Saturday, May 30, 2026

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

EID AL-ADHA MUBARAK FROM SENATOR RIVERA

Senator Rivera extends his heartfelt wishes to the Muslim community in the Bronx and throughout New York State for a joyous and peaceful Eid al-Adha. Eid Mubarak!

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

SENATOR RIVERA ON THE 2026-27 NEW YORK STATE BUDGET

This week, Senator Rivera joined his colleagues in the Senate Majority to vote for the 10 bills of the 2026 New York State Budget.


The reckless actions of the Trump administration to defund critical programs across our state set the stage for a particularly difficult budget this year.


Senator Rivera regrets that the budget was very delayed as a result of non-monetary policy negotiations that have left the Legislature with a single week to focus on the people’s business.


Despite these setbacks, Senator Rivera focused on delivering for New Yorkers and The Bronx. Click here to listen to Senator Rivera's remarks on the health portion of the State Budget 2026-27

THE 2026 NEW YORK STATE SENATE VETERAN HALL OF FAME AWARD GOES TO JUAN PARRA

This year, Mr. Juan Parra, a resident of New York's 33rd Senate District in the Bronx, was recognized by Senator Rivera at the 2026 Veterans Hall of Fame Ceremony. Mr. Parra began his military career with the Marine Corps in 1987 and served during Operation Desert Storm before earning a commission as an officer in the Army National Guard and later serving as an investigator with the United States Air Force. 


Following the September 11 attacks, he returned to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and later served on the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. After retiring from the Air Force as a Major in 2017 and concluding his federal service with the Department of Homeland Security in 2022, Mr. Parra has continued to advocate for veterans and his community as Second Vice-Chairperson of Bronx Community Board 5 and Chairperson of its Veterans Committee.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

Senator Rivera urges Bronx rent-stabilized tenants to testify in the upcoming Bronx Public Hearing of the Rent Guidelines Board on June 8, and inform the Board about the impact these proposed hikes could have in our communities.


Bronx Public Hearing


Date: Monday, June 8, 2026

Time: 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.


Location: Main Theatre of
Hostos Community College/CUNY


450 Grand ConcourseBronx, NY 10451


If you wish to speak at one of the hearings, you must register beforehand. You can do so by completing the hearing registration form. You can also register to speak on-site.

Register Here

Interpretation Available: Spanish.

This location has the following accessibility option(s) available: Wheelchair Accessible


Public can view the meeting via RGB’s YouTube channel but must participate in-person to testify.


RGB YouTube Channel

ADDITIONAL DATES:

  • Thursday, June 4, 2026 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) at Jamaica Performing Arts Center (Queens)
  • Thursday, June 11, 2026 (7 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the Theatre at City Tech (Brooklyn)
  • Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) at Symphony Space (Manhattan)

SATURDAY 6/13: JOIN THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND THE FDNY AT THEIR SMOKE ALARM INSTALL EVENT IN THE BRONX!

CALL TO ACTION!


WHEN: Saturday, June 13 at 9:00AM


WHERE: The Pentecostal Temple of the Living God


ADDRESS: 1921 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453


**If you can't make it to this event, you still have a chance to learn more about fire safety campaign and how to obtain a free alarm by clicking on the link below!

LEARN MORE AND REQUEST A SMOKE ALARM

JUNE 1ST! DON'T LOSE YOUR BENEFITS!

New SNAP Work Requirements: What You Need to Know

New federal rules are changing SNAP work requirements for some New Yorkers. Starting this year, certain adults may need to work, attend job training, or volunteer to keep their benefits.


You may be affected if you are:

● Between ages 18–64

● Not living with a child under 14

● Not exempt due to a health condition or other reason



If these rules apply to you, you may need to take action each month to avoid losing your SNAP benefits.



Check your status and learn what to do: on.nyc.gov/snap.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH PART OF THE SOLUTION (POTS)!

6/1 - 6/5: FREE OSHA 40-HOUR TRAINING FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING PARTICIPANTS WITH U.S. WORK AUTHORIZATION

FREE OSHA 40-HOUR TRAINING (OSHA 30 + SST Certification)

Dates: Monday–Friday, June 1–5, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Requirements: Spanish-speaking participants with U.S. work authorization


Participants will earn their OSHA 30 and SST cards — required to work on construction sites in New York City. Topics include construction hazard recognition, fall safety, worker rights, and NYC safety standards. Spots are limited! Contact Jenny Germosen at 929-566-7957 or jgermosen@potsbronx.org.

FRIDAY 6/12: JOB FAIR FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH U.S. WORK AUTHORIZATION

JOB FAIR – In collaboration with NAICA & the NYS Department of Labor

Date: Friday, June 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Requirement: Work authorization required to participate


Employers from various industries and community resources will be present. To register, contact Eric Claudio at (929) 566-7923 or eclaudio@potsbronx.org.

HIGHER EDUCTION SERVICES CORPORATION (HESC) FINANCIAL AID UPDATES

Below are June’s financial aid opportunities, events, and resources to better navigate higher education financial aid opportunities! 


Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award

The Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) applications are now open, helping New York State students access affordable higher education. For eligibility, visit our webpage.   

Deadline to apply is August 31, 2026.

Explore all NYS Aid Programs, including eligibility criteria and deadlines here

Financial Aid Program Reminders!


👉View all opportunities


Mark Your Calendars

HESC has expert-led, upcoming virtual events to help students navigate college financial aid with confidence: 

  • Parent Night Out: Complete your FAFSA/TAP with HESC! 
  • June 9 – 4:00-5:30p
  • June 23 – 4:00-5:30p
  • Students and families can receive hands-on assistance to complete FAFSA and TAP applications. 
  • Financial Aid Options for Military Families in New York State 
  • June 11 – 12:00-1:30p 
  • Learn about benefits that support educational opportunities for veterans, active-duty members, and their families.
  • Understanding the NYS STEM Incentive Program
  • June 15 – 6:00p 
  • Pursuing a career in STEM? Find out how eligible students can receive tuition support for college.
  • Get Support with your DREAM Act & Alternate Pathway Applications 
  • June 17 – 12:00-1:30p 
  • Learn how to complete your DREAM Act and Alternate Pathway applications with expert guidance.

 

👉View all HESC events


Have Questions? Call HESC!

Call HESC directly at 1-888-697-4372 for anything from financial aid assistance to resolving issues like a HESCPIN account reset; no appointment necessary.  

Important: To protect student privacy, HESC can only share information with a parent or guardian if they’re listed on the application or the student is present. 

Visit the HESC website for more information.


Sign up for HESC Text alerts to receive timely financial aid information, including application openings and deadlines. 

As a reminder, should extreme heat occur, New Yorkers are advised to stay cool and stay hydrated. Avoid spending prolonged periods of time outdoors. Call 911 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of heat-related illness, such as confusion, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. For more preparedness tips, visit: nyc.gov/BeReady or nyc.gov/beattheheat.

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