SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES CDPAP FISCAL INTERMEDIARY LICENSURE ACT

Photo Credit: Will Waldron/Times Union

“I recognize that there are changes that are necessary, that there have been bad actors,” Rivera said. “But instead of throwing out the baby with the bathwater, it’s electrifying the baby in the damn tub. Let’s not do that. Let’s actually think through how this could be done more efficiently,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera introduced the CDPAP Fiscal Intermediary Licensure Act (S9901), a reasonable alternative to the single fiscal intermediary (FI) policy that was included in the 2024 budget.

The current law requires the state to eliminate all of the current FIs operating in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and replace them with one entity by April 1st of next year. This massive change in the structure of how this system works has created upheaval.

Senator Rivera's bill would repeal that policy and instead establish a licensure process for entities acting as FIs. It would establish criteria for the Department of Health review, allowing the state to weed out bad actors through the licensure process. The bill provides an opportunity for good FI businesses to continue operating throughout the state that have a proven track record of delivering quality service and establishes training requirements for care workers in order to ensure a baseline of core competency.

To learn more about the new bill, you can read Senator Rivera's interviews with Raga Justin from the Times Union and Ethan Geringer-Sameth from Crain's.

Senator Rivera joined Americans for Contraception's “IUD Express” Tour at Times Square with "Freeda Womb," a 20-foot inflatable IUD to celebrate New York’s reproductive care protections and remind Americans that the right to birth control is under assault from Republican lawmakers and cannot be taken for granted.

Freeda Womb made her debut when republicans voted against the Right to Contraception Act, a simple bill that would have protected the right to the pill, condoms, Plan B, and other contraception care. Senator Rivera will continue to fight for reproductive freedom as Chair of the Health Committee.

On September 4th, Senator Rivera hosted his final back-to-school pop-up event at Riverdale Neighborhood House. Senator Rivera provided backpacks and school supplies to our neighbors. Thank you to LiveOn for providing school supplies, and thank you to the thousands of neighbors who came out for the Senator's Back to School events throughout the summer to get the school year started right!

Senator Rivera attended the 52nd Precinct's back to school giveaway outside the precinct. Thank you to Commanding Officer Chase A. Maneri, Community Affairs Officers Echevarria and Capo, and 52nd Precinct Council President Brenda Caldwell-Paris for putting together a great event!

Senator Rivera attended PS 85's Back to School Giveaway, where he contributed backpacks and school supplies to the event. Thank you to PS 85 Principal Sara Medina for inviting the Senator.

Senator Rivera also attended PS 77's Back to School Fair, where the Senator provided backpacks, supplies, and participated in welcoming the new students. Thank you to PS 77 Principal Carolyn Hereida for having the Senator.

If you are interested in Senator Rivera visiting your school, please call our district office at 718-933-2034 or email us at grivera@nysenate.gov.

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.