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TOMORROW SEPTEMBER 30, 5:30-7:30 PM, FEEDING WESTCHESTER CONVENES A PANEL OF EXPERTS FACING THE EFFECTS OF HUNGER AND THE EXTENT OF THE GROWTH IN THE NUMBERS OF CHILDREN WHO ARE UNDERNOURISHED IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

THE EVENT TAKES PLACE AT FEEDING WESTCHESTER OFFICES 200 CLEARBROOK ROAD  ELMSFORD.

TO GIVE IMPACT TO HUNGER ACTION MONTH, A PANEL OF TEACHER, PEDIATRICIAN, NUTRITIONIST, HUNGER SOLUTION EXPERT AND A PRINCIPAL WILL DESCRIBE THE EFFECTS OF HUNGER ON CHILDREN THEY SEE TODAY IN WESTCHESTER GROWING MORE HUNGRY BY THE DAY AND OFFER SOLUTIONS.

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Dear Neighbor,   I was in DC for the last few weeks and while some work got completed, I’ve been frustrated by the policy of Republican majority and President Trump to not negotiate as we get closer to a potential government shutdown. My colleagues and I are pushing to lower costs for families as we fund the government. I have some updates on that but first, I wanted to wish you a happy Fall and a Happy New Year for everyone who celebrated Rosh Hashanah this week.

Update from DC

One of my two Congressional Committees is the Foreign Affairs Committee. Last week we spent almost 35 hours in a meeting going through several bills and hundreds of amendments that would make up the State Department Reauthorization. I believe in the good work our State Department does to increase America’s soft power abroad. And like many of you, I have been disgusted by the policies of this Administration to gut this agency and centuries of work. While there were some policy proposals that I agreed with, the overall bill is not one I could support, as it will undermine the work of the State Department.

The other big legislative action last week was a vote on a Continuing Resolution as we get closer to our government shutting down. As a former County Executive, I understand the importance of getting the bills paid and keeping the lights on. Responsible governance matters. But I could not stand by while Affordable Care Act tax credits will expire, raising premiums by $2,890 for 10,000 of our neighbors (according to Joint Economic Committee Democrats). And millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid will have that healthcare taken away because of cuts included in the Big Ugly Law. So, I voted NO on the Continuing Resolution.   At a time when families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze of rising costs throughout the economy, we must act to extend these tax credits while working to fund the government. We need a commitment to do bipartisan negotiations on these matters — not simply imposing policies that are supported by the GOP majority and President Trump.   I want to hear from you.

Government shutdown Do you think Democrats and Republicans should come together to prevent a government shutdown? YES NO Taking this survey will sign you up for future news and updates from our office.

Last week I met with several local members of the Teamsters including President Louis Picani and Vice President Dominick Cassanelli from the Teamsters Local 456. We were able to discuss a number of local and federal issues, including how this Administration’s economic policies have affected union members and how Congress can continue to support workers.

At Home: Westchester and the Bronx

On Thursday I joined my colleague Rep. Dan Goldman and Protect Our Care New York for a virtual press conference to talk to about the ACA tax credits expiring and what it will mean for our state.

On Wednesday, I joined local elected officials for a ribbon cutting at the new mixed-income building in New Rochelle, The Leaf. It will have 477 units, including 119 for residents earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income, and is walkable to the New Rochelle rail and bus center.   We know that our region needs more housing, and this project is a great investment in New Rochelle and our district. Our local and state governments have a clear commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing options. With projects like The Leaf coming online, we are closer to our goal of ensuring every New Yorker has a place to call home.

Casework Corner

Mobile office hours Our stellar constituent services team will be in the following communities for Mobile Office Hours in the next few weeks. These are in addition to both of our offices in White Plains and Co-op City being open every weekday from 9am-5pm. September 30th: Yonkers Public Library – Riverfront from 1:00pm – 5:00pm October 3rd: New Rochelle Public Library from 2:00pm – 5:00pm

At both mobile office hours and through outreach to our offices, our casework team has helped over 800 residents with issues related to federal agencies and benefits. Here are a few recent examples of how they can assist you or someone you know: Social Security Disability Backpay (New Rochelle Resident): A constituent awaiting retroactive disability payments for over two years received $25,036.75 in backpay after our intervention, providing critical financial relief. DACA Work Authorization (Bronx Resident): Our office assisted a DACA recipient whose work authorization renewal was delayed. By expediting the employment authorization card with USCIS, we ensured uninterrupted employment. Immigration Visa Scheduling (New Rochelle Resident): Advocacy with the National Visa Center enabled a New Rochelle constituent’s spouse to secure an immigrant visa interview in the U.S. Embassy in Honduras, allowing the family to move forward and the spouse to begin her career. GLOBAL ENTRY Approval (White Plains Resident): By submitting a congressional inquiry, we confirmed the approval of a White Plains constituent’s GLOBAL ENTRY application, with the membership card now on its way. USCIS Lost Green Card (Mount Vernon Resident): A constituent’s green card was lost after mailing. Our office submitted a USCIS inquiry and assisted the family in applying for a replacement.

Texting sign up In addition to promoting upcoming Mobile Office Hours via this newsletter and on our social media, my office has started sending out text messages to residents in the surrounding towns. We hope this is another way to keep you informed of what I am working on in DC and at home. If you would like to join our texting list, you can sign up here: https://latimer.house.gov/services/subscribe-texting

Floor Speeches

Concern about recent developments at CDC and public health Remembering Mille Ortiz Sheehan Lynne T. Wagstaff’s Legacy Federal Reserve rate setting and inflation Celebrating Constitution Day and defending free speech Recent visit to Education First’s Tarrytown campus Defending free speech and the FCC Chairman’s own words

Social Post of the Week

Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe   As always, reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!   More soon.

Sincerely,

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COFFEE WITH FRIDAY NIGHT’S WHITE PLAINS WEEK

EPIDEMIOLOGISTS DECLARE COVID IN DECLINE IN NEW YORK 

BUT NOT IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY 2,215 NEW CASES FIRST 3 WEEKS

YONKERS COMMITEE APPROVES MGM GRAND PROPOSAL FOR FULL CASINO IN YONKERS.

D.A. SUSAN CACACE : WESTCHESTER WILL SEEK EXTRADITION IF ACCUSED FUGITIVES FLEE ABROAD

THE ARK OF WESTCHESTER OPENS ANN MANZI DAY PROGRAM BUILDING IN MOUNT KISCO

HOCHUL NEWS NETWORK THIS WEEK:

ONE BILLION DOLLARS DEDICATED TO CLEANING UP NEW YORK ENERGY CREATION

IRS SWITCHES TO ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF REFUNDS AND MORE 

WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK

ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 24 YEARS

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JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS

LEONARD LOLIS  ON HIS PLANS FOR MAYOR

ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD”

YOU’VE SEEN HIS COMMERICIALS. NOW LISTEN AS JOHN BAILEY ASKS

THE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD ASK HIM ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA 

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL DIRECTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION TO ISSUE DROUGHT WARNING FOR 12 COUNTIES, ADD 6 MORE COUNTIES TO DROUGHT WATCH

New Yorkers Urged to Conserve Water During Ongoing Dry Conditions

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions

Governor Kathy Hochul, with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, today announced a drought warning was issued in 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions and a drought watch was expanded to include six counties in the Susquehanna region. New York State is encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

“The less-than-normal amounts of rain have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in the Adirondacks and Southern Tier counties being elevated to drought warning status and Susquehanna counties elevated to drought watch,” Governor Hochul said. “While New York State experts continue to closely monitor the data and conditions on the ground, we are taking proactive steps to support communities, farmers and local water suppliers. At the same time, we are urging everyone to do their part to conserve water so we can reduce stress on our resources and prevent more severe impacts in the weeks ahead.”

A drought watch or warning is now in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County. Drought conditions in this region are determined by New

York City in close coordination with DEC. There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory State restrictions under a drought watch or warning. A warning declaration is a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions and includes increasing public awareness and voluntary water conservation. Public water supply purveyors and industries are urged to continue to implement local drought contingency plans.

The counties under the drought warning are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chemung, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Lewis, Steuben, St. Lawrence, and Warren. The counties added to the drought watch are Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego, Madison, and Tioga.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Drought preparedness and prevention requires an active, coordinated effort by all New Yorkers to prevent a water crisis affecting our environment, public health, and economy. Reducing outdoor water use and checking for leaks in homes and businesses can go a long way in conserving water and preventing conditions that could have long-term effects on water resources.”  

There is rain in the forecast for many parts of New York State, but the National Weather Service’s forecast suggests a minimal likelihood of significant relief from dry conditions. Observed precipitation over the past 90 days was less than normal across virtually the entire state. Observed precipitation deficits across the state range from two to eight inches. Stream flows and groundwater levels are declining in certain areas.

State Drought Index  

In New York, drought status determinations are based on a State Drought Index that uses New York State-specific attributes, so it may differ from national drought assessments. In addition, local conditions may vary, so some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage using locally focused criteria. DEC supports efforts by local governments and other stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific circumstances.  

Drought Preparedness

Certain sectors have the potential to be impacted by drought conditions, including water supply, agriculture, ecosystems, navigation and transportation, energy and manufacturing, and planning and preparedness. 

Drought preparedness includes monitoring and evaluation of climatological and conditions for early awareness of a potential drought and the implementation of short- and long-term options for programs and projects to minimize drought impacts. DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across the state.

The State’s Drought Management Task Force monitors drought conditions, communicates information, and coordinates with affected communities. The Task Force is governed by the State Drought Management Coordination Annex, which focuses on research, monitoring and possible legislative actions to help prevent and mitigate impacts from droughts.  Task Force members include DEC, New York State Office of Emergency Management, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Canal Authority, Thruway Authority, and New York Power Authority. With this coordinated preparedness and response effort, the impact of drought conditions on communities and commerce can be reduced.  

Know Your Water  

The public can contact their local water system for information about drought preparedness, impacts, and response notices and activities. Additional tips for the public on water conservation can also be found in each water system’s Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR).  

Water system contact information and AWQRs can be accessed using the Know Your NY Water website or water systems own websites. 

Support for Farmers 

It is recommended that on-farm water supplies are monitored regularly, and concerns are communicated with county emergency management and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets offer additional resources and local support. 

Ecosystems

Drought conditions can impact aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Reduced stream flows can impact the health of aquatic life. Decreased precipitation impacts terrestrial plants and animals through reduced plant growth. Drought conditions may be a contributing factor to Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) formation. Additional factors, including calm, sunny, and warm days and changing mixing dynamics can create conditions conducive to HAB formation. DEC maintains a HABs Reporting and Notifications page of waterbodies that currently have blooms.

Wildfire Prevention 

When wildfire risk is elevated, fire departments should check that their water sources have adequate supply and that the intakes for dry hydrants are sufficiently submerged.  

Residents should check with local authorities to see if a burn ban is in place before lighting any fires and ensure that any potential fire sources, including campfires and cigarettes, are fully extinguished.  

Private Water Well Assistance 
For assistance with water wells that may be affected by drought: 

• Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for individual needs. 

• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well. 

• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells. 

• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods. 

• Clean or redevelop existing wells. 

• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality. 

Water Conservation Tips

To protect water resources, water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips: 

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration; 

• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants; 

• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water; 

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; 

• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets; 

• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry; 

• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly; 

• Install water saving plumbing fixtures; 

• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold; and 

• Wash cars less frequently. 

For more water saving tips, visit DEC’s Water Use & Conservation webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit DEC’s website.