News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

SENATOR RIVERA'S HEALTH COMMITTEE PASSES 22 BILLS

This week, the New York State Senate Health Committee passed 22 bills, including Senator Rivera's Safer Consumption Services Act (S.399B), which will establish a pilot program to open Overdose Prevention Centers statewide.

So far, in the two Overdose Prevention Centers operating in New York City, over 1500 overdoses have been averted. Senator Rivera is pushing for this legislation to pass both houses this year in order to end overdoses, address public drug use, connect New Yorkers to care, and save lives.

SENATOR RIVERA WELCOMES FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COSTA RICA TO ALBANY 

This week, Senator Rivera welcomed Carlos Alvarado Quesada, former President of the Republic of Costa Rica, to Albany and the Senate Chambers. President Alvarado joined colleagues and advocates to support Senator Rivera's Sovereign Debt Stability Act (S.5542A).

Many low and middle income countries are facing unsustainable debt. This debt creates conditions of poverty and political instability that often lead to mass migration to countries like ours. Senator Rivera's bill will provide these debtor countries with options to restructure their debt and help them build a path towards a real financial recovery.

Recently, Senator Rivera co-wrote an op-ed with United Kingdom Parliamentarian Liam Byrne for Devex, where they went more in-depth on the need to pass legislative measures such as the Sovereign Debt Stability Act to facilitate fast and fair debt restructurings and protect taxpayers’ money from being used to bail out reckless private lenders. You can read it here.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Senator Rivera wishes all mothers, grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, foster moms, sisters, and all mother figures a very Happy Mother's Day. This special day is always an opportunity to honor, cherish, and recognize the efforts, sacrifices, and courage of the women who give us their unconditional love every day.

SENATOR RIVERA AND THE 52ND PRECINCT HOST ELECTRONIC DISPOSAL & PAPER SHREDDING EVENT

This week, Senator Rivera hosted an electronic waste and paper shredding event with the 52nd Precinct and the NYC Department of Sanitation. Residents were able to dispose of their electronics and personal documents in a safe, sustainable manner free of charge.

Thank you to 52nd Precinct Council President Brenda Caldwell-Paris, Community Affairs Officer Ricardo Acosta, and the 52nd NYPD Precinct for hosting this event.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS

PS 33 IN FORDHAM HEIGHTS

This week, Senator Rivera continued his tour of schools throughout the 33rd district this week with his visit to P.S. 33 in Fordham Heights. Senator Rivera toured the school, met with students and school administrators, and discussed how his office can support the school community. If you want to invite Senator Rivera to visit your school, contact the District Office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov.

SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE PROVIDING FREE LIFE-SAVING NALOXONE SPRAY AND TESTING KITS

THURSDAY 5/16: THE BRONX COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & THE NYPL BELMONT BRANCH PRESENT

"BRONX HISTORY IN 5 OBJECTS"

CELEBRATE BRONX WEEK!

WEDNESDAY 5/29: NYC SMALL BUSINESS MONTH EXPO

WEDNESDAY 6/12: JUNETEENTH JUBILEE AT THE BRONX LIBRARY CENTER

The East Bronx History Forum

 

Dear East Bronx History Forum Members,

The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce its 185th meeting on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:30p with a presentation by Forum member Mike Gupta, “The New York Westchester and Boston Railroad.”

100 years ago, the last elevated subway stations built in The Bronx reached their last stops. Included are W. 242nd Street at Van Cortlandt Park, Woodlawn on the Jerome Avenue line and E. 241st Street on The Third Ave El & White Plains Line. The population in the Bronx has expanded greatly since 1920 and many plans to extend the lines came and went. In the 1920’s, a dream of a second ave underground to the Bronx and Throggs Neck disappeared.  The underground IND Concourse Line made it to 205th Street.

Mike Gupta is a Forum member and past lecturer of the Third Ave El and has a passion for all things “on the rails”.  Mike Gupta is an IT Professional and Forum Webmaster dedicated to keeping the amazing history of the Bronx alive.  He has researched the NY, Westchester and Boston Railroad, that was one of the most expensive rail lines and stations to be built in the country.  The Italian villa style Administration Building is landmarked and was beautifully renovated in 2013.  It is also an entrance to the 180th street station on the Dyre Avenue Line, that was purchased due to the NYW&B’s bankruptcy.

This presentation will cover the “Lost Stations” that Mike has discovered and explored.  The free event is located at 1027 Rhinelander Ave (entrance on Paulding Avenue in Msgr. Joseph Raimondo Hall).  Let’s take a ride on one of the best engineered railways of all time! 

 For more information, please visit BronxNYC.com and if you enjoy our programming, feel free to use the donate button, all contributions are fully tax deductible. We can also be followed on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. Looking forward to seeing you.

Dorothy A. Krynicki

Secretary 

Wave Hill Weekly Events May 30 – June 6 | Yoga, Gala, Monet & Death Café

 

Wave Hill will close early at 2PM on Thursday, May 30th as we prepare for our annual evening Spring Gala.  

Don’t forget Wings Over Wave Hill on May 18-19 for a weekend of birds! Our popular annual falconry demonstration returns and there’s fun for all ages with hands-on activities, walks, talks and a bird-themed Family Art Project. Adults are invited to stay late on Saturday for our Birders Lounge – an evening of birding trivia, sunset walks and drinks on our cafe terrace. Birding knowledge is not necessary to take home the trivia winning prize! 

Garden Highlights Walk  

Thur, May 30, 1:00PM – 1:45PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required  

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

Spring Gala honoring Tom de Witte 

Thu, May 30, 6:30PM – 10:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Celebrate spring in Wave Hill’s beautiful gardens on Thursday, May 30 as we honor Tom de Witte, Netherlands-based international landscape designer, and kick-off the creation of our new meadow.  

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.    

Family Art Project: Monet’s Magnificent Pond

Sat, Jun 1, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, Jun 2, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

Dive into the world of artist Claude Monet and his water lilies. Make a splash as you create your very own mixed-media paintings inspired by Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. This project was designed by participants of our ACES internship program.  

Death Café

Sat, Jun 1, 1:00PM – 4:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required  

Death as a concept is avoided and hidden, especially where there’s a lack of respect for the living. Expressing grief is a survival mechanism; the way we mourn reflects the way we live. Guided by artist Anastasia Corrine (Wave Hill Winter Workspace 2024) and death doula Nancy Huang, Death Café is an opportunity for people to gather and share thoughts, fears, dreams about mortality, and plan for the future. 

What world do we want our descendants to live in? What does grief reveal about human experience? How does collective grief deepen our commitment to love and dignity for the living, sick and dead? This program explores these questions and more with herbal companions, multiple lineages of death writing, and sound meditation. 

Yoga in the Garden 

Sun, Jun 2, 10:00AM – 11:00AM 

$25, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required 

Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica. All levels welcome. Continues through June; no class May 26.   

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Jun 2, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Jun 6, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required  

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service is Back! Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

DEC RELEASES FINAL POLICY FOR EVALUATING AND AVERTING DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACTS OF PERMITTING ACTIONS ON DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the finalization of a new DEC policy, Division of Environmental Permits Policy "Permitting and Disadvantaged Communities (DEP-24-1), to implement environmental justice provisions of the historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The policy, previously released as draft DEP-23-1, provides guidance in DEC's permitting processes for considering impacts and existing burdens on New York's most vulnerable communities.

“New York continues to lead the nation on environmental justice by implementing key Climate Act policies to directly address and prevent pollution burdens on disadvantaged communities that have borne the brunt of harmful climate impacts, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to advance critical climate justice policies that help create a cleaner, greener, and more equitable state for all New Yorkers and support communities historically impacted by environmental pollution and climate change.”

The new policy provides guidance for implementation of Section 7(3) of the Climate Act, which requires all state agencies, offices, authorities, and divisions to avert disproportionate burdens on disadvantaged communities and prioritize reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and co-pollutants in disadvantaged communities when issuing permits, licenses, and other administrative approvals and decisions. DEP-24-1 describes the analyses required by DEC staff pursuant to the requirements of Section 7(3) and the procedures DEC staff will follow when reviewing those analyses to ensure compliance with Climate Act requirements.

In March 2023, New York's Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG)—which includes representatives from environmental justice groups from across the state and representatives of several State agencies—finalized criteria to identify disadvantaged communities. A list of disadvantaged communities, along with maps, is available on the Climate Act website. The criteria and methods for identifying disadvantaged communities will be reviewed annually by the CJWG to ensure the State is accurately targeting emissions reductions and investments.

DEP-24-1 is among the most recent administrative steps underway to implement the Climate Act, including finalization of Commissioner's Policy 49 (CP-49), "Climate Change and DEC Action," and Division of Air Resources Policy 21 (DAR-21), "CLCPA and Air Permit Applications.” Additional steps to implement the Climate Act include adopting limits on the statewide emissions of greenhouse gases of 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050, completing the Value of Carbon guidance and updates, and issuing the annual greenhouse gas inventory, among other measures.

To further ensure equitable treatment in state permitting actions, Governor Kathy Hochul signed landmark environmental justice legislation to ensure existing burdens in disadvantaged communities are considered in New York State's environmental decision-making beyond the Climate Act's requirements. DEC is developing updated regulations and guidance to implement the law.

Governor Hochul’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors, and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $40 billion in 64 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the state be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with more than 400 registered and more than 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the state’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

During National Small Business Month, Governor Hochul Highlights Commitment to Supporting New York’s Business Community

Governor Secured Funding for Major Small Business Initiatives as Part of FY 2025 Budget – Including Expansions of Signature Local Economic Development Programs

Governor Launches $6 Million Innovation Matching Grant Program to Support Small Businesses Participating in Federal Small Business Innovation Research or Technology Transfer Programs – Application Here

Six Months After Historic Elimination of New York’s MWBE Backlog, Governor Announces Unprecedented Certification Response Time of Under 90 Days

Governor Unveils Package of Programming to Support NYSIF-Insured Businesses

Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated National Small Business Month, which occurs in May, by highlighting New York State’s unwavering support for its small business community. As part of the state’s celebration, Governor Hochul launched new programs to expand support for New York’s small businesses, including a $6 million Innovation Matching Grants Program to drive innovation at small businesses and a suite of programming to support nearly 100,000 businesses insured by the New York State Insurance Fund. In addition, the Governor announced a new milestone as processing times for New York’s minority- and women-owned business certification reached a historic new low. Together, these announcements build on the Governor’s vision to providing small businesses with the resources and support that they need to thrive.

“Small businesses are part of the core of New York State’s communities”, Governor Hochul said. “Through signature economic development programs, we are making sure small businesses in every corner of the state can compete, grow and thrive. We are building a modern 21st century economy and it could not be done without New York’s small business community, which is the backbone of our economy.”

There are nearly 695,000 small businesses in New York State, and approximately 98 percent of New York businesses have fewer than 100 employees. These businesses employ more than 4.5 million individuals in fields from retail and food service to financial services, to agriculture, innovation and construction.

As part of the FY 2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured including expansions of New York’s signature Downtown Revitalization Initiative, NY Forward and FAST NY programs to strengthen local economies where small business can thrive. Under the Governor’s leadership, New York State has provided more than $1 billion in support for small businesses, including business recovery funding and seed funding for early-stage businesses during the pandemic. And at the Governor’s direction, Empire State Development has committed unprecedented support for New York’s small businesses and more than 60 percent of all funding is awarded to small businesses.

Innovation Grant Matching Program

Governor Hochul today launched ESD’s $6 million Innovation Matching Grants Program, which was first proposed in her 2023 State of the State address. This program provides application support and technical assistance to New York companies applying for the federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant programs, which incentivize small businesses to engage in research and development with the potential for commercialization.

Under the program, ESD will match up to $100,000 for a successful concept development, or Phase I award, and up to $200,000 for a prototype development, or Phase II award. The Division will also provide technical assistance resources for Phase II and Phase III awardees. Applications and guidelines can be found here.

New Milestone for Minority and Women-Owned Business Certifications

Governor Hochul also announced that New York has not only exceeded its commitment to shortening response times for MWBE certification applications to 90 to 120 days – it has exceeded that commitment. Since August 1, 2023, ESD has certified and recertified over 1,500 businesses, with the average application processing time now taking less than 90 days. The announcement builds on the Governor’s strong support for MWBEs, including the historic elimination of New York’s yearslong MWBE certification backlog following an $11 million investment in the FY 2023 Budget.

Additional Support for NYSIF-Insured Businesses

Governor Hochul also unveiled new programs for NYSIF-insured businesses. NYSIF has created a Small Business Support Team to assist newly-established businesses obtain workers' compensation and to provide those policyholders with direct one-on-one support from NYSIF staff from initial underwriting through the renewal process. This includes preparing for audits, obtaining certificates of insurance, keeping accurate business records, managing claims and obtaining safety services.

The Governor also announced a Personal Protective Equipment proper fit premium credit for eligible NYSIF policyholders, establishing a one-time credit of up to 10 percent of the annual premium up to $1,000 for the purchase of related safety equipment and materials to protect New York workers. Eligible equipment includes masks, goggles, gloves, head covers and other safety-related items.

In addition, the Governor announced a new equal monthly billing option for NYSIF policyholders, allowing eligible businesses to spread their payments over the course of 12 months and eliminating larger deposits. This change will ultimately help small businesses managing cashflow throughout the annual billing cycle.

For more information on these and other programs, visit nysif.com.

Ongoing New York State Support for Small Businesses

Governor Hochul also reminded New Yorkers about existing small business support and services through New York State agencies. The New York State Department of Labor’s Business Services Representatives work with entrepreneurs to create customized solutions to help meet their business goals. DOL also offers free human resource service consultations, assists with workforce recruitment to help employers find skilled workers, and offers guidance on hiring incentives, tax credits and funding opportunities that can help employers curb costs.

Governor Hochul is also committed to supporting New York’s agricultural sector and has increased investments in agriculture by $114 million – or 60 percent – during her tenure. The FY 2025 Budget builds on the Governor’s progress by investing $55 million to maintain New York’s status as a leading producer of dairy as providing $50 million to help families access fresh food and support local small farmers. As part of the Budget, Governor Hochul has also secured an agreement to extend the sale of to-go alcoholic beverages for an additional five years.

Empire State Development also provides an array of support to New York’s small businesses through its Small Business Division. Capital access programs such as the New York Forward Loan Fund offers business-friendly loans of up to $150,000 and the Linked Deposit program helps existing businesses obtain reduced-rate financing of 2 to 3 percent to grow their footprint in New York. In addition, New York State’s venture fund invests in entrepreneurs, fund managers, and accelerators to fuel New York’s innovation ecosystem and is actively deploying over $300 million of capital for both direct and indirect investment.

Find a full array of programs to support the State’s small businesses online.