Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

State Senator Gustavo Rivera was honored to present a check for $250,000 to Bronx House to keep the doors open for the afterschool program next school year.

Senator Rivera and Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr. joined Bronx House staff, children and families from this great program to celebrate the end of the school year and the $500,000 secured to ensure families can access high quality after school in their own neighborhood.

“I’m incredibly proud of the half a million dollars that Assemblymember Zaccaro Jr. and I secured for Bronx House’s after school program," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “With the cost of childcare continuing to rise, this substantial funding will keep this vital program running, which in turn, will ensure that countless parents in our community and their children continue to enjoy the resources and services offered by this program. I want to thank Executive Director Howie Martin for his advocacy and partnership in this process. I am committed to helping organizations such as Bronx House that offer essential services to our neighbors.”

Bronx House’s after school program "aims to help improve children’s academic performance, as well as promote healthy lifestyles, social skills, literacy skills, and service to the community.” This funding will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Bronx House community, especially our children.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS TO SENIOR CENTERS AHEAD OF ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AND LUNCHEON!

This week, Senator Rivera visited R.A.I.N. Boston Road Senior Center, JASA Sue Ginsburg Senior Center, Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center, and the Riverdale Y to greet seniors and invite them to his annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon.

Senator Rivera had a wonderful time sharing stories, enjoying lunch with seniors, and even participating in a fun karaoke session at the Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome!

Senator Rivera's Senior Health Fair and Luncheon 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 to make your reservation. You will receive a confirmation number once you RSVP.

SENATOR RIVERA HOLDS HIS FIRST EVER BLOOD DRIVE!

Senator Rivera held his first-ever blood drive at Fordham University. The event had an amazing turnout! The Senator wants to thank all the community members who participated, and especially the Red Cross and Fordham University for their partnership in organizing such succesful event.

"Donating blood is a small action that makes a big difference. Follow the footsteps of my neighbors who donated today and help save lives by donating blood. What a great day!" said Senator Rivera.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org for more information.

This week, Senator Rivera attended and delivered remarks at the graduation ceremonies of Crotona International High School and Bronxdale High School.

"It is always inspiring to see our young Bronxites take such an important step toward their bright futures. Our seniors have worked so hard to reach this incredible milestone and have so many aspirations I know they will achieve. Congratulations to all!" said Senator Rivera.

This week, the New York Post covered efforts to pass a bill sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera (S.3815B) that would extend lifetime pension benefits to the children of NYPD Officer Miosotis Familia.

The proposed bill is backed by the NYC Council and seeks to close a legal loophole that currently provides such pensions only to surviving spouses or parents, not to children.

The State Senate passed the bill, “but the proposal was stopped in its tracks by the State Assembly, which deemed it too costly,” reported the New York Post. "Senator Rivera called it “incredibly disappointing” that the Assembly failed to pass the measure."

 

“My staff and I worked around the clock to get this bill over the finish line, including securing a Home Rule message from the City Council before the Senate adjourned,” said Senator Rivera to the NY Post. “While this is a setback, I am determined to pass it next year. Genesis has been a champion for her family and she deserves all our support.”

Officer Familia, a single mother, was killed in the line of duty in 2017 in the Bronx, and her eldest daughter has since raised her younger siblings on her own.

BEAT THE HEAT, BRONXITES!:

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

As extreme heat continues to impact New York City and the Tri-State area, please take note of the following important information:

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.

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).

FIND FREE SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM LOCATION NEAR YOU

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

NYCHA: PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE