Dear Neighbor,
I joined with my colleagues this week in commending the members of Congress for voting to impeach President Donald Trump after his inflammatory rhetoric and temper tantrums contributed to an insurrection on our U.S. Capitol last week. President Trump has proven himself to be a threat to our democracy and the American people by inciting violence, spewing lies about the results of the 2020 election, and supporting white supremacists. This is not behavior we should condone, and I want to thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her leadership on this issue. I urge the U.S Senate to take the next step in immediately removing Donald Trump from office before he can do further harm to our country.
Under President Trump, we have seen unprecedented divisiveness, even amid a public health crisis. I will join with community leaders and elected officials on Monday to discuss how we can move forward in a Post-Trump administration to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.`s dream for racial equality. The information to register for the event can be found below. We hope you will join us, as we lay out a blueprint for how we can move our country forward with prominent leaders from New York City.
Also, this week, Mayor de Blasio released his preliminary Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant loss in revenue and a budget gap of around 5.25 billion dollars. The city has had to spend $5.9 billion on COVID-19 related expenses, approximately $1.3 billion of which is not currently covered by federal reimbursement. We knew that this would be a difficult budget, but we remain committed to pushing the administration for services and resources essential to our community. As we get more information, we will continue to update you.
In preparation for the three day weekend, please continue to wash your hands, wear a face-covering in public, and encourage your friends and family to get tested.
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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Council Member Gibson joins with prominent community leaders and elected officials for a panel discussion moderated by BronxNet Reporter, Arlene Mukoko, on the Legacy of Dr. King in a Post-Trump Administration. Register below for a chance to hear this important conversation. |
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Rally for Fair Pay in the South Bronx |
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Council Member Gibson spoke at a press conference on Thursday with advocates and community leaders at Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market to demand fair wages for workers. Thank you Teamsters JC 16 for inviting us to stand with all of you in fighting for just pay.
"A $1 raise should be the floor, not the ceiling. This is personal to us. These workers feed our families every day. We are on this journey together.” - Council Member Gibson.
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Council Member Gibson Visits Community Board 3 |
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- Council Member Gibson joined the Community Board 3 General Board Meeting to give updates on legislation, the COVID-19 vaccine and other pertinent information for the community .
- Community Boards are local representative bodies. There are 59 Community Boards throughout the city, with 12 located in The Bronx. Each Board consists of up to 50 unsalaried members, appointed by the Borough President, with half nominated by the City Council Members who represent the community district. Board members are selected by the Borough President from among active and involved people in each community, with an effort made to assure that every neighborhood is represented. Board members must reside, work or have some other significant interest in the community.
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Click HERE to learn how to get involved.
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Mask Distribution in Highbridge |
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Council Member Gibson partnered with African Communities Together and New York City Health and Hospitals to distribute face masks and hand sanitizers to residents in the 10452 zip code to stop the spread of COVID-19. |
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Homeowner and Renter Benefit Session |
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Council Member Gibson hosted a briefing with The Department of Finance, BronxWorks and LiveOn NYC on support for Renters and Homeowners during the pandemic. |
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Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson`s Response to Governor Cuomo`s State of the State Address |
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New York – Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State address laid out his vision for 2021, as we continue to grapple with a global public health crisis and a staggering 15 billion dollar budget deficit. Governor Cuomo acknowledged that we have a long road ahead of us and that it is essential for us to receive additional aid from the federal government. We continue to have high rates of COVID-19 infections throughout New York State, and many of us are still mourning the loss of friends, family members, and neighbors that we lost as a result of this pandemic.
It is an understatement to say that there are more challenges ahead for New York State in 2021. However, Governor Cuomo emphasized that there is still hope on the horizon. The COVID-19 vaccine distribution to our most at-risk populations and a new administration occupying the White House on January 20th will hopefully bring us one step closer to eliminating this deadly virus.
There were many policy proposals and reforms introduced by the Governor today during his address, but I was most pleased to see the Governor address:
Vaccinations – Governor Cuomo highlighted the importance of making vaccinations a priority and that they are made available to as many eligible New Yorkers as possible. while acknowledging the structural inequities that have contributed to existing health disparities in communities of color.
Equitable Access to Broadband – The Governor stated that an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers have broadband access, but it is still unaffordable for many families. He is making affordability a priority, as many of us are forced to rely on our internet connection for work, school, and communicating with our friends and family. Internet access is no longer a privilege but should be viewed as a right for all.
Telehealth Services – Governor Cuomo stated that he would enact comprehensive telehealth reform to ensure New Yorkers have greater access to this option as we continue to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eviction Moratoriums – Governor Cuomo will codify his Executive Order banning fees for late and missed rent payments during the pandemic and allowing tenants to use their security deposit as immediate payment and repay the deposit over time, keeping those protections in place through May 1. The Governor will also codify his Executive Order to establish a statewide moratorium on commercial evictions until May 1st for commercial tenants who have endured COVID-related hardship. This will provide much-needed relief to commercial and residential tenants that are struggling financially and fear being evicted.
Voting – Governor Cuomo’s new proposal would expand access to early voting, extend no-excuse absentee voting , allow more time for voters to request an absentee ballot and require county boards of elections to process absentee ballots as they are received and to begin counting and reporting those ballots on Election Day. Voting is a fundamental right, and these reforms put forth by the Governor will ensure greater access to voting for communities that were the most impacted by COVID-19.
I thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership on these issues during this tumultuous time. It has not been easy, but he has been on the frontlines every day fighting for all of us. I look forward to our continued work together in Albany and City Hall advocating for the people of New York.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information |
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the first five community vaccination kits have been deployed to NYCHA housing developments across New York City. These sites bolster New York State's efforts to equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in communities that are underserved by traditional healthcare institutions. The sites are strictly limited to eligible NYCHA residents. Residents can make appointments by contacting Somos, the state's partner organization, by calling 1-833-SOMOSNY.
Locations:
Bronx
West Tremont Avenue-Sedgwick Avenue Area, 200 West Tremont Ave., Bronx, NY 10453
Brooklyn
Stuyvesant Gardens II, 150 Malcolm X Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11221
East Harlem
307 East 116 St., New York, NY 10029
Queens
International Tower 90-20 170 St., Queens, NY 11432
Staten Island
230 Broad St., Staten Island, NY 10304
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COVID-19 Testing Information |
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Bronx COVID-19 Mobile Testing Sites:
Crotona Pool
(Rapid antigen testing available)
Pool entrance, adjacent to Bathgate Playground
Corner of Fulton Avenue & East 173rd Street
Bronx, NY 10457
Dates: January 11 - 17
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and up.
NYCHA/Castle Hill
(Rapid antigen testing available)
2144 Seward Avenue
Bronx, NY 10473
Dates: January 11 - 17
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and up.
NYCHA/Eastchester Gardens
(Rapid antigen testing available)
3098 Bouck Avenue
(Street parking on corner of Burke & Bouck Avenues)
Bronx, NY 10469
Dates: January 11 - 17
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and up.
NYCHA/Mitchel
Parking lot by 190 Lincoln Avenue
Bronx, NY 10454
Dates: January 16 - 17
Saturday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and up.
NYCHA/Patterson
Corner of East 145th and 3rd Avenue
Bronx, NY 10451
Dates: January 11 - 17
Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Testing site is currently only testing people 4 years and up.
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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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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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