Alexandria Ocasio Cortez Newsletters [Messages From AOC]

The Excluded Workers Funds provides a one-time payment to workers who lost income between March 27, 2020, and April 1, 2021, but were excluded from state Unemployment Insurance (UI) and federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), most often because they were undocumented. The application requires an ITIN. If you don’t already have an ITIN, you can schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Centers  to apply for one. You will receive a stamped copy of your application and that will allow you to apply for an EWF payment. Please note, you don’t need to wait to receive the ITIN.  Submitting the stamped copy of your application is sufficient.

Surveying Storm Damage in the District

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has spent several days in the district examining the aftermath of the storm. President Biden also visited the district to survey the damage. Watch the President’s remarks in NY-14 here.

Visit to SUNY Maritime

Back in April, along with Rep. Suozzi, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez submitted a funding request for $795,000 to expand a SUNY Maritime job-program training for wind power jobs. The House has since passed the funding, but we need the Senate to do the same, so the Representatives traveled to the SUNY Maritime campus to showcase the extraordinary potential of this program. Read more about this and our  community project funding requests here.

Visit to the Bronx Council of the Arts

Last week, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez visited the Bronx Council of the Arts – an arts institution in our district that sets out to bring affordable arts programming to the borough. Their work includes highlighting the work of underrepresented groups, providing direct services to artists and community-based arts groups, and building strong cultural connections in and beyond the Bronx. 

Roundtable on Peaker Plants in Astoria

Last month, the House Oversight Committee, led by Chairwoman Maloney, visited Astoria, Queens to discuss the harmful effects of peaker plants. Peaker plants are power plants that only run when there’s a high demand for energy. For example, a peaker plant might be used during a heat wave when more folks are running air conditioners than usual. They’re also expensive, inefficient, and disproportionately located in low-income neighborhoods, where they pollute and poison. Peaker plants need to be retired and replaced, and investments need to be made in renewable energy instead. You can watch the full roundtable discussion here.

• The City of New York has developed a list of resources for those who were affected by this historic storm that you can find here. This comprehensive list of resources includes information about service centers that are open to help New Yorkers recover, mental health resources, and assistance for food, housing, finances, businesses, and more.
• Download the free Notify NYC mobile app for iPhone or Android here. This is the best way to receive up-to-date alerts about the status of mass transit, weather damage, vaccination sites, and more.
• If you have flood insurance, report your loss immediately to your insurance agent or carrier. Be sure to ask them about advance payments. If you need help finding your insurance agent or carrier, call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 877-336-2627. 
• Policyholders with three-year Group Flood Insurance policies can call the NFIP Direct at 800-638-6620. Select your language and then choose option 2 for the Special Direct Facility.
• If you are able to safely return to your home, before you discard anything, take as many photos and videos as possible of your flood damaged home and personal property, including floodwater lines on the outside of the structure. For appliances and electronics, take a photograph of the make, model and serial number. 
• If you intend to file a water damage or loss claim with the city, make sure to file your claim in person or by registered or certified mail within 90 days. You can find the form here. Other claims can be filed here.
• While FEMA Individual Assistance Program has not been approved, Governor Hochul has sought federal assistance of the program. Additionally, FEMA has updated their Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide to be more flexible and accessible for marginalized folks, who historically struggle the most when recovering from climate disasters. You can find the updated guide here. 
• Learn more about starting your recovery with the National Flood Insurance Program at FEMA.gov.
• Be patient. Recovery will take many months or more. Individuals who experienced damage and power loss should use extreme caution during the recovery phase. If you have insurance, start documenting your damage and reporting your loss immediately to your agent. 

• Use a generator safely. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. 
  • Keep generators outside and far away from your home. Windows, doors and vents could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Read both the label on your generator and the owner’s manual and follow the instructions. 
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. A generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices should never be used inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. These should only be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.  
• Put your health and safety first. Be careful in areas with storm damage or flooding. If you evacuated, return only when officials say it is safe to do so. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life. 
• Be aware of heat-related illnesses. Areas without power may experience heat advisories, which can lead to illness or a threat to life. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages such as water or juice. Keep your pets hydrated by providing plenty of fresh water for your pets and provide a shady area.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 
• Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immunosuppressive disorders should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines. They may be live with deadly voltage. Stay far away and report them immediately to your power company.
• Check on friends and family. If you are able, please check on your neighbors, friends, and family because some may need more help than others.