POLITICAL ACTION MAYORAL FORUM on MONDAY, JAN. 25, 5:30 p.m.

DC 37 will host a members only Virtual Mayoral Candidate Forum on Monday Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Please register in advance here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j9OwSPAgSFKN0qJLibHZ9A. You will receive a code to access this union event 24 hours in advance. For more information, please call the DC 37 Political Action Department at 212-815-1550.

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MELS TAX WORKSHOP on WED. JAN. 27, 5:30 p.m.

The MELS Tax Tips webinar is Wed. Jan. 27. The union’s team of legal experts can help you understand tax preparation for 2020. What’s income, what’s not? Filing status, standard and itemized deductions, tax credits and other tax prep tips. Join the webinar Jan. 27,  5:30 to 7 p.m. Register at www.dc37mels.com to receive the Meeting ID e-mail before the event. For more information, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net

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MELS UPDATE on NYS COVID Eviction Moratorium through MAY 1

On December 28, 2020, a sweeping eviction ban took effect in New York, giving qualifying tenants fearful of losing their homes during the pandemic, relief through May 1, 2021.

To qualify for protection from eviction, tenants must file a “hardship declaration” explaining the source of their hardship. The eviction ban does not protect tenants who are creating safety or health hazards for other tenants or tenants who do not file a declaration. Nor does the law absolve the financial obligations of renters who file declarations, leaving them subject to eviction after May 1.

Click on https://bit.ly/3nj8O2u to view a sample “hardship declaration” that you can print and submit to your landlord.  MELS suggests that you send a copy to the landlord by regular first class mail with a “certificate of mailing” (visit your local post office – a certificate of mailing can be obtained for the price of a first class postage stamp). If possible, a copy should also be hand delivered or emailed to the landlord. If you have pending court case, please contact your MELS attorney to have the form served on the landlord’s lawyer.

To speak with a MELS attorney about the eviction ban or any other housing matter or to access your free legal service benefits, please call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.

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NYC COVID VACCINE AVAILABLE

The City of New York and other employers where DC 37 members work are distributing COVID-19 vaccines for their employees.

New York City is currently vaccinating certain groups at worksites and other 24 hour locations. Inoculation is voluntary and free at worksites. The two FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioN Tech and Moderna, require two doses that are administered several weeks apart.

Your agency will notify you when the state guidelines are updated to include your category of work. Learn more here: http://on.ny.gov/2JUN7IH.

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PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFIT

The Paid Family Leave benefit increases to 12 weeks in 2021, from 10 weeks. The maximum weekly paid benefit increases to $971.61 or $1,943 bi-weekly. This union negotiated New York State benefit is available to all DC 37 members, including those in the six nonprofit and private sector locals. PFL provides a salary and job security while you bond with your newborn or adopted child, care for a sick parent or close relative, and more. For details and to access the new 2021 PFL calculator, visit: http://on.ny.gov/2LsklQ8

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EDUCATION FUND

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND PROVIDES FREE SOCIAL WORKER WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL 768 MEMBERS

The DC 37 Education Fund in conjunction with the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter, plans to host two (2) continuing education workshops online in February and March for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers:

Barriers to Effective Implementation of Evidence-Based Addictions Treatment (3 CEU’s) – Tues., Feb. 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 1)

Transformance in Action: AEDP in Clinical Social Work (4 CEU’s) – Sat., March 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 24)

Understanding the Experience of Individuals Indirectly Impacted by the Criminal Legal System (3 CEU’s) – Tues., March 16, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Registration deadline – Feb. 23)

To attend these virtual workshops complete the online application here: www.dc37edfund.org/socialworkfebmar2021

For more information, email: sjohnson@dc37.net, dtelemaque-peschier@dc37.net or kking@dc37.net.

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CUNY LABOR SCHOLARSHIPS: CUNY offers full scholarships to promote leadership of women and people of color in labor to become stronger advocates for labor rights and social justice. TheCUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies our Diversity Scholarships awards full tuition plus additional funds to working adults and full-time students to earn a MA in Labor Studies program or a BA in Urban and Community Studies. To qualify, applicants must have 60 prior credits. The deadline to apply is February 23. Scholarship applications are due on March 16.

For information on the MA program: Text 718-440-1550; Laurie.Kellogg@slu.cuny.edu

For info on the BA program: Text 646-313-8300; scholarships@slu.cuny.edu

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CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU! Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) can help you reach your career and academic goals. Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on: academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY, transferring previous credits, and more at: CUNYDays.eventbrite.com.

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RESUME WRITING, TESTING and INTERVIEW SKILLS: The Education Fund offers several workshops in February: A two-session Resume Writing workshop on how to create and submit a resume; a two-session Interview Techniques workshop to help you prepare for the interview, or refine your test-taking skills in the six-session Test Taking Strategy Skills Workshop. To register:www.dc37.net/benefits/education  For more details, email ppunch@dc37.net.

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TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: As DC 37 resumes its Tuition Reimbursement program, we have streamlined the application process. There may be longer than usual processing time required; thank you for your patience. Members should mail in their completed reimbursement applications and supporting documents to: DC 37 Education Fund Attn: Tuition Refund, 75 Broad Street, Suite 2204  New York, NY 10004

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YOU CAN GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA. LET DC 37’s ED FUND HELP

Do you need your High School Equivalency Diploma? You may be eligible for the TASC test waiver in effect through June 30, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The test for the High School Equivalency Diploma is now called the TASC Test. The TASC, Test Assessing Secondary Completion, replaces the GED exam. If you took and passed at least three subtests on the TASC and/or the GED exam you may qualify for the COVID-19 waiver. For more details, email ppunch@dc37.net.