The 2020 Joint State Legislative Package can be seen HERE.

Earlier this week, the Board of Legislators voted unanimously to approve the 2020 Westchester County Joint State Legislative Package -- a list of state actions that County Executive George Latimer and the Board are asking lawmakers in Albany approve for the benefit of residents and taxpayers in Westchester.

County Executive George Latimer said, “Unlike the current situation in Washington D.C., the Executive and Legislative Branches here in Westchester understand the importance of coming together as one to advocate for our common interests – and this joint legislative package is just one example of that. I look forward to working with Chairman Boykin, my colleagues on the Board and my former colleagues in Albany as we work to advance the interests of the people of our great County.”

Among the 31 items, top priorities include:

  • Extension of the Westchester County Property Taxpayer Protection Act – to continue the stabilization of the County’s finances
  • Elimination of the referendum requirement for capital projects – which delays and drives up costs of capital projects
  • Support for the expansion of downstate casino licenses – current law prohibits the conversion of existing casinos into full commercial casinos or the granting of additional licenses until 2023.
  • Release of $38 million allocated to support the implementation of “raise the age” in Westchester
  • Full funding of early voting

Board Chair Ben Boykin (D - White Plains, Scarsdale, Harrison) said, "We look forward to working with our state delegation to improve the lives of residents and to protect the taxpayers in Westchester County.  Last year we cooperated on measures to stabilize the county's finances and implement changes to make it easier for people in Westchester to vote.  This year we're looking forward to working together to ensure an accurate census count, improve ride sharing safety, help residents and taxpayers with the impact of the closing of Indian Point, and more."

Other requests include additional funding to help with the impact of the closure of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, the release of state money to help Westchester ensure an accurate census count, and funding for lead-level testing in children. There's also a request for increased funding for child care, a request to require fingerprinting for taxi and ridesharing drivers, and a request to require GPS services to alert drivers to road restrictions to mitigate bridges being struck by trucks.

In addition, the county is prioritizing state approval for its purchase the North County Trailway for one dollar, which would allow the county to better manage maintenance of the trailway.  A resolution in support of the purchase was passed unanimously by the Board on Monday.

Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky (D  - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), said, “The measures we are requesting insure that the State honors the financial commitments necessary for the County to implement the reforms the State has passed in recent years; and updating the requirements for funding capital projects is crucial for moving essential infrastructure improvements.”

Legislator Kitley Covill (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers), Chair of the Board's Committee on Legislation said, “We worked diligently this year to put together a legislative package that is fiscally responsible, mindful of the County’s financial position and the State’s and always keeping in mind the taxpayers of Westchester County.”