Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES 10TH SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AND LUNCHEON

This week, Senator Rivera hosted his 10th Senior Health Fair and Luncheon at Lehman College.

Our team was so proud to host this beloved community event for the 10th time, gathering 200 seniors to enjoy an afternoon of live music performed by the Morrisania Band Project, delicious food from El Valle, a restaurant in the Senator's district, and fun raffle prizes.

In addition, seniors received useful health-related information and free health screenings from the 30 governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations that participated at the event.

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Invest in Our New York coalition and many other advocacy organizations and unions to urge the Executive and Legislature to prioritize passing revenue raising bills to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share in the next legislative year.

The devastating budget cuts from Washington have already taken away adequate or affordable healthcare coverage from 450,000 New Yorkers, threatening our entire healthcare ecosystem.

Senator Rivera strongly believes that Albany must restore coverage for these populations and ultimately pass the New York Health Act, to protect healthcare for every New Yorker no matter what happens in Washington DC.

Watch Senator Rivera’s remarks at this press conference here.

SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING OF THE FORDHAM ROAD BUS PROJECT

This week, Senator Rivera joined New York City Department of Transportation Mike Flynn, MTA Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, City Hall Senior Advisor Elizabeth Adams, Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, and community organizations at the groundbreaking event for the Fordham Road bus project.

The new offset bus lanes and redesign of Fordham Road will help thousands of bus riding Bronxites to get where they need to be faster and more reliably. These upgrades will make roads in the Senator’s district safer for drivers, commuters, and pedestrians alike.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ORISHAS WHOLENESS CORP 4TH ANNUAL VETERANS APPRECIATION CELEBRATION

Last weekend, Senator Rivera joined the Orishas Wholeness Corp's 4th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day, which took place at Poe Park.

At the event, Senator Rivera thanked our Veterans for their service to our country while highlighting the increased support that this population needs and deserves. This year’s event was a great way for Veterans to come together, for them to enjoy fun activities, and connect them with helpful resources.

Thank you to the Orishas Wholeness Corp for putting together this event!

Starting Monday, June 29, 2026 through Friday, September 4, 2026 (no service on Friday, July 3), all children and teens ages 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch at sites across New York City—including schools, parks, libraries, and pools—in all five boroughs.

Program Highlights:

• No registration, ID, or documentation required
• Meals available Monday through Friday
• Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
• Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM
• Open to all children and teens ages 18 and under

We encourage you to share this information with your loved ones and acquaintances to help ensure that young New Yorkers have access to nutritious meals all summer long.

For additional details and to find locations near you, please visit the NYC Public Schools Summer Meals website: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/summer-meals.

IT'S SUMMERTIME! WATCH FREE MOVIES ACROSS THE CITY!

FIND UPCOMING DATES

BECOME A BLOOD DONOR TODAY!

Spread the word! Blood and platelet donors are urgently needed this summer. Travel and seasonal activities can impact donations, but patients continue to rely on lifesaving blood. Take a moment to make an impact.

Book your appointment: WhereToDonateBlood.org

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.

REACH OUT TO CSS' COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATES TO HELP WITH HEALTH INSURANCE!

The changes from the feds that go into effect on July 1st will have serious implications for over 450,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the Essential Plan that are losing health insurance coverage. Thankfully, Community Health Advocates (CHA) have made themselves available to assist you.

Call the toll-free Helpline (888-614-5400, option 3) Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. With your consent, Senator Rivera's team can also email your information over to CHA for assistance.

CHA can counsel consumers losing Essential Plan coverage about:  

• Insurance eligibility and options  
• Where to find low-cost care
• Resolving medical debt, and  
• Their rights for seeking treatment in emergency situations

COOL OPTIONS FINDER

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.

DEADLINE MONDAY 7/27: CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR NEW YORK CITY IS ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

ELIGIBILITY  Program must take place within one of the five NYC boroughs At least two individuals must apply together  This grant is for small nonprofits, volunteer-led initiatives, and public schools. This grant is NOT for businesses, and business owners can apply to this grant instead: Neighborhood Business Grant. You do NOT need to be a nonprofit organization to apply (volunteer-based efforts are eligible)  Nonprofits that do apply must have annual budget less than $250,000 (public schools are exempt from this limit) Applicants cannot be a chapter or affiliate of a larger organization  Programs cannot promote religious, political or any other ideologies

APPLY HERE

ELIGIBILITY Business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs. Active for-profit business that has generated revenue for two years Business must employ no more than 10 full-time employees. They CANNOT be part of a franchise. Grant funds must be used to implement a project that strengthens local communities by fostering neighborhood connections and increasing resident engagement. Grant funds CANNOT support business overhead costs, including rent or employee salaries beyond a $250 per person stipend. They must be able to provide proof of business, such as bank statements, tax documents, or POS terminal statements.

APPLY HERE