News from Westchester County Legislator Minority Leader John Testa.

Legislator Testa Secures Funding for Peekskill Youth Programs.

Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) Minority Leader John G. Testa (R) Peekskill, was joined by his colleagues in passing legislation that authorized the County to enter into Inter-municipal agreements (IMA) with three Westchester cities for a total of $376,924 under the county’s “Invest in Kids” program. Under the agreement, the City of Peekskill will receive $69,231 of funding for its “Advancing Leadership Initiatives for Teens Program” (LIFT). The vote took place at the regular meeting of the BOL.  The IMA terms provide for $245,000 to come from Westchester County and the remainder to be contributed by the municipalities.

The Legislation states that the various programs that will be funded throughout Westchester County, “…use positive youth development models to focus on providing opportunities for to actively acquire the skills and abilities needed to grow up to be competent, caring and healthy adult”

Legislator John Testa retired in 2013 after a 33 year career as a Peekskill High School teacher.  As a former teacher, Legislator Testa understands the importance of youth programs that give kids, especially at-risk kids healthy and constructive options for their time after school.  “I was very happy to work with my legislative colleagues to secure these funds for Peekskill.  I am very familiar with the LIFT Program and the excellent work that they do.”  Legislator Testa said.  “When I was a teacher, I saw first-hand how programs like LIFT improved the lives of many of my students.  Summers and the after school hours are particularly dangerous times for kids who are unsupervised or who don’t have a strong family support system at home.  The LIFT Program operates year round which means that kids can build permanent and lasting relationships within our community even when school is not in session. This is an excellent investment in our youth and their future.”