHA self-service portal or by contacting your management office). MORTGAGE RELIEF: The Department of Financial Services has issued a new directive to New York State mortgage servicers to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus. This includes: waiving mortgage payments based on financial hardship, no negative reporting to credit bureaus, grace period for loan modification, no late payment fees or online payment fees, postponing or suspending foreclosures. PLEASE NOTE: This is not automatic and you must speak with your mortgage lender before adjusting any payments. For more information, please read Governor Cuomo's press release here. ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING: Alternate-side parking enforcement will be suspended until Friday, April 17, 2020). For more information: here. I have asked that alternate-side parking be suspended for the duration of this crisis. DMV LICENSE EXTENSION: If your driver or non-driver ID (issued by the NYS DMV) expires on or after March 1, 2020, Governor Cuomo authorized an extension of that ID until further notice. Online DMV services are available but may experience delays. For more information, please reference Governor Cuomo's executive order: here. The Department of Homeland Security also announced that the REAL ID deadline has been extended until October 1, 2021. VEHICLE INSPECTION EXTENSION: I've asked the state to extend the time motorists have for car inspections and I am pleased to say any vehicle with a safety or emissions inspection that was valid on March 27, 2020 can continue to operate until at least April 26, 2020. For more information, please see Executive Order 202.11. *UPDATED 4/11/2020* SCHOOL CLOSURE: NYC DOE schools will continue remote learning over what was previously scheduled as Spring Break (4/9 - 4/17). NYC Department of Education school buildings will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. If your child needs a device for remote learning, please submit this form to NYC Department of Education: here. For more information, including about remote education and meals, please visit the NYC Department of Education website: here. All schools in New York State have been ordered to close until at least April 29, 2020 in accordance with Executive Order 202.14. PRICE GOUGING: Please report any incidents of price gouging to the NYS Attorney General