Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

WELCOME 2026!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

This week, Senator Rivera joined Assemblymember Tony Simone, colleagues and advocates at an emergency press conference at 26 Federal Plaza. Those in attendance strongly condemned the murder of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen who was fatally shot three times by an ICE agent in Minneapolis as she was driving away from a peaceful protest.

Senator Rivera condemned this horrific murder and urged the Legislature to pass the MELT Act, the Radar Act, and New York for All as soon as possible. Our communities are under attack and we have an obligation to protect each other with every legal tool we have.

Watch Senator Rivera's remarks at the press conference here. You can also watch his conversation with Yolanda Vazquez from Telemundo 47 here.

SENATOR RIVERA URGES NYS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO EXTEND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE CROSS BRONX FIVE BRIDGES PROJECT

This week, Senator Rivera sent a letter to the NYS Commissioner of Transportation Marie Therese Dominguez to extend the Environmental Assessment public comment period for the redevelopment of the Cross Bronx Expressway until March 10th. The current deadline is today.

Constituents and Community Board members were given a 6,000 page document to review in just 30 days during the holiday season, forcing experts and community members to quickly review and add comments to the document for a $900 million project that will deeply impact the South Bronx.

The Cross Bronx has caused too much damage in our borough for almost seven decades so it is only fair that we get this project right and ensure future generations in the South Bronx grow up in a safer and healthier environment.

Last month, Rebecca Lewis from City and State joined Senator Rivera and staff for a small business canvass in his district as part of his 'Know Your Rights' Small Business Outreach Program. During the canvass, Senator Rivera spoke with local businesses and constituents about their rights and distributed materials such as a 'Private: No Entry Without Warrant' signs and 'Know Your Rights' palm cards, which are available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Our office will have one in Bangla soon!

The Senator wants to thank the New York Immigration Coalition for equipping his team with the tools to safely conduct this work, and to Rebecca Lewis and City & State for taking interest in covering such an important effort.

As we start the new year, Senator Rivera's team will resume efforts to provide our community the necessary tools in case they have an encounter with an ICE agent.

Read City and State article here.

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

This week marked the start of the 2026 legislative year in Albany.

During the first day of session, Senator Rivera had the opportunity to greet advocates visiting the Capitol in support of the New York Health Act. This bill will be is the top priority for this legislative session along with making the wealthy pay their fair share.

Watch a short video from Senator Rivera celebrating the start of the 2026 legislative session here.

1/14/26: NEW YORK CITY CONTRACTING SUMMIT EVENT AT BARCLAYSCENTER: A NEW ERA FOR SMALL BUSINESS

On Wednesday, January 14, the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) will host their NYC Contracting Summit: A New Era for Small Business to widen opportunities for small businesses, by increasing access to M/WBE firms, across New York City. SBS wants to ensure constituents have the opportunity to learn about how doing business with government and other partners can fuel the growth of their business. SBS highlights: Every year NYC spends billions of dollars contracting with small businesses. 

Please find the link below or register HERE to RSVP for the event.

Event schedule of activities include:

• Networking with contracting agents from all levels of government
• Workshops providing a blueprint to finding opportunities, winning contracts and growing your company
• Free business resources, including on-site technical assistance, financing assistance, and capacity building programming

See below for more details and registration information.



Date:

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Time:

9 AM – 4 PM

Location:

Barclays Center

620 Atlantic Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11217

Directions

Dress Code:

Business Casual

Cost:

Free

Link to register: https://NYCContractingSummit.eventbrite.com/?aff=CommunityPartner

Note: Registration is NOT transferrable. Each person attending must complete a separate registration form.

Questions? Contact outreach@sbs.nyc.gov

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.

NMIC HOSTS FREE TAX PREP! STARTING JANUARY 2026

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.

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.