Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

13 BILLS PASSED THE SECOND HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING OF 2025

This week, Senator Rivera held the second Health Committee meeting of the year where 13 bills passed, including:

• Primary Care Investment Act (S1634), which would assess current care spending and require both public and private insurers to increase their spending on primary care until it reaches at least 12,5% of their total healthcare spending. Investing in primary care is correlated with improved health outcomes and avoidance of more costly health interventions.

• 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act (S1913) which will stop drug companies from unilaterally restricting a federal program designed to provide funding to providers serving vulnerable populations.

Check here Senator Rivera's post on Instagram for more details.

NEW BILL ALERT: SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL TO CODIFY SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS INTO STATE STATUTE

Senator Rivera was proud to introduce his new bill S.3547, which would enshrine the School Based Health Care (SBHC) program in statute, codifying the program's core functions as it exists in current guidance under the New York State Department of Health and ensure SBHCs remain a lifeline for the most medically underserved children in our State. The bill intends to regulate how these centers are established, the procedures they follow, the responsibilities they hold, the services they provide, as well as improve the coordination and communication between SBHCs, community-based healthcare providers, and third-party payers.

In April, School Based Health Centers will transition to Managed Care reimbursement model from the previous fee-for-service model. These centers are already closing their doors in anticipation of this transition and leaving thousands of children without the critical care they need.

"I understand that these centers are crucial in providing comprehensive health services to more than 200,000 vulnerable children who otherwise would not be able to afford going to the doctor," said Senator Rivera. "I urge colleagues and allies to support this bill since our State must champion all access to healthcare particularly to our most vulnerable ones."

Thank you to Assemblymember Paulin, the NY School-Based Health Alliance and the families of children who can be impacted by this transition, for your support in the presser this past Tuesday!

SENATOR RIVERA CALLS ON THE LEGISLATURE TO REFORM NEW YORK'S ARCHAIC SENTENCING LAWS

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Center of Community Alternatives, colleagues and other allies in Albany to support three legislative proposals that will change our state’s archaic sentencing laws and give second chances including the Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283), the Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085), and the Marvin Mayfield Act (S.1209/A.1297).

 

"Over-criminalization and harsh sentences are not conducive to the level of safety our communities need. New Yorkers deserve a criminal legal systema that actually imparts justice, and that keeps our communities safe," said Senator Rivera.

SENATOR RIVERA PARTICIPATES IN THE BRONX SENATE DELEGATION BUDGET FORUM

Senator Rivera and the rest of the Bronx Senate delegation participated in their annual Virtual Budget Forum where Bronx residents learned more about the proposed 2025-2026 State Budget and were able to provide their input. Senator Rivera shared some of his legislative priorities for the year including the Empire State Licensing Act (S1086), the CDPAP Accountability Act (S1189) and his newly introduced bill about School-Based Health Centers (S.3547). Senator Rivera will continue to listen to the voices of his constituents to ensure that their concerns are heard in Albany, striving to reach a fair and balanced budget.

SENATOR RIVERA RELEASES A STATEMENT ON

CON EDISON'S RECENT PROPOSAL FOR A DOUBLE-DIGIT RATE INCREASE ON ELECTRIC AND GAS BILLS

Senator Rivera participated on a Legislative Breakfast sponsored by the Joint Community Advisory Board at NYC Health and Hospital Jacobi, North Central Bronx. During his remarks, Senator Rivera emphasized shared his priorities with stakeholders, as his concerns about the Governor's proposed budget for 2025-2026, and the potential cuts from the federal administration.

Senator Rivera is committed to fight back against any potential Medicaid cuts, and to provide long term financial stability to our safety net hospitals, which are key to provide care to vulnerable New Yorkers.

Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Paulin sat down separately with POLITICO's Katelyn Cordero to discuss the state budget, federal actions and the legislative session.

The senator talked about his bill, the "CDPAP Accountability Act", as a reasonable alternative to preserve the CDPAP program and halt the transition to a single fiscal intermediary scheduled for April 1st:

"If the governor wants to take my bill and make it her own and put some of it in the budget language and take credit for it, I don't care. It creates a more thoughtful and reasonable two-year timeline, and it creates standards so that bad actors can be identified and weeded out of the system."

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Senator Rivera wants to share important information about how you can protect your rights in face of the immigration raids by ICE agents in New York. Remember that you are not alone and that you are protected by the United States Constitution, regardless of your immigration status.

You can call Senator Rivera's district office at (718) 933-2034 or send an email to grivera@nysenate.gov if you need assistance.

TUESDAY 02/11: PARTICIPATE ON A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY

Senator Rivera invites you to participate at an important virtual public meeting to discuss the Draft Scope of Work for the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 4:00pm 

WHERE: Zoom, Click this link to register: https://bit.ly/3WkRFtE

Last month, the city selected 8th Regiment Partners LLC as the Armory's new developer. It is essential that during the planning, construction, and operation of this project, our community participates in overseeing accountability efforts, benefits, and investments for the Bronx. 

2024-2025 HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) REGULAR BENEFIT RE-OPENED

New York State has announced that the 2024-25 HEAP Regular Benefit re-opened on Saturday, January 25, 2025, based on additional program funding.

New Yorkers can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) online through ACCESS HRA, through the mail, or in person by visiting a HEAP office.

More information here.