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."
