May 29 ——NEW! HOMESEEKER PLATFORM FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WESTCHESTER

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COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS AND DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING TO LAUNCH

Web-Based Portal Will Help Streamline the Process

for Applying for Affordable Housing in Westchester

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Department of Planning are launching a new HomeSeeker platform – the County’s interactive, web-based portal that helps connect individuals and families with affordable housing opportunities.

This newly redesigned, user-friendly program was created to help streamline the process for residents who want to register and apply for affordable housing, making it easier for them to find a place they can truly call home.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “HomeSeeker is your go-to resource for discovering affordable housing opportunities across the County. Whether you’re looking to stay in your own neighborhood or explore a new community, this platform will help identify open and available units, making the application process simpler and more accessible. Through collaboration with developers and municipalities, Westchester County is supporting the growth of privately owned and operated developments that offer quality, affordable options for our residents. This new platform proves our commitment to creating a thriving, inclusive County.”

Watch the Video on the New HomeSeeker Platform

 

Watch the Press Conference Live on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

Once registered, participants can sign up to receive updates on housing units as they become available. Residents will also receive notices on workshops, information sessions and open houses.

The Planning Department will be hosting a series of virtual information sessions on HomeSeeker via WebEx.:

  • Tuesday, June 17 from 4 to 5 p.m. – English
  • Wednesday, June 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. – Spanish
  • Monday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to Noon – For Not-for-Profit and Community Organizations

To register, send an email with the session you wish to attend to homeseeker@westchestercountyny.gov

Commissioner of Planning Blanca Lopez said:

“After many months of collaboration with our colleagues from the Department of Information Technology, PruTech Solutions, and Westchester Residential Opportunities, we are thrilled to announce the launch of an enhanced version of HomeSeeker. This new platform not only provides users with information on affordable housing opportunities but also allows them to apply directly through the platform.  The successful completion of this project is a testament to the strong partnerships the County has with stakeholders who are dedicated to advancing affordable housing initiatives. We are excited to offer this valuable resource to the public.”

 

Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information Technology Marguerite Beirne said:

“DoIT was proud to partner with Commissioner Lopez and her dedicated team to support the County’s vision of increasing access to affordable housing information. The user-friendly, web-based application allows residents to easily explore affordable housing opportunities throughout the County. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to leveraging technology to improve community access to essential resources.”

Executive Director of Westchester Residential Opportunities (WRO) Marlene Zarfes said:

“HomeSeeker makes applying for affordable housing easier and more user-friendly. WRO applauds the County for using technology to reduce barriers to access, allowing households to register an online account to explore available options, and then apply for one or multiple potential opportunities. It makes the whole process more efficient and customized to each user.”

Chief Operating Officer of PruTech Jamal Abdo said:

“In partnership with the County of Westchester, PruTech Solutions developed the HomeSeeker platform to help residents more easily access affordable housing opportunities. This innovative tool makes the housing search process more transparent, efficient, and equitable for the community. Leveraging modern, user-friendly technology, HomeSeeker demonstrates how public-private collaboration can simplify access to vital resources. It’s been an honor to work alongside the County’s Department of Planning to deliver a platform that puts residents first and uses technology for good.”

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MAY 28—YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST: SCRUTINY OF ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS TODAY

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MAY 29 — PLAYLAND RIDES AGAIN–JUST LIKE OLE TIMES — 100s young old parents teens come back to their old friend

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COUNTY EXECUTIVE OPENS PLAYLAND “A HERCULIAN JOB” THANKS WORKERS,  COMMISSIONERS FOR GETTING THE PEOPLE’S PARK READY TO GREET HUNDREDS  OF OLD AND SOON TO BE NEW FRIENDS!

A 100 PERSONS OR MORE WERE THERE 45 MINUTES EARLY WAITING FOR THE 11:30 AM OPENING. AS OF 12 NOON THERE WERE 10 ROWS OF PARKING FILLED–WITH 3/4 OF PARKING AREA FILLED. AS OF 2 PM THE PARKING LOT FILLED.

LONG LINES PATIENTLY WAITED FOR THE RIDES IN KIDDIELAND; RODE THE MERRY GO ROUND THAT WAS PACKED  AND THE MINI COASTER.

The almost 100 year old park (opened 1929) looked brand new repainted by the county to match the colors the park had when it first opened based on historical research.

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK TONIGHT 7:30 PM THE MAY 23 REPORT WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS FIOS CH 45 WPOPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS REPORTS $25 MILLION DEFICIT RUNNING INCREASING

PLAYLAND OPENS TOMORROW FREE ADMISSION $10 TO PARK

HOCHUL: PRESIDENT DECIDES OFFSHORE EMPIRE WIND 1 CAN RESUME CONSTRUCTION

SCHOOL BUDGET PASSED BY 87% BRADY AND NORRIS REELECTED TO THEIR 6TH TERMS

CYBER EXTORTION PARALYZES 14 HOSPITALS IN OHIO–A COAST TO COAST THREAT

GOV. HOCHUL AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS

DETAIL THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN PASSED BUDGET– THE BUDGET OF DEATH

BRASCH AND HUNT-ROBINSON FACE THE MUSIC AT LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS WHITE PLAINS FORUM

THE HIDDEN TRUTH ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING IT’S NOT AFFORDABLE

WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON YOUR WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 24 YEARS

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THE LATIMER REPORT

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Rep. George Latimer's header image

Dear Neighbor,

 

As we begin Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our continued freedoms. Memorial Day reminds us of what they fought for and the importance of caring for those they fought alongside and those they left behind. I hope you will also take time to reflect on these tremendous sacrifices this weekend.

 

It has been a busy few weeks here in DC with the House Republican majority working on their budget which would cut funding and take away Medicaid and SNAP from millions of Americans. My Democratic colleagues and I have been speaking out about what this bill contains and why it will be harmful for everyday Americans. I voted no on the floor yesterday because this bill does not serve our district. The Republican budget bill benefits the highest earners through tax cuts and takes away healthcare, and so much more, from those who need it most.

It is a very long bill but some of the main components for our district include:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This budget will take away food from millions of people, including 74,000 people in our district according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. This will hurt children, families and seniors. But it will also hurt local food banks, like Meals on Main Street, Feeding Westchester, City Harvest, and Ridgeway Alliance Church Food Pantry, who will likely see an increased demand if SNAP benefits are taken away. My floor speech here. 
  • Medicaid: Medicaid is vital healthcare for people who cannot get healthcare elsewhere. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 196,000 people in our district who depend on Medicaid could lose their coverage, including 73,000 children and 27,000 seniors. This will also increase costs for hospitals and may result in closures of hospitals and nursing homes with cuts to Medicaid providers. My floor speech here.
  • State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction: I fully support a complete restoration of the SALT deduction for homeowners paying Federal taxes. No half-baked alternatives like the cap included in this bill will provide real tax relief. This deduction was in place for 100 years until 2017 during President Trump’s first term when Congressional Republicans passed a bill that reduced the deduction to a fraction. It must be fully restored. My explainer video here.
  • Energy and the environment: This bill will phase out clean energy production and investment tax credits and end long-standing home energy efficiency tax credits. If these aren’t bad enough, the bill also has provisions to require the accelerated sale of public lands for oil and gas drilling and rescind funding from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund that protects Americans from pollution and lowers the cost of energy bills. My floor speech here.
  • Women’s healthcare: The bill “defunds” Planned Parenthood and an 11th hour change bans every insurance plan on the Affordable Care Act Exchange from covering abortion.

In DC these last two weeks, my staff and I met with a number of different groups, many that included residents of Westchester and the Bronx. These groups included Community Voices Heard, the Ambassador to the U.S. for Kazakhstan, a delegate from the Government of Quebec, NORPAC, and the Pace University Council of Undergraduate Research.

Last week I joined my friend Congressman Timothy Kennedy to announce a new bill, the Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. This legislation will prevent civilians from purchasing enhanced body armor. You may remember the horrific shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo three years ago. A police officer named Lt. Aaron Salter Jr. attempted to subdue the shooter, but the shooter was in enhanced body armor and shot and killed Lt. Salter, and nine other innocent people. This bill will keep police officers and the general public safe, and it was surprising to me that there is no current federal restriction on the purchase of enhanced body armor. It has support from Everytown, GIFFORDS, Brady, and the Fraternal Order of the Police.

I recently participated in a House Democratic leadership hearing on how small businesses have been hurt by President Trump’s tariff policy. Small business owners from across the country attended to give Congress an update on how they have been affected by the President’s policies. These policies have created uncertainty for small businesses, and it will affect our local economies in the short and long term.

In case you missed it, I recently published an op-ed in LoHud about how we must stand up for our country and its pillars of democracy. You can read that here: https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2025/05/20/george-latimer-american-democrays-pillars-are-under-threat-opinion/83670179007/

At Home: Westchester and the Bronx

I was glad to announce last week that in the first four months in Congress, my office has returned more than $589,000 in federal benefits to residents throughout Westchester and the Bronx. When people think of a member of Congress, they usually think about work done in Washington, DC passing laws and voting. This is a significant part of the job. But some of the most important, meaningful work my office does is assisting residents on an individual basis, advocating for them and getting them answers from bureaucratic federal agencies. I’m proud of the work my office has done in just the last few months.

 

Let me compliment the work of Edili Espaillat, Daphney Sintyl, Michelle Gewanter, and Tara Conte – as well as our intern army – under the watchful eye and direction of Ellen Hendrickx in Westchester and Tremaine O’Garro in the Bronx.

 

One opportunity for constituents to receive direct help is through the mobile office hours my constituent service team does. So far, we have held mobile office hours in Mount Vernon, Port Chester, New Rochelle, and Greenburgh.

 

In the next few weeks, mobile office hours will be at:

  • El Centro Hispano, 295 Central Avenue, White Plains on Wednesday, May 28th from 1-5pm
  • Mount Vernon Public Library, 28 S 1st Ave, Mount Vernon on Monday, June 2nd from 1-5pm
  • Tuckahoe Public Library, 71 Columbus Ave, Tuckahoe on Wednesday, June 4th from 1-5pm

Up Close and Personal

During my tenure in public office – City, County, and State – legislative and executive positions – I’ve established a presence at meetings and events all across our home area. Since January in this position, I have personally:

  • Presented in person at local town, village and city council meetings, with Q&A sessions at each: Ardsley, Larchmont, Tarrytown, Rye Brook, Irvington, Mamaroneck Town, Mamaroneck Village, Scarsdale, Rye City, Rye Town, Greenburgh, and Port Chester.
  • Met in person with advocacy groups in Yonkers, Co-op City, White Plains, New Rochelle, Bronxville, Mount Vernon, and Harrison.
  • Visited churches and civic groups in Eastchester, Edenwald, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Pelham, Tuckahoe, and Wakefield.

Over my years in public office, I have found that regularly attending these community meetings, where people can speak directly to me about their personal ideas and concerns, allows for the best opportunity for an open and honest dialogue. We’re holding virtual Q&A sessions to address questions for a broad-based viewing audience to complement the every-weekend outreach of in-person meetings. We will be announcing the next virtual Q&A session in the coming days.

Floor Speeches

Social Post of the Week

Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, FacebookBlueskyTwitter/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,

Rep. George Latimer's signature image

Rep. George Latimer

Member of Congress

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MAY 21–COUNTY RUNNING $25 MILLION DEFICIT AT FIRST QUARTER .COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS REPORTS. SALES TAX RECEIPTS TO BLAME. SPENDING DOWN. FAILS TO REFLECT INFLATION IMPACT

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UPDATE ON WESTCHESTER COUNTY BUDGET

County Executive Ken Jenkins Issues Statement


“The first quarter budget projections are in, and Westchester County is facing a $24.25 million gap in the general fund for the 2025 fiscal year.

While this takes into account adjustments, such as overtime savings, the shortfall is still primarily due to declining sales tax revenue—a number that is expected to grow in the coming months.

We are seeing a softening in consumer spending, which is directly impacting our sales tax collections.

“While these projections are concerning, they are not entirely unexpected given broader economic trends.

This decline is being driven, in part, by ongoing chaos in Washington, the constant fluctuation of the financial markets, and the looming threat of new tariffs—all of which are contributing to economic uncertainty and reduced consumer confidence.

“Despite these challenges, we want to reassure our residents that we are closely monitoring the situation and making thoughtful, strategic budget decisions – always with their best interests in mind.

Our goal is to mitigate the impact on taxpayers while maintaining essential services and long-term fiscal stability.

“We remain committed to transparency and responsibility as we navigate these uncertain times.”

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MAY 21—CITIZENS GIVE WESTCHESTER LEGISLATORS AN EARFUL OF MISERIES CAUSED BY ON CON ED. NEXT CON ED BARBECUE JUNE 3

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BOARD HOLDS FIRST COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION ON CON ED RATE HIKES IN CORTLANDT
Second Session Announced for June 3rd in Irvington

CORTLANDT, NY — County residents passionately detailed the devastating impact of Con Edison’s soaring utility rates last night at the Westchester County Board of Legislators’ first Community Listening Session in Cortlandt’s Town Hall. It was the first in a series of public forums the Board will host across the County in the coming months to give people a platform to voice their concerns about the utility company.

Con Edison’s proposed rate increases would surge residential electricity bills an average of 11.4% and gas bills 13.3% by 2026, adding to rates already widely considered unconscionably high in Westchester County.

A local Vietnam veteran expressed deep frustration, noting many Westchester veterans living on fixed disability pension checks struggle to afford basic expenses, let alone rising utility costs. He called it “insult to injury” for those who served their country. Other speakers described bundling their children up indoors during cold weather and lighting fires in their homes to avoid turning on heat—an alarming indicator of how unaffordable the service has become for everyday families.

The session is part of the Board’s ongoing advocacy for residents following their March decision for the County to become a party to the major rate case against Con Edison under review by the New York State Public Service Commission. This move ensures proceedings prioritize the voices of people directly impacted by exorbitant utility rates.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi and Legislators Colin SmithEmiljana UlajErika PierceShanae WilliamsJames Nolan, and Catherine Parker attended the session to hear directly from residents struggling with high bills and the consequences of a system many described as broken and unjust.

The Board will hold the second Community Listening Session at Irvington Town Hall Theater on Tuesday, June 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The public is encouraged to attend.

Watch last night’s Facebook Live replay HERE.

Find more information about upcoming Community Listening Sessions HERE.

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MAY 20– NEW 2025-26 SCHOOL BUDGET PASSES WITH 87% MARGIN. CHARLES NORRIS AND SHERYL BRADY VOTED NEW 4 YEAR TERMS

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ANN VACCARO-TEICH, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS IN PUTTING RETURNS OF THE BUDGET VOTE FROM THE 6 POLLING PLACES IN THE CITY.

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. By John F. Bailey. May 20, 2025:

The White Plains CSD 2025-2026 Budget was passed with a (unofficial) total vote count of 1,201 YES (86.71%) and 184 NO tonight,

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Ricca issued this statement to the community:

 “On behalf of the White Plains CSD Board of Education, we would like to take a moment to thank you! Your feedback, recommendations, and support throughout the budget planning and presentation processes is appreciated. We are grateful for your continued support of our Tigers and the WPCSD educational community.”

Dr. Ricca with winning Board Members, Charlie Norris, left and Sheryl Brady for new 4-year terms  which will be their sixth terms respectively on the White Plains Board of Education.

Charlie Norris  and Sheryl Brady incumbents won new 4-year terms to the Board over Julia Oliva and Mohammed S. Chowdhury. the unofficial results:

Julia Oliva 485

Charlie Norris* 966

Mohammed S. Chowdhury 146

Sheryl Brady* 924

(* denotes incumbent)

 

Superintendent of Schools Ricca had these comments to WPCNR  on the importance of this year’s budget vote

 

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MAY 20–COUNTY CALLS ON HOUSE TO REJECT MEDICAID, SNAP CUTS

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY URGES CONGRESS TO REJECT DEVASTATING CUTS TO MEDICAID AND SNAP


(White Plains, NY) – In a strong show of opposition to proposed federal budget cuts that would impact the most vulnerable residents in our community, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has sent a letter to Congressmen Mike Lawler (NY-17) and George Latimer (NY-16) urging them to stop a proposal that would slash funding to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Letter Attached

The proposed cuts, advanced by the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, threaten to unravel the health and nutrition safety net that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers depend on—including 240,000 Westchester County residents currently enrolled in Medicaid. 

If enacted, the proposals would also dramatically alter SNAP eligibility, denying food assistance to hundreds of thousands of children by disqualifying those over the age of seven from being counted as dependents—an unprecedented rollback of the basic support systems American families rely on.

In addition to increasing hunger and poverty, the Medicaid cuts are expected to overwhelm emergency rooms and cost New York hospitals an estimated $1.3 billion annually, including $62 million in CD16 and CD17 alone. Despite an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, nearly 1 in 4 Westchester residents rely on Medicaid—a clear sign that even working families need this critical lifeline.

The County calls on both Congressmen to fight these dangerous cuts.

HERE IS WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATEMENT:

 

“We learned from New York State that proposed federal measures could have a devastating impact on Westchester County and the residents who rely on critical programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. As a County, we are deeply concerned about these potential cuts and the burden they would place on our healthcare providers and the most vulnerable members of our community.

“If enacted, these changes could result in the loss of $10 billion in federal funding across New York State. Right here in Westchester, the consequences would be profound:

  • In Congressional District 16: 7,521 people could lose their healthcare coverage, and hospitals in the district could lose an estimated $30 million in federal funding.
  • In Congressional District 17: 5,264 individuals could be at risk of losing coverage, and hospitals in that district could face a loss of up to $32 million.

“We are in close communication with Congressman George Latimer and Congressman Mike Lawler. We know they will fight for Westchester and the people who depend on these essential services.

“Now is the time for all of us to speak out. We urge residents to contact their congressional representatives and make it clear: Westchester cannot afford to be impacted this way. The health and well-being of our neighbors is at stake.”

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MAY 19—-GOVERNOR HOCHUL THANKS PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR RESTART OF OFFSHORE NY WINDMILL PROJECT AS PRESIDENT TRUMP LIFTS STOP WORK ORDER

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR HOCHUL ON “EMPIRE WIND 1′

“Thousands of jobs. Hundreds of thousands of homes powered by clean energy. That’s what Empire Wind 1 was poised to deliver until a stop work order was issued on April 16 by the Department of Interior.

I knew this critical project needed to move forward and have spent weeks pushing the federal government to rescind the stop work order to allow the workers to return and ensure this important source of renewable power could come to fruition.

“After countless conversations with Equinor and White House officials, bringing labor and business to the table to emphasize the importance of this project, I’m pleased that President Trump and Secretary Burgum have agreed to lift the stop work order and allow this project to move forward.

Now, Equinor will resume the construction of this fully-permitted project that had already received the necessary federal approvals. I also reaffirmed that New York will work with the Administration and private entities on new energy projects that meet the legal requirements under New York law. In order to ensure reliability and affordability for consumers, we will be working in earnest to deliver on these objectives.

“I want to thank President Trump for his willingness to work with me to save the 1,500 good paying union jobs that were on the line and helping get this essential project back on track.

“New York’s economic future is going to be powered by abundant, clean energy that helps our homes and businesses thrive. I fought to save clean energy jobs in New York — and we got it done.”

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