POLITICAL ACTION

The DC 37 Political Action Committee Meeting will host a virtual meet and greet with NYC Comptroller candidates on Thurs. Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. Register for this members only event here:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsd-isqDMoH9DdX6Asddox-19K6uYPeRGw

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SPECIAL ELECTION FEB. 23

DC 37 endorsed Selvena Brooks-Powers for City Council 31st District to represent the communities of Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Laurelton, Rosedale and Springfield Gardens. Can you volunteer to help get out the vote? Please call the Political Action Department at 212 815-1550 to volunteer for our virtual phone banks or sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFCmWoi7g1LvznWlBbM2SDx9g3qBGNtLbPJn8mHa8vTvxFWg/viewform

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MELS 

MATRIMONIAL WEBINAR on FEB. 18, 5:30 PM

Are you considering getting a divorce? The union’s team of legal experts can help. The MELS Matrimonial webinar is Thursday Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. This webinar will explain: the issues decided in a divorce; how to have MELS represent you; what documentation you need to begin divorce proceedings, and more. To join the webinar register at www.dc37mels.com. You will 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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TAX WEBINAR NOW ONLINE, FREE TAX PREP STARTS FEB. 1

The MELS Tax Tips 2020 Webinar video and PowerPoint slide show are now available online. To watch, please click MELS Tax Tips webinar video replay:  http://bit.ly/3a4JtVC

MELS Tax Tips webinar slides:  http://bit.ly/3qXdvkT

Starting Feb. 1, Food Bank for NYC will offer free, contactless tax preparation services for low income New Yorkers to help them get the refunds and credits they are entitled to, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that can be worth up to $8,852 for some families. Free tax prep is available at: https://www.foodbanknyc.org/taxhelp/

The IRS will accept 2020 tax returns beginning Feb. 12. The deadline to file your taxes is April 15.

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STUDENT LOAN FORBEARANCE thru SEPT. 30

President Joe Biden extended the student loan payment forbearance created under the CARES Act through Sept. 30.

Borrowers with direct federal student loans in repayment continue to be excused from making their regular month payments. No interest and no penalties will accrue. Collection activity is also suspended. Borrowers can opt to make voluntary principal balance payments. For more information, please read the DC 37 blog and call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net for assistance.

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NYS EVICTION MORATORIUM thru MAY 1

A sweeping eviction ban gives relief to qualifying tenants fearful of losing their homes during the pandemic through May 1. To qualify for protection from eviction, tenants must file a “hardship declaration.” The law does not 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. To speak with a MELS attorney about the eviction ban or any other housing matter or to access your free legal service benefits, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212 815-1111 or email MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.

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PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFIT

The Paid Family Leave benefit is 12 weeks. The maximum weekly paid benefit is $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, and more. For details please read the DC 37 PFL blog: http://bit.ly/2KeqChJ. To acess the 2021 PFL calculator, visit:http://on.ny.gov/2LsklQ8

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 MELS COVID-19 WORKERS’ COMP and SHORT-TERM DISABILITY 

DC 37 members who believe they have contracted coronavirus in the line of duty can apply for New York State Workers’ Compensation. Additionally, DC 37 Health & Security short-term disability benefits may be available for members who have filed Workers’ Compensation claims. For more information click here: http://bit.ly/3ptCdt0

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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 Feb. and March for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers:

Transformance in Action: AEDP in Clinical Social Work (4 CEU’s) – Sat., March 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Registration deadline is Feb. 24). To attend these virtual workshops complete the online application here: www.dc37edfund.org/socialworkfebmar2021

For more information, email: dtelemaque-peschier@dc37.net or kking@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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CONFUSED ABOUT CUNY? SIGN UP FOR A FREE PERSONAL ADVISEMENT SESSION:

Are you interested in CUNY but feeling confused or overwhelmed by all the options? Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process. SLU’s experienced advisors are available for free, 1-to-1 virtual pre-admissions sessions to discuss: Academic requirements for specific jobs; special programs at SLU for union members; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY and SLU; transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and catered to your specific goals and needs. View the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session at CUNYDays.eventbrite.com. Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Please contact them at WorkerEd@slu.cuny.edu for more information.  

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FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS: The Education Fund is offering several workshops in February. The two session Resume Writing workshop will teach you how to create and submit a resume, the two session Interview Techniques workshop will help you prepare for the interview or you can refine your testing skills in the six session Test Taking Strategy Skills Workshop. To register:www.dc37.net/benefits/education. 

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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, 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.