The U.S. Post Office will raise the price of a First-Class Forever Stamp by 2 cents, from 58 cents to 60 cents starting July 10th. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) ASSOCIATED PRESS
July 06, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Lisa Derrick
derrickl@nyassembly.gov
718-940-0428
USPS Price Increase

amid the Coronavirus pandemic

Child Care Providers Can Apply For Federal Funds; Wage Increase For Lifeguards; and More!
STATE GOVERNMENT
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Hans Pennink
  • Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Children and Family Services is administering federal funds for child care providers. To be considered for a workforce support grant apply here.
  • The governor announced that the Restore New York Communities Initiative Grant Program will open on Monday, July 11.
  • This program promotes community development through reconstruction of desolate properties.
  • Businesses interested in taking part in the restoration of NY communities may obtain additional information here
  • To register for an informational webinar on this initiative, click here.
CITY GOVERNMENT
Photo Credit: Tequila Minsky
  • Mayor Adams announced raising starting wages for lifeguards this summer to $19.46 per hour.
  • A training program will also be developed to fully staff the city’s 17 mini pools. Read more here.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
  • The United States Postal Service (USPS) has increased the price of forever stamps and mailing services which will take effect July 10, 2022.
  • The new prices, include a two-cent increase of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 58 cents to 60 cents. Read more here.
  • President Biden recognized four Vietnam War veterans by bestowing the Medal of Honor, which is prestigious in the US military.
  • The individuals included Staff Sergeant Edward N. Kaneshiro, Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell, Specialist Five Dennis M. Fujii and retired Major John J. Duffy. Read more here.
SUMMER SUBWAY OFFICE HOURS
During the weeks of July 11th – July 29th the Office of Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn will host Summer Subway Office Hours at several train stations. This will provide an opportunity for residents of the 42nd Assembly District to have their concerns addressed. Please see the schedule for Subway Summer Office Hours and stop by and visit us between 4:00pm and 7:00pm.
Monday, July 11th:
Wednesday, July 13th:
Friday, July 15th:
Monday, July 18th:
Wednesday, July 20th:
Friday, July 22nd:
Monday, July 25th:
Wednesday, July 27th:
Friday, July 29th:
Newkirk Plaza, B/Q Line
Church Avenue (Caton side), B/Q Line
Cortelyou Road, Q Line
Beverley Road, Q Line
Newkirk Avenue - Little Haiti , 2/5 Line
Beverley Road, 2/5 Line
Parkside Avenue, Q Line
Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn College, 2/5 Line
Avenue H, Q Line
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
  • Join the 70th precinct: Commissioner’s Day of Play
  • Date: Wednesday July 6, 2022
  • Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location: 70 Parade Place, Brooklyn. For more information contact your Youth Coordination Officers at 718-851-5511
  • The Department of Labor has applied for federal blanket waivers that would cover unemployment insurance overpayments issued to New Yorkers through no fault of their own.
  • A waiver request is a request to be forgiven for an overpayment of benefits because of a financial hardship. Read more about the overpayment waiver and appeal process here.
  • The 67th Precinct Community Council along with the 67 Precinct Commander have organized an open community dialogue meeting regarding quality of life. Other city agencies and elected officials have also been invited to attend on Monday July 18th from 6:00PM - 8:30PM at I.S Meyer Levin School 5909 Beverley Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
  • The meeting will make sure each concern is heard, the proper agency is addressed (for said concern) and a suitable conclusion is reached.
BROOKLYN TESTING SITES
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).
New York State is partnering with counties to provide in-home vaccinations for those who can't travel to a vaccine provider for medical or nonmedical reasons.

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).


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 Hermelyn 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), Chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She also sits on Governor Hochul's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor Adams MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn 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 Hermelyn by visiting her websites: