Sunday, March 2, 2025

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS RALLY TO PROTECT HEALTH ACCESS FOR TRANSGENDER NEW YORKERS

Senator Rivera joined a rally to protect healthcare access for transgender New Yorkers who are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the most slew of Executive Orders by the Trump administration.


In this year's budget, the Senator urged his colleagues and the Executive to work together and include a $50 million contingency fund to cover the federal share of Medicaid costs for gender-affirming care.


"My job as an ally is simple, I stand in the way because I will not let my sisters, my brothers or my siblings, continue to be attacked and dehumanized. I stand with you and I will continue to stand with you," said Senator Rivera


Thank you to Callen-Lorde Community Health Center for the invitation, to my colleagues and to all the organizations that stood by our trans community. Watch Senator Rivera's reel with his participation here.

Senator Rivera participated in the Healthcare Association of New York (HANYS) Annual Advocacy Day.


The Senator joined a panel alongside HANYS President, Bea Grause, the Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, Jamaal Bailey, and the Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee, Toby Ann Stavisky. They had a conversation around closing the Medicaid payment gap for hospitals and nursing homes, retaining existing levels of supportive funding and going further to help more providers, opposing any harmful policies or funding cuts, among others.


Senator Rivera talked about his New York Health Act and how with everyone's voices, we can fix our healthcare system and become a model for the rest of the country.


"I need ya’ll energy cause you all know better than most how much insurance companies really mess with you, with what you're trying to do every day, which is serve patients and keep them healthy," said Senator Rivera.


Thank you to President Grause for the invitation! Watch Senator Rivera's reel here.

Senator Rivera welcomed the New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA) members for their lobby day in Albany.


"Nursing homes are always on my agenda. But they are losing capacity due to inadequate funding, creating congestion in hospitals and a crisis of care for consumers of all ages. In this budget, we must work together to provide them the support they rightfully need," said Senator Rivera.

RAMADAN KAREEM!

Ramadan Kareem to all the Muslim neighbors in my district and across New York State as they welcome today the Holy Month of Ramadan. At a time when we are seeing a rapid rise of Islamophobia, I wish that this time of such importance for our Muslim community is a peaceful and restorative time.

Senator Rivera's team participated in the inaugural meeting of the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership (WBCSP) at Morris Heights Health Center, hosted by Council Member Pierina Sanchez. Local elected officials and community advocates from Good Shepherd Services, Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco), and the Jerome Avenue Revitalization Collaborative (JARC) were part of this initial gathering.


On December 17, 2024, Bronx elected officials including Senator Rivera sent a joint letter urging the Mayor and Governor for their support in tackling the rising rates of violence in the West Bronx. The letter emphasized that, despite citywide improvements in public safety, the West Bronx has trended in the opposite direction. This stark contrast is particularly evident when comparing rates of gun violence. While the city has seen improvements in shooting victims and incidents, several precincts in The Bronx have been reeling with both shooting victims and incidents on the rise. 


The partnership will draw upon existing efforts and resources, as well as proven interventions and techniques that address not only the present raging symptoms of violence, but just as importantly, its root causes. 


“From elected officials, to law enforcement, and grassroots organizations, we will collectively address violence in our communities by driving more investments towards successful programs such as Cure The Violence while creating new, innovative initiatives that will ultimately bring real safety to our neighbors," said Senator Rivera in the press release of the West Bronx Community Safety Partnership (WBCSP).

REMINDER: SENATOR RIVERA'S

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS PALM CARDS

Senator Rivera's team has created a Know Your Rights palm card (available in English and Spanish). Watch Senator Rivera's message here.


Remember, If your organization, or school would like to receive these cards, please fill out the form here and a staff member from our team will follow up to confirm your request.


If you are an individual constituent, call our office at 718-933-2034 or visit us at 2432 Grand Concourse, Suite 506, Monday through Thursday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

THURSDAY 03/20: JOIN SENATOR RIVERA'S SATELLITE OFFICE HOURS AT MT.CARMEL SENIOR CENTER

THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL COALITION & JUST FIX RELAUNCHED: "EVICTION FREE NYC"

How does Eviction Free NYC help?


  • Eligibility Screener: Eviction Free NYC helps you learn if you’re eligible for a free lawyer under NYC’s Right to Counsel law.


  • Step-By-Step Guide: We’ll walk you through where to go in housing court, what to expect, and what next steps to take.


  • Connect to Community Support: Based on your zip code, we’ll provide you with information on how to contact a tenant organization in your area.


For more info, click here

FROM 3/1 TO 3/23: #4 TRAIN SERVICE CHANGE

Due to track replacement, no 4 service between 161 St-Yankee Stadium and Woodlawn from March 1st to March 23rd, Sat 3:30 AM to Sun 10:00 PM. Number 4 trains will run between Brooklyn and 161 St-Yankee Stadium, the last stop.


Free shuttle buses run between Bedford Park Blvd D and Woodlawn, stopping at Mosholu Pkwy and Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College.


Travel alternatives:

  1. For service between 161 St-Yankee Stadium and Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College, use nearby stations along Grand Concourse instead.
  2. For Mosholu Pkwy and Woodlawn, take a shuttle bus.


Transfer stations:

  1. 161 St-Yankee Stadium 4 D
  2. Bedford Park Blvd D| SHUTTLE BUS 


This service change affects one or more ADA accessible stations and these travel alternatives may not be fully accessible. Please contact 511 to plan your trip.

The MTA is seeking input on which stations to prioritize for accessibility improvements over the next five years. The proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan identified an initial 30 stations, and the MTA plans to make at least an additional 30 stations accessible, for a total of more than 60 stations. With these investments, approximately 70% of all subway rides will take place to or from accessible stations.


Check this link for more info and to share your input.

Reduced-Fare customers can now tap to pay with OMNY. With OMNY, you can:


  • Pay 12 fares in seven days, and the rest of your rides for those seven days are free.
  • Skip the vending machine and load your card online with a free OMNY account.
  • Get the same free transfers you did with MetroCard.


Find more info here and join the next MTA webinar to discuss the transition from MetroCard to OMNY, including how to spend down your MetroCard balances and utilize the new benefits of OMNY. Register here!

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