Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS HANDS OFF NYC DAY OF ACTION!

This week, Senator Rivera and his team in partnership with the coalition Hands Off NYC hosted a Day of Action in the Fordham section of his district.

In response to the Trump administration's ICE raids\ targeting our neighbors, Senator Rivera walked around a stretch of the Fordham business corridor along with his team and volunteers talking to street vendors and community members to educate them about their rights so they can protect themselves from ICE.

A big thanks to the Hands Off NYC coalition for organizing and preparing us with whistles and materials. We were very grateful to distribute these materials to other community members hosting their own events. Visit handsoffnyc.com for more information!

If you are interested in helping us distribute our Know Your Rights cards, please fill out this form. Right now, we have them available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.

SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hanukkah Sameach to all my Jewish neighbors celebrating the Festival of Lights! May these days bring much light and joy into your life, now as you light the menorah candles with friends and family, and throughout the rest of the year.

STARTING 1/4/2026: NEW SUBWAY AND BUS FARES GO INTO EFFECT

Changes to MTA fares and tolls across New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and MTA Bridges & Tunnels will take effect on January 4, 2026. Learn more: mta.info/fares2025

In addition, it's the end of an era! We're saying farewell to the MetroCard at the end of 2025. Switch to tap and ride and sign up for a free OMNY account at omny.info to track your charges, transfers, and progress toward free rides.

During this holiday season, the New York City Department of Correction encourages everyone to use its free shuttle service when visiting a loved one on Rikers Island. Pick-up and drop-off locations are available in Harlem and Brooklyn. View the timetable today at on.nyc.gov/4f2laai. Happy Holidays! 

For more information, visit the: HEAP Webpage or consult Access HRA for benefits eligibility.

HOUSING COURT ANSWERS REMINDERS:

If you do not receive heat, you can call 311 to make a complaint. You can also take your landlord to court for repairs, otherwise known as HP Action (link for recent training). 

•   However, if you do utilize a space heater, here are a few safety tips.Unplug space heaters when not in use. Never leave space heaters unattended, especially around pets or children.
•   Do not use the heaters with broken, cracked, or loose plugs.
•   Space heaters should never be used to cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
•   Heaters must be at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
•   Avoid the cord becoming a tripping hazard.
•   Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Extension cords or power strips can overheat and cause fires.
•   Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
•   Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on furniture or carpets, which can overheat and start a fire.
•   Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.