Government Alerts 3.17.21

New York COVID-19 Vaccine Update

On Wednesday, March 17, New York will open up vaccine eligibility to public-facing government employees, nonprofit emergency workers and essential building service workers. This includes workers such as public works employees, social service and child service caseworkers, government inspectors, sanitation workers, DMV workers, County Clerks, building service workers and election workers. Click here to read about vaccine eligibility.

Check out vaccinefinder.nyc.gov to try to find a vaccine location and schedule an appointment in NYC online. Visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center to learn all you need to know about the vaccines.

Henry Hudson Parkway Lane Closures Beginning 3.22.21

Beginning on Monday, March 22, one or two lanes on the Henry Hudson Parkway Northbound and Southbound, between 70th and 84th streets, will be closed on weekdays during various times. These lane closures are anticipated to take place for approximately two months. Click here for a schedule of one-lane and two-lane closures.

New York City Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative

The recently-released draft of the New York City Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative plan outlines a major step forward in New York City’s efforts to confront and combat the terrible legacy of racialized policing. Click here to read the Draft Plan and leave comments.

Emergency Regulation Revisions to 2021 Diploma Requirements

On Monday, March 15, the Board of Regents cancelled most spring and summer high school Regents exams and approved removing the high school exit tests from this year’s graduation requirements, citing the myriad challenges students have faced during the coronavirus pandemic. Only Regents exams in Algebra I, English, living environment, and earth science — required under federal rules — will be administered this June. Click here to read a press release from the New York State Education Department.

COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021

Governor Cuomo has signed the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act of 2021 (S471A/A3207) establishing eviction and foreclosure protections for small businesses. These new protections build-off of the Governor's Executive Order and commercial eviction and foreclosure moratorium that has protected businesses in New York State from eviction or foreclosure since March 2020. The legislation will initially apply to small businesses with under 50 employees that demonstrate a financial hardship, as well as small businesses with 10 or less units.

Deadline Approaching for the Paycheck Protection Program

The deadline to apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program is Wednesday, March 31. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to contact your lender or visit nyc.gov/ppp to get 1-on-1 support, access webinars, and find other resources to help you apply.  Check out a list of Community Development Financial Institutions accepting applications here.

Curtains Up NYC

In partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Media and Entertainment, SBS is offering free application assistance for the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program through Curtains Up NYC. Learn more about how to prepare, get connected with 1-on-1 assistance, or sign up for an informational webinar at nyc.gov/curtainsupnyc.