Dear Neighbor,

My monthly newsletter that went out on Monday was particularly jam-packed, and I want to make sure you don't miss important information and community events that may be of interest.

Below is a shortened edition, without the governmental updates. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, please email or call my office at [email protected] or 212-490-9535.

Liz Krueger

State Senator

What's In This Newsletter?

Useful Info:

Submetering Survey
Nominations For Women Of Distinction And Veterans Hall Of Fame
Youth Leadership Recognition Awards Program
SCHE and DHE Renewals
Expanded Energy Affordability Program
New Affordable Housing at 650 First Avenue
Free Student Loan Support
DMV Office Closure 2/13 - 2/18

Community Updates:

Free Legal Services Intake On Roosevelt Island
Park Avenue Visioning Meeting
GOLES Educational Workshops
Assemblymember Rosenthal's Election Security Town Hall with Attorney General James
Manhattan Borough President's Convention
Lenox Hill Heart Health Fair
Learn About Individualized Education Programs
Summer Climate Science Programs

Submetering Survey

Do you ever question how smart your smart electric meter is? We do too! We have heard from many constituents already about issues you have had with new electricity metering systems possibly contributing to unreasonably high bills. To better understand this problem, we have decided to conduct a survey.

The information you provide to us on your experience with electric metering/submetering systems will help us to confront this problem with improved regulation and/or legislation. The data from this survey will be confidential and only for use by our office.

Thank you!

Click Here to Participate in Senator Krueger's Submetering Survey

Nominations For Women Of Distinction

And Veterans Hall Of Fame

Every year, the New York State Senate recognizes outstanding members of our local communities through two ongoing programs - the Veterans Hall of Fame and the Women of Distinction program.

The New York State Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. The Women of Distinction celebration, held every year during Women's History Month, honors New York women who have enriched our community, our state, and our nation.

Each Senator may nominate a constituent for recognition through these programs. Last year I nominated Sarah Woodside Gallagher as a Woman of Distinction, and Thomas Pike for the Veterans Hall of Fame.

This year I am asking you to help me identify outstanding women and veterans from the 28th Senate District as potential nominees for these honors. If you would like to suggest someone as a potential nominee, please fill out the appropriate form below:

For Women of Distinction, click here. The deadline to submit a nomination is February 20th.

For Veterans Hall of Fame, click here. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 5th.

Youth Leadership Recognition Awards Program

The New York State Senate’s Youth Leadership Recognition Award program honors outstanding students who will become our future leaders. Eligible students include current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who excel not only academically, but through leadership in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Students selected to receive the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Recognition Award will receive a congratulatory personalized certificate from their Senator.

All nominations must be submitted by February 28, 2026, and the nomination website will be taken down after that date.

*Please note the nominator must be a school administrator or educator*

SCHE and DHE Renewals

The New York City Department of Finance recently sent out renewal notices for the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE) and the Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE) to homeowners. The renewal deadline is March 16.

Homeowners have the option to apply online or on paper; learn more on the DOF property tax benefits page.

The process is streamlined with simplified income reporting and "yes or no” questions; income documents are no longer required for renewal applications—only for initial applications.

Expanded Energy Affordability Program

New Affordable Housing at 650 First Avenue

New affordable housing is available in the district. Those interested can apply online by clicking here or request a paper application by writing to Settlement Housing Fund, Inc. Attn: 37th and 1st Lottery, 247 West 37th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10018. The deadline to apply is February 16th.

Free Student Loan Support

Struggling with Student Loans? EDCAP offers free, confidential counseling to help you manage repayment, reduce monthly costs, escape default, stop collections, and explore forgiveness or other relief options. Get expert guidance. Services are always free and unbiased.

Learn more at edcapny.org or by calling 888-614-5004. Click here to book an appointment. Click here to watch a video about EDCAP.

DMV Office Closure 2/13 - 2/18

The DMV will be closing all offices across New York State from 2pm on Friday, February 13th and will reopen on Wednesday, February 18th. They will also pause phone and online services during this time period. The DMV is rolling out a modernized technology system that they believe will make transactions between them and customers significantly more efficient. That being said, I urge anyone reading this who has urgent business with the DMV to schedule your appointment as soon as possible, to avoid any disruption.

Free Legal Services Intake On Roosevelt Island

Park Avenue Visioning Meeting

GOLES Educational Workshops

Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES) will be hosting a series of free educational workshops at their office on 171 Avenue B, led by experienced housing counselors and organizers. Events will be every second and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM.

Assemblymember Rosenthal's Election Security Town Hall with Attorney General James

Assm. Linda Rosenthal is organizing a webinar entitled “Protect the Vote: Election Security in New York” with Attorney General Leitita James and the Brennan Center on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:30 pm, to discuss the current landscape, how New York is safeguarding our vote and how people can get involved in the fight to protect our elections.

To RSVP, click here or contact Assm. Rosenthal's office at 212-873-6368 or at [email protected].