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The Stamford Sizzlers Cricket Club Team and Bandish Beats worked out yesterday in White Plains in preparation for their annual tournament in Stamford in support of the Team’s Sponsor charity, Gift of Adoption Saturday June 7 in Lione Park Stamford 325 Stillwater Ave. Admission is free. In their 2024 Tournament the cricket club raised $2,000 in donations for the Fairfield County Community Foundation
SWING! sizzlers swing!
MEMBERS OF THE BANDISH BEATS AND STAMFORD SIZZLERS
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JOHN BAILEY ON RUNNING FOR THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM
MEALS ON WHEELS FACES LOSS OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS IF WASHINGTON CUTS NEW YORK GRANTS..SPONSORS, DONORS, VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
JOHN BAILEY ON THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY: WHAT THE TWO MAYORAL CANDIDATES NEED TO BE THINKING ABOUT
GOVERNOR HOCHUL GIVES BACK SALES TAX INCREASES TO NY CITIZENS TO HELP WITH INFLATION IMPACT
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT JOSEPH RICCA AND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS ANN VACCARO-TEICH ON HOW THE SCHOOL BUDGET GROWS LEARNING WITH A 1.67% TAX INCREASE
HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE TARGETS NON PROFITS WHO DISSENT WITH LOSS OF TAX EXEMPTION
YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST EXPLAINS HOW VACCINES ARE MADE, CORRECTING SECRETARY KENNEDY’S PERCEPTION.
AND MORE FROM
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
FOR 24 YEARS FRIDAYS
7:30, MONDAYS AT 7 AND 24/7 ON WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
“THE REAL NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW”
TRUTH JUSTICE AND THE AMERICAN WAY
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THE ANNUAL PEOPLE TO BE HEARD SCHOOL BUDGET SPECIAL
JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS THE SCHOOL BUDGET BUILDERS ON
THE $277,965,500 NEW BUDGET UP FOR YOUR APPROVAL NEXT TUESDAY MAY 20
THE Magic of ADVANCE ACCURATE BUDGET PLANNING
PAYS OFF AND CREATES 92% GRADUATION RATE
HOW 8 YEARS OF CONSERVATIVE GROWTH HAS IMPROVED THE DISTRICT
HOW STRATEGY PAID FOR A $12,065,500 4.5% INCREASE IN EXPENSES AND ONLY RAISES TAXES 1.67%
WHAT HAPPENS IF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUTS NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL AID
AND MORE
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|
WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER
FROM SOLAR INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION This morning, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee passed a tax package that takes a sledgehammer to clean energy tax credits, including the 25D rooftop solar tax credit. Studies have shown that the bill passed by the committee will lead to higher energy prices for all Americans and job losses. New York’s solar industry employs over 12,100 people and invested $2.7 billion into the state in 2024 alone. This is only the beginning of the multi-step tax bill negotiation process. Several New York Republicans, including Long Island Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) and Nick LaLota (NY-01), and Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), have been vocal supporters of protecting the clean energy tax credits. All three were among the 21 House Republicans who warned in a letter (organized by Rep. Garbarino) to House leadership that a repeal of these credits will raise bills “the very next day.” |
| Following is a statement from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on the reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee:
“At a time when billions of dollars are being invested in states that overwhelmingly voted for President Trump, this proposed legislation will effectively dismantle the most successful industrial onshoring effort in U.S. history. “While American businesses are demanding more energy to compete against our adversaries, and consumers are turning to clean energy to hedge against rising electricity prices, these proposals will undermine our nation’s efforts to achieve President Trump’s American energy dominance agenda. This legislation will cause hundreds of American factories to close, eliminate tens of thousands of jobs, force electric bills to skyrocket for everyone, weaken the reliability of our electric grid, and eliminate our capacity to compete with China. This disruption would devastate local, red-state economies, with more than 75% of at-risk factories and investments concentrated in these communities. “To make matters worse, this legislation is an attack on our individual liberties and freedom to choose how we power our homes. By effectively repealing the clean energy tax credit for homeowners, it rips consumer choice away from millions of hardworking Americans. “There is separate and harmful legislation proposed that impacts the funding mechanisms that allow everybody, including those living in underrepresented communities, to benefit from clean, affordable power. “The solar and storage industry appreciates the many competing interests faced by this Congress and stands ready to work together with our elected officials to ensure that American energy dominance prevails. The current proposals do not achieve that. Our nation’s energy security and national security are on the line.” |
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY BEACHES TO OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND;
POOLS TO OPEN FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer with a trip to the beach as Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson, Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle and Playland Beach in Rye will open on a pre-season basis, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 24, 25 and 26, weather permitting.
The beaches will be open weekends and holidays only through Sunday, June 22, then Glen Island and Playland Beaches will open daily beginning Friday, June 27 and Croton Point Beach will be open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with last entry at 6 p.m.; proof of Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island. Entry and parking fees apply.
Beginning Friday, June 27, all five County-owned pools: Playland Pool in Rye, Saxon Woods in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers and Willson’s Waves Pool in Mt. Vernon, will open daily through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with last entry at 6 p.m.; entry fees apply at all facilities and parking fees apply at Tibbetts Brook Park. Proof of residency is required at all pools.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Westchester County’s pools and beaches are stunning local treasures—perfect for people to unwind, soak up the summer sun, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you’re going for a swim or relaxing on the beach, our parks offer something special for all to enjoy. I’m thrilled to welcome everyone back to our exceptional pools and beautiful beaches for a memorable summer in Westchester County.”
Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island Park, Saxon Woods Pool, Sprain Ridge Pool, The Brook at Tibbetts and Willson’s Waves Pool.
Proof of residency must be shown with either a Westchester County Park Pass or a New York State driver’s license showing a valid Westchester County address.
Admission fees apply at all of the beach and pool facilities and parking fees apply at Tibbetts Brook Park, Croton Point and Glen Island. Park Passes also offer discounted admission and parking and are available at a variety of locations.
This year, Saxon Woods is celebrating its 100th anniversary and will launch a 100-Lap Challenge along with a variety of other activities to mark this milestone. Family Fun Days, DJ Days and the Sand Art Competition at Glen Island will also return; dates to be announced. Participation is free; admission and parking rules apply.
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Overworked Resident Physicians Express Frustration with System Leadership
Westchester, NY—In contract negotiations with Westchester Medical Center (WMC) since January, about 90 physicians at the Hudson Valley’s only level-1 trauma center came out on Tuesday to voice their frustrations with hospital leadership.
Unionized with the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR/SEIU), leaders among the about 480 WMC residents say that their level of work and financial stress is unsustainable, and that this threatens the system’s ability to keep attracting the best doctors.
“Patients want their doctors focused on their care, not burdened with these other concerns,” said Dr. Garrett Smith. “We did not become physicians to talk about contracts, but for us to be the best residents we can be, we can’t ignore this situation anymore.”
In a “unity break” action around 12pm on Tuesday, the young physicians noted the ever-climbing cost of living in Westchester, their reliance in some cases on subsidized housing, and their difficulty affording basics like groceries and child care.
They say WMC leadership has failed to propose wage increases that even meet inflation, while rejecting proposals for housing stipends and adequate travel reimbursement for physicians who rotate to other sites in the course of their training.
Low pay has led some physicians to take on second jobs.
WMC residents continue to appeal to new CEO Dr. David Lubarsky, who previously led the medical center at the University of California-Davis, to do the right thing and agree to wages on par with the physicians’ peers at other hospitals in the area. Their next bargaining session with WMC is Thursday, May 15.
“From our perspective, this should be an easy call for management: If similar hospitals in the area can offer competitive contracts for their residents, then so can WMC,” said Dr. Smith. “We aren’t asking for their executive level salaries, we’re just asking for the support we need to provide the best care we can for our community.”
The doctors were joined at their rally by WMC-NYSNA chapter president Merima Lynch and a number of elected officials, including County Legislators Judah Holstein, Emiljana Ulaj, Jewel Williams Johnson, David J.Tubiolo, and James M. Nolan, and Christine Fils-Aimé, the director of constituent services and community affairs for State Senator Shelley Mayer.
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR) is the largest housestaff union in the United States. A local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 40,000 resident physicians and fellows. Our members are dedicated to improving residency training and education, advancing patient care, and expanding healthcare access for our communities.
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. May 14, 2025:
From Fight for the Future
Despite continued opposition from LGBTQ youth, the parents of trans kids, reproductive rights groups, and free speech experts, KOSA has been re-introduced by Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn, after failing to pass last Congress due to disagreements on its merits and genuine concerns over its constitutionality.
Fight for the Future has opposed KOSA since its advent for its approach: putting control over speech in the hands of the government is a mistake, a concern that is especially prescient during an administration that has used its agency power to stifle speech, crack down on protected minorities and important resources, and has made its commitment to advancing structural discrimination against trans youth abundantly clear.
We warned Congress in December: the incoming FTC chair, who would have enforcement power over online speech if KOSA was passed, would weaponize his position against marginalized people.
Andrew Ferguson, Trump’s pick for the position, has fallen in line with the larger conservative agenda for online spaces, parroting transphobic narratives and doing dirty work.
This power in Ferguson’s hands could do unmitigated damage to abortion funds who provide resources and fundraise online, LGBTQ organizations who resource young people, and any other speech that rightwing lawmakers don’t like.
The bill’s authors have claimed over and over that this bill doesn’t impact speech.
But the Duty of Care is about speech: it’s about blocking speech that the government believes is bad for kids. And the people who will be determining what speech is harmful? They are the same ones using every tool to silence marginalized communities and attack those they perceive as enemies.
Passing KOSA in this environment, when young people need online spaces more than ever to find resources and for political action, is a slap in the face to the young people KOSA claims to protect.
The sponsors take this a step further, flaunting the support of Elon Musk himself who has overseen a gutting of the very federal resources that actually protect young people from harm.
Marginalized people are under attack from all sides right now. Hundreds of trans parents have written to Congress begging them to take their kids into account, who depend on online spaces and resources, especially as access to gender-affirming healthcare is shrinking. As they said in their letter, “We need to hold these companies accountable and regulate them, not cut our kids off from resources that can help them thrive. Big Tech is hurting our kids. KOSA would hurt them even more.”
Hundreds of thousands of young people themselves have called and written to Congress, telling them that this legislation makes them less safe, not more safe. Many more directly implored progressive lawmakers to listen to them and disengage from this win for rightwing ideology, but they haven’t listened.
“We know the truth: rightwing actors want to stifle young people’s voices online,” said Sarah Philips, campaigner at Fight for the Future. “They’ve laid this strategy out in Project 2025. They’ve told us over and over again that they intend to strip speech so that marginalized communities can’t speak truth to power. They can say this is about accountability for Big Tech all they want, but with the likes of Elon Musk standing next to them, none of it rings true. Our communities are trying to survive repression and the gutting of important resources, and online spaces are a safe haven for LGBTQ youth when their resources in their schools and communities shrink. It is unbelievable that Senator Blumenthal and Senator Schumer can ignore everything going on around them for more political theater on a bill that would help silence any opposition to Trump. Senate Democrats need to wake up and look around. Any Democrat still sponsoring KOSA is co-signing fascism. Stop doing their dirty work.”
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GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES INFLATION REFUND CHECKS UP TO $400 COMING THIS FALL TO 8.2 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE
New York’s First-Ever Inflation Refund Checks Will Be Mailed to Eligible New Yorkers in October and November; No Need To Apply or Sign Up
Visit ny.gov/inflationrefund for More Information
Governor Kathy Hochul Tuesday announced that inflation refund checks up to $400 will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households across New York State. Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers starting in October and will continue through November.
There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.
Governor Hochul secured and enacted this initiative in the FY 2026 State Budget as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers.
The State Budget also enacted the Governor’s initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.
“Starting in October, over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “A budget is a statement of values and priorities. While Washington advocates tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and mega-corporations at the expense of millions of working Americans, we in New York continue to champion the well-being of the middle class. The Senate Democratic Majority has worked with Governor Hochul and the Assembly to deliver a budget that invests in people and addresses the challenges facing New Yorkers. With this enacted budget that includes inflation rebate checks, we have prioritized our state’s working families and individuals, putting money back into the pockets of millions of New Yorkers.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, “These checks will put money back into the pockets of New Yorkers, allowing them to save or spend in a way that makes sense for them. This announcement is another step forward in the Assembly Majority’s mission to make the everyday lives of hardworking families easier and we will continue fighting for a future where no hardworking family has to worry about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their heads.”
Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the State’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Governor Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund — and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.
Starting today, New Yorkers can visit ny.gov/inflationrefund for more information on eligibility and other details.
Who’s Eligible for an Inflation Refund Check?
You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:
Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.
Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.
Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.
Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.
There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
When Will Checks Be Delivered?
Checks will be mailed across the state starting in October, and deliveries will continue through November.
Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on zip code or region.
Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.
Regional Breakdown
Inflation refund checks will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households throughout all corners of New York State. A breakdown of the number of checks going to each region can be seen below.
|
Region |
Number of Recipients |
|
New York City |
3.53 million |
|
Long Island |
1.25 million |
|
Mid-Hudson |
924,000 |
|
Western New York |
585,000 |
|
Finger Lakes |
513,000 |
|
Capital Region |
475,000 |
|
Central New York |
321,000 |
|
Southern Tier |
251,000 |
|
Mohawk Valley |
198,000 |
|
North Country |
156,000 |
|
TOTAL |
8.2 million |
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BOARD TO HOLD FIRST COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION IN CORTLANDT
Residents Invited to Speak Out about Con Edison’s Proposed Rate Hikes
Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM
The Westchester County Board of Legislators is launching a series of “Community Listening Sessions” to be held throughout the County in the coming months.
These forums will give residents an opportunity to voice concerns and questions about Con Edison’s proposed double-digit rate increases, which would raise average residential electricity bills by 11.4% and gas bills by 13.3% by 2026.
In March, the Board joined Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins as a party to the major rate case against Con Edison to ensure the voices of those directly impacted by soaring rates are prioritized.
WHO: Westchester County Board of Legislators and County Residents
WHAT: First Community Listening Session about Con Edison’s Proposed Gas and Electric Rate Increases
WHERE: Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street Cortlandt, NY 10567
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM EST
Watch it on Facebook Live HERE.
