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The video from last night’s candidate forum between Tim Foli and Jennifer Puja is now uploaded to the LWVS YouTube channel and posted on the LWVS website. Here is the direct link to the YouTube video:
JUNE 12—GOVERNOR HOCHUL SPEAKS TRUTH TO CONGRESS
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REMARKS AS PREPARED: GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL’S OPENING STATEMENT TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM
Additional Written Testimony Provided to the Committee Available Here
Chairman Comer, Ranking Member Lynch, and Members of the Committee, as we speak the streets of an American City have been militarized over the objections of the Governor. This is nothing short of a flagrant abuse of power, an assault on our American values.
My views on immigration are simple and direct — our nation needs secure borders. Our nation needs comprehensive immigration reform from this Congress. Our state laws dictate that we cooperate with ICE in criminal cases. And our values dictate that we treat all law-abiding families with dignity and respect.
The America I believe in is a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants — abandoning either threatens the very foundation on which our great country was built. For 400 years New York has prospered from hard-working newcomers — people like my grandparents who fled poverty in Ireland — they had the same American Dream that immigrant families have today. They’re not here for handouts. They want to work, earn their place and raise their families.
Yet every day we see another story of children ripped from the arms of their mothers. Wives separated from their husbands. Families arrested while attending legal immigration appointments. Not long ago, in the small town of Sackets Harbor, New York masked and armed ICE agents stormed into a home before dawn, abducted a mother and three children — including a third grader. They were cast into a living hell in a detention facility in Texas. I immediately contacted Border Czar Tom Homan and demanded their release.
In Jefferson County, where more than 60 percent of voters supported Donald Trump, people protested in the streets. Local Republican lawmakers, business owners, and school leaders all spoke out. Finally, after nearly two weeks the family was returned home.
In New York, we understand the difference between going after criminals and traumatizing law-abiding families.
Now some will use this hearing to stoke fear but I’m here to give you the facts. New York has managed an unprecedented influx of migrants because of a broken border.
And yet at the same time our state has become stronger and safer.
Today, New York State has the lowest homicide rate among the nation’s ten largest states. We’ve achieved this not with indiscriminate roundups, not by tearing apart innocent families, but by investing over $2.6 billion in public safety. By engaging in smart, targeted policing and by partnering with federal agencies to apprehend and deport serious criminals.
Since I became Governor we’ve cooperated in handing over more than 1,300 convicted criminals to ICE. What we don’t do is enforce civil immigration violations — that’s the federal government’s job.
New Yorkers need their State Troopers seizing guns and drugs and patrolling highways. States like mine are doing our part but we can’t be expected to fix this nation’s broken immigration system.
The very people who go on cable news to rail about ‘chaos at the border’ are the ones who torpedo bipartisan immigration reform each and every time it’s within reach.
So here’s my message: If you truly care about public safety — if you truly care about the economy — if you truly care about human dignity then sit down, negotiate and deliver real reform. Secure the border. Revive legal pathways. Let people work.
At the end of today, I’ll go home and do my job of keeping New Yorkers safe. I hope you’ll do yours too.
Thank you.
JUNE 11 –NYPD,FBI AND CANADIAN BORDER PATROL FOIL MASS SHOOTING PLOT AIMED AT A BROOKLYN
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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHU ON APPREHENSION OF PERSON OF INTEREST
“In the weeks after the horrific October 7 Hamas attacks, I directed additional New York State Police resources towards the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. This Task Force plays a critical role in our efforts to keep New Yorkers safe.
“Today, it was announced that this Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted an investigation into a 20-year-old who attempted to carry out a mass shooting at a Jewish religious center in Brooklyn. The suspect, who was living in Canada at the time he was planning the attack, has been charged and arrested by federal law enforcement. State Police assigned to the Task Force played a critical role in the investigation of the subject and his movement toward the U.S. from Canada. Through partnership with colleagues at the FBI, CBP and Canadian law enforcement, he was ultimately arrested by Canadian authorities before he could get into the United States.
“This incident is a chilling reminder of why it was necessary for my Administration to take significant steps to protect our northern border. That includes $13 million to enhance security efforts, including the purchase of additional tools to support investigations into transnational criminal organizations. It also includes increased staff and technological capacity for New York State Police, including assigning additional members to the Joint Terrorism Task Force Office in Plattsburgh.
“Over the past two years we have seen a horrific increase in antisemitism and hate-fueled violence and threats. My top priority as Governor has always been to ensure the safety and security of every New Yorker, and I will use every tool at my disposal to keep New Yorkers safe by continuing to crack down on violent criminals or hate filled individuals that want to cause harm to my constituents.”
JUNE 10–MOHEGAN LAKE CLOSED. ALLERGY BLOOM
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MOHEGAN LAKE BEACHES CLOSED DUE TO HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOM
(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the following Mohegan Lake beaches until further notice to protect the public from contact with a Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) in the swim areas:
- Mohegan Colony Association – Mohegan Lake
- Mohegan Beach Park District – Mohegan Lake
These are the only County regulated beaches on Mohegan Lake.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “The decision to close these beaches is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and health of the public. Harmful Algae Blooms are more prevalent during hot days when water temperatures rise, leading to increased bacteriological growth rates.”
To reopen the beaches, the algae must be completely cleared from the swim area. Following this, water samples will be taken and submitted for analysis.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Westchester County website for the latest updates on beach closures and reopening schedules. The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.
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JUNE 9– COUNTY EXECUTIVE JENKINS, CONGRESSMAN LATIMER CONDEMN 25% CUT IN AID AMTRAK NORTHEAST CORRIDOR
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The Northeast Corridor is the most heavily used and economically critical rail corridor in the country—linking Westchester County to New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. The proposed cuts threaten to undermine reliability, delay modernization projects and disrupt the lives of thousands of local commuters.
Jenkins said: “This proposal is a serious blow to Westchester County and the entire Northeast. Slashing funding for the nation’s busiest rail corridor – while boosting less-used lines elsewhere – is not only shortsighted, its reckless. Infrastructure investments must be based on need and impact, not politics. I urge Congress to reject this proposal and stand with the communities that power the country’s economy.”
Latimer said: “I am deeply concerned about the President’s proposal to cut Amtrak’s Northeast corridor funding by 25%. This is the most heavily traveled Amtrak route in the entire country. I am weekly Amtrak rider and I see the growth in ridership; this is yet another bad business decision. Cutting this necessary funding is merely political payback to states in the northeast. I will not support a budget that includes this cut
JUNE 9 YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST ON DISEASE TRENDS
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Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí. Covid still quiet, measles, ticks, smoke, EMTALA, and seed oil confusionThe Dose: June 9 (REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)
Happy Monday! Covid-19 remains mostly quiet (for now), but measles, ticks, and wildfire smoke are ramping up quickly. At the same time, falsehoods are clouding the facts on abortion care and infant formula. Calling this information landscape “confusing” doesn’t quite do it justice. Let’s break it down. First, good news! A new class of antibiotics is here.For the first time in nearly 30 years, the FDA has approved a brand-new class of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections—a breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The new drug, Blujepa, works differently than older antibiotics like penicillin or nitrofurantoin, which target cell walls or protein production. Instead, it blocks two enzymes E. coli needs to replicate. More than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, so this new class is promising because bacteria haven’t built up resistance to it. In clinical trials, it cleared infections in up to 58% of cases, slightly outperforming the standard drug (44%). It’s also safe, with mild but some uncomfortable side effects, including diarrhea (16%) and nausea (9%). It’s expected to be available by the end of the year, though the price hasn’t been disclosed yet. The research was partially funded by BARDA, the federal agency that supports medical countermeasures for public health threats. Latest disease trendsCovid-19 is still quiet overall.Emergency room visits for Covid-19 are starting to tick up in Hawaii and, if you squint, in places like Florida. YLE has also heard more anecdotal reports lately (sometimes an early signal of a wave), but wastewater levels remain low across most of the country. That said, the U.S. has had a summer wave every year for the past five years, and other countries are seeing upticks, so we still think one is coming. A newer variant, NB.1.1, was recently detected. Time will tell if it has enough “oomph” to create a wave. Those over age 65 are still eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine every 6 months. Sticking to that schedule is still a good idea.
% ED visits with Covid-19 in Hawaii over time. Data: CDC; Annotations: YLE Measles cases continue to pop up.
Weekly cases from Southwest Measles Outbreak. Figure from Yale SITREP.
It’s the dead middle of tick season.Emergency visits for tick bites have reached 107 per 100,000 weekly, but trends are coming down, hopefully for the year. Not every tick you encounter will give you a disease (depends on several factors), but the highest risk of Lyme disease is in the Northeast and Midwest. To protect against ticks, cover up with light clothing, use an EPA-registered insect repellent, and remember to do a tick check.
Source: CDC Wildfire smoke returnsSmoke from Canadian wildfires (over 200) has reached the Upper Midwest and Northeast, including New York.
Air quality levels. Source: CBS News, June 8 12pm PT. Recent research showed that exposure to lingering wildfire particles, even three months after a fire, can increase cardiovascular and respiratory hospitalization risks. Check your local air quality index here. It’s also on your phone’s weather app.
Stay indoors, drive with windows closed, and wear an N95 or P100 mask outside (surgical masks won’t help here). Afterwards, be sure to replace your house’s air conditioning filter. EMTALA and abortion: white noiseEMTALA is the law that requires hospitals to provide emergency care, including abortion, to save a mother’s life. In 2022, the Biden administration reinforced the guidance of EMTALA. Last week, the Trump administration revoked that reinforcement. This prompted a flood of headlines suggesting emergency abortions might no longer be legal. But the law itself didn’t change. A memo doesn’t override a federal statute, like EMTALA. Doctors are still legally obligated to provide life-saving emergency abortion care. Even in states with strict bans, every state still has an exception to protect the life of the mother. Dr. Jeremy Faust sat down with Dr. Dara Kass of FemInEM and Prof. Elizabeth Sepper of UW Law and highlighted this and another important takeaway:
Confusion is becoming its own kind of danger. Doctors and hospitals may not know what’s legal, and patients may be less likely to seek care at all. FDA commissioner led parents astray on seed oils in infant formulasLast week, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary claimed on TV that seed oils in infant formula cause “general body inflammation”. That’s… not true. Seed oils are in the formula but for an important reason: they provide linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid supporting infant development. Their little bodies cannot develop this independently, so they need it from breast milk or formula. High-quality research doesn’t show that seed oils cause inflammation. For a YLE deep dive into the nuance behind seed oils and inflammation (and more), go here. Baby formulas are safe to use. Rumors like this can lead parents astray, leading to the risk DIY formulas. Katelyn explained this in a social media video last week. Question grab bagIt was wonderful to “see” many of you in last week’s live YLE Q&A chat! Katelyn tried to answer as many questions as possible. Here’s one: “Will normal people (not at risk) be able to get a Covid-19 vaccine this fall?” Short answer: The U.S. doesn’t know yet. The CDC’s expert advisory group (ACIP) meets June 25–27 and should give some clarity. But, even after that, big unknowns remain, including:
We’ll keep you posted, but we likely won’t know much until closer to the fall season. For now, confusion seems to be the default setting. In case you missed it:
You’re all caught up! Have a great week. Love, The YLE team Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) is a public health newsletter with one goal: to “translate” the ever-evolving public health science so that people feel well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is owned and operated by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina— an epidemiologist. This is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below: |
JUNE 9– YOUR NEW MONTHLY HEALTH BILL PREVIEW IF RECONCILIATION BILL PASSED
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GOVERNOR HOCHUL UNVEILS NEW DATA SHOWING MASSIVE INCREASES TO NEW YORKERS’ MONTHLY HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS IF GOP’S RECONCILIATION BILL BECOMES LAW
More Than 240,000 New Yorkers Would Experience Increased Premiums From Elimination of American Rescue Plan Enhanced Tax Credits and Additional Changes
Average Monthly Costs Could Rise by More Than $228 — an Increase of 38% for a Couple — Due to Elimination of Enhanced Tax Credits
Estimated 65,000 to 80,000 New Yorkers, Approximately One Third of Enrollees, Could Lose Individual Marketplace Coverage
Regional Breakdown Of Cost Increases Available Here; Congressional District Breakdown Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today released new data showing the massive impact the GOP’s ‘Big Ugly’ Reconciliation Bill would have on New York families. The latest bill threatens to severely disrupt health coverage for millions of New Yorkers. In addition to increasing the number of uninsured by 1.5 million and stripping $13.5 billion in annual funding from New York’s healthcare system, the bill would trigger steep increases in private health insurance premiums for vulnerable New Yorkers and impose excessive burdens on consumers enrolling through NY State of Health, the State’s official health plan marketplace.
“The GOP’s Big Ugly bill would slash health care coverage for millions of New Yorkers and raise monthly costs by hundreds of dollars,” Governor Hochul said. “If New York’s Republican delegation won’t stand up for their own constituents, I will.”
Health care providers, insurers and state leaders across the country are sounding the alarm over the proposed legislation, which would slash billions in federal health care support. In addition to jeopardizing and in some cases entirely eliminating coverage for New York’s 1.6 million Essential Plan enrollees, the bill would trigger steep increases in costs for many New Yorkers who purchase private health insurance. The elimination of American Rescue Plan enhanced premium tax credits, alone, will increase net cost of coverage across the State by an average of 38 percent for 140,000 low-income individuals and families purchasing plans through the state’s marketplace. This equates to an increase in cost of $114 per month for an individual and $228 per month for a couple.
See below for a summary of expected premium increases due to the elimination of American Rescue Plan enhanced premium tax credits across the State:
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Region |
Average Monthly Cost Increase For a Couple ($) |
Average Monthly Cost Increase For a Couple (%) |
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New York City |
$211 |
38% |
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Mid-Hudson |
$206 |
31% |
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Long Island |
$219 |
32% |
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Capital Region |
$231 |
33% |
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Western New York |
$267 |
38% |
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Central New York |
$256 |
43% |
|
Finger Lakes |
$248 |
42% |
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Mohawk Valley |
$270 |
49% |
|
Southern Tier |
$265 |
48% |
|
North Country |
$253 |
44% |
|
Statewide |
$228 |
38% |
The combined impact of the elimination of enhanced premium tax credits and additional provisions of the proposed U.S. House Republican reconciliation bill will push more healthy consumers out of the insurance market, leaving behind a less healthy population and driving further rate increases. This cycle will result in spiraling insurance costs and lack of access to coverage for individuals and families.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said,
“The proposed cuts to federal health care support hurt everyone. These cuts take health insurance away from working New Yorkers. They undermine the progress we’ve made in providing affordable and accessible health insurance to New Yorkers. When people lose health insurance, they risk going without needed health care or suffering financial hardship.”
In addition to increasing premiums for low-income individuals and families who qualify for tax credits, it is estimated that the elimination of those tax credits will increase insurance rates for the more than 100,000 New Yorkers who purchase coverage in the individual commercial market but do not qualify for tax credits. Insurers have estimated that those consumers and families will face a 4.3 percent increase in their insurance rates next year solely due to the elimination of these credits.
Early estimates also indicate the proposed bill could result in 65,000 to 80,000 people — approximately one-third of enrollees in the individual market — losing their coverage. Many more consumers will experience significant new red tape that will make it harder to enroll in and renew coverage.
The proposed bill would also strip New York of its flexibility and autonomy in running its own marketplace and serving the needs of its residents, imposing onerous and costly new administrative burdens on the State. The State anticipates more than $10 million in new administrative costs to implement the changes required by the bill.
NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan said,
“We have tremendous concerns about the compounding effects of this bill especially when combined with the expiration of the premium tax credits. Reducing eligibility for the financial assistance that helps New Yorkers afford care means people end up paying more for doctor visits, medications, and mental health care. Already struggling providers, especially in rural parts of the state, might not be able to sustain operations under this proposal, further restricting New Yorkers’ access to care.”
New York has had tremendous success over the past 12 years in operating its marketplace — with 6.7 million individuals currently enrolled in coverage — and has achieved a statewide uninsured rate of less than 5 percent, the lowest rate amongst large states across the country. This bill would reverse decades of progress in expanding coverage and making health care more affordable and accessible in New York and jeopardize the health of consumers across the State.
JUNE 7—-CONGRESSMAN LATIMER FIRST BILL PASSED
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Dear Neighbor,
It has been a busy week with a lot of work on issues relating to my membership on the Small Business Committee. This week I want to recognize Gun Violence Prevention Week. Today is Wear Orange Day to honor Hadiya Pendleton, who marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013 and was killed by gun violence a week later. Many of you may be familiar with my track record on gun violence prevention as a County Executive, including ending gun shows on County property and creating a Gun Violence Prevention Committee. Now as a member of Congress, I will hold firm on those same principles to keep our communities safe.
I would also like to recognize LGBTQI+ Pride Month. No matter who you are or who you love, you deserve to live a full life without discrimination or bigotry. This month we celebrate the progress we have made and stand with the LGBTQI+ community that is facing increased attacks and threats. I am a proud member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and will continue to work with them to protect our LGBTQI+ neighbors. |
Small Business Actions |
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My first bill, the bipartisan Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act, passed the House unanimously on Tuesday. This is a small but important fix that will provide small businesses with some predictability when they are applying for federal contracts. Small business owners are often resource constrained. It can be confusing and deeply frustrating for a small business owner if a federal agency decides to cancel a solicitation without transparency into why that decision has been made. If we are serious about bringing more small businesses into federal contracting, we must ensure that business owners have confidence and trust in their federal partners.
Last year, the Small Business Committee heard testimony from a small business owner that said solicitation proposals can cost a small business upwards of $10,000 worth of labor to draft, develop, review, and execute. With that in mind, it can be rightfully frustrating for a small business owner if a federal agency decides to cancel a solicitation without transparency into why that decision has been made. You can watch my floor remarks here. |
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On Wednesday, I questioned Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler about several of the Trump Administration’s policies. I asked the Administrator questions I have heard directly from local Chambers of Commerce and small business owners, and I didn’t get much clarity. Small business owners regularly ask me about current tariffs rates, and I asked if SBA will include that information on its website. I was given a non-answer. If I can’t get a question answered in a Congressional hearing, how is a small business expected to get clarity on all of these moving parts? This is very frustrating for small business owners who are worried about their bottom line and facing an uncertain economy. You can watch our exchange here. |
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This week the House also debated the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, which would close and relocate SBA regional offices if a city or county has been deemed a “sanctuary jurisdiction.” The SBA, under the Trump Administration, plans to close the regional office in Federal Plaza in Manhattan, and move it further away on Long Island. As the former Westchester County Executive, I was uniquely positioned to speak about how this will hurt small businesses in our district and around the country. You can watch my remarks on the House floor here. |
Community Project Funding Priorities |
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This week I was announced my Community Project Funding (CPF) priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. This provides members with the opportunity to identify important local projects that would benefit from direct federal funding. Because the House Majority did not fund FY25 projects, I decided to resubmit the projects submitted last year by my predecessor. This is a wide-ranging list of deserving project proposals that will make life better for residents in our district. I will do all I can to advocate for them as the process moves forward.
The projects are:
Submitting these projects to the House Appropriations Committee is the first step in the process. The Appropriations Committee will soon begin their process of crafting and debating funding bills. More information will be made available about which projects are included in the Appropriations bills in the coming months.
This week I spoke on the House floor about the recent antisemitic attacks in DC and Boulder. And how they are part of a terrifying rise in antisemitism in our country. You can watch the speech here. |
At Home: Westchester and the Bronx |
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My stellar constituent services team has been at El Centro Hispano, the Mount Vernon Public Library and the Tuckahoe Public Library in the last two weeks, assisting residents with federal issues. I was glad to join them at El Centro Hispano and the Mount Vernon Public Library to speak directly with constituents and connect them with the services our office provides.
They will be at the Carver Center, 400 Westchester Avenue in Port Chester on Wednesday, June 11th from 1-5pm. More dates and locations will be announced soon. |
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In the last two weeks, I attended many events throughout the district, including those that commemorated Memorial Day in Yonkers and Co-op City, announcing funding for new housing projects in Yonkers, and celebrating the beginning of LGBTQI+ Pride Month in White Plains. |
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Floor Speeches |
Social Post of the Week |
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Stay in Touch |
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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. |
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Sincerely, |
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Rep. George Latimer Member of Congress |
TONIGHT AT 7:30 EDT WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JUNE 6 REPORT ON FIOS CH 45, WP OPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 24 YEARS
ON
CITY BUDGET PASSES
THE D-DAY OBSERVANCE–THE DAY THAT SAVED THE FREE WORLD
THE PRIMARY RACES FOR DISTRICT 5 OUR DISTRICT
THE MAYOR PRIMARY
JOHN BAILEY ON THE IMPACT OF FARRELL ESTATES SUBDIVSION ON THE WHITE PLAINS OF THE FUTURE
THE PLANNING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCERNS.
AND MORE
JUNE 6 –TEENS CHARGED IN TARRYTOWN LIGHTHOUSE FIRE
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