100PercentBronx: Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES NYSNA'S CONTRACT RATIFICATION

This week, Senator Rivera participated in the Legislative Public Hearing on the 2026 Executive Budget Proposals on Health and Medicaid.

During the first panel of the day, Senator Rivera questioned State Health Commissioner James McDonald and Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri about a series of issues including the lack of movement of the $1.4 billion allocated in last year's budget but have yet to be delivered to our healthcare providers. Senator Rivera also spoke about his concerns about the Executive's proposed reduction of Medical Indemnity Fund’s reimbursement rates, the ongoing challenges related to the CDPAP transition and the inexplicable saga of the Executive trying to transition School Based Health Centers' reimbursement model from fee-for-service to managed care.

Watch Senator Rivera's exchange with Commissioner McDonald and Medicaid Director Bassiri about the $1.4 billion undelivered funds here.

Senator Rivera is a proud supporter of the Invest in Our New York (IONY) campaign, a series of proposals that would make billionaires and corporations pay their fair share. He sponsors one of the bills in the package, S.1439 , which would establish a fair tax on long-term capital gains for the top 1%. We must make New York affordable for all New Yorkers, not just billionaires.

Learn more about IONY's 2026 Revenue Agenda here.

SENATOR RIVERA HOLDS THIRD SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING OF 2026

This week, the Senate Health Committee held their third meeting of this legislative year and passed all 7 bills including 3 sponsored by Senator Rivera:

S.1857: Enacts the "Medical Debt Relief Act".

S.1225: Requires periodic reviews of pending applications for material change in the coverage status of certain matters relative to new health technology assessment or medical evidence.

S.3359: Corrects the methodology by which Medicaid reimburses community health centers for telehealth services, to be aligned with other providers that are paid through a bundled payment.

In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 08, establishing NYC's first-ever "Rental Ripoff Hearings." These hearings will give New Yorkers across all five boroughs a direct platform to share their housing experiences in conversations with City officials to help shape housing policy. New Yorkers can discuss the challenges they face, from poor conditions and repair delays to unconscionable business practices and non-rent fees. City leaders from agencies focused on tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection will be there to listen. This is your chance to tell City government what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change.

Registration is required. You can attend at any borough location. If you cannot attend a hearing, there will be options for submitting digital testimonies soon.

TUESDAY 2/17: SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS FREE MONTHLY HOUSING CLINIC WITH THE WEST BRONX HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER

The Bronx Defenders invites anyone who lives, works, or studies in the Bronx to step into your power by applying to the Bronx Changemakers Institute—an 8-week transformative experience rooted in organizing, policy, and hands-on engagement in the heart of the Bronx from February 23 - April 20.

This hybrid program (in-person and virtual) is designed to help you discover your voice, strengthen your skills, and shape public life with purpose and clarity.

With limited spots available, applicants will go through a short interview process. All participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Applications close February 15. There are no age or educational requirements!

Please email communityengagement@bronxdefenders.org if you have any questions.

DEP 101 WINTER WEATHER TIPS: PROTECT PIPES AND METERS FROM FREEZING