White Plains, NY — On Wednesday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the County Executive submitted their 2024 Joint State Legislative Package to the New York State Delegation. The purpose of the meeting was to advocate for and support New York State legislation that impacts the issues of interest and concern for the residents of Westchester County.
This year’s package included a wide range of budgetary and legislative initiatives proposed by our State Senators and Assemblymembers regarding the environment, social services, housing, and other policy areas. The annual meeting is an important opportunity for Westchester County Legislators and the County Executive to meet face to face with State Legislators to express the County’s priorities for the new year.
In attendance from the NYS Delegation were Senators Pete Harckham, Shelly Mayer and Natalia Fernandez, and Assemblymembers Amy Paulin, Gary Pretlow, Nader Sayegh, MaryJane Shimsky (virtually) and Matthew Slater.
County Executive George Latimer said, “Collaboration is the cornerstone of effective governance. Through open dialogue, Westchester County proudly works with our State Delegation – including State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins - to address the pressing concerns of Westchester County residents. This annual joint legislative package serves as a vital platform where we can advocate for our community's priorities and work towards legislative initiatives that promote the well-being of all our constituents.”
Board Chair Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Somers, Yorktown) said, “The joint legislative package is an opportunity for us at the County level to discuss Westchester’s values with our partners in the State government. I am grateful for all of the members of our State Delegation for taking the time to hear our priorities, and I look forward to continuing our work delivering results for the residents of Westchester County.”
Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D – Mount Vernon) said, “I’d like to thank the County Executive and his team for collaborating with the Board every year to put together a comprehensive package of critical financial and legislative initiatives. Many important items were brought up for discussion, but my personal priority now is the housing shortage. I am hopeful that the result of our dialogue will help close the gap on delivering the 11,000 units of outstanding affordable housing identified in the Housing Needs Assessment.”
Legislator Colin Smith (D - Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Legislation Committee said, “Once again, the joint efforts of both the Board of Legislators and County Executive has resulted in supporting a robust group of state legislative and fiscal priorities for 2024. Such initiatives included increasing equitable protections for homeowners, combating climate change, flood mitigation and addressing Westchester's housing crises, to name but a few. I look forward to continued collaboration with our State partners to ensure we are doing all that we can to enhance the lives of our residents.”
Legislator David Imamura (D - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), Vice Chair of the Legislation Committee, facilitated the meeting. He said, “I want to thank the State Delegation, represented so well here today, for standing up for the issues facing Westchester County. Among you are former County Legislators who well understand Westchester’s needs. It is very productive when County government can work with such collaborative partners in Albany.”
The link to the 2024 Joint Legislative Package is here: https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/PDF/2024-joint-state-legislative-package.pdf