Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATE MAJORITY PASSES ITS ONE HOUSE BUDGET PROPOSAL

Last weekend, Senator Rivera hosted two workshops at the SOMOS Inc. Spring Conference in Albany. This conference is a space to discuss important issues affecting our Hispanic and Latino communities.

The first panel Senator Rivera moderated was on the New York Health Act or more colloquially known as the NYHA (S.3425), discussing the existing challenges to pass a proposal of this magnitude, and how New Yorkers could become supporters of this transformative yet necessary solution. The NYHA, which Senator Rivera has been the sponsor of since 2015, would replace existing private insurance plans for every single worker and resident and include all benefits covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and those mandated by the affordable care act. Support the NYHA here!

Thank you to Ashley Fox, PhD, MA, Associate Professor in Department of Public Administration and Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY; Anthony Feliciano, Vice president for Advocacy and community Mobilization for Housing Works; Melanie D’Arrigo, Executive Director, Campaign for NY Health and to Jenyfer Almanzar, Political Coordinator, Committee of Interns and Residents for your participation in this panel!

The second panel Senator Rivera moderated was on the failing CDPAP transition. With the April 1st deadline looming, the audience was able to listen to the legitimate concerns of a group of Latino home care workers who will be negatively impacted by this abrupt transition. As Senator Rivera said "We're almost two weeks away from the time when these potential concerns could become a reality, and we will continue to push the Executive to extend the deadline because April 1st is not working and patients are at risk."

Thank you to the Caring Majority Rising for your participation in this workshop, and to all the panelists: Myriam Hernandez, Lead Worker Organizer, Caring Majority Rising; Clara Calvo, Home Care Worker leader; Elizabeth Polanco, CDPAP Home Care Worker leader; Amparo Ortiz, CDPAP Home Care Recipient and to Evelyn Peralta, Home Care Worker.

Every year, Senator Rivera hosts the final session of the Model New York State Senate Session Project with students debating bills on the floor of the New York State Senate in Albany as part of the SOMOS Inc, Spring Conference.

The Model New York State Senate Session Project is an annual leadership development program conducted by the Edward T. Rogowsky (ETR) Internship Program in collaboration with the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force of the New York State Legislature and the State University of New York. Each year, more than 60 CUNY and SUNY students are brought together for a series of intensive training seminars on state policy formulation, legislative processes, representation and leadership.

The program culminates with students debating bills on the floor of the State Senate, and Senator Rivera was proud to host and help shape the students' skills. By participating in the legislative decision-making process, students further develop their organizational, research, and public speaking skills through a model legislative seminar.

"These young minds will shape policy, drive change, and tackle our most pressing challenges in the years to come. To all the students who took part—your passion, dedication, and leadership give me hope for the future of New York. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish. Thank you for inspiring the next generation!," said Senator Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera attended a press conference to call the Executive to extend CDPAP's April 1 transition deadline.

"Were are hitting the panic button. Thousands of consumers and providers are at risk of getting their care and employment suspended. We can't allow that. Governor Hochul please help these families and workers: extend the transition," said Senator Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera spoke with Camille DeLongis on Capital Tonight about his budget priorities for the next few weeks, the impact that potential federal cuts to Medicaid could have on New York, the upcoming CDPAP and School Based Health Centers transitions. Thank you to Camille DeLongis for the interview.

Watch the full interview here!

Senator Rivera sat with Gary Axelbank to talk about a number of topics including the mayoral race and the many reasons why we shouldn't rank Andrew Cuomo, the impact of the possible federal cuts to Medicaid on New York, the CDPAP and SBHC transitions. Thank you to Gary Axelbank for the invitation.

Watch the full interview here!

SENATOR RIVERA TOURS THE CUNY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Senator Rivera toured the CUNY School of Medicine with the Dean Carmen René Green, Cara Berkowitz, Executive Director for Government Relations and Community Engagement, and Katherine Zimmerman, Interim Executive Director for Communications, Marketing and Public Relations. After the tour, Senator Rivera had the opportunity to share a few moments with faculty and students from the executive leadership team.

Thank you to the Dean, Carmen René Green for the invitation and to all the staff and students for the warm welcome.

Seniors from the Morris Innovative Older Adult Center had a wonderful time visiting the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)! Thank you to the NYBG for providing the free tickets!

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.

NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT: MOBILE FOOD VENDING GREEN CART PERMITS FOR THE BRONX

The NYC Health Department is now offering mobile food vending Green Cart permits for the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. These permits allow vendors to sell fresh fruits and vegetables, including prepackaged sliced and cut produce, bottled drinking water, and plain nuts.

To apply for a Green Cart permit, vendors must:

✔ Hold a valid Mobile Food Vending License

✔ Submit the Green Cart Waiting List Application Form to join the waiting list (applications accepted on a rolling basis)

Interested vendors can complete the waiting list application at nyc.gov/greencarts

The NYC Health Department will announce when Green Cart permits become available for Queens and Manhattan.

For more details, visit nyc.gov/greencarts