STATEMENT FROM STATE SEN. GUSTAVO RIVERA ON THE DOJ'S LAWSUIT AGAINST NEW YORK STATE and RFK JR’S CONFIRMATION AS SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Yesterday, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James Marc Schroeder, the commissioner of the state's Department of Motor Vehicles, over policies limiting state cooperation with federal immigration authorities. 

In response to the news, State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement: 

"So the DOJ is going after New York State, Governor Hochul, AG James, and Commissioner Schroeder— but not Mayor Adams? I’d have questions, if it weren’t for the fact that Eric Adams is so clearly in Trump’s pocket. This is obvious cronyism of the highest degree. We have to call out and stand up against this quid-pro-quo abuse of justice.”

In response to the 52-48 confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement:

“Instead of investing in common sense solutions to America’s healthcare crisis, Congressional Republicans handed the reins to a science denialist and vaccine conspiracist. As his confirmation hearing made vastly clear, RFK Jr. is dangerously unqualified to lead the largest public health institution in our country. Yet, this doesn’t seem to matter to the 52 Republicans who picked loyalty to Trump over the health of millions. 

We cannot trust the federal government to protect our health. Now, more than ever, New York needs to lead by example. We must fight anti science misinformation every step of the way and continue to push for evidence based public health solutions. This in conjunction with guaranteeing access to healthcare for all New Yorkers through my NY Health Act, will truly make New York and its people healthy.”