Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT AT TRACEY TOWERS!

Last week, Senator Rivera celebrated Black History Month at Tracey Towers. The celebration honored Black excellence and history and featured live music from the Morrisania Band Project who performed R&B and soul classics. 

Thank you to Ms. Jean Hill for her support in making this event an annual celebration, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for stopping by, and to the Morrisania Band for such an amazing performance!  

This week, Senator Rivera's office hosted a second Rent Freeze and Homeowner Tax Break Screening Day for constituents who were unable to attend last week’s event at Part of the Solution (POTS).

Thank you to the Department of Finance for assisting constituents with initial and renewal applications for SCRIE, DRIE, and SCHE! Need help applying for a rent freeze or a property tax break? Call our office to find out if you're eligible: 718-933-2034.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS THE LAUNCH OF WORTHY AT THE HARVARD CLUB NYC

This week, Senator Rivera attended the launch of Worthy Initiative, hosted by Paul Markovich, President and CEO of Ascendiun, the parent company of Blue Shield of California. During the event, Paul Markovich hosted Mark Cuban, founder and CEO of Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC), for a discussion on the Worthy initiative and efforts to reform the healthcare system to be more patient centered.

During this event, Senator Rivera raised awareness on the New York Health Act (S.3425) and asked both Paul Markovich and Mark Cuban about their thoughts and plans to fight for comprehensive, high quality healthcare in New York and across the country.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS NYC DSA TAX THE RICH RALLY

Senator Rivera joined advocacy groups and colleagues at a rally outside City Hall calling on the Executive and Legislature to include statewide revenue proposals and the Fair Share Act in the state budget. 

Senator Rivera strongly believes that we must pass proposals that make the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations pay their fair share. Senator Rivera is proud to sponsor S.1439, which would fairly tax long-term capital gains for the top 1%.

Senator Rivera is a proud supporter of the Invest in Our New York (IONY) campaign to make billionaires and corporations pay their fair share. Learn more about IONY's 2026 Revenue Agenda here.

SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

This week, Senator Rivera joined the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) at a press conference to shed light on the impact that federal Medicaid cuts and changes in Medicaid eligibility will have on community health centers (CHCs), especially since they are on the front line of improving health disparities.

During the press conference, Senator Rivera spoke about the need for reasonable investment in this year's budget and mentioned two of his bills that support community health centers, including S.3359 and the 340B Prescription Drug Anti-Discrimination Act. 

Thank you to CHCANYS for their continued advocacy and commitment to providing essential health services to New Yorkers in need.

This week, the Senate Majority advanced a package of legislation that upholds scientific standards, expands access to vaccinations, and further empowers our state’s health care providers to administer vaccines and immunizations to New Yorkers.

As the federal Department of Health seeks to remove vaccinations from standardized immunization schedules, this package also incorporates legislation that would require insurance providers and Medicaid to continue covering certain vaccines and immunizations, protecting insurance coverage for New Yorkers.

The legislation being passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes:

• Authorizing Registered Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations (S.7025B): This bill will authorize registered pharmacy technicians to administer the same immunizations as licensed pharmacists while under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

• Requiring Coverage of COVID-19 and Other Established Vaccinations (S.8334A): This bill will require commercial insurers to cover COVID-19 vaccinations, and would require Medicaid to cover the same and other established vaccinations.

• Broadening Immunization Recommendations and Coverage (S.8496C): This bill will authorize health care practitioners to order and administer immunizations recommended not only by the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), but also by independent, state, or interstate entities. Furthermore, it would require state-regulated insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by these entities.

• Ensuring Sound Childhood Immunization Practices (S.8853): This bill will call for children’s vaccine requirements to conform to regulations issued by the state Commissioner of Health, which regulations must be based on generally accepted medical standards and recommendations.

• Permitting Nursing Students to Administer Certain Vaccines (S.5706A): This bill will permit nursing students to administer certain vaccines, and would permit physicians and nurse practitioners to prescribe and order nursing students to administer certain vaccines.

• Requiring the Reimbursement of Vaccination Expenses (S.5852): This bill will require insurance companies to reimburse total direct and indirect practice expenses associated with vaccinations, in order for health care providers to more affordably administer vaccines.

• Authorizing Medical Assistants to Administer Vaccinations (S.5340B): This bill would authorize and train medical assistants to administer immunizations under the direct supervision of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

Join the Physicians for a National Health Program - NY Metro (PNHP), the Montefiore Social Medicine program, unions, and other partner organizations at their 2026 New York Health Act Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 17th!  Senator Rivera is the proud sponsor of the New York Health Act (S.3425), which would establish a universal, single-payer healthcare system in New York State.  With 33 Senate co-sponsors and 73 Assembly co-sponsors, New Yorkers need to make clear to legislators that the New York Health Act is necessary now because it will make healthcare a guarantee for everyone. Sharing your personal stories, as patients and caregivers, is a powerful way to show how this transformational policy will be.

RSVP HERE

In January 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 08, establishing NYC's first-ever "Rental Ripoff Hearings." These hearings will give New Yorkers across all five boroughs a direct platform to share their housing experiences in conversations with City officials to help shape housing policy. New Yorkers can discuss the challenges they face, from poor conditions and repair delays to unconscionable business practices and non-rent fees. City leaders from agencies focused on tenant stability, housing quality, and consumer protection will be there to listen. This is your chance to tell City government what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change.

The Bronx Rental Ripoff Hearing will take place next Wednesday, March 11. Unfortunately, pre-registration for this hearing is full. However, the City of New York still wants to hear from you. Please submit your testimony online.

DEADLINE 3/19: CUNY TEACHING FELLOWS PROGRAM: APPLY FOR THE 2026 COHORT!

Subject areas available: Bilingual Education in Spanish (Grades 1-6) - FILLED TO CAPACITY Becoming a Students with Disabilities - Bilingual in Spanish (Grades 1-6) Becoming a Students with Disabilities - Bilingual in Spanish (Grades 7-12) Becoming a Spanish Language (Grades 7-12) Becoming a Spanish Language Immersion (Grades 7-12) Becoming an English as a New Language (Grades K-12) Biology (Grades 7-12) Students with Disabilities - Biology (Grades 7-12) Chemistry (Grades 7-12) Earth Science (Grades 7-12) Physics (Grades 7-12) Science Immersion (Grades 5-9) Mathematics (Grades 7-12) Students with Disabilities - Mathematics (Grades 7-12) Mathematics Immersion (Grades 7-12) Students with Disabilities - Generalist (Grades 1-6) - FILLED TO CAPACITY Students with Disabilities - Generalist (Grades 7-12) Students with Disabilities - Moderate/Severe Autism Generalist in AIMS (Grades K-2) Moderate/Severe Students with Disabilities Generalist Grades 1-6 in District 75 Moderate/Severe Students with Disabilities Generalist (Grades 7-12) in District 75

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

 

Attorney General James, NYPD, and ATF Announce Takedown of Gun Trafficking Operation in Brooklyn

 

Khyle Williams Charged with 176 Crimes for Illegally Selling Firearms in New York

Investigation Seized 32 Firearms, 12 High-Capacity Magazines, and 200 Rounds of Ammunition

New York Attorney General Letitia James, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today announced the indictment and arrest of Khyle Williams, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, for illegally selling numerous semiautomatic pistols, revolvers, and high-capacity magazines. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) found that Williams made at least nine different illegal firearms sales between May and October 2025. The investigation recovered 32 firearms, 12 high-capacity magazines, and 200 rounds of ammunition from Williams. Williams was charged today with 176 crimes for illegally selling guns and ammunition. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

“New York City continues to turn the tide against gun violence, and investigations that stop gun traffickers and get guns off our streets are critical to keeping people safe,” said Attorney General James. “My office is committed to putting a stop to gun trafficking operations that flood our communities with dangerous weapons. I thank our law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation to seize dozens of firearms and protect New Yorkers.”

“NYPD detectives, working in collaboration with the ATF, continue to do what they do best: identify the firearms, arrest the traffickers, and shut down dangerous operations that put our communities at risk," said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. "Thanks to our precision-policing strategies — which seized 32 guns and a cache of accessories in this case — over the first two months of 2026, we achieved the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims ever recorded in New York City history. I thank Attorney General James for her partnership in ensuring justice is served and her longstanding dedication to fighting gun violence.”

“Gun traffickers who attempt to flood our communities with illegal firearms will be identified, investigated, and held accountable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division Bryan DiGirolamo. “This case demonstrates the impact of sustained collaboration between ATF NY/ NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force and the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Special thank you to the NYPD’s 5th Precinct Field Intelligence Officers. By removing 32 firearms, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition from circulation, we have disrupted a dangerous trafficking pipeline and taken meaningful steps to reduce violent gun crime.”

The takedown was the result of a joint investigation between OCTF, NYPD, and ATF. The investigation included controlled firearms purchase operations, covert video surveillance, and analysis of financial and telephone records.

The investigation revealed that from May to October 2025, Williams used encrypted messaging apps to negotiate the prices of firearms and make arrangements to meet his customers. After securing the agreed upon firearms, Williams would meet his customers in a car in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn to make his sales, typically selling guns for $800 - $1,100. The investigation also revealed that some of the firearms Williams sold had been reported stolen in Georgia.

Williams has been charged with the following crimes:  

• One count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree;
• Seven counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree;
• 10 counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree;
• 77 counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree;
• 28 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree;
• 21 counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree; and
• 32 counts of Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea.

Attorney General James thanks the members of the NYPD and ATF’s Joint Firearms Task Force for their valuable participation in this investigation. The investigation was led by ATF Special Agents and NYPD Detectives of the Joint Firearms Task Force. For NYPD, Police Officer Adrian Soulier, Detective James Garcia, Sergeant Brian Manning, Lieutenant Michael Whelan, and Deputy Inspector Jeffrey Heilig assisted in the investigation, under the supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

The Attorney General would also like to thank the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and members of the NYPD 5th Precinct Intelligence Team for their assistance.