New York State Courts Press Release: Virtual Courts Up and Running Statewide

The New York State court system continues to institute a variety of temporary emergency measures to deliver essential justice services during these extraordinary times, with Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence K. Marks today reporting that virtual court operations−allowing essential and emergency court proceedings to be conducted remotely−are now in effect statewide. The “virtual court” model, which is being implemented on a temporary basis and was introduced in New York City’s Criminal Court and Family Court on March 25, 2020 and March 26, 2020, respectively, has been rapidly expanded in response to the fast- evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, please visit https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/press/PDFs/PR20_14virtualcourtsstatewide.pdf.

AAFE Emergency Loan Programs

In response to Hurricane Sandy, AAFE has initiated two emergency loan programs to help homeowners and small businesses throughout the five boroughs :

1) The Renaissance Economic Development Corporation will be offering an emergency loan fund up to $30,000 with 4% interest rate loans to affected small businesses in all 5 boroughs of NYC and special relief at 3% interest rate to businesses located south of 40th Street. Renaissance will provide expedited processing to ensure timely impact relief.  Download more information here.

2) AAFE Community Development Fund will be offering Emergency Repair Loan for Homeowners up to $20,000 with 4% interest rate; 3% interest rate for Seniors and Disabled or repairs conducted by certified green specialist.  Download more information here.

Please feel free to distribute and forward these programs information to your clients and constituents.


Christopher Kui, Executive Director
Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE)
108 Norfolk Street
New York, NY 10002
[email protected]
Tel. (212) 979-8381 ext. 107
Fax (212) 979-8386