Friday, February 18, 2022

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Legislative Updates, New Grants, Events and Much More
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(Friday) Extra, Extra
Click here for your updates from the President!

Topics: 
  • Celebrate Black History with the Chamber on 2/24
  • Other Upcoming Event Highlights
  • Artist opportunities
  • Chamber job openings
  • Hire a helping hand from local colleges
  • Chamber is closed Presidents' Day (Mon. 2/21)
NYS Update - Part P
Governor Hochul is proposing to significantly reduce the number of Medicaid managed care plans that operate today in the Medicaid program through a competitive procurement (Part P of the Executive Budget). Today, there are 13 MMC plans — 7 of which operate in NYC — and 24 MLTC plans that operate in NYC.
If Part P is approved, the Department of Health would be required to select only two plans per region per business line, and up to 5 plans per region, if they choose; this means there could be only two managed care plans serving all of New York City under both MMC and MLTC, with hundreds of thousands of Medicaid members forced to switch plans and providers, and at least 10-15 plans put out of business in NYC, with thousands of lost jobs, creating ripple effects throughout local economies.
We are concerned about what this proposal could mean for our Bronx workforce employed in MMC's, as well as overall community impact. Please stay tuned for more on this.
Funding Opportunities for Non-Profits
All NYC not-for-profit community-based organizations that wish to apply for discretionary funding for FY2023 must submit a NYC Council Application by February 22, 2022. You can access the application HERE.

Additionally, District 13 Council Member Marjorie Velázquez and the Bronx Delegation are requiring organizations to submit supplemental forms, which are both due February 22, 2022. You can access CM Velázquez's form here, and you can access the Bronx Delegation form here.
 NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU and the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Project Innovation grant challenge is returning for a fifth consecutive year. $315,000 in grants are available in this year’s Tri-State grant challenge. Applications accepted starting today, February 18, through March 25.

Don't Miss Our First Networking Event of 2022!
February 24 from 6:00 - 8:00pm
Black History Celebration & Speed Networking
Residence Inn Bronx
1776 Eastchester Road (Hutch Metro Center)
Bronx, NY 10461

Join us for our first networking event of 2022 and invite your business colleagues! Hear from special guests including Phillip Grant, CEO of Hunts Point Produce Market, Rigaud Noel, CEO of New Settlement, & La Shay Green, owner of Soul Bites, our caterer for the evening.

Member Tickets: $20 Future Members: $25
Calls for Artist Submissions
The New York Botanical Garden has put out a call for artist submissions for its upcoming Around the Table exhibition.
Applications are due by Feb. 25, 2022.

Now through March 4, MTA Arts & Design is accepting examples of previous work for artists interested in being considered for creating site-specific proposals for the new Metro-North stations at Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, & Hunts Point.
Need Access to Capital?
Small Business Lending Panel - March 3 at 11:00AM


Are you an existing small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur in need of financing for your business? On March 3rd, 2022 at 11:00am this live Small Business Lending Panel will provide practical strategies to assess the source of capital that is best suited for your business needs, and introduce you to key contacts to help take your business to the next level. This session will be held in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) New York District Office.
Chamber Webinar Replay and Upcoming Event Registration Links
Taxes for Business Owners - Part of our new BxCC How To Get Bankable Workshop Series
Check out the replay of our 2/15 webinar presented by our member Tax-Focused Collab
February 24 at 11:00am: Doing Business With The Port Authority of NY and NJ

Join this virtual certification webinar for M/WBE and SDVOB who perform the following scopes of work:

-Concrete/Asphalt Related Materials
-Roadway Sweeping
-Cleaning Services
-Elevator Maintenance & Repair
-Weed Control
-Pest Control
-HVAC Systems Inspection/Maintenance/Repair
-Asphalt/Paving/Patching
-Electrical Services
Save the Date: Bronx Chamber Signature Event
Women of Distinction Scholarship Luncheon
Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope

Friday, March 25, 2022
11:30am - 2:00pm at Villa Barone Manor

Mistress of Ceremonies: Juliet Papa, 1010 WINS Radio


Click HERE for Sponsorship Packages

Email foundation@bronxchamber.org to purchase tickets and pledge your support!
Now Hiring At The Bronx Chamber
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We are hiring two Fellows to add to our outreach team! Please check out the available one-year Fellowship positions, and share with qualified applicants!

  • Click HERE for Restaurant-Hospitality Fellowship Position
  • Click HERE for Business Outreach Fellowship Position

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR ASSAULT AGAINST NYC DOC OFFICER IN THE JAIL

 

Defendant, An Alleged Gang Member, Allegedly Head-Butted the Officer, Fracturing Victim’s Nose

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on second-degree Assault and additional charges for an attack on a New York City Department of Correction Officer in the jail that left him with a fractured nose. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly broke the officer’s nose after striking him in the face with his head during an unprovoked attack. The victim suffered from pain, swelling and substantial bleeding to his face. The defendant has been indicted on second and third-degree Assault, and other charges for this appalling incident.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Joshua Yu, 23, an inmate in Rikers Island, was arraigned today on two counts of second-degree Assault, third-degree Assault, second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration, third-degree Menacing and second-degree Harassment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Beth Beller. Bail was set at $100,000 cash/$100,000 bond and the defendant is due back in court on May 4, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on December 3, 2021, at approximately 5:44 p.m. the victim, a DOC Officer, and other Officers, were moving Yu, an alleged gang member, through the Robert N. Davoren Complex (RNDC) when the defendant became enraged. Yu allegedly head-butted the 42-year-old officer in the face, fracturing the Officer’s nose. The victim was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital for treatment and was released. He required additional medical assistance after the incident to reset the fracture and was out for 10 weeks because of the injury.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Senior Investigative Assistant District Attorney Georgia D. Barker of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked Correction Intelligence Bureau Investigator Juan Rivera.

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Governor Hochul Announces Major Investments to Improve Psychiatric Support for Those in Crisis

 Governor Hochul announces major investments to help improve access to acute mental health care

Includes $27.5 Million to Increase Funding for Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital Beds   

$9 Million for Recruiting Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners   

$12.5 Million Annually for 500 Additional Supportive Housing Beds to House People Experiencing Homelessness    

Investments Build on Governor Hochul's $10 Billion Plan to Improve Health Care System, Including a $577 Million Increase for Community Mental Health Programs and Services  


 Governor Kathy Hochul today, at an event with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, announced major investments to help improve access to acute mental health care and hospital psychiatric beds across New York State. The initiatives are part of a plan to provide the necessary support and services for people with serious mental illness experiencing homelessness, as well as others in crisis. The investments include $27.5 million annually to increase funding for inpatient psychiatric beds; $9 million annually to recruit psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners; and $12.5 million annually for 500 additional supportive housing beds to house people experiencing homelessness in their communities.   

"For too long our mental healthcare system suffered from disinvestment, and the pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness," Governor Hochul said. "I am proud to stand with Mayor Adams and share our efforts to boost mental health treatment services for those who lack stable housing, and bring more psychiatric beds online. We must work together to keep our subways — the lifeblood of New York City — safe for all riders, and to get help and services to those in need."

The investment of $12.5 million annually for 500 additional supportive housing beds will help to more quickly transition those in crisis from the streets, subways and shelters to stable housing. These units will give the State the additional resources it will need as the Governor's Safe Options Support teams come online in the Spring. These additional units will complement the 10,000 units of supportive housing announced in the Governor's $25 billion housing plan.  

These investments will build on the Governor's $10 billion plan to improve the health care system and proposed budget, which includes a historic $577 million (17.2%) increase for critically important community mental health programs and services. These budget initiatives include:   

  • $21 million investment to develop 20 new SOS teams comprised of mental health specialists to conduct direct one-on-one outreach with New Yorkers experiencing homelessness  
  • $25 billion housing plan with a commitment to create and preserve 10,000 units of supportive housing over the next five years to prevent homelessness  
  • workforce investments through a historic 5.4% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for community mental health providers and retention bonuses up to $3,000  
  • $35 million investment for FY 2023 that grows to $60 million in FY 2024 to prepare New York for the nationwide launch of 9-8-8, the suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline system, by providing for the expansion of call center capacity.  

MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES SUBWAY SAFETY PLAN, SAYS SAFE SUBWAY IS PREREQUISITE FOR NEW YORK CITY’S RECOVERY

 

Plan Will Expand Response Teams Throughout City, Adding Trained Clinicians to Connect People With Resources, and Direct NYPD Officers to Enforce MTA Rules

 

Calls for Changes to State and Federal Laws, Including Kendra’s Law, to Connect More New Yorkers to Needed Care and Support

 

Additional Safe Havens, Drop-in Centers, and Stabilization Beds Will Ensure Unhoused New Yorkers Have Short- and Longer-Term Destinations of Care, Support, and Housing

 

Successful Mental Health Program B-HEARD Will Expand to Serve Upper Manhattan, South Bronx


 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the Subway Safety Plan, which lays out how his administration will begin addressing public safety concerns and supporting people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on New York City’s subways. The plan includes comprehensive investments in short- and medium-term solutions, including expanded outreach teams with New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and clinicians, additional housing and mental health resources, and outlines long-term systems improvements through changes to state and federal laws to connect more New Yorkers to the care they need. A key component of the plan will also direct NYPD personnel to assist in enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment.

 

“It is cruel and inhumane to allow unhoused people to live on the subway, and unfair to paying passengers and transit workers who deserve a clean, orderly, and safe environment,” said Mayor Adams. “The days of turning a blind eye to this growing problem are over, and I look forward to collaborating with the state, the federal government, TWU, advocates, and law enforcement to solve this challenge. It will take time, but our work starts now.”

 

“For too long our mental health care system suffered from disinvestment, and the pandemic has only made things harder for New Yorkers with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “I am proud to stand with Mayor Adams and share our efforts to boost mental health treatment services for those who lack stable housing, and bring more psychiatric beds online. We must work together to keep our subways — the lifeblood of New York City — safe for all riders, and to get help and services to those in need.”

 

“Today's plan outlines several ways that we can begin to address the challenges of supporting those with mental illness and keep our city safe,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “Our administration looks forward to working with our state partners to provide much needed resources for those experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on our city's subways.”

 

“This plan is rooted in compassion, recognizing the humanity and dignity of fellow New Yorkers in need,” said Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Collaborating across government, as well as through public-private non-profit partnerships, we are taking a holistic approach to lift up New Yorkers, connecting those in need to the services and care that will place them on the path to permanent housing and wellbeing. We look forward to improving our care delivery systems in partnership with the state and federal governments so that every New Yorker receives the support they need to live their healthiest life.”

“The new vision for public safety in New York City is about leveraging all of the resources we have to ensure we are implementing a 21st century model of public safety that works for all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks. “This new plan is a perfect example of how we can bring together support from every corner of city government to build a safer and more just city for all.”

“Improving subway safety and succeeding in providing innovative solutions to meaningfully help some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers requires a comprehensive, multi-agency approach,” said NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “This plan represents the best of that kind of smart, seamless, collaborative work and also reinforces the NYPD’s core philosophies for public safety by ensuring people abide by all applicable laws and transit rules, while simultaneously connecting people in need to the critical services they deserve.”

“Today, we’re putting a stake in the ground for the future and taking a fresh look at one of the most complex and challenging health and social challenges we face as a city,” said incoming Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We have an opportunity to shine a light on the needs of our fellow New Yorkers living with mental illness and facing homelessness on our subways and on our streets. We must build fundamentally new systems of mental health care, housing, and social infrastructure to ensure our friends, our family, and loved ones have the long-term care and supports they need, and no longer live lives of social and economic isolation and marginalization. This plan is the first step on this journey. I am proud to be a part of an administration that puts people first and is committed to addressing this issue as the humanitarian and public health crisis it is.” 

 

“We’re excited at DSS-DHS-HRA to be part of today’s announcement, which sets forward a new roadmap for improving safety and services on our subways by bringing together and leveraging a broad range of experience, expertise, and resources,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary Jenkins. “As part of this new effort, our teams, who are out there engaging New Yorkers in need 24/7/365, will now be accompanied by clinicians on the subways, providing those DSS-DHS outreach staff with new tools, new partners in this process, and new services to offer — all in a compassionate and caring manner. We look forward to implementing this collaborative plan, which underscores the importance of the work our outreach teams do every day and outlines how this administration intends to take that progress further. And I want to thank Mayor Adams for his leadership on this issue and for bringing together the resources, the tools, and, most importantly, the team needed to effectively support our neighbors living on the streets and subways.”

 

“These initiatives, and the continued expansion of the successful B-HEARD pilot, will bring much needed support and resources to those who are experiencing profound challenges like serious mental illness and homelessness,” said Tina Chiu and Jason Hansman, acting co-directors, Office of Community and Mental Health. “We welcome continued partnership with agencies to implement these strategic interventions with care and compassion to ensure more New Yorkers get access to the mental health care they need.”

 

“At every public hospital system where I’ve worked — in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and now New York City — a priority of mine has been a focus on the homeless population,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals. “Mayor Adams’ plan outlines clear steps to address homelessness on the subway, and it offers an array of services to those in need, including supportive housing. At our hospitals, providers, nurses, and peer counselors work closely together to ensure that our patients who experience housing instability receive the care they deserve.”

 

“Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams focused from the start on subway safety, and it’s a game changer,” said Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Now, with additional strategies on how to enforce system rules and provide services to vulnerable New Yorkers, we are standing up for millions of riders who want to see change. Together with a CompStat-style metrics-based approach to tracking progress, we can fix these conditions and be in a position to welcome back more and more New Yorkers to a safe subway system.”

 

The plan lays out how the Adams administration, in partnership with the MTA and other state entities, will confront these concurrent challenges on our subways. Investments in people will provide immediate support and protection to New Yorkers, while investments in places like drop-in-centers, safe havens, stabilization beds, and Street Homeless Outreach Wellness vans, as well as policy changes at local, state, and federal levels will provide medium- and long-term solutions. These include:

 

  • Deploying up to 30 Joint Response Teams that bring together DHS, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, NYPD, and community-based providers in high-need locations across our city.
  • Training NYPD officers in our subway system to enforce the MTA and New York City Transit Authority’s rules of conduct in a fair and transparent way.
  • Expanding Behavioral Health Emergency Assistance Response Division “B-HEARD” teams to six new precincts, more than doubling the precincts covered to 11. These teams will expand on the already-successful pilot of answering non-violent 911 mental health calls with mental health professionals.
  • Incorporating medical services into DHS sites serving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Expanded DHS Safe Havens and stabilization bed programs will offer on-site physical and behavioral health care to immediately address clients’ needs. 
  • Immediately improving coordination across government with weekly “Enhanced Outreach Taskforce” meetings that bring together senior leaders from 13 city and state agencies to address issues quickly.
  • Creating new Drop-in-Centers to provide an immediate pathway for individuals to come indoors, and exploring opportunities to site Drop-in-Centers close to key subway stations to directly transition individuals from trains and platforms to safe spaces.
  • Streamlining the placement process into supportive housing and reducing the amount of paperwork it takes to prove eligibility.
  • Calling on state government to expand psychiatric bed resources and amending Kendra’s Law to improve mental health care delivery for New Yorkers on Assisted Outpatient Treatment.
  • Requiring — instead of requesting — everyone to leave the train and the station at the end of the line.