IMPACT of 9/11 TOXINS 20 YEARS LATER and the FEDERAL RESPONSE

THURSDAY, SEPT. 9, 9:30 am to 12 pm and 2 to 3:30 pm

FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, 9:30 am to 1 pm

Join this live-stream, two-day event from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This program will bring together health professionals, legal experts, elected officials, as well as responders and 9/11 survivors.

Thursday’s presentation will highlight the health effects of the toxins at the WTC, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site and the lifesaving medical monitoring and treatment that responders and survivors receive through the WTC Health Program Clinical Centers of Excellence and National Provider Services that help more than 110,000 responders and survivors in every state across the country.

Friday’s program will discuss efforts to pass the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and reauthorize the WTC Health Program and the Victim Compensation Fund in 2019. Register here: https://bit.ly/2XPnZth. #WTCHealthProgram

###

MELS

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON EVICTION MORATORIUMS

NEW YORK STATE EVICTION MORATORIUM

New York State lawmakers agreed on September 1 to extend sweeping protections against evictions. The state’s amended eviction moratorium, extended through January 15, 2022, is one of the most extensive protections put into place in the nation. Under the amended law, landlords can challenge a tenant’s declaration of hardship. However, tenants are still encouraged to file New York State hardship declaration forms. MELS can help with issues related to the N.Y.S. hardship declaration form and the other protections available to tenants. Call our Screening Unit at 212.815.1111 for advice and legal representation.

###

CDC FEDERAL EVICTION MORATORIUM

The U.S. Supreme Court has recently invalidated the CDC Federal Eviction Moratorium. This means that tenants who filed a hardship declaration form under the federal CDC provision are no longer protected under that provision.

Tenants who owe rent or are facing an eviction case should not give up and move out. There are still many steps landlords must take to proceed with an eviction and there are still many ways tenants can defend their homes. MELS can help. Call our Screening Unit at 212.815.1111 for advice and legal representation.

###

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP)

New York State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is accepting applications to help tenants pay rent arrears. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can provide up to 15 months of rent and up to 12 months of gas and electric utility arrears.

Tenants who apply for ERAP are protected from eviction while the application is processed. To apply for ERAP, go to on.ny.gov/2WE2CKY. If you have questions or need assistance, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212.815.1111.

###

STUDENT LOAN FORBEARANCE EXTENDED thru JAN. 31, 2022

On Friday, Aug. 6, the U.S. Department of Education announced a final extension of the student loan forbearance. Scheduled to terminate on Sept. 31, the pause on student loan payments, interest accrual and collections has been extended through January 31, 2022.

Members with questions about the extension are encouraged to contact the DC 37 MELS Screening and Intake office at (212) 815-1111 to request to speak with an attorney, or email: MELSscreeningunit@dc37.net.

###

CITIZENSHIP WEBINAR SEPT. 22, 6PM

The Building Service 32BJ Legal Services Fund, DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS), CUNY’s Citizenship Now! Program and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) are jointly presenting a citizenship seminar on Wednesday Sept. 22 at 6 pm on Zoom. Learn how to become a U.S. citizen and the benefits of citizenship. To join the Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen Seminar, register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEodO6qpjkp

###

EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES

“Post-pandemic, it is important to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Be proactive. A lot of things can be caught early.”   – MSK Cancer Survivor

DC 37 has partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) to help raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and prevention. Screenings help detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Take MSK’s short assessment here to get personalized screening recommendations and tips on how to lower your risk for cancer. In less than 5 minutes, you can take the first step toward taking charge of your health.

—

DC 37 has a partnership with MSK Direct to provide members and their families dedicated access to exceptional cancer care, support, and expert resources from the world’s leading specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options at MSK, call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for DC 37: 833-786-3365 or visit www.mskcc.org/DC37.

###

GET HELP PAYING for CHILD CARE

The Child Care Facilitated Enrollment Project is a NYS funded pilot program that was developed to assist working parents to increase access to childcare subsidies and quality care in New York City for children up to 13 years of age with qualifying incomes (up to $72,050 for a family of four). For more information, visit: https://www.cwenet.net/nysfe-1

###

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

DC 37 urges members who believe they have contracted coronavirus in the line of duty to apply for New York State Workers’ Compensation. For a list of Workers’ Comp lawyers click here: https://bit.ly/3f1wK8z.  Additionally, DC 37 Health & Security short-term disability benefits may be available for members who have filed Workers’ Comp claims. For more information click here: http://bit.ly/3ptCdt0

###

FEMA COVID-19 BURIAL RELIEF

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) burial relief program is accepting applications. The maximum amount of financial aid available is $9,000 per funeral up to $35,500 per application with multiple COVID-19 decedents. FEMA federal funeral assistance can be used to help with expenses for funeral services held in 2020 for COVID-19 deaths, interment or cremation. Call the FEMA hotline: 844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585), 8 AM to 8 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday. For additional burial assistance programs, please visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/burial-assistance.page.            

###

BENEFITS

PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFIT

The NYS 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 nearly all DC 37 members, including members in the six nonprofit and private sector locals. For more details, please read the DC 37 blog. To access the 2021 PFL calculator, visit: http://on.ny.gov/2LsklQ8

###

EDUCATION

AFSCME FREE 4-YEAR COLLEGE

The AFSCME free 4-year college program has been extended for good. This can be combined with the Free College program, under which AFSCME members and their immediate family can earn associate degrees for free. This means members of the AFSCME family can go to college for free from anywhere in the country. All they need is a computer and an internet connection. For more information visit: https://freecollege.afscme.org/

###

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

EDUCATION FUND IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL CLASSES: The DC 37 Education Fund is now accepting applications for Fall classes. For now, classes are offered online. We have computer, language, GED and labor education courses plus a lot more. For more information, please visit: www.dc37edfund.org/courses.

###

CISCO/COMPTIA+ CERTIFICATION COURSES

In conjunction with CUNY BMCC, the DC 37 Ed Fund is offering a Computer Network course and a Computer Security course that will prepare members to sit for and pass various CISCO and CompTIA+ certification exams. The admissions process for the program is extremely rigorous and requires the following: an interview, technical assessment, prior computer education and/or experience, essay, letter of recommendation and review of college transcripts. For more information on the program and all of the requirements for admission, please visit https://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/offerings/CCNA.

###

LOCAL 372 PARAPROFESSIONALS can earn 18 credits annually towards a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe College in the Fall 2021 term. For more information, email ppunch@dc37.net.

###

LOCAL 372 MEMBERS WORKING in SCHOOL FOOD can earn an Associate Degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. For more information, email lpicano@dc37.net.

###

CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU! This is the ideal time to plan for Fall enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career 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. Each session is free and catered to your specific goals and needs. To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session visit: CUNYDays.eventbrite.com Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Visit WorkerEd@slu.cuny.edu.

###

EDUCATION AND CAREER COUNSELING: Do you need guidance selecting a class from our offerings or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact a counselor to schedule a virtual appointment: https://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/offerings/counseling

###

RETIREES EDUCATION Courses for FALL: We are accepting applications for online classes for the FALL 2021 cycle. Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/211390511235141, to file online; or at https://www.dc37.net/benefits/education/deptclasses/retirees. If you prefer to print and mail the application to the address indicated. Email Manuel Gomez-Rosa: mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call 212-815-1700.

###

WORKWELL NYC EVENTS

2021 STEPtember Walking Challenge, Sept. 20 thru Oct. 19

WorkWell NYC’s STEPtember is back! This year, it’s all about movement through music as we get active and stay healthy together all month long! Registration is open until Sept. 15. Learn more and register now at: on.nyc.gov/steptember.

###

FLU SEASON is HERE. FREE FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE!

The City and its unions offer free flu shots to municipal employees and their families. All employees, dependents, and pre-Medicare retirees eligible for New York City health benefits are covered to receive a flu vaccination at no-cost. Learn more and make a flu shot appointment at a WorkWell NYC Clinic at on.nyc.gov/wwnycflu

###

HEALTH COACHING AVAILABLE for CITY EMPLOYEES

WorkWell NYC is offering two unique programs to combat diabetes and hypertension, featuring live coaching support from CDC-Certified coaches and nutrition experts. These courses are designed in small, supportive groups to help you lose weight, reduce stress, and meet lifestyle goals. Learn more and enroll here: on.nyc.gov/healthcoach.

###

Biweekly COVID-19 Briefing for City Workers

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Immunization Justice Workgroup invites you to its biweekly COVID-19 briefing on Sept. 9 and 23 at 12 noon. Health Department clinician Dr. Julian Watkins will provide updates on current events, COVID-19 cases in NYC, COVID-19 vaccines, and be available for Q&A. This biweekly briefing space was created by staff, for staff to share vital information.

###

WorkWell FIT FEST at VAN CORTLANDT PARK, BRONX on SEPT. 25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join the live fitness event at Gun Hill Meadow in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Choose the session you want to attend, reserve your spot, confirm your attendance and then get ready to move! Register at on.nyc.gov/upcomingevents

###

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER WALK, OCT. 17

Join WorkWell NYC for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Central Park on Sunday, Oct. 17. Show support for those affected by breast cancer. Join at on.nyc.gov/makingstrides. Register for all WorkWell NYC events at: on.nyc.gov/upcomingevents