Newsletter, August 1 – 1AUG2020

Message from the Representative

Dear Community Members of NY-14,

With the expiration of unemployment benefits, I know many of you are anxiously awaiting news of a COVID-19 relief bill. While negotiations are ongoing, we unfortunately do not yet have a draft bill. We are hopeful that we will vote late next week, but that is also not confirmed. In the meantime, if you still haven’t received unemployment benefits that you applied for prior to July 31, you can reach out to our office for assistance at 718-662-5970 or by sending a message HERE. 

In addition to negotiating over COVID-19 relief funds, Congress has spent the last two weeks voting on a series of bills that will determine the federal funding for much of the next year. I’ve put forward dozens of amendments to ensure that our spending reflects our values. 

Ultimately, several of our amendments were accepted by the House – including provisions that would effectively stop the federal government from buying tear gas, from sending federal agents into U.S. cities without their consent (more), and from enacting President Trump’s racist housing laws (more). We also had three amendments accepted that will help reverse the U.S.’ long history of imperialist intervention in Latin America – specifically stopping the transfer of weapons and crowd control equipment to Bolivia’s authoritarian leader, prohibiting  aerial fumigation of Colombia and transferring $5 million from the U.S.’ failed international drug war to a fund that supports developing economies. 

At this time, I hope to be back in the district by August 9.  That week, we are hosting an information session for constituents who are applying to military service academies on how to navigate the process of securing the required letter of recommendation from their Member of Congress. The virtual information session will take place on Monday, August 10 at 11 AM. Interested students must RVSP to Mabel.Tso@mail.house.gov.

We will also be holding our monthly town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 5:15 PM. By then, hopefully, a COVID-19 relief bill will have been passed and we will use the town hall to explain the package and share how constituents can access their benefits. Information will also be available on how to complete the Census. The event will be virtual. You can sign up here to receive the log-in information. To send a question ahead of time, please email aoc.townhall@mail.house.gov or call 718-662-5970. Spanish translation will be available.

As always, if there is anything our office can do to help during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to reach out. NY-14 constituents can contact our office with any additional questions by calling 718-662-5970 or by sending a message HERE. 

In service,

Social Distancing Violations in Astoria 

Following reports of social-distancing violations in Astoria, the Congresswoman issued this note to the Astoria community.

“This Spring, New York’s 14th Congressional District endured the very worst of COVID-19. We made it through because of our concern and our care for one another. I was so inspired by the community members who started mutual aid groups, volunteered with their local food pantry, or donated to one of the many funds set up to support those left out of federal relief packages. In the most difficult, devastating situation, we saw the best of our community.

We are called to that spirit again today. I have heard from many of you recently with regard to the social-distancing violations occurring at area bars and restaurants. I believe strongly that the solution is not more police enforcement. I know many of our businesses are genuinely trying to do their best, adjusting to rapidly changing guidelines. We can enjoy one another’s company and patronize our local small businesses without putting each other or our elders at risk. Tips on how to do so socialize safely are available here. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have feedback on this issue or need assistance with other COVID-19 related matters.  We can be reached at 718-662-5970 or by sending a message HERE.”

Census Deadline May Be Moved Up

This week, multiple news outlets reported that the Trump administration may move up the deadline to complete the census from October 31 to some unknown date in September. Make no mistake, this a deliberate attempt by the President to try to leave out diverse, progressive communities like ours undercounted.  So do not delay, complete the Census today.  

It takes just 10 minutes to complete the Census and it’s completely confidential. Everyone should complete the Census regardless of their documentation. Go to my2020census.gov to complete the Census online or to learn how to complete it by phone or mail. All you need is your address. 

Currently, NY-14 is at risk of missing out on critical federal funding for schools, roads and other public services. Across the country, 62.8 percent of people have responded to the Census. But in NY-14, our response rate is just 54.2 percent. You can see how each neighborhood stacks up below. 

North Corona: 41.39%

Corona: 42.29%

College Point: 48.13%

East Elmhurst: 48.14%

Schuylerville-Throgs Neck-Edgewater Park: 51.37%

Steinway: 51.40%

Elmhurst: 51.56%

Van Nest-Morris Park-Westchester Square: 52.00%

Sunnyside: 52.06%

Parkchester: 52.24%

Allerton-Pelham Gardens : 53.10%

Astoria: 54.81%

Pelham Parkway: 54.97%

Woodside: 55.56%

Pelham Bay-Country Club-City Island: 56.50%

Jackson Heights: 58.24%

Bronxdale: 62.21%

Click Here to view this email in your browser
Click Here to be removed from this list