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SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY
SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS NYHA 101 AT LEHMAN COLLEGE WITH THE NYC DSA HEALTHCARE WORKING GROUP
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On Thursday night, Senator Rivera and the NYC DSA Healthcare Working Group hosted a New York Health Act 101 Session at Lehman College. Senator Rivera, along with his Health Committee Director Tony Kergaravat and Dr. Betty Kolod, physician and local community leader, presented and answered questions about the New York Health Act (S.3425) and the impacts it would have for New Yorkers.
The New York Health Act would guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker by removing private health coverage from the equation. Senator Rivera knows some folks who are already satisfied with their current healthcare coverage would still benefit from more comprehensive and affordable. The reality is, most people don't know how broken our healthcare system is until they get sick or need unexpected medical care. Our NYHA 101 session in the Bronx is the first Senator Rivera has held with NYC DSA in the lead up to the upcoming legislative session!
Learn more about the NY Health Act below:
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Senator Rivera’s office and Hands Off NYC hosted a Know Your Rights Community Day of Action at the Bronx Library Center.
As part of Hands Off NYC’s Community Weekend of Action, members of the Senator’s staff held brief training sessions to teach the attending volunteers effective methods for informing their neighbors about their constitutional rights.
Volunteers visited 16 schools in the Senator's district where they dropped off important resources for school staff and families to be well informed about their rights regardless of their immigration status.
Senator Rivera’s office is the only Hands Off NYC materials hub in the Bronx. To date, the office has distributed tens of thousands of “Know Your Rights” palm cards in English, Spanish, French, Bangla, and Arabic. It also provides signs designating staff- or student-only private areas, as well as family-planning and immigration brochures in English and Spanish.
Are you interested in getting these incredibly important and informative resources? To pick up materials:
- Call our office to arrange material pick-up at 718-933-2034 or email us at grivera@nysenate.gov.
- Location: 2432 Grand Concourse, Suite 506, Bronx NY 10458
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 12 PM to 4 PM.
If you are unable to pick up materials, visit tinyurl.com/SenRiveraKYR to access our Know Your Rights Folder with all of the resources
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Last week marked the first day of school for the almost 900,000 New York City public school students!
Senator Rivera thanks Council Member Shirley Aldebol, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, AT&T, and From The Bronx for supporting his final back-to-school pop-up event at Van Nest Park.
Although this was Senator Rivera’s final pop-up event of the year, he will continue donating backpacks to local organizations throughout the month.
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This week, Senator Rivera joined students of Manhattan University to celebrate Constitution Day to educate students about our Constitution and our political system.
Senator Rivera guided the conversation by asking those in room what made our Constitution special. He then discussed our constitutional rights, how the trump administration is testing the strength of our Constitution, and why it is important for our state constitution to be amended to give the Executive and Legislature equal powers particularly during the budget process.
Thank you to Dr. Margaret Groarke for this amazing opportunity!
SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS THE BRONX LITTLE ITALY FERRAGOSTO FESTIVAL
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Last weekend, Senator Rivera joined his neighbors at the 29th Annual Ferragosto festival in The Bronx's Little Italy for a wonderful celebration of Italian-American culture, food, and live entertainment.
Senator Rivera not only greeted his constituents and visitors but also played a game of “Find Your Senator” where he distributed New York Botanical Garden tickets to those who stopped by to chat.
Senator Rivera wants to thank the New York Botanical Garden for the tickets and the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) for putting together a fantastic celebration!
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SENATOR RIVERA VISITS THE RIVERDALE Y TO CELEBRATE ROSH HASHANAH
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Senator Rivera was delighted to join the Riverdale Y’s annual Rosh Hashanah luncheon in celebration of the Jewish New Year.
Senator Rivera wants to extend his gratitude to Rabbi Scott and the Riverdale Y for the kind invitation. He also thanks the wonderful seniors whose presence made the gathering so joyful.
G'MAR CHATIMA TOVA
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This coming Sunday, Jewish New Yorkers and communities will observe Yom Kippur, a time for reflection and atonement. Senator Rivera wants to wish all who observe Yom Kippur an easy and meaningful fast. G’mar Chatima Tova.
HAPPY HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH FROM SENATOR RIVERA!
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Happy Hispanic Heritage Month from Senator Rivera! As a native born Puerto Rican, Senator Rivera is very proud of his heritage and culture. At the same time, he is passionate about the diversity and cultural richness of The Bronx. That’s why on his latest SOMOS delegation trip to Mexico, he was enthralled with all its beauty and liveliness. During his time in Mexico, he had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations on public policy, international relations, global economies, politics, and governance with local officials. In his down time, he was able to enjoy Mexico City’s gastronomy and culture, including a visit to Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul and the National Museum of Anthropology. He was delighted with the hospitality he received, and as a representative of a vibrant and growing Mexican community, this trip was a very memorable one. |
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SENATOR RIVERA'S STATEMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES HEALTH INSURANCE RATE APPROVALS
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This week, Senator Rivera's staff joined tenants at 2440 Walton Avenue and their legal team at the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), and the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center for a rally and tour of their hazardous building one week ahead of the tenants’ next scheduled appearance in Bronx Housing Court. In June, NYLAG filed a filed a 7A petition on behalf of 10 tenant households urging the court to appoint a third-party administrator to take over day-to-day management of the building from its slumlord owners, Bradley and Ryan Zar of Point 2440 Realty LLC. |
“A few weeks ago, I proudly joined NYLAG, the West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, and most importantly, the ten households at 2440 Walton to urge the court to appoint an article 7A administrator to address the unacceptable building conditions, including multiple housing code violations, and harassment by the owners and building management of Point 2440 Realty LLC,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “Today, my team was able to see the building and hear directly from the affected tenants. It became even clearer that this court decision is pivotal to hold bad landlords accountable for atrocious living conditions these tenants have been subjected to, while finally giving these families an opportunity to enjoy healthy, safe homes.” |
Senator Rivera on September 15, 2026 |
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The City University of New York (CUNY) will waive its $65 freshman application fee for New York City public high school seniors Sept. 15 through Nov. 16, a month longer than last year. Take advantage of this amazing opporutnity and apply to the nation’s largest urban public university!
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Now in its third year, The We Are The Bronx Fellowship Against Hate (WATBFAH) is more than a professional development opportunity — it’s a call to action and an opportunity to learn, connect and lead. Organized by Riverdale Y in partnership with JCRC-NY, the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (as part of the PATH-Forward initiative), and the offices of Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, this fellowship is designed for those who are ready to lead with purpose, courage, and collaboration. Why Apply? This transformative fellowship brings together a diverse cohort of mid- to senior-level leaders from Bronx-based nonprofits, faith communities, and government agencies — people who are on the front lines in their neighborhoods and communities. Through a series of dynamic workshops, inspiring speakers, interactive site visits, and a powerful overnight journey to Washington, DC, fellows will gain tools, strategies, and relationships that amplify their impact. Each session will spotlight a different Bronx neighborhood, and a different community that calls the Bronx home, ensuring participants experience the borough’s full richness and complexity — all locations will be accessible via public transit. Participants will also have access to seed funding to design and launch a community-focused initiative that fosters unity, addresses bias, and creates real change across communities that is organized by all of the fellows, together. |
Application TimelineApplications Open: Monday, August 17, 2026 Applications Due: Friday, December 11, 2026 Rolling Interviews: December 14–17, 2026 Acceptance Letters Sent: Friday, December 18, 2026 |
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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.
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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
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