NEW YORK – Following is a weekly newsletter from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:
Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
Here’s what she’s been up to this week:
1. Millions for affordable housing
Kirsten announced a $5 million federal investment in affordable housing and community development across New York State. The money will be used to develop affordable rental homes, assist first-time home buyers, and provide counseling services.
2. Fighting childhood hunger 
Kirsten introduced bipartisan legislation to make the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) more accessible to low-income families.
The MODERN WIC Act would allow busy families to get certified for and receive WIC benefits remotely, saving them a trip to the WIC office and making sure hungry kids have food on the table.
3. Help for struggling moms
The maternal mortality rate rose by nearly 40% between 2020 and 2021. And in New York, mental health conditions are the third-leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths.
Kirsten is taking action to help. She worked to establish a National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – a number struggling moms can call any time of day or night to get free, confidential help from a qualified professional and to get connected to local medical resources.
Kirsten is urging any pregnant or postpartum mom in need to call 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS or find more details here.
4. $$$ for high-speed internet
Thousands of New Yorkers don’t have access to high-speed internet. That means that entire communities are cut off from virtual classes, telehealth appointments, and economic opportunity.
Kirsten announced $100 million in federal funding to help change that. The money will connect 100,000 homes and families across the state to affordable, high-speed internet.
5. Making transit more accessible and safe for all
6. Working for veterans’ families
When the surviving spouse of a WWII veteran contacted Kirsten’s office for help claiming the Survivors Pension benefits she deserves, the office reached out to the VA directly on her behalf. And as a result, the spouse is now receiving a monthly pension of nearly $1,500.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
7. Pic of the week
Kirsten was proud to stand with Starbucks Workers United organizers who were in D.C. this week, especially the workers from New York who started the movement! American workers have the right to organize and join a union, and Kirsten will keep fighting to pass the PRO Act to defend unions and the working families they represent.
For help with a NYS agency, or to email Senator Gillibrand, please click the links below:
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