SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS INAUGURAL

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FAIR

Senator Rivera had a wonderful time last Saturday with neighbors at his inaugural Environmental Justice Fair at Williamsbridge Oval. Over 300 kids and families joined the Senator to explore local climate solutions, enjoy challenge cards, and win surprise raffle prizes. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities and sustainable arts and crafts, all while learning how to make a positive impact. Thanks to our sponsors Ponce Bank, Metro Plus Health, Bronx River Alliance, Patagonia, Crazy Fruits, and all the organizations that helped make this event such a success!

Senator Rivera joined neighbors for a "Run for Their Lives" march commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. Senator Rivera mourns 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.

Senator Rivera attended the annual Mosholu Fall Festival at Knox Gate Playground. Senator Rivera celebrated the return of his favorite season with music and games, while bonding with neighbors. Thank you to the Friends of Mosholu Parkland for inviting the Senator.

This week, Senator Rivera partnered with The Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp (KRVC) to offer free Mammogram screenings, courtesy of the St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) Mammogram Van. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and regular mammogram screenings are essential for early breast cancer detection. Thank you to Laura Levine-Pinedo and SBH for partnering with the Senator.

Individuals in New York are eligible for a free mammogram even without insurance through the New York State Cancer Services program from the NYS Department of Health. To learn more about the program, click here.

This week, Senator Rivera attended Bronx Community Board 8's October General Board Meeting. Senator Rivera provided community updates and talked about his legislative priorities for session. Senator Rivera also was excited to present Chair Emeritus Laura Spalter and Board Secretary Margaret Della for their immeasurable impact on the local community. The Senator congratulates both honorees on their well deserved honor.

Senator Rivera was excited to attend St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. To the 3.9 million people of Hispanic origin who live in New York, over 180,000 of whom live in the Senator's district, Senator Rivera wishes you a great Hispanic Heritage Month. From the cultural to the socio-political contributions, Hispanic Heritage should be celebrated, recognized, and rewarded. Thank you to SBH for putting together this event.

This week, Senator Rivera attended Brighter Bites programming at PS 306x, where they distributed fresh produce to children and families. Senator Rivera spoke with Principal Harrington about the work the school is doing to combat food insecurity for their families. Thank you to Brighter Bites East Coast Regional Director Shey Hall for inviting the Senator to this distribution.

"We can address issues with the program without dismantling the current funding structure that effectively supports it,” he said in a statement. “I am urging the Hochul administration to come to the table to find a path forward that doesn’t jeopardize access to health care at schools for New York’s most vulnerable children.” - Senator Gustavo Rivera

Senator Rivera spoke with Amanda D'Ambrosio from Crain's and Maya Kaufman and Katelyn Cordero from Politico about Governor Hochul's decision to transition the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) program to Medicaid Managed Care despite the Legislature's unanimous approval of Senator Rivera's Bill (S7840) that would keep the program in Medicaid Fee-For-Service permanently.

While the Executive argues this shift will improve care coordination, the existing SBHC program already requires coordination with other providers. Senator Rivera and stakeholders agree that transitioning to managed care will inflate the overall cost of the program due to additional administrative fees, eroding the quality of care provided to students across the state.

Senator Rivera told Crain's and Politico that he urges the Executive to come to the table and find a path forward that doesn't jeopardize access to healthcare at schools for New York's most vulnerable children.

This week, Senator Rivera sat down with Sophie Krichevsky from City and State on why he believes Mayor Adams is unfit to govern New York City amidst multiple investigations, charges, and resignations of high-level officials. Senator Rivera continues to call on Mayor Adams to do what is best for the city and resign. To read the full interview, click here.