News from Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING COMMUNITY INPUT FOR

HOSPITAL CLOSURES

"Our communities deserve a say when their local hospital might close. New Yorkers deserve transparency and engagement when they might lose access to their closest maternity unit or emergency department, or even the entire facility, when too many already face major health disparities in a broken healthcare system. This bill will address the gaps in the state’s current review of proposed hospital and critical unit closures and make our communities a key stakeholder in a decision making process with serious impacts on health equity." - Senator Rivera

This week, Senator Rivera introduced legislation (S.8843) that would require public notice and community engagement when a hospital seeks to either close entirely or close a unit that provides emergency, maternity, mental health, or substance use care.

The legislation will address current gaps in the state’s review of proposed hospital and critical unit closures by requiring adequate advance notice to local officials and the public, a community forum held 150 days in advance of the proposed closure date to allow public comment on the hospital’s plan, a final closure plan that addresses concerns raised at the community forum, and public disclosure of all submitted plans by the Department of Health.

For more details on the bill, read press release here.

SENATOR RIVERA CO-HOSTS 2024 JOINT BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH

This week, the Senate and Assembly hosted the 2024 Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting On Health. Senator Rivera reaffirmed his commitment to increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living providers in order to provide stability to those that serve the most vulnerable around the state. Senator Rivera is also focused on providing Safety Net Hospitals the funding they need in order to thrive, and expanding health care for all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status. Senator Rivera looks forward to working with the Assembly and the Executive to finalize a budget that works for all New Yorkers.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS

HOUSING JUSTICE FOR ALL DAY OF ACTION

“Ladies and gentlemen, let's stop the nonsense. Good cause, it's not only in the name, it's in the actual bill. Had people actually bothered to read it, they would see it,” Rivera said. “Good cause, of course you can kick out someone for not paying their rent. Of course, you can kick out somebody for her for destroying your apartment. It's in the bill. Have y'all read it? Perhaps you should.” - Senator Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera attended a press conference hosted by the NY Working Families Party and the Housing Justice for All Coalition. Senator Rivera is committed to protecting the Senate Majority's hard fought Housing Stability & Tenant Protection Act of 2019 and continue to fight to pass Senator Salazar's Good Cause legislation.

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

MARY MITCHELL FAMILY AND YOUTH CENTER CELEBRATES CAPITAL AND OPERATIONAL FUNDING FROM SENATOR RIVERA

Today, the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center celebrated the arrival of $350,000 in capital and operational funding allocated by Senator Rivera to support their youth and food distribution programs. While the Center is now out of Senator Rivera's district, this funding was allocated when the Senator represented the center in his old district.

Marry Mitchell received a State and Municipal Facilities Grant (SAM) from State Senator Gustavo Rivera for $100,000 to purchase a 15-passenger van, 13 tablets, two computers, and kitchen supplies. Additionally, Senator Rivera allocated $250,000 in operational funds to Mary Mitchell to support the purchase of supplies for the various programs it operates.

SENATOR RIVERA STANDS WITH TENANTS IN HIS DISTRICT TO SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF THE TENANT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ACT

Senator Rivera joined organizers from Northwest Bronx Community Clergy Coalition and members of Tenants' Association at 124 East 176th Street to support passing the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) sponsored by Senator Zellnor Myrie.

Senator Rivera has met with the Tenant Association of this building and other buildings owned by David Kleiner, who continues to show a history of neglecting his tenants. His neglect directly led to the partial collapse of the building at 1915 Billingsley Avenue, leading to the displacement of dozens of tenants from their homes.

TOPA gives most tenants or non-profit organizations priority to collectively purchase rental housing before owners can sell to third party buyers. The bill outlines tenant eligibility, timelines to make purchase offers, purchaser qualifications by state agencies, and some exemptions for certain property types and ownership structures. Senator Rivera made it clear that we must pass this bill to ensure that if neglectful landlords like Mr. Kleiner are unable to do their job, tenants should have the right to take over the building.

SATURDAY 3/30: SENATOR RIVERA INVITES YOU TO THE ANNUAL WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL SPRING EGG HUNT!

Join us on Saturday March 30th from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center for games, arts and crafts, entertainment, and community-building. Families and children are invited! 

SUMMER RISING PROGRAMS APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW