Senator Rivera Becomes Ranking Member of Senate Health Committee

Bronx, NY - State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) was today named ranking member of the New York Senate's Health Committee.  As a member of the Senate Democratic Conference, Senator Rivera will be representing the interests of the conference on issues of health.

"I am proud to represent the people of the 33rd Senate District as well as the Senate Democratic conference as the ranking member of the Senate health committee," said Senator Rivera. "The issues that will be addressed in the health committee in the coming years are of particular interest to the individuals I represent. The Bronx is unfortunately the unhealthiest county in the state, and yet also looks to the healthcare industry as an economic engine, employing a great deal of my constituents. "

"Senator Gustavo Rivera is an outstanding choice to serve as Ranking Member on the Senate Health Committee," said Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health. "He brings knowledge, passion, and dedication to the many health care challenges facing New York.  I look forward to working with him to build a progressive health care policy for our state."

"I congratulate Sen. Gustavo Rivera on his appointment as a ranking member of this important committee," said Dr. Steven Safyer, President of Montefiore Medical Center. "The Senator is a true leader whose passionate commitment to health and healthcare is an inspiration to our community. I look forward to our continued partnership."

"I congratulate my friend, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, on his appointment as the ranking member of that body's health committee. Gustavo and I have done great work through the Bronx CAN-Changing Attitudes Now-health initiative in the Bronx, and I know firsthand that he has what it takes to develop a robust agenda on health for the entire state," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"I congratulate Senator Rivera on his new appointment," said Dr. Scott Cooper, President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Barnabas Hospital. "He has always been a passionate advocate on behalf of the St. Barnabas Hospital community, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new capacity."

From Douglas L. York, CEO, Union Community Health Center stated, "Union Community Health Center congratulates Senator Gustavo Rivera on his appointment as Ranking Member of the Senate Standing Committee on Health. There has been no better health advocate for our community. Both personally and professionally, Senator Rivera embodies Union's mission of improving health outcomes in our neighborhoods.  Union Community Health Center looks forward to continuing to partner with Senator Rivera towards a healthier Bronx."

Senator Rivera has served on the health committee since he was elected two years ago. Over the past two years, Senator Rivera has focused on addressing issues of health equity, as well as promoting better nutritional and exercise habits through his Bronx CAN Health Challenge and his partnership with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.