Safe Staffing and NY Hero Act

Dear Neighbor,

After years of advocacy by nurses around staffing levels in hospitals, and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I brought stakeholders to the table to hammer out a resolution to this decade old issue. Last week, in honor of National Nurses Week, the Legislature passed legislation to establish hospital protocols for determining staff levels, and it was the result of those efforts. In addition, nursing home legislation passed last week sets staffing standards for those facilities. This legislation was a long time coming, but truly essential. Nurses care for our loved ones, and bring comfort to so many families. They are truly selfless.

Further, the New York Hero Act, which I supported and passed was signed into law. This legislation makes New York the first state in the Nation to establish comprehensive safety and health standards to protect essential workers from infection and from retaliation for raising safety concerns at work. I want to thank the unions, advocacy and business groups who worked on this legislation. 

As we look ahead to reopening, some important updates I would like to share with you. On Wednesday, May 19th - New York will be part of a regionally-coordinated reopening with New Jersey and Connecticut. Capacity limits will be fully lifted for retail stores, restaurants, bars, gyms, fitness centers, recreational venues, hair salons, offices, and more. In line with CDC guidance, social distancing of 6-feet must be followed at establishments where proof of a negative test or vaccination is not required, but this will not apply to restaurants, where physical barriers may separate patrons. For more information, you can click here.

And in time for the warmer weather, free weekend shuttle service by Hudson Link has returned to the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge for visitors who want to use the popular shared use path for walking or cycling. For schedules, click here. 

As always, you can email (scousins@nysenate.gov) or call (914-423-4031) my office with questions or concerns. I also regularly share resources and information on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Until next time,

Andrea Stewart-Cousins
New York State Senator, 35th District
President Pro Tem, Majority Leader

Additional COVID-19 Updates

• Remember, you can walk-into any State vaccine site and get the shot, no appointment necessary. For more information, click here.
   
• For those who commute, the New York City subway will resume 24 hour service beginning on May 17th. More information can be found here.
   
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated can be seated next to each other at large outdoor venues in sections that are designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. For more details on large outdoor venue guidance, click here.
   
• Broadway will fully reopen its doors this September, in accordance with the State's health and safety guidance. For more information, click here.
   
• The 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair will be celebrated at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from August 20 to September 6 and feature New York's best food and drink, live music and entertainment. To learn more click here.
   
• New Yorkers can take a free training course online with top experts to learn about preparedness for and prevention of public health emergencies. Course begins on Wednesday, May 5. Read more here.
   
• New York State will host five events as part of the 2021 Regional Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises Online Opportunities Expo Series. Read more here.
   
• The Small Business Administration's Restaurant Revitalization Fund is now open. This program provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19. Apply here.
   

Extending the Eviction & Foreclosure Moratoriums 

New York State has extended the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums to August 31st for 

tenants, homeowners, small businesses and residential property owners that own ten or fewer dwellings due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19. To qualify, you must fill out the NYS Hardship Declaration Form to present to your landlord. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is expected to open applications for the 3rd round of rent relief soon. For homeowners and residential property owners that own ten or fewer dwellings, more information is available here.

Teacher Appreciation Week 

Last week, wrapped up Teacher Appreciation Week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show our gratitude to our teachers who are working hard all year long! Now, more than ever is the time to come together to recognize and honor our teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous challenges - testing our teachers both physically and mentally, but teachers did it all, from dealing with frustrating technology to connecting to children through computers and masks. Thank you to all the teachers who returned to their classrooms to selflessly help their students, despite the risks to their own health. We cannot say thank you enough!