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Safe Staffing and NY Hero Act
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
May 11, 2021
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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,
Additional COVID-19 Updates
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
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Richard Pecci
May 15, 2018
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