SENATOR RIVERA JOINS GOVERNOR CUOMO, ELECTED OFFICIALS, AND CIVIC LEADERS TO SET PRIORITY AGENDA FOR THE NEW YORK STANDS WITH PUERTO RICO REBUILDING AND RECONSTRUCTING COMMITTEE

(New York, NY) – Today, State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after attending a meeting with representatives of Governor Cuomo’s office, fellow elected officials, and civic leaders in which they discussed and continued the process of identifying key priorities for Governor Cuomo’s New York Stands with Puerto Rico Rebuilding and Reconstructing Committee.

It has been almost nine months since Hurricane Maria hit the island, yet lack of federal action to provide adequate aide and Puerto Rico’s pre-existing economic crisis, have claimed the lives of thousands of Puerto Ricans and stalled recovery efforts. The goal of this committee is it to help facilitate lasting and forward-thinking solutions that help Puerto Ricans rebuilding their lives and their island.

“Puerto Ricans have not only seen their lives completely torn apart by a natural disaster, but also by the criminal inaction of our federal government. After attending the first official meeting of the New York Stands with Puerto Rico Rebuilding and Reconstructing Committee, I am encouraged by the thoughtful discussion we held regarding New York’s current and future efforts to help Puerto Rico rebuild and thrive. Throughout the meeting, it was clear that our priority was to facilitate a more comprehensive, multi-pronged rebuilding and reconstruction roadmap for Puerto Rico. This meeting made me feel that New York State will continue to be a key supporter of the island’s recovery efforts and the Puerto Rican people.

After countless hours connecting with grassroots organizations in Puerto Rico and a humbling week long visit to the island, which allowed me to see firsthand the utter devastation and the various needs that exist, I presented Governor Cuomo and the committee members with a list of priorities and recommendations that focused on the various issue areas including Counseling and Mental Health Services, Extension of SUNY and CUNY Credit Program, among others.

This meeting is just a first step.

I look forward to continue working alongside the Governor and members of this Committee to formulate and implement a robust and ambitious plan to help our fellow brothers and sisters of Puerto Rico rise and take the reins of their own future. ¡Pa’Lante!”