SENATORS GUSTAVO RIVERA AND JAMES SKOUFIS ANNOUNCE PUBLIC HEARING TO EXAMINE CDPAP TRANSITION

This week, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and State Senator James Skoufis announced that they will hold a Joint Senate Public Hearing to conduct an in-depth examination of the transition process of the popular Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, better known as CDPAP, to a single fiscal intermediary.

This hearing will allow lawmakers to assess decisions made by the Hochul administration and the selected fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), during the ongoing transition. Further, it will provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders including healthcare experts, consumer advocates, fiscal intermediaries, enrollees and their personal care assistants on the issues faced across New York State related to this transition.

The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 9 starting 12PM at 250 Broadway, New York, New York. Both Chairs firmly believe that transparency and accountability should be essential components of our State’s healthcare delivery system. With this hearing, they hope that the voices of those impacted by this transition are heard and that we will identify solutions to mitigate adverse outcomes affecting thousands across New York State.

"Thousands of New Yorkers who need home care and who provide that care have seen their lives upended by the chaotic transition of the CDPA program from hundreds of contractors to a single fiscal intermediary. This public hearing will be an in-depth examination of a process marred by confusion and frustration and the steps taken by the administration and PPL to address it. I want to thank Senator Skoufis for partnering with me on this effort and I look forward to hearing from stakeholders to get the truth out so we can find solutions that will support those affected by this difficult transition,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee.

Watch the press conference here. Read the Senate public hearing notice here.

The 2025 legislative session has officially concluded. While it was a challenging year in many ways with a tumultuous budget process and a failed CDPAP transition process, Senator Rivera fought tirelessly to pass bills that would make a real difference in the lives of his constituents and New Yorkers. These include important wins for public health, consumer protection, community empowerment, and criminal justice reform.

Watch this reel summarizing the year and the Senator's Instagram carousel that highlights important bills that passed in the last week of the legislative session.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for New York City and the Tri-State area starting this Sunday, June 22.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms:

Hot, dry skin
Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Fast, strong pulse
Weakness
Dizziness

People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:

Heavy sweating
Cold, clammy skin
Muscle cramps
Lightheadedness or feeling faint
Headache
Decreased energy
Loss of appetite or nausea

Understand Your Risk and Make A Plan

Talk with your doctor about your risk to extreme heat. Different conditions can raise your risk. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe during extreme heat. Don't have an air conditioner? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can provide you with a free one. Applications are open until 06/23/2025.

If you do not have air conditioning, plan to visit a family, friend, or neighbor’s home or find a free public place such as a coffee shop, mall, or public atrium you can spend time in during the day that as air conditioning.

Find here your nearest cooling center by visiting Cooling center locations can also be found by calling 311 (VRS: 212-639-9675 or TTY: 212-504-4115).

New York State has announced the 2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component benefit is closing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 5:00pm. All applications submitted online via Access HRA, or postmarked and received on or before the deadline will be processed. Households are encouraged to submit an application prior to Monday's deadline.

If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool. In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

CIick here for more information.

This week, Senator Rivera visited the Morris Innovative Older Adult Center, Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, Riverdale Senior Services (RSS), and R.A.I.N. Mt. Carmel Older Adult Center to not only greet seniors but to invite them to his annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon.

The annual tradition will take place on Thursday, July 10 at Lehman College's Music Building! There will be entertainment, health screenings, raffle prizes, refreshments, and more!

IMPORTANT: RSVP is required. Call our office at 718-933-2034 starting Monday, June 23rd at 10 a.m. to make your reservation. You will receive a confirmation number once you RSVP.

Senator Rivera will be visiting more senior centers next week! We hope to see you all on July 10!

This week, Senator Rivera attended the last Bronx CB7 General Board meeting before the summer break and recognized two community board members that made a huge impact in our neighborhood.

First, Senator Rivera presented a proclamation to Yajaira Arias, the outgoing Bronx Community 7 Chairperson, for her almost decade-long service to her community. Senator Rivera also presented a commemorative picture of the 2025 Woman of Distinction for our district, Ms. Jean Hill, from the ceremony in Albany.

"It is my honor to once again recognize the incredible work and lifelong dedication of Ms. Jean Hill. Born in Harlem and a proud Bronx resident for over 40 years, Ms.Hill has turned her retirement into a full-time mission of advocacy, leadership, and service," said Senator Rivera.

Last Sunday, Senator Rivera had the honor to sponsor and attend this year's Norwood Pride at Williamsbridge Oval Park!

Thank you to all the neighbors who attended and to the Mosholu Preservation Corporation for putting together a terrific event with fun for all ages. Happy Pride!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: NEWSLETTER WILL BE SENT BI-WEEKLY!

The Summer Meals program in NYC provides free breakfast and lunch to anyone 18 years old and younger, and to people with disabilities participating in special education programs, regardless of age. The program begins Friday, June 27, and ends Friday, August 29, though locations and times may vary. No registration or identification is needed to participate.

Find more information about locations here:

https://www.opt-osfns.org/schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx