Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS ANNUAL STATE FUNDING WORKSHOP FOR THE 33RD DISTRICT

This month, Senator Rivera hosted his annual state funding webinar, where he provided an overview of the various funding opportunities available through New York State. If you are interested in learning more or would like to receive materials from the presentation, please reach out to Jasmine Torreblanca, Public Affairs Manager, at torrebla@nyseante.gov.   At Senator Rivera’s office, we carefully consider every budget request that we receive as we work to serve the needs of 33rd Senate District residents and improve the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers across our State.  Discretionary funding requests are now open for the Fiscal Year 2027-28 Budget. Submissions are due no later than Sunday January 31st, 2027.

APPLY FOR STATE FUNDING HERE!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEADERS FOR NYC-EJA'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

Senator Rivera joined environmental justice advocates and community leaders, including Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, at the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance's (NYC-EJA) 35th Anniversary Gala.

Senator Rivera was recognized for his leadership in advancing New York State's first extreme heat legislation (S5056), a step toward protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers as climate change causes dangerous temperatures more frequently. Thank you Executive Director Eddie Bautista for this amazing honor!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NIÑO DE LA CARIDAD FOUNDATION AND FORDHAM UNIVERSITY FOR THE LATINOS DESTINADOS A TRIUNFAR SUMMIT

Recently, Senator Rivera joined the Niño de la Caridad Foundation and Fordham University for the Latinos Destinados a Triunfar Summit, a day focused on career exploration, networking, mentorship, workshops, and professional development.

Thank you to Dr. Ana Nuñez, Executive Director of the Niño de la Caridad Foundation; Fordham University President Tania Tetlow; Henry R. Muñoz III; Dr. Denise Nuñez; and Dr. Michael D. Cabana for the invitation.

Senator Rivera commends all the students who attended for taking the initiative to expand their knowledge and explore their futures. He believes opportunities like this can transform students’ lives and create lasting, positive change in their communities.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS RIVERDALE NEIGHBORS FOR A NY HEALTH ACT RALLY

Senator Rivera joined the Riverdale community for a well attended New York Health Act rally at Seton Park! Thank you to the Campaign for NY Health for organizing, and to Our Bronx, Northwest Indivisible, the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, Physicians for a National Health Program, the Central New York Humanist Association, and community leader Helen Krim for rallying everyone together! The coverage loss associated with the federal reconciliation bill also known as H.R.1 is a prime example of how the way we deliver healthcare in this country is profoundly flawed, and how New York needs to take the reins of its own healthcare future. Senator Rivera urges everyone to look into the New York Health Act and bring their questions and concerns. As the bill’s sponsor (S3425), he sees it as a priority for New Yorkers and medical professionals across the state. New Yorkers are struggling to access care, afford necessary services, and manage high costs and medical debt.

Learn More!

GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL SIGNS SENATOR FERNANDEZ'S BILL TO DESIGNATE LITTLE YEMEN AS A CULTURAL DISTRICT INTO LAW

“I am so proud that Governor Hochul signed Senator Fernandez’s bill into law designating Little Yemen as a cultural district. This designation honors the incredible contributions of our Yemeni neighbors to our beautiful borough. What makes our State great is the vibrant diversity of New Yorkers and our rich immigrant history, so I am grateful to welcome this honor and support to our Little Yemen community.”

-State Senator Gustavo Rivera-

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS COMMUNITY EVENTS ACROSS HIS DISTRICT

Earlier this month, Senator Rivera attended at the Williamsbridge Fall Fiesta with NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte and Parks staff!

Senator Rivera addressed the crowd at the Jerome Gun Hill Road BID 25th Anniversary Fall Festival!

Senator Rivera joins Laura Levine-Pinedo and the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation for their Annual BOO! On Mosholu event!

COLLEGE APPLICATION AND FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES FOR NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS!🎓📚

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS & ADVISING:

You don’t have to go out of state to receive a world-class education! NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) students can apply to CUNY, SUNY, and many NYS Colleges for Free. 

If students and families require support to complete their applications or explore their options, they can obtain support from a trained professional. Click here to get support through our Free College and Career Virtual Advising Program. Program hours are 5:00pm-8:00pm on these weekdays: Tuesday-Friday. 

Seniors should be encouraged to sign up for text messages to gain access to important reminders and resources.

New York Public Library offers College and Career Pathways support in over 40 hubs in Manhattan and the Bronx. 

FINANCIAL AID:

Students can get support through the College and Career Virtual Advising Program (link above). Parents can also schedule appointments for financial aid support through Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program EDCAP. Also, Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is also hosting many events to supports students and families in this important process. 

The State University of New York (SUNY) is also hosting financial aid overview sessions and SUNY Admissions sessions. 

Families can also access the Understanding Financial Aid and FAFSA Guides website and download the guide in their home languages.  

DEADLINE MONDAY 11/16: ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:APPLY TO CUNY FOR FREE!

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!

UPDATES FROM NYC PARKS BRONX BOROUGH COMMISSIONER JESSENIA APONTE REGARDING THE PERMITS PORTAL

THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WILL UPGRADE THEIR UNEMPLOYEMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

On November 2, 2026, the Department will begin transitioning to an upgraded unemployment insurance system called Unemployment Services. This upgraded system will include many enhancements for users, including fewer delays, real-time updates, and greater accessibility. While the Department of Labor implements this upgraded system, individuals will be unable to file for unemployment insurance, certify for benefits, or reach their call centers. Specific dates regarding this upgrade are below: • November 2: The upgrade begins. Online and phone services for unemployment insurance are unavailable beginning at 5 pm. The Department expects the upgrade to take 9 – 12 days • Upgraded system available 9-12 days after the upgrade begins: Customers with active claims must use the upgraded system to certify benefit payments. New customers can begin to file claims in the upgraded unemployment system. During the 9-to-12-day upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. Individuals will not be able to file unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information. As a result, payments will be delayed. Customers will need to file or certify in the upgraded system when it’s available to receive all benefits due to them. The Department will notify all customers when the upgraded system is available. Also during the upgrade period, Career Centers will be available by virtual appointments only. During those appointments, Career Center staff will not be able to assist with unemployment insurance, but they can help customers with their job search. If this will affect you, we encourage you to stay up to date by following the Department’s website and official social media accounts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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.

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