HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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Dear Neighbors,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! On this special day, it is my hope that we can reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and as a community despite the many challenges we are facing. In my case, I'm thankful to represent you and I'm committed to continue working to address the issues that matter the most to you and your family. Have a joyful holiday!
Senator Gustavo Rivera
New York State Senate
33rd District
SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED IN CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING
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SENATOR RIVERA CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING WITH TURKEY DISTRIBUTIONs ACROSS HIS DISTRICT!
As Thanksgiving approaches, Senator Rivera and his team distributed turkeys and produce at different events across his district including at Pelham Parkway Houses, Bean Morris Community Garden, Bronx Community Board 8, and at the Riverdale Neighborhood House.
With generous donations from local businesses, corporate partners, and community organizations, Senator Rivera and his team worked hard to ensure that many families in Senate District 33 received what they needed to spend a joyful holiday, especially during these challenging times.
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This week, Senator Rivera joined Governor Kathy Hochul as she visited The Bronx to make a series of announcements highlighting new affordability measures that will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of families across New York.
Here are the highlights:
- Starting in January, 1.6 million families can start claiming New York’s expanded child tax credit for up to $1,000 per child, which will benefit more than 1.6 million families.
- New York just launched the BABY Benefit initiative, a one-time $1,800 allowance for low-income parents upon the birth of a new baby.
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Governor Hochul also announced significant investments into The Bronx's healthcare system to improve maternal care and youth mental health services. The state is allocating $5 million to build a new birthing center, where soon-to-be moms will be able to receive affordable care before, during and after birth, including the opportunity of giving birth in a safe, home-like setting.
In addition, the Governor is partnering with Montefiore Medical Center to open a brand new youth-focused inpatient psychiatric facility in The Bronx. This unit will help countless young Bronxites with complex behavioral health needs by providing them with treatment and other mental health services.
Finally, Senator Rivera joined the Governor, Montefiore Health System, Greater New York Hospital Association, the Afya Foundation, and 1199SEIU to recognize their efforts to send aid to Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
Read more about these announcements here and here.
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Senator Rivera's bill (S.1804-A) to require insurance coverage for certain inhalers (one rescue and one maintenance) at no cost has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
The cost of asthma inhalers can be cost prohibitive for many, with the price of each life-saving device being as high as $640 a month. Even with health insurance, individuals are subjected to significant expenses to access this life-saving medication, and without consistent access to inhalers, people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to get sick, be hospitalized, and die.
According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 1.4 million adults in New York live with asthma. New York City has one of the country’s highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths due to asthma among children and young adults, and it is especially prevalent in The Bronx. This is due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, tobacco use, and barriers to quality and affordable healthcare coverage.
"With the Governor signing this bill into law, New York is one step closer to eliminating the financial barriers that keep our residents from accessing life-saving asthma medications. I want to thank my partner in the Assembly, Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, for working closely with me to get this important law on the books, which will improve access to care,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.
This week, Senator Rivera attended the Bronx 48th Precinct Council monthly meeting. During the meeting, Senator Rivera shared updates on his work in the community including his office's most recent immigration related outreach efforts, as well as his walkthroughs of auto shops in Bronx Community Board 6 to directly engage with local auto shop owners to discuss his proposed legislation, S2329/A3629. He also responded to questions from board members, neighbors, and representatives from the precinct council.
Thank you to the Council's President Carmen Rivera, and all other members for their warm welcome!
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This week, Senator Rivera joined Bronx groups to urge New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to extend the environmental review process for the Cross Bronx 5 Bridge Project to 90 days from the current 52 days.
Bronx residents who will be impacted by this $900 million dollar project deserve to spend the holiday season spending time with their families, not reviewing a 6,000 page document.
The Cross Bronx Expressway has caused too much damage in our borough for almost seven decades so it is only fair that we get this project right and ensure future generations in the South Bronx grow up in a safer and healthier environment.
In the meantime, the NYSDOT will hold the following public hearings on the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment (DDR/EA):
- Wednesday, December 3, at Mott V, 1551 East 172nd Street, Bronx, NY 10472, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6, at P.S. 214, 1970 West Farms Road, Bronx, NY 10460, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a formal presentation at 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 10, virtually via Zoom, (Zoom ID: 834 3999 6917; Invite Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
83439996917). The virtual hearing will consist of formal presentations at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. followed by public testimony sessions.
Written comments on the Draft Design Report/Environmental Assessment can also be submitted via email to Rehab5CBEBridges@dot.ny.gov until January 9, 2026. You can review the DDR/EA here.
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Passionate about public service and are you social media savvy? Apply to our Social Media Internship and help our Communications Team shape the message behind the mission!
Deadline: ASAP
Send your resume + cover letter to grivera@nysenate.gov.
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THE 2026 NYC PARKS LIFEGUARD RECRUITMENT HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN!
Lifeguard qualifying tests began October 25, 2025 at Truman High School!
Lifeguard Qualiry Test are taking place between now through later February 2026. All potential lifeguards must first pass this test before beginning training. Please use the following link for Lifeguard Qualiry Testing locations in the Bronx Lifeguard Qualifying Test Registration : NYC Parks
Upcoming dates:
- Monday, 11/24
- Wednesday, 1/28/26
- Saturday, 2/7/26
These qualifying tests are taking place at Truman High School.
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FROM 11/1 TO 2/28/2026: APPLY TO THEDREAM.US SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DREAMERS!
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