Photo Credit: KWWL.com
August 19, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sabrina Rezzy
rezzys@nyassembly.gov
718-940-0428
COVID-19 Booster Shots Will Soon be Available

Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Federal Unemployment Benefits Will Expire September 5; Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort; Kathy Hochul Set To Become New York's First Female Governor; and More!
RODNEYSE IN THE NEWS
Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn is a guest on News12 with Greg Thompson discussing the earthquake in Haiti.
  • WNYC, Brian Lehrer Show - Updates on the aftermath of Haiti's Earthquake. Read more here.
  • NY Daily News - 'Put through Hell': Brooklyn residents pray for Haiti after devastating earthquake. Read more here.
  • City & State - Coordinating efforts to help Haiti after a devastating earthquake. Read more here.
  • Brooklyn Daily Eagle - Bichotte leads Haitian relief in Brooklyn. Read more here.
  • BKLYNER - Help for Haiti. Read more here
  • Brooklyn Paper - De Blasio, City Pols Come Together to Call for Assistance to Haiti. Read more here
PFIZER, MODERNA BOOSTER SHOTS PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER
  • Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said people in the U.S. who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, regardless of age, will need COVID-19 booster shots eight months after getting the second shot. Read more here.
  • Boosters also will likely be needed for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and a plan for those shots will come after public health and medical experts collect more data in the next few weeks, according to a HHS statement. Read more here.
STATE GOVERNMENT
Photo Credit: DON POLLARD / NYS
  • Andrew M. Cuomo's resigned last week, but said he wouldn't step down until August 24. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul is set to take the reins as New York's first female governor. Read more here.
  • Governor Cuomo announced that all healthcare workers in New York State, including staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCF), including nursing homes, adult care, and other congregate care settings, will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Monday, September 27. Read more here.
  • Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.5257C/A.6593B), enacting the "Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act."
  • This bill authorizes and directs financing of the acquisition and conversion of distressed hotels and commercial spaces for use as permanent affordable and supportive housing for low-income households and those experiencing homelessness. Read more here.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Photo Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
  • Mayor de Blasio announced that 50,000 New Yorkers have received the $100 vaccine incentive available at City-run vaccine sites. Read more here.
  • The mayor announced the appointment of three judges to the Criminal and Civil Courts:
  • The following judges were appointed to Criminal Court:
  • Judge Joshua A. Glick, and
  • Judge Valentina M. Morales
  • The following judge was appointed to Civil Court:
  • Judge Germaine Auguste.
  • Read more here.
  • The mayor and the Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion announced a tentative contract agreement with District Council 37 Locals 2507 and 3621 that will raise wages for over 4,500 FDNY employees.
  • This will improve recruitment and retention, and allow the City to expand the mental health response pilot program. Read more here.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Image: Washington Post
  • The Biden administration announced yesterday that federal funding to nursing homes will hinge on staff vaccinations. Staff will have to be vaccinate to receive Medicare or Medicaid funds.
  • The CDC also updated guidance for pregnant women. The CDC advises all pregnant women get vaccinated against COVID-19 and says there is no risk of miscarriage.
  • The U.S. Senate passed a $1 trillion infrastructure package, sending the provision to improve the nation’s roads, bridges and broadband to the House for approval. Read more here.
  • President Joe Biden announced several nominees for the U.S. Attorney including Manhattan and Brooklyn locations:
  • Damian Williams - Southern District of New York (located in Manhattan)
  • Breon Peace - Eastern District of New York (located in Brooklyn). Read more here.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for Americans with compromised immune systems. Read more here.
  • Several Federal unemployment benefit programs throughout the U.S. are set to expire on September 5, 2021.
  • Benefit programs expiring include:
  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
  • Extended Benefits (EB)
  • $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) supplement
  • $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) supplement. Read more here.
FAITH VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF HAITI EARTHQUAKE
On August 16th, elected officials and members of the Haitian community gathered in front of St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church at 2900 Nostrand Ave in Little Haiti to remember those lost and those calling for help.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
The office of Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is hosting a Haiti Earthquake Relief Drive. We will be collecting items listed above through August 27th from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:30AM - 5:00PM.
  • Our office is located at: 1312 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210
  • If you have any questions, please contact our office at (718)940-0428
  • This location is not accepting water or clothes.
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and Council Member Farah N. Louis in partnership with Flatbush Development Corp. (FDC) are hosting a Back to School BBQ on Sunday, August 22nd from 12pm to 4pm. Back to school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Registration is required. Register here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it plainly clear that affordable internet access isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential 21st century utility to stay connected, work and study. For a list of participating providers or to learn more, click here.
COVID-19 VACCINATION SITES
If you or someone you love would like to schedule an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
COVID VACCINE SCAM ALERT
DON'T FORGET YOUR MASK
MUTUAL AID NYC FOOD RESOURCES
Mutual Aid NYC is providing food assistance, resources, and other services. To get more information call their hotline at which you can call at 646-437-8080.
NYC SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE NETWORK
The NYC Small Business Resource Network is a unique private/public partnership that provides our local businesses with the free, personalized guidance they need right now to survive the pandemic. If you have a small business, you can sign up for this network today.

Once you fill out the brief intake form, you will be matched with a business support specialist. Through this program, all five borough Chambers of Commerce have specialists offering one-on-one support to businesses in their boroughs.
 
The program is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the New York City-based Peter G. Peterson Foundation and supported by in-kind contributions from other partners, this collaboration, led by the Partnership for New York City, the NYC Economic Development Corporation and all five Chambers of Commerce, leverages the city’s corporate, financial and professional services sectors, as well as universities, philanthropies and expert volunteers to help small business owners gain access to a range of programs and services.
COVID-19 RAPID TESTING BROOKLYN LOCATIONS
STOP THE SPREAD
WEARING FACE COVERINGS
AVOID SCAMS
Photo Credit: Pixabay/CDC
  • Notify NYC: Beware of COVID-19 scams!
  • Report price gouging to 311 or NYC.gov/dcwp. You can also file a complaint to the Attorney General's office by filling out a complaint form.
  • NYS Price Gouging Hotline: 800-697-1220.
  • CDC staff will NOT go door-to-door. If you experience this, call 911.
SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Photo Credit: Ansi.org
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on New York City's workforce, the City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who may be unemployed due to COVID-19 or are seeking additional assistance. The list below will be updated frequently.

It has information on the following categories:
  • Employment Resources
  • Food Assistance
  • Health & Medical Assistance
  • Financial Assistance
  • Rent Arrears and Public Assistance
  • Emotional Support & Spiritual Care
  • Other Assistance

Visit this website for resources.

NYS Department of Health Hotline for people who want to be assessed and get appointment for test (888-364-3065). NYC residents should call (844-692-4692).


Free Internet Services:
Charter is offering free spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days to household with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have Spectrum broadband subscription. To enroll, call 844-488-8395.
Until further notice, all Xfinity WiFi Public Hotspots are now open to everyone on the "xfinitywifi" SSID. For more information visit here.

The Hebrew Educational Society in partnership with MET Council has a food pantry that is open to all. To reserve a spot, visit here.
Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She is also a member of the Task Force on Women's Issues and sits on Governor Cuomo's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor De Blasio's MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.

  
Learn more about 
Rodneyse Bichotte by visiting her websites: