News From State Senator Gustavo Rivera

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera As "Happy Meal" Bill Passes The Senate Health Committee

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement today after bill S1074, also known as the "Happy Meal Bill", was reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The "Happy Meal" bill would require fast food restaurants to set nutritional guidelines for meals aimed at children by including incentive items, such as toys, playing cards or other consumer products that appeal to children. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Codes Committee.

"Today, we took an important step forward in directly combating the obesity epidemic that continues to affect the lives of millions of children across New York State. Setting these critical guidelines for meals accompanied by toys will not only help parents and children make healthier food decisions at fast food restaurants, but it will also hold these restaurants accountable for the meals options they offer to children. As the Ranking Member of the Health Committee and the sponsor of this bill, I am fully committed to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to ensure that we pass this piece of legislation and continue to make fighting obesity a priority." 

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera On Bill To Expand Medicaid Coverage To Include Blood Based Allergy Testing Passes the Senate Finance Committee

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after bill S1222 passed the New York State Senate's Finance Committee. This bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Nick Perry in the New York State Assembly, will ensure critical access to blood allergy testing, in addition to the already covered skin prick testing, for Medicaid recipients seeking to determine a potential allergy condition. The bill is now eligible to be placed on the Senate Active list. 

"As the Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Health Committee and sponsor of this bill, I am proud that my colleagues have joined me in pushing it towards the next step of the legislative process," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "This common sense measure will ensure that Medicaid patients across New York State have greater and easier access to different options of allergy testing, allowing them to identify and treat their allergies faster and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. In doing so, our State is taking the appropriate steps to help reduce the health disparities that continue to plague low-income and minority communities. I'm committed to working diligently with my colleagues in both houses to make this bill into law."