A Message from NY President Rebecca Damon

It was wonderful to have so many of our members participate in our Virtual Membership Meeting. A recap of the meeting can be found here. As conditions improve, I am looking forward to holding these meetings in-person in the future.

Expanded vaccine eligibility is helping us get closer to the day when we can gather again. The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer is now available in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to anyone aged 12 years and older. 

• Click here to schedule a vaccine in New York City 
• Click here for vaccination sites in New York State 
• Click here for New Jersey vaccination information
• Click here for Connecticut vaccination information

Keep your posts and photos of you getting your shots coming and remember to use #sagaftramember when posting. 

We are working with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for an arts recovery in NY. With the help of the American Rescue Plan and Save our Stages we can see a way back for SAG-AFTRA members, but we need your help to get there. Here's how you can help:

• Tweet at local venues to apply for the $16B available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Let freelancing artist friends struggling to find work know they're eligible for enhanced unemployment
• Share that many arts workers are eligible for expanded Child Tax Credit & Earned Income Tax Credit
• Follow local and national organizations working for the future of entertainment and the arts
• Thank the arts unions and all the other folks who make entertainment and the arts possible

Join the PTEOE on Friday, May 21 at 3 p.m. for a conversation with Senator Schumer who will discuss details, new legislation and updates on the American Rescue Plan and what it means for the struggling entertainment industry and independent venues. Click here to RSVP.

To help revitalize New York's economy safely, the state launched Excelsior Pass—a free and voluntary platform for businesses and individuals that can be used to easily access secure proof of a recent negative COVID test or vaccination. 

While we are still feeling the economic impact of the pandemic, know help is still available. Members in need can contact the SAG-AFTRA Foundation for assistance. Please visit sagaftra.foundation for more information. Additionally, the New York State moratorium on disconnecting utilities has been extended until the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted or December 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. 

Wishing you and yours a very happy spring.

Onward together,

Rebecca Damon
New York Local President