Policy Agenda & Action Plan
Melvin Rivera for Congress (NY-7)
REDEMPTION. RESPONSIBILITY. REAL OPPORTUNITY
CORE PHILOSOPHY: REDEMPTION
This campaign is about breaking cycles and rebuilding lives.
- Breaking generational poverty
- Breaking dependence on broken systems
- Breaking blind loyalty to political parties
We will not be defined by party—we will be defined by policy and results.
STRONG FAMILIES & ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE
(“Teach Them How to Fish”)
Agenda
Transform public assistance into a system that builds independence—not dependency.
Action Plan
- Restore HRA Apprenticeship Programs tied to high-income industries
- Create pipelines to $70K–$100K careers
- Allow families to retain benefits while advancing economically
- Require:
- Financial literacy
- Credit-building
- Savings targets (30% goal)
Outcome
Stronger families → long-term independence → generational wealth
HOUSING REFORM & ANTI-HOUSING CORRUPTION
Agenda
Shift from renter instability to ownership, stability, and community control.
Action Plan
TOPA – Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (CORE POLICY)
Empower tenants to become homeowners and stakeholders.
- Require landlords to notify tenants of intent to sell
- Grant tenants the first right to make an offer before public listing
- Provide a structured time window for tenants to:
- Organize
- Secure financing
- Submit a competitive bid
- Mandate landlords to fairly consider tenant offers
- Provide tenants with:
- Legal guidance
- Financial resources
- Technical assistance
Goal: Turn renters into owners, stabilize neighborhoods, and prevent displacement
Additional Housing Actions
- Pass an Anti-Flip Tax to stop predatory speculation
- Expand Cease & Desist Zones to protect homeowners
- Reform SCRIE/DRIE & SCHE/DHE income caps to reflect real NYC costs
- Balance short-term rental policies to protect both homeowners and tenants
Outcome
More ownership → stronger communities → long-term affordability
FREE ENTERPRISE & ECONOMIC GROWTH
Agenda
Build a competitive economy that works for workers, not monopolies.
Action Plan
- Challenge monopolistic practices by companies like National Grid
- Expand access to:
- Micro-loans
- Startup capital
- Revitalize industrial zones with business incentives
- Cut unnecessary small business regulations
Outcome
Lower costs, more jobs, stronger middle class
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE TRANSFORMATION
Agenda
Create an education system that leads to real-world success.
Action Plan
- Expand:
- Trade schools
- Apprenticeships
- Industrial high schools
- Require:
- Financial literacy
- Entrepreneurship training
- Return more control to parents and communities
Outcome
Students graduate with skills—not just diplomas
LABOR RIGHTS & WORKER JUSTICE
Agenda
Protect workers and restore fairness in the labor system.
Action Plan
- Repeal the Taylor Law
- Protect the right of workers to:
- Organize
- Protest
- Negotiate fair wages
- Improve compensation and conditions for public employees
Outcome
Empowered workers → stronger economy
PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY STABILITY
Agenda
Safe neighborhoods through balanced and effective policing.
Action Plan
- Fully fund law enforcement
- Increase:
- Officer salaries
- Mental health support
- Expand community policing
Outcome
Safer streets and stronger trust
IMMIGRATION REFORM (BALANCED APPROACH)
Agenda
A system that is lawful, humane, and practical.
Action Plan
Enforcement
- Focus on criminal offenders
- Require proper warrants for enforcement actions
- Protect:
- Places of worship
- Civic and administrative appointments
Legal Pathways
- Create expedited Green Card pathways for individuals who:
- Have lived in the U.S. 10+ years
- Are law-abiding
- Pay taxes and contribute
Not amnesty—earned opportunity with accountability
Outcome
Order, fairness, and stability
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY
Agenda
Restore trust by making government fully accountable.
Action Plan
- Expand FOIL access to all publicly funded entities
- Audit spending and contracts
- Require proactive public notification of policy changes
- Create zero-interest repayment programs for struggling families
Pension & Institutional Accountability
- Advocate for transparency in pension fund investments
- Promote ethical investment standards
- Strengthen oversight in union and public fund governance
Outcome
Government that works for the people—not above them
INFRASTRUCTURE, WATER & ECONOMIC REINVESTMENT
Agenda
Invest in infrastructure that supports public health and economic growth.
Action Plan
Support: New York State Bill S1237A
- Reinstate the Stock Transfer Tax (1905)
- Redirect revenue into:
- Drinking water systems
- Stormwater infrastructure
- Sewer systems
Key Initiative:
Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program
- Replace aging systems
- Prevent environmental hazards
- Protect public health
Outcome
Cleaner water, safer communities, sustainable infrastructure
TRANSPORTATION & COST RELIEF
Agenda
Make transportation more affordable and efficient.
Action Plan
- Audit MTA spending and congestion pricing
- Expand Fair Fares
- Improve commuter affordability
- Introduce regulated transit alternatives in underserved areas
Outcome
Lower costs for working families
HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT & RESILIENCE
Agenda
Protect communities from environmental and health threats.
Action Plan
- Invest in:
- Flood resilience
- Sewer infrastructure
- Climate adaptation
- Expand:
- Cooling centers
- Senior and disability support programs
- Enforce strict:
- Lead safety
- Air quality standards
Outcome
Healthier, safer neighborhoods
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & DEMOCRACY
Agenda
Empower people to participate in shaping their future.
Action Plan
- Reform petitioning systems for broader participation
- Increase voter engagement across all affiliations
- Eliminate abuse of campaign matching funds
- Invest in grassroots leadership
Outcome
More voices → stronger democracy
CORE MESSAGE
“Empower People. Build Ownership. Break Dependency. Demand Accountability.”
TOP 5 SIGNATURE ISSUES
-
Housing → From Renters to Homeowners
-
Public Assistance Reform → Teach People How to Fish
-
Education & Workforce → Real Careers, Not Dead-End Jobs
-
Free Enterprise → Break Monopolies, Create Opportunity
-
Accountability → Government Works for the People
