Today, the Westchester County Board of Legislators joins in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, whose profound impact extends far beyond the Catholic Church to touch people of all faiths and backgrounds worldwide. Pope Francis reached across divides to connect with people and spoke plainly about the need to work together – our biggest challenge.  As we honor his remarkable legacy, we recommit ourselves to fostering these same values of universal respect and compassion in our community.

The Board of Legislators today announced the launch of the Blue Envelope Program in Westchester with County Executive Ken Jenkins surrounded by leaders from Westchester County Public Safety, the Office for People with Disabilities and several autism advocacy groups in the Legislative Rotunda. This initiative is designed to foster calm and effective interactions between law enforcement and drivers with autism and other disabilities during traffic stops.

The Westchester County Board of Legislators today announced the signing of their bill that will enhance the County's ability to identify the lowest responsive and responsible bidder on public work contracts. Signed by County Executive Ken Jenkins today, the local law implements a legally required questionnaire in the contracting process that will enable county officials to better assess bidders' responsibility based on financial standing, legal capacity, integrity, past performance on government contracts and compliance with labor and other applicable laws.

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi (D-Yorktown, Somers, New Castle, Ossining) presented a $30,000 check today to Support Connection, Inc. The funds will enable peer counseling, support groups, and wellness and educational programs for people affected by breast, ovarian and other gynecological cancers. The Yorktown Heights nonprofit reaches people countywide and nationally through its toll-free cancer information line and programs offered via teleconference and video-conference.