Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

Happy Holidays to all! Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and/or Kwanzaa, Senator Rivera and his team wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Last Friday, December 13, Governor Hochul vetoed Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon's Local Input for Community Healthcare Act (S.8843A/A.1633). This bill passed both the State Senate and State Assembly with strong bipartisan support for the first time ever in the past legislative session. 

The now vetoed bill would have addressed existing gaps in the state’s review of proposed hospital and critical unit closures, 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 closure 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.

Senator Rivera said in a statement: "I’m bitterly disappointed by Governor Hochul's decision to veto our bill, the Local Input for Community Healthcare (LICH) Act. Healthcare facilities all across the State are closing without any real input from the communities they serve, leaving already vulnerable communities without essential care. It is now imperative that the State Department of Health follows the Governor’s directive and make the necessary changes to ensure that transparency and public engagement are at the core of the hospital closure process, and we will not stop there."

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law Senator Rivera's bill (S7114-A), that requires insurance companies to cover epinephrine auto-injectors and caps the annual cost of EpiPens at $100.

Senator Rivera said in a statement that: "It is unacceptable that so many people are forced to risk not having the device during a life-threatening emergency due to prohibitive costs.... I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing such an important bill into law, and it is my hope that we can continue to pass similar measures that will make health care more accessible to all New Yorkers."

Last week, Governor Hochul vetoed the bill (S.7840/A.8862) sponsored by Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Amy Paulin, which would allow school-based health centers (SBHCs) to remain outside Medicaid managed care.

Senator Rivera said in a statement that: "I am incredibly disappointed by the Governor's decision to veto our bill...For decades, SBCHs have been an incredibly important component of our healthcare system providing essential primary care...I urge Governor Hochul to reconsider this shortsighted transition, work with the Legislature and save SBHCs from a grim future."

Senator Rivera stopped by the 48th Precinct Christmas Toy Giveaway at the St. Barnabas Health and Wellness Center. During the event, Senator Rivera greeted families, handed out toys, and wished his neighbors a happy holiday.

Senator Rivera was invited by the retiree chapter of the UFT to give a presentation on the New York Health Act (NYHA) during a healthcare panel discussion the group organized this week. 

The Senator discussed and answered questions about the benefits of the NYHA, which aims to establish a single-payer, universal healthcare system in our state. This bill would guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker, including long-term care coverage, which is vital for many seniors and retirees in our community.

FDNY: WINTER HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Winter holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but also a prime time for fires to occur. More than one-third of home fires occur during the months of December, January and February. It's important to celebrate safely. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your loved can be #FDNYSmart this holiday season:

 

Shop Smart When Purchasing Gifts

•   Beware of purchasing devices with dangerous, uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Un-certified lithium-ion batteries are illegal in New York City.
•   Only buy certified lithium-ion batteries and devices, that are stamped with UL symbol. Certified lithium-ion batteries have been tested to meet national safety standards.
•   Not all products sold online are certified. Carefully read the product listing, website and operating manual. 

Christmas Trees

•   When picking a tree, shake it to check for dryness. If too many dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree.
•   Cut trees 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree to help keep it fresher longer.
•   Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source.
•   Add water to the tree stand and water the tree daily.
•   Dispose of the tree immediately after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried trees pose an increased fire hazard.

Decorations and Lighting

•   Choose decorations that are flame resistant, flame retardant, or created with noncombustible materials.
•   Do not overload electrical outlets, extension chords and power strips.
•   Turn off all lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
•   Use lights and electrical decorations that are stamped with UL symbol.
•   Inspect new and used lights before using them. Replace strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
•   Read instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.
•   Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged.

Candles

•   Use sturdy candle holders, with flame-protective non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.
•   Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets and bedding.
•   Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.
•   Extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.
•   Never leave burning candles unattended.
•   Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.
•   Keeping candles, matches and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children

Cooking

•   Don't leave food cooking unattended; Stand by Your Pan!
•   Keep the area around the stove clear of anything that could burn (paper towels, papers, potholders, etc.)
•  Cook with indicated temperature settings, refrain from using higher temperature settings.
•   In the event of a pot or pan fire, turn off the heat and cover it with a lid. Do not use water! It could cause splashing and spread the fire.

SIGN UP FOR CONGESTION RELIEF ZONE TOLLING WEBINARS

Starting January 5, 2025, vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 St—will be charged a toll. The program will reduce traffic, improve air quality, and fund better public transit.

 

The MTA is hosting eight public webinars in December where people can learn about Congestion Relief Zone tolling. Webinars will explain why New York needs congestion pricing, how the Congestion Relief Zone works, what the toll rates are, who is entitled to discounts and exemptions, and other things people need to know before tolling begins on Sunday, January 5. The sessions will feature a brief presentation, followed by Q&A.

 

Learn more about the sessions and register to attend here.

 

For more information, visit congestionreliefzone.mta.info.