A Message from Jo Anne… 

It was a historic day in New York -- the Assembly opened its 2019-2020 legislative session with a record 50 women serving in the body of 150 members! Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes of Buffalo will be the first woman and the first African-American to serve as the Assembly Majority Leader. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins became the first woman and first African-American woman to lead a legislative conference in the State Legislature. There are also a record number of women in the NY Senate, many of them among the newly elected Senators that flipped control of the Senate to a Democratic majority, also an historic moment. I’m looking forward to a robust policy agenda and a productive session.

I also want to share the good news that two of my bills were recently signed into law by the Governor. Bill A8110 extends the duration for which students are eligible to receive the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) when faced with permanent school closures. Transferring between institutions can result in the loss of earned academic credits because not all credits are seamlessly accepted between institutions. This law will lessen the financial burden placed on students who have to transfer between institutions under these special circumstances by extending their eligibility for TAP by two additional semesters.

My gender neutral bill (A8321) for police officers and firefighters was also signed into law. This legislation changes every NYS law that contain the words “policeman” or “fireman” to the gender neutral language “police officer” and “firefighter”. This antiquated and inaccurate language promotes an outdated worldview that suggests to young girls and young boys alike that law enforcement and firefighting are only open to men. Stamping out gender-specific language recognizes the incredible women who keep us safe every day, and promotes inclusivity and participation in these professions to everyone.

Sincerely,

Jo Anne Simon

Java with Jo Anne, DUMBO, 1/17/2019

Is there a community issue or current event you’re passionate about? Come and talk about it! Join me for a cup of coffee through my "Java with Jo Anne” series. The next one will take place on Thurs., January 17^th at One Girl Cookies, 33 Main St., Brooklyn, 11201, 8:30-10:30am.

2019 Parking Calendar

My 2019 parking calendar includes the days of the year that certain parking regulations are suspended throughout the five boroughs. You may download the 2019 parking calendar on my website or please contact my office via email simonj@nyassembly.gov or call 718-246-4889 to have one mailed to you.

A Community Conversation on the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), 1/24/2019

Along with Assemblymember Walter Mosley, I am pleased to invite you to a community conversation on the SHSAT, which is used to determine admissions to the specialized high schools in New York City. The event will include a panel discussion featuring experts on testing and test validity, alternatives to testing, and increasing racial, ethnic and gender diversity in the City’s specialized schools. There will also be a Q&A session. The City proposes to change the admissions process at specialized high schools, but it needs state legislative approval to do so -- please join us as we discuss this important topic.

The event will be moderated by Maya Wiley, NBC News and MSNBC Legal Analyst, and Senior Vice President for Social Justice at The New School. We will also be joined by Assemblymember Charles Barron, who sponsors a bill to change the admissions process and examine the SHSAT; NYC Department of Education Deputy Chancellor Josh Wallack; Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr., Member of the NYS Education Department Board of Regents, and others. The event will take place on Thurs., Jan. 24^th, 6-8:30pm, at the Brooklyn Public Library Dweck Auditorium, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238. RSVP here or email simonj@nyassembly or 718-246-4889.

BQE Reconstruction Update

The reconstruction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street has been on the horizon for over a decade, and in September 2018 the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed two potential options for consideration to carry out this project. This portion of the BQE has received minimal rehabilitation and the New York State Department of Transportation began to research the process of rehabilitation in 2006, but halted its plans in 2011, apparently due to financial concerns. This project has since fallen to the City DOT, whose engineers have determined that highway traffic, especially trucks, would need to be routed onto local streets if no action is taken. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade, cantilevered over a portion of the BQE and attached to the highway structure, also requires major rehabilitation to remain safe and usable and will need to be taken out of service at some point, regardless of the method used for BQE reconstruction. 

I have been working with the affected communities, first to secure design-build authorization to streamline the procurement process, and now as we review the proposals that City DOT has provided. My office is committed to ensuring a robust engagement process and along with State Senator Brian Kavanagh, I have pledged to bring together federal and state partners to this process to ensure that all feasible options are explored before City DOT determines the approach. Along with U.S. Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and Councilmember Stephen Levin, we have also issued a statement requesting that every single option be fully considered before this project is approved, and DOT is currently evaluating a plan proposed by the Brooklyn Heights Association (you may read the full statement online or email me at simonj@nyassembly.gov for a copy).

City DOT is currently conducting small group meetings with stakeholders. They are starting with the residents in buildings closest to the triple cantilever and will be fanning out to nearby individuals, along with civic groups, community boards, and others. For more details on the meetings, reach out to 332-999-4520 or info@bqe-i278.com. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office to discuss this issue further.

Compost Your Holiday Tree Through Mulchfest!

Wrap up the holiday season with the NYC Parks Department and NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) for #Mulchfest from Jan. 4-13. You can drop off your Christmas tree in participating parks to get your tree turned into mulch and compost. Stop by a chipping site on Chipping Weekend, Jan. 12-13, 10am-2pm, to bring free mulch home with you for your garden or a street tree. DSNY will also be collecting and composting clean Christmas trees left at the curb from Jan. 2-12. For more information about #Mulchfest locations and how to get involved, go to: https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest

Minimum Wage Increase

One of the biggest challenges facing hard working New Yorkers as they attempt to get ahead and build a better life is a lack of rising wages. At the same time, household costs like health insurance have risen higher than worker pay, putting families further behind. That’s why I have fought for a living wage and equal opportunity for all New Yorkers. Not only is it the right thing to do, but we know that New York is significantly better when individuals and families succeed. The legislature passed changes to phase in an increase in the state’s minimum wage laws in 2016, and so the minimum wage increased again on Dec. 31, reaching $15 per hour for workers in New York City employed by businesses with 11 or more employees and $13.50 for workers employed by businesses with 10 or fewer employees. For a schedule of the phase-in across the state, go to the NYS Department of Labor website or contact my office.

There’s Still Time to Enroll in Health Care for 2019!

New York’s Healthcare Marketplace, NY State of Health, is a way for individuals, families, and small businesses to find quality health insurance (Note: the Marketplace isn’t for people who have Medicare). The 2019 enrollment period is open through Jan. 31, 2019.

• Need Financial Help? Financial aid to buy insurance is available for most consumers. You may qualify for an even more affordable option through the state’s Essential Plan, which covers essential health benefits and includes either a $20 monthly premium or nothing, depending on income. You may also be eligible for Medicaid or Child Health Plus (CHIP). Bronze level health plans will be free to individuals with incomes up to $25,000 who are not eligible for Medicaid or the Essential Plan in every county of the state, and less than $50 a month for individuals with incomes up to $30,000 a year in 41 counties.
• How Do I Apply? Apply online www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov, or call the Marketplace: 1-855-355-5777.
  Need Free Help Applying? Trained navigators are available to walk you through the application process. To find a navigator near you and set up an in-person appointment, call the Marketplace or go to: https://info.nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ipanavigatorsitelocations
• When Do I Apply? Apply by Jan. 15, 2019 for coverage effective Feb. 1, 2019. Open enrollment for 2019 ends on Jan. 31, 2019. After that time, you may only apply if you experience a qualifying event, such as loss of your current coverage, pregnancy, job loss, marriage or divorce, or other event. Note: You may apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or the Essential Plan at any time of year.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP helps low-income New Yorkers pay for heating in their homes. The HEAP benefit application period is open (apply ASAP). Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on household size and income, primary heating source, and if a tenant is younger than 6 or older than 60, or permanently disabled. Emergency HEAP can assist in a heat-related emergency. To find out if you’re eligible and to apply: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-and-cooling-assistance-heap.

Heat Laws Reminder

We’re into heat season, and it’s important that tenants and landlords know their rights and responsibilities. “Heat Season” is October 1^st through May 31^st and heat must be provided:

• Between 6am and 10pm if the outside temperature is below 55 degrees, inside temperature must be 68 degrees or higher.
• Between 10pm and 6am, inside temperature must be 62 degrees or higher, no matter the outside temperature.

It is New York City law that landlords provide hot water to tenants 365 days a year. If you are a tenant experiencing problems with your heat or hot water, please notify the owner of your building ASAP. If problems persist, call 311, or reach out to my office for assistance.

Ortner Park Slope Preservation Award – Applications Due 1/15/2019

Do you know of any recent renovations, rehabilitations, or new buildings that help enhance the appearance of the historic Park Slope Community? Let Park Slope Civic Council know about them! For award eligibility and more info, go to their website https://parkslopeciviccouncil.org.

76th Precinct Gowanus Neighborhood Coordination Officer (NCO) Meeting, 1/23/2019

Sector B of the 76th Precinct is hosting their NCO public safety meeting on Wed., January 23, at 6:30pm at Carroll Gardens Senior Citizen Housing, 41 1st Street. Come and discuss your public safety needs and concerns with your local law enforcement officers. To find your NCO Sector, view the map on the 76th Precinct’s website.

NYC Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE), 1/28/2019

The NYC Dept. of Homeless Services needs help canvassing the City for their annual survey of New Yorkers sleeping unsheltered on the streets and subways. The survey will help the City better deliver effective and efficient services. The count will take place across the five boroughs on Monday, Jan. 28^th, 10pm-4am. For more info and to volunteer: https://a071-dhsmobile.nyc.gov/dhsmobile/hope/registration/#/.

New York Memory Center & Alzheimer’s Association Workshops: Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Church is partnering with NY Memory Center and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. to offer free workshops on understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Know the 10 Signs (2/3), The Basics (2/4), and Dementia Conversations (2/6). The first session begins at 11:15 am, and the following two begin at 12:30pm, Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen, 125 Summit St. (bet. Henry & Hicks). For details, contact Linda Ameroso: lma6@cornell.edu or 718-596-7750.

Youth Civic Engagement Workshop, 1/23/2019

Join Citizen Squirrel, which invites our youngest community members to be civically engaged, for a civic engagement workshop for families, focusing on elementary-school aged children. Led by Kathy Park Price, a member of Community Board 5 and CEC15, the free workshop will be interactive and fun. The Community Connectors session at the end of the workshop will guide families on the range of civic engagement opportunities in our community. Workshop participants will also include the middle school students who pushed for the NYC Styrofoam ban and students from MS 51. I will provide a brief lesson in American Sign Language. The workshop will take place on Wed, 1/23, 4-5:30pm, in the cafeteria of MS51 in Park Slope, 5th Ave between 4^th & 5^th Streets. For more details, contact kathypricenyc@gmail.com or go to the event page.

For community and policy updates, sign up for my email alerts by emailing simonj@nysassembly.gov

District Office: 341 Smith Street  |  Brooklyn, NY 11231  |  718-246-4889  |  Fax: 718-246 4895

Albany Office: LOB, Room 326  |  Albany, NY 12247  |  518-455-5426  |  Fax: 518-455 4787

Email: simonj@NYassembly.gov |  Web: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Jo-Anne-Simon