Workers' World Today - Issue 27

December 2021 INSIDE

Tax Planning Guide for Workers & Their Families ...7

What’s the Point of Holiday Gifts?...22

Tips for a Dementia-Friendly Holiday Celebration ...21

Issue #27

High Unionization Levels Are Associated With Greater Economic, Personal, and Democratic Well-being

Farmworkers Need Fair Overtime Pay Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

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new Economic Policy Institute (EPI) report documents the correlation between higher levels of unionization and a range of economic, personal, and democratic well-being measures.

In the same way unions give workers a voice at work, with a direct impact on wages and working conditions, unions also give workers a voice in shaping their communities. continued on page 5

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R Editorial credit: Marie Kanger Born / Shutterstock.com

Hot Topics and News You Should Know About

Dr Chokshi: Stay Safe and Healthy Over the Holidays ...20

OSHA: Understanding Workplace Violence ...6

Six Ways to Get Out of Debt and Resolving Tax Debt ...11

Labor-Related News - Nationally & Locally

odolfo Mendez, Martir Zambrano and Jorge Ramirez penned an OpEd in the NY Daily News calling for New York to close a loophole in the NY Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act which allows farmworkers to only receive overtime after working 60 hours in a week, instead of 40 like almost all of the rest of NY's workers. Mendez, Zambrano and Ramirez are among the first unionized farmworkers in the state as members of Agricultural Workers United-NY, which is a project of the RWDSU and the UFCW. The law, which was enacted in 2019, does provide an opportunity to review the overtime disparity. It continued on page 5

Resolutions that Will Help Strengthen Your Relationship in the Year Ahead ....18

AG James Issues Warning for COVID-19 Test Results ...4

Council Votes on Historic Municipal Voting Rights Legislation

C NYC Architects Seek to Kellogg’s Strike Ends: Unionize with the BCTGM Members Ratify Machinists ...16 New Contract ...16

Letter to the Editor: A Solemn Tradition ...3

ity Hall, NY: New York City is proudly home to millions of working, taxpaying immigrants, yet those who are not U.S. citizens have no power at the ballot box to determine who represents them. The Council today will vote on historic legislation to give eligible non-citizen New continued on page 17

CM Rodriguez Photo courtesy: CM Rodriguez’s office

Brian Figeroux, Esq.

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December 2021

The history of America has been largely created by the deeds of its working people and their organizations—there is scarcely an issue that is not influenced by labor’s organized efforts or lack of them.

— William Cahn, Labor historian

Immigration - 12 2021 Child Tax Credit, Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Immigration-Related Questions

Contents In Solidarity: 2021: A Year In Review............................. ......................3 Workers’ Rights Warning Issued to ClearMD Solutions to Stop Misrepresenting Turnaround Times for COVID-19 Test Resultse...................................................4 Workers’ Safety Understanding Workplace Violence.............................6

Family: The True Modern Relationship - 9

2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Shared-Custody Questions ....9

Workers’ Matters Tax Planning Guide..........................................................7 Education The US Doesn’t Have Enough Faculty to Train the Next Generation of Nurses........................14 Jobs & Rececession Additional Paid Leave for Child Vaccinations...................................................................15 Love, Health & Travel Staying Safe and Joyful: Tips for a Dementia-Friendly Holiday Celebration ..................21

This Day In Labor History - December 1

COLUMNS Workers’ Matters .... 10 Taxes and Unemployment: What You Need to Know Some tax filers during the pandemic have found that a criminal using their identity received unemployment benefits using their name.

Editorial credit: Harlin Design / Shutterstock.com

African-American Rosa Parks refuses to go to the back of a Montgomery, Ala., bus, fueling the growing civil rights movement's campaign to win desegregation and end the deep South's "Jim Crow" laws - 1955

Conversations .... 22 What’s the Point of Holiday Gifts?

What’s the point of it all? Shouldn’t the holiday season simply be about family, friends and food? And wouldn’t everyone just be better off spending their own money on things they know they want?

Do you want more?

Editorial credit: a katz / Shutterstock.com

Workers’ Rights .... 4 Warning Issued to ClearMD Solutions to Stop Misrepresenting Turnaround Times for COVID-19 Test Results

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December 2021

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In Solidarity

2021: A Year In Review

BY AFL-CIO

Supports Workers’ World Today

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ecently, I was in Albany fighting and seeking support of A1261/S1947, legislation that will create a clear definition of public work and level the playing field for New York’s contractors.

District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union (DC9), the union for painters, prides itself on being a strong advocate for workers’ rights and safety. We are excited about this new publication, Workers’ World Today, which covers the issues of relevance and concern for all workers.

We are encouraged that all workers: blue and white collar will have a voice and platform.

Congratulations on your inaugural issue. We wish much success to the leaders and team of Workers’ World Today and pledge our support.p Davon Lomax Political Director, DC9

Publisher Workers’ World Today, Inc Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip

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s we look back on the past year, we're reflecting on the continuing challenges that the New York City labor movement has faced, but also on the significant ground we’ve gained and the enormous potential ahead of us.

This year, our City began the hard work of emerging from the COVID-19 crisis, though we know we aren’t fully there yet and there is much still to be done. We’ve watched as workers here and across the country rose up to take back their own power, demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and a voice in their workplace. And we’ve seen the power that workers have at the polls as well, with a new pro-labor Presidential administration taking action to address the economic and healthcare crisis and make un-

TEAM

Contributing Writers Linda Nwoke Charles Tabasso Victoria Falk Erin Telesford Jennine Estes, MFT Travis Morales Mary Campbell Janet Howard Chris Tobias

precedented investments in our nation’s workforce, and with working people turning out in force to elect new leaders in NYC, including the firstever majority female City Council.

In the coming year, we look forward to working with all of our newly elected leaders including Mayor Eric Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Brad Lander, and our incoming City Council Speaker, Coun-

cilmembers and Borough Presidents to revive hard-hit industries, protect jobs and critical city services, and build a resilient economy that works for all working people.

On behalf of all of us at the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for your solidarity and for your partnership, and we wish you and your loved ones a brighter, happier, and healthier 2022. p

Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Telephone 1-866-435-3286 Email info@workersworldtoday.com Visit us at www.workersworldtoday.com

NYDN Letter to the Editor: A Solemn Tradition

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YC CLC President Vincent Alvarez and New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) Executive Director Charlene Obernauer penned a NY Daily News Letter to the Editor thanking NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson for his commitment to honoring workers who lose their lives on the job: "At this week’s meeting of the City Council, Speaker Corey Johnson read into the record the names of New Yorkers who have been killed on the job over the past month.

It is a monthly remembrance that Johnson started in April 2018 as part of our city’s com-

Speaker Johnson Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

memoration of Workers Memorial Day to draw attention to the continuing need for increased safety protections, workplace rights and the im-

portance of proper training standards. Too often, the names of those who head to work and don’t return home go unacknowledged outside of immediate friends and family.

The NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the New York Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) have been honored to partner with Johnson in ensuring that those men and women who are tragically lost in the course of their day’s work are not forgotten. " We look forward to partnering with the next City Council Speaker and the rest of the incoming City Council to continue this solemn tradition.p

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.

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December 2021

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Workers’ Rights

Warning Issued to ClearMD Solutions to Stop Misrepresenting Turnaround Times for COVID-19 Test Results

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EW YORK: New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a warning letter to ClearMD Solutions — a private lab with a number of locations throughout Manhattan and one in Queens that advertises coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing — for not meeting promised turnaround times for test results. Numerous consumers have now passed the timeframe in which they were promised test results, even those who paid for expedited testing. Today’s letter notifies ClearMD that New York law prohibits false advertising and instructs the company to immediately update the company’s website and any signage at test sites to accurately reflect how long individuals can expect to wait before receiving COVID-19 test results. Attorney General

James also demands refunds for all consumers who paid for expedited test results but did not receive them in the timeframe initially promised.

“What we’re seeing more and more are private labs and collection centers making false promises about turnaround times for COVID-19 test results when there is no way for them to keep up with the demand. What’s worse is that a number of these companies are charging New Yorkers for a ‘quick’ test result that is anything but that,” said Attorney General James. “ClearMD Solutions has been charging New Yorkers hundreds of dollars for expedited test results but has repeatedly failed to deliver on that promise. With COVID-19 positivity rates skyrocketing due to Omicron and New Yorkers gathering with loved ones for the holi-

days, companies need to stay true to their word and provide COVID-19 test results in the timeframes they are promising. ClearMD must immediately update its website and its signage and notify patients of the realistic timeline in which they will receive results, as well as provide refunds to every patient who paid for expedited test results but never received them in the proper timeframe. All New Yorkers who continue to see misrepresentations about COVID-19 test turnaround times are encouraged to file a complaint on my website right away.”

ClearMD offers free or low cost COVID-19 tests for those with insurance, as well as for CARES Act patients, and charges high fees for premium services, such as $498 for those seeking a two-hour result. The

website promises “the fastest [test] turnaround time in New York – less than 24 hours,” with no mention of any fee.

Additionally, ClearMD’s website guarantees “PCR results in as quick as 12-24 hours” and claims they can provide “COVID testing quick enough to keep up with the busiest of New Yorkers.” But the Office of the Attorney General has become aware of consumers who paid for expedited test results but did not receive their results in those guaranteed timeframes.

In addition to warning ClearMD to update its website and signage and to instruct its

employees to provide accurate information concerning turnaround times, the letter issued

by Attorney General James requests that ClearMD contact all its customers who are currently awaiting COVID-19 test results to let them know when they can realistically expect to receive those results. Attorney General James also demands refunds for any consumer who paid for expedited test results but did not receive them in the timeframe originally promised.

The letter follows three separate letters Attorney General James sent last week to LabQ, Labworq, and Sameday Health demanding that the companies take similar steps to update their websites and their signage, and to inform consumers about realistic wait times for COVID-19 test results.p

December 2021

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Workers’ Matters Unionization/ continued from page 1 Where workers have this power, states have more equitable economic structures, social structures, and democracies.

The 17 U.S. states with the highest union densities have state minimum wages that are on average 19% higher than the national average and 40% higher than those in lowunion-density states. They also have median annual incomes $6,000 higher than the national average and have higher-thanaverage unemployment insurance recipiency rates, meaning a higher share of those who are unemployed actually receive unemployment insurance.

“Unions promote economic equality and build worker power, helping workers to win increases in pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions. But the benefits of unions extend far beyond the workplace. The data suggest that unions also give workers a voice in shaping their communities and political representation,” says Asha Banerjee, economic analyst at EPI and co-author of the report.

The report finds that states with the highest union densities have an uninsured (without health insurance) population 4.5 percentage points lower, on average, than that of low-union-density states. These states also all elected to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and are more likely to have passed paid sick and family and medical leave laws than states with lower union densities.

According to the report, the 17 highest-union-density states have passed significantly fewer restrictive voting laws than in the middle 17

states and the 17 lowest-uniondensity states (these totals include the District of Columbia). Over 70% of lowunion-density states passed at least one voter suppression law between 2011 and 2019.

“Through long-standing advocacy and work to protect the right to vote, unions have linked voting rights to workers’ rights,” says Margaret Poydock, policy analyst and government affairs specialist at EPI and co-author of the report. “Unions play a key role in mobilizing workers to vote, helping to determine which political leaders are elected and what occupational back-

grounds they come from.”

The authors explain that the relationship between high union density and higher household incomes, access to health care and paid leave, and fewer voting restrictions highlights the importance of protecting the right of workers to organize, including by passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. In this report, the authors categorize union density as the share of workers in a state who are members of a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. Union density data are averaged across states from 2015 to 2019 to give a more accurate estimate of state unionization rates and to avoid temporary single-year changes. p EPI is an independent, nonprofit think tank that researches the impact of economic trends and policies on working people in the United States. EPI’s research helps policymakers, opinion leaders, advocates, journalists, and the public understand the bread-andbutter issues affecting ordinary Americans.

Farmworkers/ continued from page 1 called for the Department of Labor to hold a wage board hearing 18 months after the 2019 passage to reconsider the issue. But since those 18 months fell in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board at the time put the issue off while farmworkers continued to toil away.

"Our local’s first union contract will yield us needed protections and a fair pay structure," the workers write.

"One change in particular could be overtime pay after 40 hours. However, there is absolutely no reason we shouldn’t already be seen as equal under the law. There is no reason that farmworkers seeking union protections shouldn’t already have this as a baseline for our pay, just like everybody else. [...] Our wages are extremely low as it is. Our work is work not many want to do. We do it to provide for our families. It’s long past time that the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act live up to its name and guarantee fair pay for fair work." p

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December 2021

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Workers’ Safety

Understanding Workplace Violence

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orkplace violence (WPV) is a recognized hazard in the healthcare industry. WPV is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It can affect and involve workers, clients, customers and visitors.

WPV ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reported healthcare and social assistance workers were the victims of approximately 11,370 assaults by persons; a greater than 13% increase over the number of such assaults reported in 2009. Almost 19% (i.e., 2,130) of these assaults occurred in nursing and residential care facilities alone.

Unfortunately, many more incidents probably go unreported.

Who is at risk of workplace violence?

Many American workers report having been victims of workplace violence each year.

Unfortunately, many more cases go unreported. Research has identified factors that may increase the risk of violence for some workers at certain worksites. Such factors include exchanging money with the public and working with volatile, unstable people.

Working alone or in isolated areas may also contribute to the potential for violence. Providing services and care, and working where alcohol is served may also impact the likelihood of violence. Additionally, time of day and location of work, such as working late at night or in areas with high crime rates, are also risk factors that should be consid-

ered when addressing issues of workplace violence. Among those with higher-risk are workers who exchange money with the public, delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, law enforcement personnel, and those who work alone or in small groups.

How can workplace violence hazards be reduced?

In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assault can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions. One of the best protections employers can

offer their workers is to establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. This policy should cover all workers, patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel.

By assessing their worksites, employers can identify methods for reducing the likelihood of incidents occurring. OSHA believes that a well-written and implemented workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training can reduce the incidence of workplace violence in both the private sector and federal workplaces.

This can be a separate workplace violence prevention program or can be incorporated into a safety and health program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures. It is critical to ensure that all workers know the policy and understand that all claims of workplace violence will be investigated and remedied promptly. In addition, OSHA encourages employers to develop additional methods

as necessary to protect employees in high risk industries.

Guidance for developing a workplace violence prevention program: NIOSH recommends that all hospitals develop a comprehensive violence prevention program. Non-hospital settings where violence has been determined to exist are advised to do the same. No universal strategy exists to prevent violence. The risk factors vary from facility to facility and from unit to unit within a facility. Employers are advised to form multidisciplinary committees that include direct-care staff as well as union representatives (if available) to identify risk factors in specific work scenarios and to develop strategies for reducing them.

All affected workers should be alert and cautious when interacting with patients and visitors. They should actively participate in safety training programs and be familiar with their employers' policies, procedures, and materials on violence prevention. p

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The Tax Practice of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates

Tax Planning Guide INSIDE: •Immigrants and Taxes •Filing an Amended Return •2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Shared-Custody Questions •Taxes and Unemployment: What You Need to Know •Six Ways to Get Out of Debt and Resolving Tax Debt •2021 Child Tax Credit, Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Immigration-Related Questions •Why Hire Us?

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Immigrants and Taxes

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o immigrants pay taxes? The basic answer: yes. Immigrants, including those without documentation, pay billions of dollars in taxes to federal, state and local governments every year. Immigrants paid $492.4 billion in taxes in 2020, including an estimated $30.6 billion in taxes paid by undocumented immigrants.

Immigrants have always been, and continue to be vital, to the United States — a country made up of immigrants. Immigrant taxes support local schools, Social Security, and Medicaid, among other programs. However, immigrants are unable to benefit from programs such as Social Security and Medicaid, which are only accessible to permanent residents and U.S. citizens.

Immigrant tax contributions help establish a robust tax base, which means that mass-deporting immigrants from the U.S. or preventing new migrants from coming would have disastrous effects on the economy.

The data from the New American Economy puts numbers to the important role immigrants play in the U.S. economy. here are some of the highlights: All Immigrants There are some 44.4 million immigrants in the U.S., making up 13.6 percent of the total population. They paid $92.4 billion

in taxes in 2020 and deployed $1.3 trillion in spending power. Some 8.5 million people are employed by businesses owned by immigrants. 15.2 percent of nurses in the U.S. are foreign-born, while 25.9 percent of health aides are foreign-born. These are both critical professions for the aging population of the U.S. — especially in lesspopulated places.

Undocumented Immigrants Undocumented immigrants paid $30.6 billion in taxes in 2020, $11.7 billion of which went to state and local governments, and had a total spending power of $214.8 billion. In 2013, Stephen Goss, the chief actuary of the Social Security Administration said, “we estimate that earnings by unauthorized immigrants result in a net positive effect on Social Security financial status generally.”

The ITIN for Undocumented Immigrants An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number that is only available to certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents who cannot obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN. What is the difference between a social security number and an ITIN? The main difference between an SSN and an ITIN is that the SSN is issued to U.S. citizens and authorized non-citizens, while the ITIN is issued to residents with alien status or undocumented immigrants.

The latter cannot be issued an SSN, but if they are allowed to stay in the U.S., then they have to pay their taxes.

What an ITIN is NOT used for: It is essential to understand that obtaining an ITIN number does not change your immigration status, which means that you will not be able to obtain a permanent resident card. In addition, the ITIN is NOT a Social Security number.

Who can apply for an ITIN? •A person who resides in the United States for a period of six months or more and who cannot obtain a Social Security number.

•An investor or entrepreneur from other countries who has money invested in a business in the United States.

•Foreign nationals, non-residents of the United States who can apply for a tax benefit.

What documents do I need to apply for an ITIN? To apply for an ITIN, the applicant's identity and foreign nationality must be proven. The documents are as follows: Passport, identity card, U.S. or home country driver's license, official birth certificate for children under 18, visa, U.S. or foreign military ID, or foreign flyer's card.

How do I apply?

To apply for an ITIN, you must use Form W-7.

How long does the process take?

The process to receive an ITIN takes about 7 weeks after filing the application.

If you need help applying for an ITIN, call 855-768-8845.l

Filing an Amended Return

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here are a few reasons you might need to file an amended tax return.

You might have made a mistake on your return, need to update information or take advantage of a tax credit, deduction or other benefit.

In fact, each year, about 3 million Americans file an amended return. Here are some tips from the IRS about when and how to amend your return.

Correcting Mistakes The IRS recommends filing an amended tax form 1040-X in order to correct your filing status, the number of dependents you claimed or your total income. You might realize your mistake on your own or receive a notice of an error from the IRS. Tax Benefits You can amend your return to claim tax deductions or tax credits that you did not claim when you filed your original return.

This might be a mistake or new legislation may have created new tax benefits retroactively. In 2019, for example, three new federal laws provided tax relief to families affected by tragedies and disasters and other changes. Check with your tax preparer to see if you might qualify for any new programs.

How to Amend Talk to your tax preparer about how to amend your tax return. If you received a letter from the IRS, provide that letter to your tax professional, along with any requested information. You will likely have to pay a separate fee for this filing service.

Amended returns are filed on form 1040X. You will also need to refile any schedules to which you need to make changes.

If you are seeking a tax refund or credit, you must file Form 1040-X within three years after the date you timely filed your original return or within two years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, according to the IRS. It can take the IRS up to 16 weeks to process your amended return.

In the past, amended tax returns were required to be filed on paper. As of May 2020, they can be filed electronically. l

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SPONSORED INSERT: TAX GUIDE

2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Shared-Custody Questions

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hen you're divorcing, there's a lot to comprehend, and emotions are running high. For many couples, working out child custody is one of the hardest—and most critical— parts of a divorce. When children are involved, either the court must decide, or the parents must agree on handling issues like whether and how custody will be shared, who will make decisions for the kids, and how visitation will work. Parents also must make decisions regarding tax issues. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), here are the answers to the most asked questions dealing with shared custody as it relates to Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments: My child's other parent and I share custody of our child. How will the IRS decide which of us will receive Advance Child Tax Credit payments?

The IRS will determine who receives 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments based on the information on your 2020

tax return or your 2019 return if the IRS hasn't processed your 2020 return. In other words, if you claimed the Child Tax Credit for your child on your 2020 return, then you will receive the Advance Child Tax Credit payments. If your child's other parent claimed the Child Tax Credit on their 2020 tax return, then they will receive the Advance Child Tax Credit payments.

If you are not eligible to claim the Child Tax Credit on your 2021 return (the one

due in April of 2022), then you should go to the IRS website to unenroll from receiving monthly payments by using the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC UP). Receiving monthly payments now could mean that you have to return those payments when you file your tax return next year. If things change again and you are entitled to the Child Tax Credit for 2021, you can claim the total amount on your tax return when you file next year.

My child's other parent and I have

agreed that I'll claim our child for each even-numbered year for federal income tax purposes, while the other parent will claim our child for each odd-numbered year. I claimed the Child Tax Credit for our child on my 2020 tax return. Will the IRS disburse the 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit payments to me even though I won't be claiming the Child Tax Credit on my 2021 tax return?

Yes. Because you claimed your child on your 2020 tax return, the IRS will automatically disburse Advance Child Tax Credit payments to you even though you know you won't be claiming your child on your 2021 tax return. When you file your 2021 tax return (the one due in April of 2022), you could have to pay back the advance payments in excess of the Child Tax Credit you're entitled to claim on that return. If you qualify for repayment protection, you may be excused from repaying some or all of the excess amount.

My child's other parent is receiving the continued on page 10

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Taxes and Unemployment: What You Need to Know

Shared-Custody Questions/ continued from page 9

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nemployment payments are usually taxed as income by the federal government. That changed, however, in March 2021, when Congress passed the American Rescue Plan.

The law provided for people (including joint filers) making less than $150,000 to exclude $10,200 in unemployment benefits from their income when they file their income taxes for the 2020 tax year. Because the change was made in the middle of a tax filing season, the IRS pledged to recalculate the tax bills of most taxpayers who received unemployment benefits and send them refunds.

By late summer, however, many people were still waiting on their refunds. Other filers need to amend their tax returns on their own to get a refund. This applies to those who would qualify for additional deductions or credits not claimed on their original returns, according to Forbes.

How to Take Advantage If you think you might qualify for a refund based on the new law, first check to see if the IRS is already processing your refund. You can do this by visiting IRS.gov and requesting a transcript of your tax returns. If the refund is not already in the works, speak to your tax pre-

parer about filing an amended return to take advantage of the new tax benefits.

Anyone who receives unemployment payments receives a Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, at tax time.

You may need to request the form from your state if you did not receive it. Box 1 of the form will show the total dollar amount of unemployment payments you received. You may deduct $10,200 from that amount when you file your tax return, if you qualify for the deduction.

Fraud Some tax filers during the pandemic have found that a criminal using their identity has received unemployment benefits using their name. If this happens to you, immediately contact the police and your state unemployment agency to report the fraud and request corrected forms. The IRS urges taxpayers not to report as income on their tax returns any fraudulent payments they did not receive.l

My child's other parent is receiving the Advance Child Tax Credit payments even though I will be claiming the Child Tax Credit for our child on my 2021 tax return. Will I still be able to claim the full Child Tax Credit?

Yes. You will be able to claim the total amount of the Child Tax Credit for your child on your 2021 tax return even if the other parent is receiving Advance Child Tax Credit payments. The other parent should unenroll from receiving advance payments, but their decision will not affect your ability to claim the Child Tax Credit.

If you need assistance with this or other tax issues, call 855-768-8845 for a FREE consultation.l

December 2021

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SPONSORED INSERT: TAX GUIDE

Six Ways to Get Out of Debt and Resolving Tax Debt

BY CHRIS TOBIAS

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significant percentage of people are dealing with different debts, including student loans, business loans, credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans. Sadly, it can be challenging to get out of these debts. Fortunately, with the right tools and knowledge, you can pay them without struggling. Here are six ways to get out of debt.

Don't Add More Debts If you add more debts, you can find yourself in a difficult financial spot. Therefore, you should try as much as possible not to take more debts. For instance, you can take periodical breaks from using credit cards.

Reduce Your Expenses It is essential to reduce your costs to save money. Hence, you should have a tight budget, guiding you monthly. This way, you won't spend without planning.

Moreover, you should substitute expensive habits with affordable ones. For example, instead of buying coffee every morning, you can make it at home and

carry it to work. This will give you extra coins to pay a few debts.

Get a Side Hustle If your salary can't clear your debts and still give you a comfortable life, you should get a side hustle. The chances are you have skills that you can monetize.

This can be programming, coding, content writing, or web designing.

You can also choose to sell your old clothes or list a spare bedroom on Airbnb.

You can channel the earnings from these side hustles towards the debts, while your salary helps you attain your goals.

Increase the Monthly Payments Debts usually have a minimum amount that a debtor must pay monthly. However, paying the least amount means you will take longer to clear the debt, resulting in a higher interest. Thus, you should increase the monthly payments to speed up the completion. Make sure that you confirm if your loan has a prepayment penalty to avoid misunderstandings.

Pick One Debt at a Time Some people prefer distributing money

equally towards all their debts monthly.

This tactic works eventually, but you may feel burdened for some time. Therefore, you should resort to picking one debt at time, starting with the highest interest level, and giving it more attention.

You will still distribute money to the other debts, but the chosen one will get a significant payment. Consequently, you will notice progress within a short period.

Once you finish paying the particular debt, you can move to the next one until they are all done.

Apply the Debt Snowball Method The debt snowball method entails paying debts from the smallest to the largest.

Thus, you will list down your debts and start paying the smallest one. When it's done, you will put the extra cash in the next smallest debt. Eventually, all your minor debts will be settled, so you will have adequate money to clear the larger ones.

Paying debts is viewed as one of the most stressful experiences. However, it doesn't have to be as you can use the tips discussed above to guide you. You should always work toward getting out of debt if

you want to achieve financial freedom.

Resolving Tax Debt Having tax debt hanging over your head can be a source of stress and anxiety.

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December 2021

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SPONSORED INSERT: TAX GUIDE

2021 Child Tax Credit, Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Commonly Asked Immigration-Related Questions

T

he Child Tax Credit is typically a credit parents with dependent children receive on their income tax return. In 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which made a one-time in-crease in the credit for the 2021 tax year and provided for the IRS to pay half of the credit to taxpayers in equal monthly payments from July through December.

Children ages five and younger qualify for up to a $3,600 credit, while children ages six to 17 qualify for up to $3,000.

The full credit is available to taxpayers who make less than $150,000 for married filing jointly or qualified widows or widowers; $112,500 for head of household, and $75,000 for single and married filing separate. The credit phases out by $50 for every $1,000 over those limits.

The new law made the credits fully refundable, so even those who don’t owe taxes can get the credit and receive a refund. Nearly 90% of children in the U.S. qualify for the advance payments, according to the IRS.

Credit. You would receive advance Child Tax Credit payments only if you used your correct SSN or ITIN when you filed a 2020 tax return or 2019 tax return. Advance Child Tax Credit payments will be made for each qualifying child who has an SSN that is valid for employment in the United States.

The Catch The payments could cause some confusion in 2022, because when taxpayers file their tax return for 2021, they will need to reconcile the advance payments with the actual credit they are entitled to receive.

In addition, some upper-income families do not qualify for the increased credit, creating some confusion among taxpayers.

Immigrants’ Concerns Immigrants have specific concerns. Here are answers to the frequently asked ques-

tions, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): I don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), but I have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Am I eligible for the Child Tax Credit?

Yes. You — and your spouse, if married filing a joint return — must have a Social Security number (SSN) or an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to be eligible for the Child Tax

Does my child need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) to qualify for the Child Tax Credit?

Yes. For your child to qualify you for the Child Tax Credit, your child must have a Social Security Number (SSN) that is valid for employment.

Therefore, if your child does not have an SSN that is valid for employment, you are not eligible to receive advance Child Tax Credit payments for that child.

What does it mean for the Social Security Number (SSN) to be valid for employment?

For qualifying children, a valid Social Security Number (SSN) is one that is valid continued on page 13

December 2021

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13

SPONSORED INSERT: TAX GUIDE Advanced Child Credit/ continued from page 12 advance Child Tax Credit payments for that child.

What does it mean for the Social Security Number (SSN) to be valid for employment?

For qualifying children, a valid Social Security Number (SSN) is one that is valid for employment in the United States and is issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before the due date of your 2021 tax return (including extensions).

If an individual was a U.S. citizen when he or she received the SSN, then it is valid for employment in the United States. If "Not Valid for Employment" is printed on the individual's Social Security card and the individual's immigration status has changed so that he or she is now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, ask the SSA for a new Social Security card.

However, if "Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization" is printed on the individual's Social Security card, the individual has the required SSN only as long as the Department of Homeland Security authorization is valid.

Will receiving the 2021 Child Tax Credit or Advance Child Tax Credit payments affect my immigration status or ability to get a Green Card?

No. Under current law, receiving the Child Tax Credit or other Federal tax

credits that you are eligible for will not affect your immigration status, your ability to get a green card, or your future eligibility for immigration benefits. Use of Federal tax credits is not considered for purposes of a "public charge" determination by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

As a recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), am I prevented from claiming the 2021 Child Tax Credit or receiving Advance Child Tax Credit payments for my qualifying child?

No. Having DACA does not affect your eligibility. If you and your child satisfy all eligibility requirements, you can claim your child for the 2021 Child Tax Credit and receive Advance Child Tax Credit payments.

My child is a DACA recipient. Can I still claim my child for the Child Tax Credit and receive Advance Child Tax Credit payments?

Yes. Your eligibility is not affected by your child being a DACA recipient. If your child has a Social Security Number (SSN) that is valid for employment, and you and your child satisfy all other eligibility requirements, you are eligible for the Child Tax Credit and advance Child Tax Credit payments.l

Why Hire Us?

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iring a professional tax preparer to do your taxes can be a smart financial decision.

The professionals at the Tax Practice of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates stay up to date on the newest tax laws and filing requirements. You will find that being sure your taxes are done well is worth the cost.

Considerations Here are some things to consider: Time. Filing your own taxes can be a time-intensive endeavor. If you own a small business, you could spend as much as 20 hours gathering receipts and other documentation and entering the information into an online platform. If you could use that time for something more important or valuable to you. Focus on running your business, we will take care of your taxes.

Peace of mind. What you get in exchange for the money you spend on your return i with us. When you pay someone to prepare your taxes, you are responsible for providing accurate information. We will do the work of checking for deductions, credits, and other tax programs you might qualify for, as well as filing your taxes properly and timely. If you’re afraid you

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Complexity. If you are a high earner, have multiple sources of income, investments, charitable contributions, and other complicated tax situations, hiring us is a smart decision. Knowing the specifics of the tax law is critical in filing a complex return.

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December 2021

14

Education

The US Doesn’t Have Enough Faculty to Train the Next Generation of Nurses

BY RAYNA M. LETOURNEAU THE CONVERSATION

D

espite a national nursing shortage in the United States, over 80,000 qualified applications were not accepted at U.S. nursing schools in 2020, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

This was due primarily to a shortage of nursing professors and a limited number of clinical placements where nursing students get practical job training. Additional constraints include a shortage of experienced practitioners to provide supervision during clinical training, insufficient classroom space and inadequate financial resources.

Although the 80,000 may not account for students who apply to multiple nursing schools, it clearly suggests that not all qualified students are able to enroll in nursing school.

I am a nurse researcher, professor of nursing and founding director of WIRES, an office at the University of South Florida that focuses on the well-being of the health care workforce.

I’ve found that the nursing shortage is a complex issue that involves many factors – but chief among them is the shortage of faculty to train future nurses.

Growing demand for nurses There are not enough new nurses entering the U.S. health care system each year to meet the country’s growing demand. This can have serious consequences for patient safety and quality of care.

Nationally, the number of jobs for registered nurses is projected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030.

Some states project an even higher demand for registered nurses because of their population and their needs. Florida, for example, will need to increase its number of registered nurses by 16% over the next decade.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be about 194,500 openings for registered nurses each year over the next decade to meet the demands of the growing population, and also to replace nurses who retire or quit the profession. This means the U.S. will need about 2 million new registered nurses by 2030.

In addition to a shortage of registered nurses, there is also a shortage of nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioner is identified as the second fastest-growing occupation in the next decade, after wind turbine technicians, with a projected increase of 52.2%. Nurse practitioners have an advanced scope of practice compared with registered nurses. They must complete additional clinical hours, earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, and complete additional certifications to work with specific patient populations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the health and wellness problems of the nursing workforce. Despite these problems, student enrollment in nursing schools increased in 2020.

The pandemic has not turned people away from wanting to pursue a career in nursing. However, without enough nursing faculty and clinical sites, there will not be enough new nurses to meet the health care demands of the nation.

Need for more nursing faculty Currently, the national nurse faculty vacancy rate is 6.5%. This is slightly improved from the 2019 rate of 7.2%. More than half of all nursing schools report vacant full-time faculty positions.

The highest need is in nursing programs in Western and Southern states.

Nursing education in clinical settings requires smaller student-to-faculty ratios than many other professions in order to maintain the safety of patients, students and faculty members. Regulatory agencies recommend at least one faculty member to no more than 10 students engaged in clinical learning.

The faculty shortage is also affected by the fact that many current nursing faculty members are reaching retirement age. The percentage of fulltime nursing faculty members aged 60 and older increased from roughly 18% in 2006 to nearly 31% in 2015.

Another factor that contributes to the nursing faculty shortage, and the most critical issue related to faculty recruitment, is compensation.

The salary of a nurse with an advanced degree is much higher in clinical and private sectors than it is in academia.

According to a survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the median salary of a nurse practitioner, across settings and specialties, is $110,000. By contrast, the AACN reported in March 2020 that the average salary for master’s-prepared assistant professors in nursing schools was just under $80,000.The American

Association of Colleges of Nursing reports the average ages of doctorally prepared nurse faculty members at the ranks of professor, associate professor and assistant professor were 62.6, 56.9 and 50.9 years, respectively.

Fixing the faculty shortage Innovative strategies are needed to address the nursing faculty shortage. The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 was a start. The act provides funding for nursing faculty development, scholarships and loan repayment for nurses, and grants for advanced nursing education, nursing diversity initiatives and other priorities.

The Build Back Better Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2021 includes funding to help nursing schools across the country recruit and retain diverse nursing faculty and enroll and retain nursing students. The act is now before the U.S. Senate.

In addition to national strategies, individual states are addressing the shortage at the local level. Maryland, for example, awarded over $29 million in grants to 14 higher education institutions with nursing programs in Maryland to expand and increase the number of qualified nurses.

Finally, offering faculty salaries comparable to those in clinical settings may attract more nurses to use their expertise to train and expand the next generation of health care workers. p Rayna M. Letourneau is an Assistant Professor of Nursing, University of South Florida

December 2021

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15

Jobs & Recession

Additional Paid Leave for Child Vaccinations Goes into Effect December 24, Available Retroactively to November 2

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EW YORK: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Peter A. Hatch announced on December 23, that the amendment to the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law that provides additional leave for parents to get their kids vaccinated goes into effect on December 24. In an effort to keeping the city healthy during the pandemic, the amended law has been expanded to provide private sector employees who are covered by the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law with an extra four hours of paid leave per child under the age of 18, per vaccine injection. The time can be used to take their child to get vaccinated or to care for their child if they experience any side effects from the vaccine. The leave is retroactive to Nov. 2, the day when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved vaccines for children 5-11 years old. The end of the year commonly leaves workers with low leave balances, and it takes time to accrue the leave in the new year so this new additional leave is key to ensuring workers can take off to get their children vaccinated.

“We are proud to help expand NYC’s groundbreaking paid sick leave law, this time so caregivers have enough paid time off to take their kids to get vaccinated, especially now with expanded vaccine mandates for children and as omicron spreads,” said DCWP Commissioner Peter A. Hatch.

“I remind employers and employees that current paid sick laws already provide leave for vaccination or side effects, whether your own or a family member’s. This new law is a critical expansion of the number of leave hours available, which is important at the end of the year when workers’ leave balances may be low.”

In addition to new leave time, private sector workers are entitled to between 40-56 hours of safe and sick leave.

Under the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, employers with five or more employees and employers of domestic workers in New York City must provide paid safe and

sick leave to employees. Employers with fewer than five employees and a net income of $1 million or more, and employers with between five and 99 employees must provide 40 hours of paid leave. Employers with 100 or more employees must provide up to 56 hours of paid leave. Employers with fewer than five employees and a net income of less than $1 million must provide unpaid safe and sick leave. Safe and sick leave is accrued at a rate of one hour of leave for every 30 hours

worked and begins on the employee’s first day of employment. Employers of five or more employees who do not front-load safe and sick leave on the first day of a new calendar year must allow employees to carry over up to 40 or 56 hours of unused safe and sick leave from one calendar year to the new calendar year, depending on the size of the employer.

If the need to use leave is foreseeable, employers can require up to seven days advance notice to use accrued

Are you looking to get into the health & wellness business?

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leave. If the need is unforeseeable, employers may require notice as soon as practicable.

Employers can require documentation for more than three consecutive workdays of leave, but it is illegal to require that documentation specify the reason for using it. Employers may not engage in or threaten retaliation against employees, which includes firing and any act that punishes an employee for or is likely to deter an employee from exercising their rights under the Law. In addition to the City leave for child vaccinations, the state provides leave for employee vaccinations and City leave can be used for booster shots.

Under the City’s Temporary Schedule Change Law, employees can also request up to two days of unpaid leave for vaccination or side effects for themselves or to care for a family member.p

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December 2021

16

In the News

ATU Wins Retro Raises NYC Architects Seek to Unionize with the for Members in Arbitration with MTA Machinists

A

malgamated Transit Union (ATU) Locals 1056, 1179 and 726 prevailed in arbitration with the MTA in a decision released this week. Local 1056 President/ Business Agent, Mark Henry, Local 1179 President/ Business Agent Jose Dejesus, and Local 726 President/ Business Agent Daniel Cassella applauded their members who strongly supported efforts to achieve a just and fair contract during a process that extended more than three years. An impartial arbitrator selected jointly by the MTA and the locals awarded the members an-

nual raises retroactive to May 2019 totaling nearly 10%.

The contract runs through May 15, 2023.

“Throughout this process and especially in Interest Arbitration, we emphasized how our members, on the front lines keeping our city functioning during Covid, perform the same duties as the other MTA bargaining unit involved in NYC Transit's bus operations and should be compensated accordingly,” stated President Henry.

ATU Local 1056 represents bus operators and mechanics who work for MTA New York City Transit's Queens bus division with routes extending into the Bronx and Manhattan. Local 1179 members operate and maintain MTA Bus routes serving Queens with some routes extending into Brooklyn and Manhattan. ATU Local 726 represents bus operators and mechanics who work for MTA New York City Transit's Staten Island bus division. p

O

n Tuesday, December 21, employees at the well-regarded firm SHoP Architects announced that they are seeking to unionize with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. If successful, they will be the the first union at a prominent privatesector architecture firm in the country.

The organizers at SHoP, which has about 135 employees and is known for its work on the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and a luxury building south

of Central Park previously called the Steinway tower, among other projects, said well over half their eligible colleagues had signed cards pledging support for the union. The workers are asking for voluntary recognition from their firm, and they may not be the only ones —an organizer for the Machinists union told the NY Times that the union has spoken with architects in the process of organizing at two other prominent New York firms.

“Many of us feel pushed to the limits of our productivity and mental health,” Architectural Workers United wrote in a letter to their firm’s leadership on Monday. “SHoP is the firm that can begin to enact changes that will eventually ensure a more healthy and equitable future.” p

Take Action: Tell Elected Officials to Seize This Oncein-a-Generation OpportuKellogg’s Strike Ends: nity to Reduce Class Sizes BCTGM Members Ratify New Contract

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e have always known that reducing class size is integral to student achievement, teacher retention and equitable schools, but it’s now also become an issue of public health.

We must learn from the pandemic and take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses in the future.

It’s time to recognize that we need safe classroom occupancy limits.

City Council Intro 2374-2021 would amend the City’s administrative code in relation to

classroom capacity. Smaller class sizes are already the norm in many parts of New York. Our students deserve the same opportunities as the rest of the students in the state.

For the first time in decades, we have a significant amount

• No take aways; No concessions • No permanent two-tier system • A clear path to regular full-time employment • Plant closing moratorium: No plant shut downs through October 2026 • A significant increase in the pension multiplier • Maintenance of cost of living raises

of federal and state education aid that could be used to hire the staff and secure the space to lower class sizes in every school if the bill becomes law.“p

DCINY Orchestra's Fight Covered by the Observer

M

usicians deserve a fair contract! The Observer published a powerful story about the DCINY Orchestra, where musicians have worked for ten years without a contract. Musicians have endured long days without overtime pay where they were trapped inside Carnegie Hall without even being able to run out for food. Leaving the building risked not getting hired for the next performance.

Now

Photo courtesy NYC Central Labor Council

M unionized with Local 802, musicians are fighting for a fair contract. The union-busting for-profit DCINY management has delayed and prevaricated for months on the

contract so the union has filed unfair labor practice charges for their failure to bargain in good faith. p

embers of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) who work at Kellogg’s ready to eat cereal plants in Battle Creek, Mich., Lancaster, Pa., Omaha, Neb. and Memphis, Tenn. have voted to accept the recommended collective bargaining agreement.

Approval of the contract ends the BCTGM’s strike against Kellogg’s, which began on October 5.

Highlights of the new five-year collective bargaining agreement:

“Our entire Union commends and thanks Kellogg’s members," said BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton. "From picket line to picket line, Kellogg’s union members stood strong and undeterred in this fight, inspiring generations of workers across the globe, who were energized by their tremendous show of bravery as they stood up to fight and never once backed down." p (Photo via @lancbctgm374g)

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December 2021

17

Union In Action

iHeartPodcast Network Unionize with the Writers Guild of America, East

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Editorial credit: Ricky Of The World / Shutterstock.com

clear majority of the iHeartPodcast Network, the fastest growing division of iHeartMedia, signed union cards to organize with the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). The Guild has called on management to voluntarily recognize the union.

The approximately 125-member iHeartPodcast Network Bargaining Committee in-

cludes producers, editors, researchers, writers, and hosts based in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York CIty. The iHeartPodcast Network includes hit series like “Stuff You Should Know,” “Fake Doctors, Real Friends,” “The Ron Burgundy Podcast,” “Disgraceland,” “Chelsea Handler: Life will be the Death of Me,” “Noble Blood” and “Committed,” among many others. p

Historic Vote/ continued from page 1 Yorkers the right to vote in local elections. Under this bill, any New Yorker who is a lawful permanent resident or authorized to work in the United States, who has been a resident of New York City for at least 30 consecutive days, and who meets all the qualifications for registering to vote under the Election Law other than U.S. citizenship, would be eligible to register to vote as a “municipal voter.”

Under this bill, eligible noncitizens would be able to start registering to vote on December 9, 2022, and once registered, could begin voting in local elections as of January 9, 2023. The bill would also create an advisory group to provide recommendations regarding the implementation of this new municipal voting system.

Intro 1867, sponsored by Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, will give certain nonUnited States citizens living in New York City the right to vote in local elections. A person will be entitled to vote under this bill if they (i) are ei-

ther a lawful permanent resident or authorized to work in the United States, (ii) have been a resident of New York City for at least 30 consecutive days, and (iii) meet all the qualifications for registering to vote under the Election Law other than U.S. citizenship.

Any person who satisfies these criteria will be eligible to register as a “municipal voter” with the NYC Board of Elections.

Once registered, they will be entitled to vote in any primary, special, general, or run-off election for Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough President, or Council Member, and on any local ballot initiative. The bill does not authorize municipal voters to vote in any state or federal elections.

“In one of the most diverse

cities in the world, we need to ensure that there is adequate representation for all New Yorkers. That starts by expanding the scope of who is allowed to vote in our local elections,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “Immigrants in New York City own over half of the local businesses and contribute over $190 billion dollars to the citywide GDP. During the height of the pandemic, it was our immigrant New Yorkers who kept New York City running. Over half of our front-line essential workers are immigrants and approximately 1 in 5 are non-citizens New Yorkers. They have all earned the right to participate in our city elections. I want to thank Speaker Johnson, my colleagues at the council, The New York Immigration Coalition, United Neighborhood Houses, and the Our City, Our Vote coalition for their support and for getting us to this point.

Today, we are writing a new chapter in our city's history. One that will finally include the voices of all immigrant New Yorkers who hold green cards, working authorizations, DACA, or TPS.” p

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December 2021

18

Love, Health & Travel

7 Research-based Resolutions that Will Help Strengthen Your Relationship in the Year Ahead

BY GARY W. LEWANDOWSKI JR. THE CONVERSATION

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he new year is going to be better. It has to be better. Maybe you’re one of the 74% of Americans in one survey who said they planned on hitting the reset button on Jan. 1 and resolving to improve. Those New Year’s resolutions most commonly focus on eating healthier, exercising, losing weight and being a better person.

Admirable goals, to be sure.

But focusing on body and mind neglects something equally important: your romantic relationship. Couples with better marriages report higher well-being, and one study found that having a better romantic relationship not only promoted well-being and better health now but that those benefits extend into the future.

The lesson is clear: Your relationship is important. Re-

solve to get it right.

That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. But here are seven resolutions based on recent psychological research that you can make this New Year to help keep your relationship going strong.

1. Set yourself up for success Adjust your mindset so you see your relationship as a key source of positive experiences.

Psychologists like me call this boosting your social approach motivation. Instead of merely

trying to avoid relationship problems, those with an approach motivation seek out the positives and use them to help the relationship.

Here’s how: Imagine a conversation with your partner.

Having more of an approach motivation allows you to focus on positive feelings as you talk and to see your partner as more responsive to you. Your partner gets a burst of positivity, too, and in return sees you as more responsive. One partner’s good vibes spill over to

the other partner, ultimately benefiting both. After a year when your relationship may have felt unprecedented external strains, laying the foundation to take advantage of any positives is good place to start.

2. Be optimistic While things in the past may not have always gone how you wanted, it’s important to be optimistic about the future.

But the right kind of optimism matters. A 2020 research study from Krystan Farnish and Lisa

Neff found that generally looking on the bright side of life allowed participants to deal with relationship conflict more effectively – as they put it, better able to “shake it off” – than did those who were optimistic specifically about their relationship.

It seems that if people focus all their rosy expectations just on their relationship, it encourages them to anticipate few negative experiences with their partner. Since that’s unrealistic even in the best relationships, it sets them up for disappointment.

3. Increase your psychological flexibility Try to go with the flow. In other words, work on accepting your feelings without being defensive. It’s OK to adjust your behaviors – you don’t always have to do things the way you always have or go the places you’ve always gone. continued on page 19

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December 2021

19

Love, Health & Travel Your Relationship/ continued from page 18 Stop being stubborn and experiment with being flexible.

A 2020 study by Karen Twiselton and colleagues found that when you’re more flexible psychologically, relationship quality is higher, in part because you experience more positive and fewer negative emotions. For example, navigating the yearly challenge of holidays and family traditions is a relationship minefield. However, if both partners back away from a “must do” mentality in favor of a more adaptable approach, relationship harmony will be greater.

4. It’s OK to put ‘me’ before ‘we’ It’s easy for some people to play the self-sacrificing martyr in their romantic relationship.

If this sounds like you, try to focus more on yourself. It doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad partner. When you’re psychologically healthy, your partner and your relationship also benefit.

Researchers have identified

four main traits that are part of good mental health: openness to feelings, warmth, positive emotions and straightforwardness. These traits help with being more clear about who you are, feeling better about who you are, expressing greater optimism and less aggression, exploiting others less and exhibiting less antisocial behavior. You can see how what’s good for you in this case would be good for your partner too.

5. Do something for your partner But it’s not all about you. Putting your partner first some of the time and catering to your partner’s desires is part of

being a couple. A 2020 study

by Johanna Peetz and colleagues found that prioritizing your partner makes you feel closer to them, increases positive feelings, reduces negative ones and boosts perceived relationship quality.

In the new year, look for ways to give your partner some wins. Let them get their way from time to time and support them in what they want to do, without exclusively prioritizing your own wants and needs.

6. Don’t be so hard on yourself So many New Year’s resolutions focus on body image. Aspirations to eat better and

work out often stem from the same goal: a hotter body. Yet, research from Xue Lei shows that you may not really know what your partner wants you to look like.

Women tend to overestimate how thin male partners want them to be. Similarly, men believe that female partners want them to be more muscular than women say they do. It may seem harmless, but in both cases individuals are more critical and demanding toward themselves, in part based on misreading what a partner truly desires.

7. Stay in touch I saved the easiest item on the list for last: Touch your partner

more.

When Cheryl Carmichael and colleagues followed 115 participants over a 10-day period, they found that initiating and receiving touch – things like holding hands, cuddling, kissing – were associated with both a boost in closeness and relationship quality. Importantly, being touched by your partner has the added benefit of making you feel more understood and validated. Who couldn’t use more of that in the coming year? p Gary W. Lewandowski Jr. is a Professor of Psychology, Monmouth University

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December 2021

20

Love, Health & Travel

Stay Safe and Healthy Over the Holidays

BY DR DAVE CHOKSHI

T

he holidays are here, and I know many New Yorkers are making difficult decisions on how to connect with family, friends and loved ones. This is a time of the year we all look forward to, and while this holiday may not be exactly what we wished for, we can still make it a safe and healthy one by taking a few precautions.

COVID-19 cases are surging in New York City and across the country because of the Omicron variant, and we expect the steep increase to continue in the coming weeks.

Hospitalizations will also follow, particularly among the unvaccinated. Now is the moment to make a difference in this next wave of the pandemic. We have the tools to shape our destiny.

Here is my best advice to protect yourselves and your community in the coming weeks: First, plan your holidays

around your most vulnerable family member. It may mean hosting a virtual gathering, moving activities outdoors, using masks, same-day tests, and staying home if you feel sick. I also advise older adults and others at higher risk to skip optional activities, particularly in crowded settings.

For my own family, we’ve made some adjustments to holiday plans around my young daughter, who isn’t yet eligible for vaccination. We decided to postpone out-oftown travel for now—though we will still find ways to spend time with family, locally and virtually.

Second, common sense precautions can help us lower the risk of COVID-19 and still enjoy holiday festivities. Highquality mask (like a KN95, KF94, or N95), social distancing, and testing add more layers of protection. Beyond meeting up outdoors, improving ventilation and limiting gatherings only to those who are fully vaccinated will also help.

Third, the people I am most worried about are those who remain unvaccinated.

Vaccination is vital—even against Omicron—because it can protect you from severe disease. Having nearly 6 mil-

lion New Yorkers fully vaccinated built up our defense ahead of this Omicron wave.

Boosters reinforce that protection. While the evidence is still emerging, Pfizer released preliminary, laboratory data showing a 25-fold increase in protective antibodies after a third dose, and Moderna released similar data showing a 37-fold increase. An additional dose will help keep your COVID-19 immunity up to date.

If you’re at least six months out from your Pfizer or Moderna second-dose, or two months out from your Johnson & Johnson dose, get your booster today. This week, the Mayor announced the $100 incentive for booster shots across City sites. In total, over 1,000 sites are offering booster doses—just visit nyc.gov/vaccinefinder or call 877VAX4NYC to get linked to one—or go to nyc.gov/homevaccine to schedule a booster dose at home.

FALSE: NATURAL REMEDIES CAN PROTECT ME AGAINST COVID-19.

TRUE: There is no scientific evidence that vitamins or natural remedies protect against COVID-19.

COVID-19 VACCINES SAVE LIVES. GET VACCINATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT NYC.GOV/COVIDVACCINE.

Unvaccinated New Yorkers should take extra precautions for themselves and for the safety of others—like avoiding travel—and remember that it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Regular testing is also particularly important for the unvaccinated. Since demand for testing is high, consider taking regular home self-tests, since supplies will increase. If you test positive after taking a home self-test, you should call your provider, or 212COVID19, in order to be linked to care.

New Yorkers have been through so much during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I know everyone is feeling anxiety and fatigue. But the virus is spreading every day, and we are still in an emergency. I urge everyone to follow our holiday guidance. It will undoubtedly be a challenging few weeks and months ahead, but I have faith that we will get through this together.p Dr. Chokshi is New York City’s Health Commissioner

www.workersworldtoday.com

December 2021

21

Love, Health & Travel

Staying Safe and Joyful: Tips for a DementiaFriendly Holiday Celebration

F

or many, the holiday season is a joyful one spent together with loved ones—including families affected by dementia. Being adaptable and building an inclusive environment are key to creating dementia-friendly holidays and celebrations. With the holiday season right around the corner, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing tips on how families affected by dementia can adapt holiday gatherings to make them safe and dementia-friendly during this festive time.

“The best way to support someone with dementia during the holiday season is to create an inclusive environment to enjoy holidays and celebrations, while understanding and adapting to changes and being aware of the many emotions the holidays can bring,” said Jennifer Reeder, LMSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services.

Families caring for someone

Reduce clutter to avoid potential tripping hazards. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall to avoid falls and utilize menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards.

with dementia should consider the following steps:

ing holiday lights, make it a group effort.

Adapt past favorite traditions or create new ones.

Build on old traditions where you can, such as enjoying favorite music or movies. Start new ones around things the persons can, and likes to do, such as touring neighborhood holiday lights, and do it together. Whenever possible, involve the person by asking what traditions are important to them (this will help you prioritize and plan). For example, if the person used to do all the holiday cooking, make it a new tradition to cook together as a family. If they oversaw hang-

Avoid overdecoration.

Excess stimuli may be challenging for someone with dementia. Too many flickering lights or an abundance of decorations can be overstimulating and disorienting. Also, be aware of the person’s sensitivity to factors such as loud noises.

Create a safe and calm space.

Avoid fragile decorations (which can shatter and create sharp fragments) and ones that could be mistaken for edible treats (which can create a choking hazard or broken teeth).

Holiday Celebrations Like with traditions, adapting celebrations is key for a dementia-friendly holiday. Try to focus on what they enjoy while keeping in mind their safety and comfort.

Before the celebration Prepare the person.

Help build familiarity and comfort by showing them photos of the guests or arrange a phone call/Facetime chat with the visitors beforehand.

Be open with guests.

Consider sharing beneficial information with guests beforehand, such as ways they can communicate with the person, what they respond well to, and what may upset them—espe-

cially visitors who don’t regularly interact with the individual. This will guide them on how they can be helpful and supportive.

During the celebration Preserve normal routine.

Changes in daily routine can be challenging for someone living with dementia. If the person usually takes an afternoon walk, build in time for that. If they go to bed early, hold the celebration earlier in the day so that everyone can participate.

Connect with loved ones through technology.

Videoconference technology (i.e., Facetime, Zoom, Skype) can include others who can’t attend in person.

Take a Strengths-Based and Person-Centered Approach.

Focus on what the person is still able to do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on what they used to do.p

December 2021

www.workersworldtoday.com

22

Conversations

What’s the Point of Holiday Gifts?

BY DIMITRIS XYGALATAS THE CONVERSATION

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hether it’s the dread of a trip to an overcrowded shopping mall, the challenge of picking out the right gifts, the frustration over delivery delays or the hit to the wallet, shopping for holiday gifts can be stressful.

What’s the point of it all?

Shouldn’t the holiday season simply be about family, friends and food? And wouldn’t everyone just be better off spending their own money on things they know they want?

Gift exchanges may seem wasteful and impractical. But as social scientific research reveals, the costs and benefits of gift-giving aren’t what they seem.

The Kula ring During his fieldwork in Papua New Guinea, anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski documented an elaborate tradition practiced by the Massim people. These island communities

maintained a complex ceremonial exchange system that revolved around the gifting of shell necklaces and shell armbands. Each gift first passed between individuals and then traveled between islands in a circle that became known as the “Kula ring.”

These artifacts had no practical utility or commercial value. In fact, selling them was strictly forbidden by custom.

And since the objects were always on the move, their owners rarely wore them.

Nonetheless, the Massim took long journeys to exchange them, risking life and limb as they navigated the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean in their wobbly canoes.

This hardly seems like an efficient use of time and resources. But anthropologists realized that the Kula was instrumental in cultivating human connection.

Individually, these gifts were not really free; they came with the expectation of repayment in the future. But on the whole, they served to create a

cycle of mutual responsibilities, resulting in a network of reciprocal relationships encompassing the entire community.

The giving effect Similar exchanges exist in societies around the world. In many parts of Asia, gift-giving is an integral part of corporate culture. Just like for the Massim, those symbolic gifts facilitate business relations.

In much of the Western world, one of the most familiar contexts is the custom of exchanging holiday presents. On occasions such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, many families spend considerable time, effort and money on buying presents for their loved ones.

Looking at it through the lens of cold logic, the practice seems wasteful.

Everyone has to pay for someone else’s stuff.

Some gifts end up going unused or returned. If no one gave presents, everyone might be better off spending their money and time according

to their own needs and desires.

However, psychological research suggests otherwise.

Studies show that spending money on others feels better than splurging on ourselves.

In fact, neuroscientists have found that making a donation makes the brain’s reward circuitry light up more than receiving a gift. Moreover, the joy of giving a gift lasts longer than the fleeting pleasure of accepting it.

By exchanging presents, we can double-dip, spreading feelings of gratitude all around. Besides, as families and friends know one another’s tastes, preferences and needs, chances are that most people will end up receiving what they wanted in the first place, with the added bonus of bringing everyone closer together.

Weaving webs of connections Ritualized sharing occurs not only within but also between families. Think of birthday parties, weddings or baby showers. Guests are expected to bring a present, often of significant value. Both they and their hosts often keep track of the value of those presents, and receivers are expected to reciprocate with a gift of similar value when the opportunity presents itself in the future.

This exchange serves multiple functions. For the hosts, it provides material support, often during challenging transitional periods such as starting a new family. And for guests, it is like investing money into a fund, to be used when their time comes to become hosts. Moreover, the gifts help raise the symbolic status of the givers along with

that of the receiver, who is in position to organize a lavish ceremony partly or wholly funded by the guests. Most importantly, these exchanges help build a network of ritual bonds between families.

Similar practices even extend to politics: When diplomats or leaders visit a foreign country, it is customary to exchange presents. French officials often hand out bottles of wine, while Italian leaders are known to give fashionable ties.

Other diplomatic gifts may be more unusual. When President Richard Nixon visited China in 1972, Chairman Mao Zedong sent two giant pandas, named Ling-Ling and HsingHsing, to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The U.S. government reciprocated by sending two oxen to China.

From the shells exchanged by Pacific islanders to the toys and sweaters placed under Christmas trees, sharing has always been at the center of many ritual traditions. This is fundamentally different from other forms of material exchange, like trade or barter.

For the Massim, exchanging a shell necklace for a shell armband is not the same as trading yam for fish, just as giving a birthday present is not the same as handing a cashier money to purchase groceries.

This speaks to a more general rule of ceremonial actions: they are not what they appear to be. Unlike ordinary behaviors, ritual actions are nonutilitarian. It is this very lack of obvious utility that makes them special.p Dimitris Xygalatas is an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut

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