Westchester Sends Joint Legislative Package To State Lawmakers

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County's leaders have sent Albany its wish list of actions they want state legislators to address that will help county residents and taxpayers in 2021.

The package, according to a news release Friday from County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester Board of Legislators, includes state measures that will create jobs; improve infrastructure, public health and transportation, and reimburse the county for the cost of state-mandated programs.

The county is also asking for measures to improve the storm-readiness of local utilities, protect local hospitals and enhance environmental sustainability.

Latimer said it was imperative for people in government to work together to find solutions to the challenges everyone is facing.

"Contained in this joint package are some of those solutions that we look to implement for the betterment of all who call Westchester home," he said. "Our New York State delegation has stood with us time and time again and understands the needs we all share."

Among the top priorities in the package are support for the expansion of downstate casino licenses, the release of fifiscal year 2020-21 money previously allocated to Westchester, the funding of Indian Point-related emergency operations and opposition to shifting costs for aid and incentives for municipalities onto Westchester County.

The package also calls for action by the state on the following:

• Support the right to counsel in eviction cases
• Mandatory notification of Extreme Risk Protection Order information by mental health facilities to patients and families upon discharge
• Requiring hospitals in a municipality of less than 250,000 residents to obtain approval from voters at a mandatory referendum before closing
• Approval of the county's acquisition of the North County Trailway
• Study the economic impact of quality childcare and early education programs
• Tougher requirements for storm hardening and emergency planning by electric utilities

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