NEWS FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA

THIS FRIDAY: SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS HIS FIRST BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION AT CROTONA PARK!

With the start of the new school year quickly approaching, State Senator Gustavo Rivera will host three Back to School events on Friday, August 24, Tuesday, August 28 and Friday, August 31 at Crotona Park, Saint James Park and Tremont Park respectively.

The three events, part of Senator Rivera's Bronx CAN Health Initiative, will offer families in Senate District 33 an afternoon filled with free backpacks, fun activities and free health screenings. The number of backpacks is limited and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children between 5 and 13 years old must be present and in the company of an adult while youths between the ages of 14 and 18, do not need a parent present.

SCHEDULE OF BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS:

1) Back To School Event at Crotona Park

Who: State Senator Gustavo Rivera

When: Friday, August 24, 2018

            3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Crotona Park (Bathgate Playground on E 173rd Street and Fulton Avenue)

2) Back To School Event at Saint James Park

Who: State Senator Gustavo Rivera

When: Tuesday, August 28, 2018

            3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: St. James Park (entrance on Jerome Avenue and W 192nd Street)

3) Back To School Event at Tremont Park

Who: State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Member Victor M. Pichardo, and              Council Member Ritchie Torres.

When: Friday, August 31, 2018

            3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Tremont Park (corner of E Tremont Avenue and Arthur Avenue)

**This event is free and open to the public. Participating organizations include Hispanic Federation, Kars for Kids, VIP Community Services, Union Community Health Center, Bronx Care Health System, 32BJ, DC37, the New York City Police Department 52nd Precinct, the New York City Police Department 52nd Precinct, the New York City Police Department 48th Precinct Explorers Program, Bronx Community Board 6, Bronx Community Board 7, NAC, North West Bronx Community Clergy Coalition -Sistas and Brothas United. 

NEWS FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA

SENATOR RIVERA ON THE NEW YORK HEALTH ACT PASSING THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY  "I applaud the leadership of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the bill sponsor, Assemblymember Dick Gottfried, and the members of the New York State Assembly for passing the New York Health Act for the fourth year in a row. With the White House and Republicans in Congress relentlessly attacking our right to healthcare and vigorously working to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, this vote is a critical step in our State's efforts to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of their wealth or status, has an adequate access to affordable healthcare. It is now time for the members of the New York State Senate to stand up for what is right and work towards the implementation of an efficient and universal healthcare system for New York State. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee and proud sponsor of the New York Health Act, I will continue to work to make healthcare in our great State a right and not a privilege." SENATOR RIVERA AND MEMBERS OF THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE CALL FOR EXTENSION OF SUNY AND CUNY CREDIT PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICAN AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND EVACUEES Ahead of SUNY and CUNY Board of Trustees' Critical Vote, State Senator Gustavo Rivera Spearheads Effort to Support Displaced Students to Continue their Education State Senator Gustavo Rivera and 16 members of the Senate Democratic Conference wrote to the Board of Trustees for the State University of New York (SUNY) and to the City University of New York (CUNY) urging them to extend the in-state tuition credit program for Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Island evacuees for the 2018-2019 academic year. This program was initially approved by SUNY and CUNY in October 2017 after Governor Cuomo called on both boards to implement such a program. The Board of Trustees for SUNY will vote on this measure tomorrow, June 14, while the Board of Trustees for CUNY will hold the same vote on Monday, June 25. Since the federal response to Hurricanes Maria and Irma has been inconsistent, uncoordinated, and lackluster, the responsibility has fallen on states and cities to make up for the inefficiency of the federal government. Millions of American citizens continue to live in conditions that are not too different from the conditions immediately following the destruction. Programs, such as SUNY and CUNY's offer of in-state tuition, help provide a bridge for evacuees on the mainland United States to have every opportunity to continue their education. "I am extremely pleased that a number of my colleagues have joined me in urging SUNY and CUNY to continue providing evacuees from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands access to the in-state tuition credit program," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "As a State that hosts a large Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Islander communities, we need to ensure that these bright students are able to continue pursuing their education and complete their academic degrees on time. We cannot allow a natural disaster and federal inaction to derail their futures." To read letter to SUNY, click here. To read letter to CUNY, click here. MEMBERS WHO SIGNED ON:  1. Senator Michael Gianaris  2. Senator James Sanders Jr. 3. Senator Liz Krueger 4. Senator Jose Peralta 5. Senator Martin Malavé Dilan 6. Senator Jesse Hamilton 7. Senator Marisol Alcantara 8. Senator Brian A. Benjamin 9. Senator Toby Ann Stavinsky 10. Senator Timothy M. Kennedy 11. Senator Diane J. Savino 12. Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. 13. Senator Luis Sepulveda 14. Senator Neil D. Breslin 15. Senator David Carlucci 16. Senator Roxanne J. Persaud

News From State Senator Gustavo Rivera

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS GOVERNOR CUOMO, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND CIVIC LEADERS TO SET PRIORITY AGENDA FOR THE NEW YORK STANDS WITH PUERTO RICO REBUILDING AND RECONSTRUCTING COMMITTEE

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after attending a meeting with representatives of Governor Cuomo's office, fellow elected officials, and civic leaders in which they discussed and continued the process of identifying key priorities for Governor Cuomo's New York Stands with Puerto Rico Rebuilding and Reconstructing Committee.

It has been almost nine months since Hurricane Maria hit the island, yet lack of federal action to provide adequate aide and Puerto Rico's pre-existing economic crisis, have claimed the lives of thousands of Puerto Ricans and stalled recovery efforts. The goal of this committee is it to help facilitate lasting and forward-thinking solutions that help Puerto Ricans rebuilding their lives and their island. 

"Puerto Ricans have not only seen their lives completely torn apart by a natural disaster, but also by the criminal inaction of our federal government. After attending the first official meeting of the New York Stands with Puerto Rico Rebuilding and Reconstructing Committee, I am encouraged by the thoughtful discussion we held regarding New York's current and future efforts to help Puerto Rico rebuild and thrive. Throughout the meeting, it was clear that our priority was to facilitate a more comprehensive, multi-pronged rebuilding and reconstruction roadmap for Puerto Rico. This meeting made me feel that New York State will continue to be a key supporter of the island's recovery efforts and the Puerto Rican people. 

After countless hours connecting with grassroots organizations in Puerto Rico and a humbling week long visit to the island, which allowed me to see firsthand the utter devastation and the various needs that exist, I presented Governor Cuomo and the committee members with a list of priorities and recommendations that focused on the various issue areas including Counseling and Mental Health Services, Extension of SUNY and CUNY Credit Program, among others. 

This meeting is just a first step.

I look forward to continue working alongside the Governor and members of this Committee to formulate and implement a robust and ambitious plan to help our fellow brothers and sisters of Puerto Rico rise and take the reins of their own future.

NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE BANS SMOKING NEAR LIBRARIES

   New Yorkers everywhere can take a collective breath of fresh air, at least near a school or now: your closest library. A bill (A.330B/S.169-B), introduced by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, has passed both houses of the state legislature and now awaits delivery to the Governor for signing. In 2012, Dinowitz and Rivera passed legislation enacting a ban on smoking within 100 feet of all entrances, exits, and outside areas of all primary and secondary schools in New York State. This law would apply the same policy to all libraries.

Following the Clean Indoor Air Act in 2003, smoking was prohibited in all workplaces and smokers everywhere were forced to go outside to indulge their habits. These smokers are now frequently found in close proximity to entrances and exits of all buildings, exposing countless passersby to secondhand smoke and increasing their risk of respiratory infections and cancer-inducing abnormal cell growth. Libraries, similar to schools, serve some of our most vulnerable populations when it comes to secondhand smoke, including both young children and senior citizens. 

The legislative process now turns to Governor Cuomo, who signed the ban on smoking near schools along with a ban on e-cigarette sales to minors as part of a package designed to protect New York's youth from harmful effects of cigarettes.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said: "This bill will help our State further curtail New Yorkers' exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke, especially around commonly shared spaces, such as public libraries. With smoking bans already in place outside schools and afterschool programs across our State, this bill further ensures New Yorkers, especially our children, are able to access and enjoy learning spaces without worrying about their health. This common sense measure will go a long way in providing our youth with the safe educational environments they deserve. I urge Governor Cuomo to join the Legislature in supporting this measure and sign this bill into law once it reaches his desk."

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "Libraries, like schools, are often the heart of a neighborhood. They bring together a huge variety of community members, and I'm willing to bet that most of these folks are not there to inhale somebody else's secondhand smoke. Given that the library is a place we encourage our children to go as often as possible, a smoking ban is common-sense public policy. I thank State Senator Rivera for his continued partnership on this important issue as well as Governor Cuomo again for his support in the fight against tobacco."

Senator Rivera Introduces Legislative Resolution Celebrating the Life of Puerto Rican and Latino Civic Leader Angelo Falcón

   State Senator Gustavo Rivera introduced a resolution paying tribute to the life and community activism of Angelo Falcón, founder and president of the National Institute of Latino Policy (NILP), who passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018. Mr. Angelo Falcón was an influential Puerto Rican political analyst and journalist who advocated and empowered Latino communities across the United States, especially in New York. Recently, Mr. Falcón became a fierce advocate for Puerto Rico's relief efforts devoting countless resources to bringing attention to the needs of Puerto Ricans on the island and those who were displaced after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. 

"Angelo Falcón was a legendary intellectual, activist, and scholar who spent the majority of his years advocating on issues of equality and social justice in order to help empower and uplift the Puerto Rican and Latino communities across our city, state and country. Mr. Falcón's prolific career was marked by his tireless work engaging and promoting more Latino participation in government in an effort to raise critical awareness on the significant problems facing our communities; while holding those in power accountable through his trailblazing community advocacy and research. His premature death leaves an immense void in our state's civic discourse, one that will be difficult to replace. In his honor, I am committed to continue working diligently to fight for policies that will lift up our communities and make them thrive." 

News From State Senator Gustavo Rivera

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM THE ACADEMY FOR LANGUAGE AND TECHNOLOGY VISIT NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE

New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera's Civics Class Inspires Students to Plan Albany Trip

  On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, a group of 60 high school students from the Academy for Language and Technology in the Bronx will take an exciting trip to Albany inspired by a community civics class taught by New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera earlier this year. In their eagerness to learn more about the role of their local government in their everyday lives, the students will join Senator Rivera at the New York State Legislature and tour important landmarks in Albany. 

During the trip, students will have the opportunity to spend one on one time with Senator Rivera, who will accompany them on a tour of the Legislative Office Building and of the State Capitol Building. The Senator has also invited the students to observe a legislative session of the New York State Senate. In addition, the students will visit two of Albany's most renowned landmarks, the New York State Museum and the Erastus Corning 2 Tower.

"Government is supposed to work for the people. I strongly believe that the more knowledgeable our community is about how government works, the more they are able to advocate effectively for the issues that are important to them and hold government and elected officials accountable," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "That is why I am incredibly excited and proud that these young Bronxites were inspired to visit our State's capital, and learn more about government and civic participation. It is my hope that this visit inspires other schools in the 33rd Senate District to visit Albany and become more involved in advocating for issues and policies they care about."

State Senator Gustavo Rivera's main objective when speaking to students about civic participation is to motivate them to become more knowledgeable and engaged in local government, which is precisely the initiative these students demonstrated in planning this trip.

"The motivation behind our trip to Albany was Senator Rivera's speech. He explained the ways the state government works and immediately it sparked our interest to learn more about Albany and the New York State Legislature," said Janna Castillo, student at the Academy for Language and Technology Academy.

"After Senator Rivera's civics class, we really wanted to see Albany with our own eyes. In addition, with the knowledge that Senator Rivera gave us, I think that most of my classmates, including me, are ready to enjoy this trip, which will be full of fun and knowledge," said Brandon Santana, student at the Academy for Language and Technology Academy.

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON CURRENT ADMINISTRATION'S DECISION TO EXPAND "GLOBAL GAG RULE"

"Another day, another disgraceful executive order put forth by the current administration in Washington D.C. The shameful expansion of the "Global Gag Order" will undoubtedly jeopardize the health and well-being of millions of women around the world, especially in developing countries. It will withhold critical and, in many cases, lifesaving funding from groups and programs that would provide them with information on abortion. In an effort to gain cheap political points, this administration's inhumane crusade to stifle women's reproductive rights will have a global health impact with real consequences for millions of vulnerable women and families across the world as they continue facing obstacles when it comes to their personal health decisions." 

News From State Senator Gustavo Rivera

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera As "Happy Meal" Bill Passes The Senate Health Committee

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement today after bill S1074, also known as the "Happy Meal Bill", was reported out of the Senate Health Committee. The "Happy Meal" bill would require fast food restaurants to set nutritional guidelines for meals aimed at children by including incentive items, such as toys, playing cards or other consumer products that appeal to children. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Codes Committee.

"Today, we took an important step forward in directly combating the obesity epidemic that continues to affect the lives of millions of children across New York State. Setting these critical guidelines for meals accompanied by toys will not only help parents and children make healthier food decisions at fast food restaurants, but it will also hold these restaurants accountable for the meals options they offer to children. As the Ranking Member of the Health Committee and the sponsor of this bill, I am fully committed to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to ensure that we pass this piece of legislation and continue to make fighting obesity a priority." 

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera On Bill To Expand Medicaid Coverage To Include Blood Based Allergy Testing Passes the Senate Finance Committee

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after bill S1222 passed the New York State Senate's Finance Committee. This bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Nick Perry in the New York State Assembly, will ensure critical access to blood allergy testing, in addition to the already covered skin prick testing, for Medicaid recipients seeking to determine a potential allergy condition. The bill is now eligible to be placed on the Senate Active list. 

"As the Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Health Committee and sponsor of this bill, I am proud that my colleagues have joined me in pushing it towards the next step of the legislative process," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "This common sense measure will ensure that Medicaid patients across New York State have greater and easier access to different options of allergy testing, allowing them to identify and treat their allergies faster and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. In doing so, our State is taking the appropriate steps to help reduce the health disparities that continue to plague low-income and minority communities. I'm committed to working diligently with my colleagues in both houses to make this bill into law."

NEWS FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON ENACTMENT OF 2017-2018 STATE BUDGET

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) joined his colleagues in the State Senate to vote on the 10 bills of the 2017-2018 Budget. Senator Rivera voted against six of the budget bills, specifically the Aid to Localities (S.2003-D) Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation bill (S.2008-C), the Public Protection and General Government bill (S.2005-C), the Education, Labor and Family Assistance bill (S.2006-C) and the Revenue bill (S.2009-C)

2017-2018 BUDGET OVERVIEW:

"After a tumultuous and flawed process, our State finally announced the passage of the 2017-2018 New York State Budget. Tax paying New Yorkers deserve a better process that genuinely delivers progressive results and does not only provide small steps and half-loaf measures preventing our State from properly investing in its residents and building a stronger economy.

Dismally, this year's budget left out key priorities New York desperately needs. It did not include the DREAM Act, ethics and campaign finance reforms, Campaign for Fiscal Equity settlement funding or measures to protect New Yorkers' health coverage from a repeal of the Affordable Care Act through the implementation of a single payer insurance plan. It also revived the deeply flawed 421-a property tax break program that would cost New York City $2.4 billion a year, while not creating nearly enough long-term affordable housing.

However, I am proud of the hard fight put up by my Senate Democratic Conference colleagues. Despite the fact that our leader, Senator Stewart-Cousins, was once again excluded from budget negotiations, we fought until the last minute to ensure that the voices of the eight million New Yorkers Senate Democrats represent, were heard and acknowledged. These efforts helped us secure important victories for New Yorkers, including raising the age of adult criminal responsibility, increased aid to local school districts, restored funding for ASAP/SEEK educational programs, adequate funding for the MTA and fully funding the visitation program at maximum security facilities which will continue to allow families to visit their relatives seven days a week."

THE BRONX:

"I am very pleased to announce that we were able to secure the $108 million funding to develop the Kingsbridge National Ice Center. The Kingsbridge National Ice Center is a project that I have diligently worked to bring to our community since its inception. Not only do I believe this project would serve as an economic engine for our surrounding neighborhoods, but more importantly, the developer has demonstrated at length a commitment to the residents of our borough by signing a historic Community Benefits Agreement. I remain committed to continue working with both the State and the City to ensure that the development of one of our more historic sites in order to uplift both our community and economy."

HEALTH:

"I'm proud to have been on the forefront in fighting for the $20 million to enhance safety net hospitals that serve low-income New Yorkers. This funding, while limited, will go a long way in helping hospitals that serve our most vulnerable communities.

On the other hand, it was disappointing to see that some my colleagues, even a few who are co-sponsors of this bill, voted down a hostile amendment I presented to include the single payer bill in this year's budget. Some of my colleagues categorized my intervention as grandstanding. However, in saying that, they fail to recognize the critical implications that a single payer healthcare system will have for New Yorkers. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee, passing this policy proposal would represent a fundamental step in ensuring that every New Yorker has access to affordable and quality health care coverage, while saving New York State tax payers millions of dollars in the long term. I am committed to continue working along my colleagues in the State Senate and the State Assembly to finally make health care a right and not a privilege under the law."

CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

"In a historic decision, our State finally took action in removing itself from a dubious list of states that prosecuted 16 and 17 years old as adults. After a long drawn fight, our State's criminal justice system will finally focus on rehabilitating our youth population while protecting the public; not in placing children in a situation where they are more likely to be abused and to reoffend.

This victory did not come without some concessions. The measure will not become effective until 2018 and youth who do enter the system will have to wait 10 years to be eligible to seal their records, potentially affecting their ability to pursue a higher education or secure employment. However, the positives outlined in this measure outweigh the negatives and give our youth in New York who commit a mistake a second chance to grow into responsible members of society, instead of simply locking them up. We would have not been able to finally pass Raise the Age without the unrelenting leadership of New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Velmanette Montgomery, the sponsor of the original measure, and a number of dedicated advocates including Justice League NYC, AQE and ShutDownRikers."

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Visits Senior Centers in the 33rd Senate District 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera will visit various senior centers located in Senate District 33. The tour will start with consecutive visits to the RAIN Tolentine Center and the Arturo Schomburg Center and will continue next week with stops at RAIN Mt. Carmel Center and Bronxworks Morris Innovative Senior Center.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera will be joined by representatives of the New York City Department of Finance who will help eligible seniors to enroll in the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs. In addition, Bronx Lebanon Hospital and Union Community Health Center will offer participating seniors critical health screenings, such as blood pressure screening and blood sugar tests.

Further, Senator Rivera's office will continue offering seniors his Senior Resource Guides in both English and the new version in Spanish. These guides are also available upon request at Senator Rivera's district office.

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING VISITS

1) Center: RAIN Tolentine Center

Location: 2345 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468

Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Senator Meet & Greet: 11:30 AM -12:30 PM

Event Time: 11:00 AM -12:30 PM

2) Center: Arturo Schomburg Center

Location: 1315 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017

Senator Meet & Greet: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Event Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

3) Center: RAIN Mt. Carmel Center

Location: 2405 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2017

Senator Meet & Greet: 11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Event Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

4) Center: Bronxworks Morris Innovative Senior Center

Location: 80 E 181st Street, Bronx, NY 10453 

Date: Friday, April 21, 2017

Senator Meet & Greet: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Event Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM