Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, it is my hope that we continue working together to make The Bronx, our City, our State, and our country better places for us and our future generations.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025:

NEW YORK STATE TO ELIMINATE INSULIN CO-PAYS ON STATE-REGULATED INSURANCE PLANS

January 3rd, Senator Rivera joined Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State Senate Majority Leader Senator Stewart-Cousins, and other elected officials for special announcements, including the implementation of Senator Rivera's bill to eliminate insulin co-pays in state-regulated insurance plans.

Thanks to this legislation, which was included in the 2024-2025 enacted budget, no one who needs insulin will face out-of-pocket costs.

Senator Rivera said: "Diabetes currently affects almost two million New Yorkers, particularly in vulnerable communities where poverty and broken food systems intersect, like many that I represent in The Bronx. As Chair of the Senate Health Committee, I was incredibly proud that my bill to eliminate insulin copays on state regulated insurance plans was included in last year's state budget, which was enacted by Governor Hochul. With this measure going into effect today, I’m looking forward to continue working with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Executive to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers."

APPLY NOW FOR THE HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

SIGN UP FOR CONGESTION RELIEF ZONE TOLLING LAST WEBINAR (01/08)

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. 

HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING

VERY COLD TEMPERATURES?

Much of the country will be hit with extreme low temperatures over the next week as a polar vortex sends cold air down from the North Pole.

How can you prepare for it? Here is what you can do:

STAY SAFE INDOORS

Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:



• Change batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
• Check that they are installed in areas where people sleep and on each floor of your home.

Take these Steps if you do not have Heat or Hot Water:

• Tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner right away. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly.
• Go to a warm place, such as a friend’s or family member’s home.

Until Your Heat is Fixed, Heat Your Home Safely:

• Never use a stove, oven or charcoal grill to heat your home. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC.
• If you use an electric space heater, only plug it directly into the wall outlet.

 

STAY SAFE OUTDOORS

Keep Warm:

• Dress in dry, loose-fitting layers.
• Cover exposed skin, such as your face and hands.

Prevent Slips and Falls:

• Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
• Take short steps and walk at a slow pace.
• Use handrails on stairs.

Be Careful When Shoveling Snow:

• In NYC, homeowners are responsible for shoveling snow. Shovel slowly and take breaks often.
• If you are an older adult or have a disability and need snow shoveled, call 311 and ask if volunteer snow removal services are available in your neighborhood.

Watch for Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite:

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious conditions caused by spending long periods of time in very cold temperatures.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. It can lead to death. Symptoms include:



• Intense shivering
• Sluggishness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Trouble speaking
• Confusion
• Lack of Coordination
• Shallow Breathing

Frostbite is when parts of the body freeze, especially your fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. It can cause permanent damage. Symptoms include:

• Red and painful skin or pale skin
• Unusually firm or waxy skin
• Numbness

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you see symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. 

*Source: NYC Health: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/emergency-preparedness/emergencies-extreme-weather-cold-weather.page