STATEMENT ON GOV. HOCHUL'S SELECTION OF CDPAP FISCAL INTERMEDIARY

This week, Senator Rivera issued a statement in response to Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement that the Executive has selected a Georgia-based company, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), as the statewide fiscal intermediary for New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which provides essential home care services to approximately 250,000 New Yorkers. Senator Rivera has serious concerns about this selection, citing PPL's track record of failing to pay workers on time. Additionally, in other states where PPL was chosen, those states transitioned away from the company, negatively impacting enrollees.

Senator Rivera will continue to advocate for his legislation (S9901) to address the problems with the current program. His reaction to this announcement was covered by POLITICO and Crain's.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDED "A DAY TO REMEMBER" AT THE BRONX JEWISH CENTER

Senator Rivera attended a memorial at the Bronx Jewish Center for the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks on Israel. We mourn the innocent people who lost their lives on October 7th and all those lost in the ongoing war in the past year in the Middle East. We hope every day that every hostage is released unharmed. We must unite in our efforts to create a world without war, one where no one suffers from the horrors of conflict and terror. Thank you to Rabbi Pewzner and the Bronx Jewish Center for inviting Senator Rivera to this memorial.

Senator Rivera visited Sun River Health in the Bronx this week. The Senator had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive impact their services have on the lives of those they serve. During the visit, Senator Rivera met with healthcare professionals, toured the facilities, and engaged with patients and staff to better understand the challenges and successes of their mission.

Senator Rivera had the opportunity to discuss the issues federally qualified health centers (FQHC) face across New York State. That is why he carries the bill S6959A to update the current reimbursement rates for FQHC's that have not been updated since the year 1995. In order for community health clinics across New York to continue to serve patients, we must ensure they can stay open in medically underserved communities throughout our State. Thank you to Anne Kauffman Nolon, Chief Executive Officer, and Ernest Klepeis, Chief of Government Affairs and Advocacy, for the invitation.

Senator Rivera was pleased to join the Riverdale Y’s annual Rosh Hashanah luncheon to celebrate the Jewish New Year. Thank you to Melissa Sigmond, Rabbi Scott, and the Riverdale Y for inviting Senator Rivera and thanks to the wonderful seniors for coming together in joy and community. To all our neighbors celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Shana Tovah!

Senator Gustavo Rivera hosted a free housing clinic at our district office in partnership with the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center (WBHNRC). Neighbors received information on housing, rent, Section 8 renewals, repairs, and more! Thank you to WBHNRC and Ms. Grace Torres for assisting the neighbors who came to our office.

This week, Senator Rivera hosted a Meet & Greet on the NY Health Act with neighbors. Senator Rivera answered questions and discussed the benefits of the NY Health Act, which would guarantee health care to every New Yorker by creating a single-payer, universal health care system based on New Yorkers' ability to pay. Senator Rivera shared that we can improve the quality of care by taking private health insurance out of the equation and putting patients before profits. Thank you to Bronx House for providing the location and facilities for this Meet & Greet!

Senator Rivera attended the first Bronx Tech Hub Job Fair at Fordham University, organized by Fix It With Piggy. This fair was a success with over 300 attendees! These spaces are so important for young people in our community to network and gain access to the tech world. Thanks to Ashonda Culcleasure, founder of Fix It With Piggy, for inviting Senator Rivera to this wonderful event!