Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

Happy Holidays to all! Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and/or Kwanzaa, Senator Rivera and his team wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year! 

SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SENATOR RIVERA AND THE OPEN HAND ASSOCIATION INC. HOSTS A FOOD GIVEAWAY

This week, Senator Rivera partnered with the Open Hand Association and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) for a very special food giveaway. We want to thank the WSCAH for donating 200 turkeys and 200 produce bags! We are extremely grateful to have been able to distribute so much food especially during this holiday season. 

SENATOR RIVERA ANNOUNCES THE COMPLETION OF THE 20-CAMERA INSTALLATION AT THE WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL RECREATION CENTER

This week, Senator Rivera celebrated the 4th anniversary of OnPoint’s two Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs). New York’s overdose epidemic leaves too many families mourning preventable deaths. OPCs offer a safe place to seek help and healthcare and these services should be offered across the state so those in need can stay alive and recover. Congratulations to the OnPoint NYC team for courageously saving lives and leading the harm reduction movement!

Check my instagram reel here.

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES HANUKKAH AT THE BRONX HOUSE AND THE RIVERDALE Y

This week, Senator Rivera joined two Hanukkah celebrations in his district. On Monday, the Senator visited the Weinberg Older Adult Center for Bronx House’s annual Hanukkah celebration and Menorah lighting. On Wednesday, the Senator joined Rabbi Scott who held a beautiful Hanukkah Luncheon at the Riverdale Y.

Wishing our Jewish neighbors a joyful holiday! Hanukkah Sameach!

SENATOR RIVERA'S TEAM JOINS THE MONTEFIORE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND THE ENCOURAGE KIDS FOUNDATION AT A VERY SPECIAL TEDDY BEAR DISTRIBUTION

This week, Senator Rivera's Chief of Staff attended a very special Teddy Bear distribution hosted by the Montefiore Children's Hospital and the Encourage Kids Foundation. Children at the hospital got a visit from Johnny the FAO Schwartz toy soldier and Polly the therapy dog who brought them toys and teddy bears for the holidays.   

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.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR RECENT CUNY GRADUATES: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE PATHWAYS FELLOWSHIP!

Are you a CUNY senior or recent graduate looking to jumpstart your career in public service? The Civil Service Pathways Fellowship, a two-year paid program administered by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), is now accepting applications for its next cohort!

This program provides a direct pipeline from college to meaningful careers in NYC government, offering professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience in shaping the future of our city. Don’t miss your chance to join this incredible opportunity and make an impact. Apply HERE today.

THE HEAP BENEFIT IS SCHEDULED TO OPERATE THROUGH APRIL 7,2026

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

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.