As always, I hope you and your families are doing well and continue to practice social distancing and face covering protocols as you go about your daily travels.
The first two weeks of October have been eventful. Council Hearings are in full swing and I look forward to bringing to your attention the work we have been doing, which I have outlined within our Legislative Updates below. My office continues to push and advocate for an increase quality of life services in both East Harlem and the Bronx. Additionally, as we are seeing an increase in COVID cases in certain clusters, I cannot stress the importance of adhering to the guidance and protocols, as set forth by the City and State. Collectively we must do our part.
October is also a time where we highlight Breast Cancer Awareness, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable.
In addition, in October, we take time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims, celebrate survivors, and network for change. Throughout this month we encourage all to get help, which is why I developed a resource listing of experts, advocates, and other professionals for your reference within this week’s Update.
Lastly, All New York voters are eligible to vote by mail this November. Individuals can sign up to vote by mail online or by calling 866-VOTE-NYC. The deadline to register for an absentee ballot is October 27. Early voting is also available between October 24 and November 1.
My office(s) continue to remain open Monday-Friday from 9-6pm and you may contact us at 212 828-9800 (East Harlem) or 347 287-4922 (South Bronx).
Querido Vecino,
Como siempre, espero que a usted y a sus familias les vaya bien y sigan practicando el distanciamiento social y los protocolos de cobertura de rostros a medida que avanzan en sus viajes diarios.
Las dos primeras semanas de octubre han sido agitadas. Las audiencias del consejo están en pleno apogeo y espero llamar su atención sobre el trabajo que hemos estado haciendo, que he descrito en nuestras actualizaciones legislativas a continuación. Mi oficina continúa presionando y abogando por un aumento de los servicios de calidad de vida tanto en East Harlem como en el Bronx. Además, como estamos viendo un aumento en los casos de COVID en ciertos grupos, no puedo enfatizar la importancia de adherirse a la guía y los protocolos, según lo establecido por la Ciudad y el Estado. Colectivamente debemos hacer nuestra parte.
Octubre también es un momento en el que destacamos la Concientización sobre el cáncer de mama, una campaña anual para aumentar la conciencia sobre la enfermedad. La conciencia sobre el cáncer de mama es increíblemente importante, ya que la detección temprana, a menudo mediante exámenes de detección, puede detectar la enfermedad cuando es más tratable.
Además, en octubre, nos tomamos el tiempo para reconocer a los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y ser una voz para sus víctimas, celebrar a los sobrevivientes y establecer una red para el cambio. A lo largo de este mes, animamos a todos a obtener ayuda, por lo que desarrollé una lista de recursos de expertos, defensores y otros profesionales para su referencia en la Actualización de esta semana.
Por último, todos los votantes de Nueva York pueden votar por correo este noviembre. Las personas pueden inscribirse para votar por correo en línea o llamando al 866-VOTE-NYC. La fecha límite para registrarse para una boleta de voto ausente es el 27 de octubre. La votación anticipada también está disponible entre el 24 de octubre y el 1 de noviembre.
Como siempre estamos aquí para ayudarle. Mi(s) oficina(s) están abiertas de lunes a viernes de 9-6pm y puede comunicarse con nosotros al 212 828-9800 (East Harlem) o al 347 287-4922 (Sur del Bronx).
Covid-19 Memorial Service
On October 2nd, Council Member Ayala attended the Boriken Health Center Covid-19 Memorial Service in honor of all lives lost. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of those who lost a loved one.
Neighborhood Clean-up
On October 3rd, Council Member Ayala joined Uptown Grand Central in a Neighborhood Clean-up event organized by Jam+Rico starting at La Fonda Boricua. Cleaning streets on a Saturday morning is not for everyone, so we truly appreciate all of the wonderful individuals who continue to show up day in and day out.
Pleasant Avenue Open Street
On October 4th, Council Member Ayala paid a visit to a newly announced open street, located on Pleasant Avenue between East 118th-120th Streets. This Open Street will be open to the public on Friday’s 4-8pm, Saturday’s 10-8pm , and Sunday’s between 12-8:00pm through Saturday October 31st.
On October 4th, Council Member Ayala joined community artist Carmen Paulino, Alisha Soto, Viviana Ramsay and Glenda Rivas for the installation of our very own Justice Ruth Badger Ginsburg crocheted piece at the East Harlem Community Justice Center where we hope it serves as inspiration to all. Justice Ginsburg, who was a champion for gender equality and women’s rights will be sorely missed.
Voter Registration Drive
On October 6th, Council Member Ayala hosted a voter registration drive at 1199 Houses in anticipation of the upcoming voter registration deadline. Thanks to Carmen Vasquez, Carol Johnson and District Leader Hilda Soloman for helping to get the word out and stopping by to help. This year more than ever, it was extremely important that we did everything possible to activate our communities and get out the vote at the upcoming election.
40th Precinct Council Meeting
On October 7th, Council Member Ayala attended the 40th Precinct Council Meeting. Council Member Ayala was happy to attend and give an overview of the work of the office during the last few months.
Newly Renovated South Bronx Parks
On October 8th, Council Member Ayala joined NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez Rosa, NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano and NYS Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo for a ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Dog Run at St. Mary’s Park as part of the Anchor Parks Phase I renovation project, as well as of the newly constructed Patterson Playground. The Council Member has been involved with both projects since the beginning and it gives her great pleasure to see them completed and ready for use by the local community. We are happy to have been able to allocate $2.33 Million in Capital Funds towards the renovation of the Playground.
Community Clean Up
On October 10th, Council Member Ayala joined Congressman Adriano Espaillat for a community clean up event of East 116th Street in East Harlem. Once again, special thanks to the volunteers who came by to help, and special thanks to our staff for helping us put these events together.
LatinX Heritage Month at John Jay College
On October 14th, Council Member Ayala was invited to participate in the City and State Emerging Leaders of Justice series in commemoration of LatinX Heritage month at John Jay College. This virtual event was intended to inform and encourage greater engagement and interest in public service, leadership and policy for its students. The virtual Fireside Chat was hosted by John Gutierrez. The Council Member was proud to share her story, advocacy work and policy priorities while taking questions from the students at John Jay College.
BronxTalk Hispanic Heritage Month
On October 15th, Council Member Ayala joined Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Council Member Fernando Cabrera, and NYS Assembly Democratic Nominee Kenneth Burgos for BronxTalks 26th Anniversary celebration special program on Hispanic Heritage Month featuring Bronx elected officials. Elected officials and guest discussed civic engagement in the latinx community.
Hearing on the Oversight of the Mental Health Resources
On October 16th, Council Member Ayala, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction and Council Member Barron, Chair of the Committee on Higher Education co-chaired a hearing on the Oversight of the Mental Health Resources for Students at the City University of New York.
CUNY representatives, education advocates and students gave testimony relating to the disruption, difficulties and uncertainties of virtual learning and the impact COVID has had on their mental health.
Enacted Bills
Intro 2105
This week Council Member Ayala Introduced Intro 2105 a Local Law to prohibit the police department from collecting DNA from a minor without consent from a parent, legal guardian or attorney.
Intro 2127-2020
In an effort to continue to support Small Businesses during these challenging times Council Member Diana Ayala and her colleagues at the New York City Council voted to establish a permanent outdoor dining program and to allow the use of portable electric and propane heaters in the outdoor dining areas.
Co-Sponsored Bills
Intro 1924
Council Member Ayala co-sponsored Int. 1924 requiring the department of education (DOE) to create a plan to provide specialized high school admissions test (SHSAT) preparation to all 7th & 8th grade students, in addition to administering the exam to all 7th and 8th grade students on a school day. It would also require the DOE to create an after school program to provide SHSAT prep after-school to NYC students above and beyond the DOE Dream program, which is offered in summer and on Saturdays.
Voter registration
The deadline for voter registration was October 9, 2020. To confirm voter registration, call 866-868-3692. All New York voters are eligible to vote by mail this November. Individuals can sign up to vote by mail, online here or by calling 866-VOTE-NYC. Early voting is also available between October 24 and November 1.
Pandemic EBT
Families in the first round of P-EBT benefits (last school year), who have not yet received their P-EBT benefits for eligible children who were enrolled in school during March – June 2020, should contact State OTDA’s hotline or complete an online form for assistance which can be found here.
Federal Stimulus Payments:
Economic Impact Payments (EIP)
The IRS has extended the deadline for individuals and families to register for the stimulus payment as a non-filer through November 21, 2020. This extension of the deadline has been provided in order to allow individuals and families who do not typically file a federal income tax return – and have not yet received an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) this year – to register as quickly as possible. The tool for registering for EIP payment for those who do not file federal income tax returns can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. The tool will not be available after November 21, 2020. Beginning two weeks after an individual registers they can track the status of their payment here.
This extension applies only to those who do not normally file a tax return, not for taxpayers who requested an extension of the time to file their taxes. The tool for non-filers is for those with incomes typically below $24,400 annually for two people and $12,200 for individuals who cannot be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return. This includes couples and individuals experiencing homelessness.
EIP is not considered income and taxpayers will not owe taxes on it. The payment will not reduce a taxpayer’s refund or increase the amount of money they owe when they file their 2020 tax return. A payment will also not affect income for the purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs. Further information can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-people-really-want-to-know-about-economic-impact-payments
Evictions – Statewide Court Administrative Order, Governor’s Executive Order and Tenant Safe Harbor Act Protections
On September 29, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order which broadens and extends the Safe Harbor Act protections through January 1, 2021. Under the Tenant Safe Harbor Act and the Executive Order, tenants who have experienced financial hardship any time after March 7, 2020, including those who were facing an eviction proceeding or who received a judgement or warrant of eviction prior to March 7, 2020, may not be evicted through January 1, 2021 for failing to pay rent. Although protection under the Tenant Safe Harbor Act may prevent the landlord from evicting a tenant, a court can still allow the landlord to take other legal action to collect unpaid rent from the tenant.
There are still a number of open issues. For example, the courts could find that the Tenant Safe Harbor Act protects tenants from eviction for reasons other than failing to pay rent. Also, different protections may apply to a tenant facing eviction depending on when they first owed rent.
This week, on October 9, 2020, NYS Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks issued a statewide administrative order allowing residential eviction proceedings to move forward subject to scheduling in the NYC Housing Court, including cases that were filed after March 17, 2020. Judge Marks’ order notes that eviction cases will often take far longer to move forward than before the COVID-19 pandemic began. HRA’s Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) is working with nonprofit legal providers and court administrators on procedures to provide unrepresented tenants with access to free legal assistance when these cases are scheduled by the court.
Judge Marks’ order states that the eviction of tenants who meet the requirements of the Tenant Safe Harbor Act and the Governor’s Executive Order is prohibited until January 1, 2020. Therefore, for tenants with questions about whether the Executive Order or Tenant Safe Harbor Act may apply to them, free legal assistance through HRA’s Office of Civil Justice is available by calling 311 and asking for the Tenant Helpline.
Federal Stimulus Economic Impact Payments (EIP)
As a reminder, on March 27, 2020, the federal CARES Act authorized a one-time payment of $1,200 to individuals and families who fall below the income threshold established for stimulus payments. Payments are automatic for people who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019, receive survivor or disability benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who did not file a tax return in the last two years.
In order to register for payments, individuals and families should use the "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" application to provide information to receive payment. This application should be used for the following individuals and families:
US citizen or a non-citizen with a Social Security Number.
Have a qualifying child under the age of 17 to claim the $500 payment per child.
Have not already entered information using the IRS Non-Filer Tool for themselves and at least one child.
Did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income.
Were not required to file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return for other reasons.
Some Economic Stimulus Payments are distributed by prepaid debit card. Determinations for receipt of these Economic Impact Payment Cards are made by the US Treasury Department. The payments will arrive in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services. Cards will arrive with activation instructions.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, New Yorkers should get tested periodically, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
New Yorkers who live or work in areas of higher covid-19 rates should immediately seek testing.
Health care workers, first responders, other essential workers, people who live/work in congregate settings, and workers who have in-person contact as part of their jobs should get tested once per month.
Anyone planning a visit to someone at an increased risk of severe covid-19, should get tested before they go.
To find a testing site near you, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or text “COVID TEST” to 855-48.
School Daily COVID Case Map
This map shows all known cases of COVID-19 at New York City public schools. It is updated Sunday through Friday at 5:30 PM. Click here to see Live Map.
New York Legal Assistance Group’s (NYLAG) NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline
helps New York City residents impacted by
COVID-19 (coronavirus)
get answers to their legal questions.
The goal of this portal is to help tenants across the city find the resources they need in one place. We understand these are uncertain and stressful times and the City is here to help you maintain stable housing.
This eviction prevention tool was designed by the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT) and the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit's (PEU) Tenant Support Unit (TSU) to help renters navigate public and private resources that can stabilize their housing situation. A tenant seeking help will be taken through a series of questions and directed to the most useful resources based on their responses. MOPT and PEU have included resources from multiple city agencies, Legal Service Providers, and Community Based Organizations.
Starting October 19, 2020 enforcement of the New York State Plastic Bag Ban and Paper Bag Fee will begin. Stores will be penalized for distributing single use plastic bags and must collect a 5-cent fee on paper bags. Please help us notify your constituents to use a reusable bag, wash it often and keep our environment clean. Visit nyc.gov/bags for more info.
Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF) grant opportunity.
The New York Urban League, in collaboration with Asian American Federation, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Hispanic Federation, is thrilled to announce the release of the RFA for this year's New York City Council initiative - Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF) grant opportunity. As many of you know, this is a unique opportunity to support much needed capacity-building efforts to help sustain and grow community-based nonprofits serving communities of color across NYC.
The first New York City Council fund of its kind, CCNSF aims to build the capacity of New York City nonprofits in recognition of the fact that organizations led by people of the community are best equipped to meet the needs of the community.
These CBOs offer an array of services to New Yorkers and are being funded to address a variety of infrastructural needs including leadership development, financial management, and outcomes system development, among others.
This year’s Request for Application (RFA) for FY21 Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund (CCNSF) has been released. The deadline to apply is November 3, 2020 at 5 pm for the 2021 grant.
The New York Urban League, Asian American Federation, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, Hispanic Federation will hold two briefings for community- based organizations so that organizations may learn all they need to know about applying for the CCNSF funding opportunity as following:
You can vote in-person during Early Voting starting October 24 through November 1, 2020.
9 days to choose from - weekdays and weekends. See locations below in District 8
East Harlem and The South Bronx where you can vote early.
Manhattan Early Voting Poll Sites Jackie Robinson Complex
1573 Madison Avenue 10029
Bronx Early Voting Poll Sites Andrew Freedman Home
1125 Grand Concourse 10452
Bronx County Supreme Court House
851 Grand Concourse 10451
Council Member Diana Ayala District Offices
East Harlem
District Office
105 East 116th Street
New York, NY 10029
Monday to Friday
9AM-6PM
Phone: 212-828-9800
Fax: 212-722-6378
South Bronx
District Office
214 St. Ann's Avenue
Bronx, New York 10454
Monday to Friday
9AM-5PM
Phone: 347-297-4922
Fax: 347-270-1213
Legislative Office
250 Broadway, Suite 1880
New York, NY 10007
By Appointment Only
Phone: 212-788-6960
Fax: 212-722-6378
