Dear Neighbor,
I joined with my colleague, Council Member Mark Levine this week to introduce Intro. 2050 that would expand upon the historic Right to Counsel Legislation to require the immediate implementation of access to legal services for tenants facing eviction proceedings in housing court citywide. This bill is a significant step forward in ensuring tenants have access to legal service providers that will advocate on their behalf during these unprecedented times. Many New Yorkers have been impacted by the pandemic and fear the threat of eviction once the moratorium is lifted. We must ensure protections are in place to expand tenant protections and fairness. I want to thank the Right to Counsel Coalition, and all the advocates that have helped to push this legislation forward.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine continues throughout New York City and our office has received several questions about it. I will be hosting a webinar with the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and NYC Health and Hospitals to discuss the vaccine and to address any concerns. The information for that event can be found below.
A code blue is in effect due to the frigid cold weather. Please make sure to avoid outside activities when possible and if you see someone in need, call 311 for assistance.
If you need to reach us or have any questions, you can contact us at:
P: 718-588-7500
Click the links below to get District 16 updates on:
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Join with Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson for a dialogue on the COVID-19 vaccine and the history of racial bias and experimentation in communities of color with special guests City Medical Specialist at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Dr. Julian Watkins, and Dr. Nichola Davis, Vice President And Chief Population Health Officer at Health and Hospitals with Moderator, Veronica Guity.
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While the new Biden Administration and Governor Cuomo continue to extend eviction moratoriums, many advocates and housing experts are concerned over the looming specter of a massive wave of evictions once the moratoriums expire. Current loopholes and confusing legal mandates have already and will continue to allow landlords to bring New Yorkers to housing court during the moratoriums.
Intro. 2050 sponsored by Council Members Gibson and Levine would simply amend Local Law 36 to require the City to immediately complete full implementation of the Right to Counsel law and provide representation for every eligible tenant.
A hearing was held for the bill in the General Welfare committee on Monday.
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Providing PPE for our Essential Workers
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Council Member Gibson partnered with New York City Health and Hospitals` Test and Trace team and Metro Plus to provide COVID-19 testing and distribute PPE to our taxi drivers in the Bronx.
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Support for the NYC Teamsters
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Excellent work Teamsters! After six days of being on strike, essential workers of Local 202, voted on a new contract agreement this past weekend.
When you fight, you win! The people united will never be defeated. You all kept your eyes on the prize. Congratulations Local 202! You have inspired a generation of union workers to always fight for what’s right. This fight was much more than an increase in hourly wage but about dignity and respect for the hard work of our Teamsters.
Thanks to President Daniel Kane, the Executive Leadership of Local 202, other Teamster Locals, all the elected officials, community leaders, partners and organizers on the ground who showed up to support Teamsters!
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Commercial Lease Assistance for Small Businesses
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Council Member Gibson joined with WHEDco, Brooklyn Legal-A, Take Root Justice, VOLS and NYC Small Business Services for a Commercial Lease Assistance workshop to offer support and resources for small businesses during the pandemic.
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Meeting with Community Partners
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Council Member Gibson and staff spoke to our community partners at WHEDco to discuss upcoming projects and ways we can support our residents during the pandemic. Thank you to all of our partners that participated in this discussion as we work towards supporting our district during these unprecedented times.
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Statement from Council Member Gibson on President Biden`s Decision to Overturn Ban on Transgender Individuals in the Armed Forces
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"I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration for their commitment to equity and inclusion by reversing the egregious Trump-era ban that barred transgender individuals from serving in the Armed Forces. The vast majority of Americans agree that your gender identity should not prohibit individuals from serving in the military and today`s executive order reaffirms that this administration is committed to dismantling discriminatory policies that target our LGBTQIA+ community."
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Statement from Council Member Gibson on Shooting of NYPD Officer
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"On behalf of our community, we send our prayers of healing and strength to Police Officer Daniel Vargas, who was shot in the line of duty in the Bronx. Last night’s shooting of Officer Vargas is a painful reminder of the larger systemic issue that we have in our nation with gun violence. Officer Vargas is in stable condition, but we have lost countless lives to senseless shootings in our community. It is unacceptable behavior that we must not only condemn but continue to fight against.
Last summer, I joined with elected officials, clergy, anti-gun violence organizations, and community leaders to rally against the plague of gun violence in our neighborhoods through Operation Save Our Sons and Sisters, and we must continue to advocate to eliminate the pandemic that is gun violence in our country."
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Bronx Community Board 4 Clean-Up Effort
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Please see the message from Bronx Community Board 4 below:
As you know the City's budget has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in severe reductions in agency budgets across the city. Nowhere is that more evident than with the NYC Department of Sanitation which saw cuts of $100 million in the last fiscal year. We want to partner with DSNY, roll up our sleeves and help keep our community stay clean and safe and underscore the importance of being stewards of our neighborhoods.
Help us choose the best locations to focus our time and resources. We will not only be scheduling cleanups in these locations; we want to make these engaging community events with an educational component, food, and games. Please take the time to complete this brief survey. Also please feel free to pass this along through your network of community residents. Thank you all in advance.
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Public Notice for the 170th Street 4 Train Station
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Indoor Dining and Marriage Receptions Update
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that assuming New York State's COVID-19 infection rate stays on its current trajectory, indoor dining in New York City can reopen at 25 percent capacity on Valentine's Day. The reopening will be subject to strict state guidance, which can be found here.
- The Governor also announced that marriage receptions will be able to resume in accordance with state guidance on March 15. Events must be approved by the local health department. There will be a 50 percent capacity limit and no more than 150 people can attend the event. All patrons must be tested prior to the event.
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Fiscal Year 2022 Discretionary Funding Expense Application Filing Period
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Please be advised that all not-for-profit community-based organizations that wish to apply for discretionary funding for FY2022 must submit a Council Application. The FY2022 application will be posted on the Council’s website at this location on Monday, January 4, 2021 and the submission deadline will be on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
Also, please note that if an application is not submitted within the filing period, the community-based organization will not be eligible for funding.
How the budget works
The Expense Budget covers the costs of running our city. It pays for the sanitation worker who picks up your garbage, and powers the lights at your local library. Funds are set aside to operate each city agency. This also includes the Debt Service, the City’s annual loan payment for long‑term Capital Projects for which the City borrows State & Federal money.
The Capital Budget covers larger long‑term investments in facilities & infrastructure, or Capital Projects. Examples include the construction of public schools, street maintenance, and parks improvements.
The Revenue Budget outlines money expected from taxes, State & Federal aid, and other sources of revenue. It determines the maximum amount in the Expense Budget, as the City is required to have a balanced budget.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information
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COVID-19 Testing Information
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Unity Project surveyed hundreds of LGBTQ program and service providers across New York City to develop a resource page, which includes up-to-date information on LGBTQ resources still available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE for resources for the LGBTQ+ community.
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The NYC Council Women`s Caucus
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The Women’s Caucus of the New York City Council is a non-partisan alliance of woman-identified legislators, dedicated to advancing gender equity in New York City. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Farah Louis, the Women’s Caucus works to improve the everyday lives of women and transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people across the city.
Follow the Caucus on Social Media to get updates on these 13 marvelous women:
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Looking for a school for the 2021-2022 School Year? Girls Prep and Boys Prep are single-sex, tuition-free public charter schools serving grades PK - 8th. The journey to college completion starts by joining our community. Additional information is attached. Make sure you submit an application for our schools ahead of the lottery on April 1st - click here to get started.
Want to talk to someone about Girls Prep and Boys Prep? Call Yvonne Guillen at 646-413-9308 or email us at [email protected]. Hablamos espanol.
Girls Prep y Boys Prep son escuelas públicas Charter de un solo sexo y gratuitas que prestan servicios en los grados PK - 8. El viaje hacia la finalización universitaria comienza uniéndose a nuestra comunidad. Continúe hacia abajo para obtener información adicional
¿Quiere hablar con alguien sobre Girls Prep y Boys Prep? Llame a Yvonne Guillen al 646-413-9308 o envíenos un correo electrónico a [email protected].
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Helpful Resources
NYSDOH COVID-19 Tracker (Up to Date Statistics/Tables/Maps/Graphics for NYS):
NYS COVID-19 Testing Data:
Price Gouging hotline: 800-697-1220
24-Hour Coronavirus hotline: 1-888-364-3065
NYS DOH website regarding Coronavirus:
NYS COVID-19 Email Alert Sign Up
To file a complaint with the NYS Department of Human Rights
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RESOURCES
Guidance on Coronavirus Resources from AG's Office
COVID-19 Application For Suspension Of Debt Collection Activity:
If you believe an employer is in violation of either existing labor laws or recently issued executive orders you can contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office at (212) 416-8700 or [email protected]
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Weekly Provider Update (Recorded Web Conference):
Assistance of Qualified Medical Professionals Survey/Sign Up:
Retired Health Professional Survey/Sign Up:
E-mail address for NYC OEM that health care providers (PCP's, FQHC's, others) can use for supplies: [email protected]
MENTAL HEALTHCARE RESOURCES
NYS Mental Health Hotline: 1-844-863-9314 (to schedule a free appointment)
BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS
Empire State Development (ESD) FAQ for businesses regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus.
ESD COVID-19 Related Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
DOL LINKS
COVID-19 Sick Leave Application
DOL Complaint Process Related to COVID-19
Additional Information:
HOW YOU CAN HELP
DOH How You Can Help General Webpage
If someone is interested in selling products to the state: If your company is able to immediately sell or produce approved COVID-19 related medical equipment and supplies, please complete this form: www.ny.gov/covid19supplies
Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products: For manufacturers interested in repurposing production and retooling to begin making the approved COVID -19 related medical equipment and supplies, please go to: esd.ny.gov/COVID19supplies
If people want to make a donation (including essential goods, services, and/or spaces): If you are looking for information on how to offer donated goods, services, or spaces for use in New York’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, please go to:
New Yorkers who have recovered from COVID-19 and had a positive test before March 7th should visit https://www.mountsinai.org/ to help save another New Yorker by donating plasma.
To donate to the First Responders Fund to assist COVID-19 health care workers and first responders with expenses and costs, including child care:
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Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson
Council Member, 16th District, Bronx County
Deputy Leader
Chair, Committee on Oversight and Investigations
Co-Chair, NYC Women`s Caucus
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