Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

Last week, Senator Rivera attended the 2025 SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico, where he led a successful workshop with public health experts. They analyzed the impacts of the long-term federal policy changes and explored legislative strategies for coordinated advocacy and reinvestment for impacted communities. Here are a few more snapshots of that incredibly productive weekend! 

This week, Senator Rivera attended a panel discussion as part of "Primary Care First: Reimagining New York's Health System," an event organized by City and State and the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC).

Joined by moderator David Sandman, President and CEO of the New York Health Foundation and Assemblymember David Weprin, Senator Rivera spoke about the potential actions that the State Legislature can take to support primary care access for all New Yorkers.

Investing intentionally in primary care is one of the most effective ways to save lives, improve individual and community health, advance health equity, and save money to the State. Senator Rivera will work diligently this year in Albany to pass his Primary Care Investment Act bill (S.1634) and the New York Health Act (S.3425), which will establish a single payer system in New York.

This Thanksgiving holiday, the Senate is proud to sponsor a Thanksgiving Day Student Showcase across the state.

The year's theme is “What are you thankful for?” Students are invited to submit an original poem, short essay, or artwork that expresses what they are thankful for.

Showcase submissions must be uploaded electronically in JPEG or PDF format to be featured on Senator Rivera’s website. Participants will receive a personalized certificate from their Senator in recognition of their contribution.

The submission period will remain open until November 21, 2025, to ensure student work can be published online in time for Thanksgiving Day.

Lifeguard qualifying tests began October 25, 2025 at Truman High School!

Lifeguard Qualiry Test are taking place between now through later February 2026. All potential lifeguards must first pass this test before beginning training. Please use the following link for Lifeguard Qualiry Testing locations in the Bronx Lifeguard Qualifying Test Registration : NYC Parks

 

Upcoming dates:

• Monday, 11/24
• Wednesday, 1/28/26
• Saturday, 2/7/26

 

These qualifying tests are taking place at Truman High School.

SATURDAY 11/22: THE OFFICE OF BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL CLARK IS HOLDING A GUN BUYBACK

Your Double Up Food Bucks are still good to use.

We know this time may feel uncertain, but Double Up Food Bucks NY is still here to help you stretch your food dollars. You can continue to use any Double Up Food Bucks you already have, whether they’re paper coupons, tokens, or electronic balances, even if your SNAP benefits are paused or your balance is $0. If you still have SNAP benefits that carry over into November, you can keep earning Double Up Food Bucks on fresh fruits and vegetables at participating locations.

 

What You Need to Know

• Grocery store coupons expire six weeks from the date they’re issued.
• Tokens and electronic balances do not expire.
• Some farmers markets will remain open through November 30.

For New York City Public School (NYCPS) students, CUNY is waiving the application fee to apply from Oct. 27 through Nov. 21. More than 80% of incoming CUNY students come from the NYCPS system. The fee will also be waived for New York State students outside of the five boroughs from Nov. 10 through Nov. 21 as part of the state’s College Application Month.