Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA JOINED THE RIVERDALE JEWISH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR A NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION

This week, Senator Rivera joined community members and the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership for a Night of Remembrance and Reflection, marking the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on October 7.

"Thank you to our hosts and faith leaders, Rabbi Krauss, Rabbi Exler and many others for inviting me to join you in prayer and in unyielding hope," said Senator Rivera. "We pray that every last hostage returns home and until peace feels possible again."

This week, Senator Rivera attended the celebration of the Renaissance Youth Center’s 25 years of impact, growth, and community in the South Bronx. He joined the Center’s Founder and CEO, Bervin Harris, along with elected officials and community members, to commemorate this milestone and enjoy a performance by the Music With a Message youth band.

“It has truly been incredible to see the work that the Renaissance Youth Center has done and the lives this organization has touched throughout the years. None of this would be possible without the dedication and vision of its Founder and CEO, Bervin Harris. Thank you, Bervin, for your unwavering commitment to empowering our youth and strengthening our community," said Senator Rivera.

This week, Senator Rivera presented a $70,000 check to the Riverdale Neighborhood House’s Executive Director Andrew Belton in order to support their College Directions program and their Workforce Development program, two initiatives to help young people in the community achieve their educational goals. 

Their College Directions program provides mentorship for college readiness with a primary focus on first-generation college applicants while their Youth Internship program provides paid opportunities for youth to work with local businesses. Additionally, this funding will support community events, Sexual and Reproductive Health programming, and outdoor educational events in the Northwest Bronx.

“I’m beyond proud to award $70,000 to Riverdale Neighborhood House to continue delivering programs that help young adults enhance their futures through RNH’s educational and mentorship services. Ensuring access to resources allows them to explore new pathways, while also sharpening their existing skill sets. There is a lot of hidden talent in The Bronx, and supporting this mission alongside Executive Director Andrew Belton is something I’m very grateful to do. I thank him for his continued dedication to encouraging our youth to strive for success," said Senator Rivera.

 

"We are deeply grateful to Senator Rivera for his continued support of Riverdale Neighborhood House and our community. His partnership helps us provide young people and families with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive," said Riverdale Neighborhood House’s Executive Director, Andrew Belton.

Today, Senator Rivera was proud to honor the Puerto Rican victims of 9/11 through the installation of their flag at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. This meaningful addition pays tribute to their legacy, their contributions to New York’s history, and the memory of all those lost in that tragic terrorist attack. As a proud Puerto Rican, the Senator performed the Puerto Rican national anthem during the ceremony.

Thank you to Assemblymember Amanda Septimo and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum for the invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINED THE CROSS BRONX ROUNDTABLE AT THE BRONX RIVER HOUSE

Today, Senator Rivera joined elected officials, agency representatives, and Bronx organizations at the Bronx River House to discuss the Cross Bronx Five Bridges Project. Senator Rivera is not supportive of the proposed Cross Bronx Five Bridges plan as it stands. It is widely known that the Cross Bronx Expressway is one of the biggest sources of air pollution in the South Bronx, which has consequently negatively impacted health indicators for generations of Bronxites, including high rates of asthma and heart disease.

The Cross Bronx Five Bridges Project seeks to address the aging and unsafe infrastructure of the Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE or “Cross Bronx”) along the stretch between Boston Road and Rosedale Avenue, while also creating an opportunity to tackle broader transportation and environmental needs through the repair process. While it is true that these bridges require renovations, it is also true that this would be a waste of resources and would not address the air quality or health needs of the poorest families in our City. The Cross Bronx has already inflicted enough harm on our borough.

This roundtable served as an opportunity to continue the dialogue on alternatives and guidance to ensure these changes are implemented effectively and in alignment with the needs of the community, especially those who live near and commute through the affected area every day. For the sake of our communities, the NYSDOT must invest in safer and more sustainable alternatives that advance our environment justice goals as recommended by the commun

This fall, New York families are set up for success with the rollout of free school meals for 2.7 million New York students. Universal school meals improve student health and wellbeing, support learning, and save families real money.

Thanks to funding for universal meals included in the state budget earlier this year, no family will have to worry about the cost of meals at school.

Universal meals also support local economies, bring resources into schools, and make cafeteria operations more efficient. Families are still encouraged to submit their household income information, which helps schools secure additional funding and benefits. Click here for more info.