SENATOR RIVERA AT THE CSG EAST ANNUAL MEETING IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Photo Credit: Council of State Governments

Senator Rivera attended the Council of State Governments (CSG) Eastern Regional Conference's Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland as Chair of their Health Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. Senator Rivera sat on a panel discussing single payer healthcare as a champion of the New York Health Act, and discussed the next steps to bringing a first in the nation single payer, universal healthcare system to New York.

SENATOR RIVERA HOST'S FREE HOUSING ASSISTANCE WITH WBHNRC!

Senator Rivera's office was excited to host the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Housing Center (WBHRNC) for a free housing assistance clinic. West Bronx was able to help constituents with their rental arrears, eviction notices, and Section 8 Vouchers. Senator Rivera looks forward to having West Bronx Housing in his district office on the first Tuesday of every month, with the next clinic scheduled for September 3rd. Call our office at 718-933-2034 for an appointment!

CRAINS: STATE-RUN HOSPITALS FILED 80% OF MEDICAL DEBT LAWSUITS AGAINST PATIENTS LAST YEAR

"It would be a sea change to lift the requirement that our state hospitals sue for medical debt."

- State Senator Gustavo Rivera

Amanda D'Ambrosio from Crain's New York covered the increase in lawsuits filed by State-Run Hospitals in 2023 and Senator Rivera's Stop SUNY Suing bill. According to data, the five State-operated hospitals have sued over 16,000 patients since 2019, many of them being low-income New Yorkers. Senator Rivera talked about the necessity of his legislation to ban these lawsuits, as part of his #EndMedicalDebt package.

Senator Rivera was honored to be included in City & State's inaugural 40 in their 40's list. Senator Rivera has never forgotten who he works for and will never stop fighting for fundamental improvements to health and housing policies that put his constituents first. To read the full list, click here

Senator Rivera is excited to announce that his Annual Back to School Fair will be at St. James Park on Thursday, August 15th at 2PM. Start the new school year off the right way with free backpacks and valuable resources for the entire family. Backpacks are distributed to children who are present on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, please call Senator Rivera's District Office at 718-933-2034.

Senator Rivera's will also be hosting several pop-up back to school events throughout the district. Each week, check back here for Senator Rivera's next pop up event!

Senator Rivera shares the community's concerns about public drug use and syringe litter near the Kingsbridge Underpass, Poe Park, and nearby hot spots. There are local harm reduction providers who clean up the needles safely and who connect with users to help them with recovery, medical care, and basic needs.

Our team created this schedule and contact informational sheet in collaboration with the harm reduction organizations serving the Northwest Bronx so that neighbors can contact them to assist with issues near Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov.

For every $2 spent at NYC farmers markets using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on an EBT card, shoppers can get $2 in Health Bucks up to $10 per day. Health Bucks are coupons redeemable for fruits and vegetables at all 130+ NYC farmers markets. For farmers market locations and hours of operation, see the 2024 Farmers Market Map.

Summer EBT helps low-income families cover the cost of groceries when school is out of session. Most households do not need to apply for Summer EBT food benefits. For more info, including eligibility requirements, click here