Westchester Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: [PRESS STATEMENT] Alessandra Biaggi Issues Statement Regarding Her Campaign For Congress.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 28, 2022.

SENATOR ALESSANDRA BIAGGI ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING HER CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS.

PELHAM, NY - Today, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Congressional candidate in New York District 3, issued the following statement in response to the Court of Appeals’ decision regarding the current Congressional lines in New York State:

“I entered this race because I am deeply committed to fighting for the people of NY-3 and protecting abortion and voting rights, combatting the climate crisis, and expanding access to affordable healthcare and housing. I am the most experienced, qualified, and committed candidate in NY-3, and I am staying in this race.”

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Signs Legislation Capping Westchester’s Gas Tax.

 

County Executive George Latimer Signs Legislation Capping Westchester’s Gas Tax.

 

(White Plains, NY) –  Following his introduction of this legislation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed into law a cap on the County’s collection of sales tax on gas purchases to $.12 per gallon, equal to the cost of the tax with gas at $3.00 per gallon. In addition to this, Latimer has taken executive action to suspend the collection of Bee-Line Bus fees through the summer.

 

The gas tax cap will run from June 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022. Latimer’s directive on the County’s Bee-Line Bus fares did not require legislation. This suspension of fares will run during the Summer until a later date.

 

Latimer said: “These two actions, both the capping of our gas tax and suspension of Bee-Line Bus fees, are simple measures that can really add up for Westchester residents. No matter how you commute, saving money on your trips each day can make a big difference. I thank the Board of Legislators for their partnership on this important, and timely, legislation.”

Westchester Insider: Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body: Limited Tickets Left + Act of Service.

 

Act of Service: At our Workers' Memorial Day events, we will be collecting 4x4 gauze pads and bandaids in conjunction with AFYA and the Yonkers Federation of Teachers. These items will be directly shipped to those in need in Ukraine. A box will be located at the event. Please consider picking up gauze and/or bandaids to bring to the event. THANK YOU!

We have *LIMITED* tickets available for our reception! To pay online, click here:

https://act.aflcio.org/fundraising/workers-memorial-day-2022

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Westchester County Executive Congratulates 2022 Wunderkinds.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE CONGRATULATES 2022 WUNDERKINDS.

Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations Among List of Wunderkinds by 914Inc.

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer congratulates Copernicus “Copper” Crane, Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations, for being selected as a 2022 Wunderkind by 914Inc. Crane joins 26 others across Westchester County building momentum and generating change in their industries.

Latimer said: “This issue of 914Inc. showcases how each of these young people in our great County has the capacity and command to do amazing things. As Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Copper has worked in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated our police reform task force and managed our annual intern program. He is more than deserving of this elite list and he is among great company as a 2022 Wunderkind.”

Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations Copernicus Crane said: “I’m extremely grateful to be named as one of the 26 professionals selected as Wunderkinds this year. Through my four years as part of the Latimer Administration, I’ve worked hard to deliver for Westchester – the County where I grew up and the County which many of my close friends and family call home. I’m proud of what I’ve done and what we’ve done as a team, and I’m excited to see what more we can get done over the next four years.”

 

Director of Intergovernmental Relations Steve Bass said:  “Over the last four years, Copernicus has grown and learned so much about the important role of County government. Following County Executive George Latimer’s example, Copernicus leads by always thinking first of the people of Westchester, no matter what he is doing. Whether it is working with our County Legislators on compiling our annual State and Federal priorities, working with our New York State Senators and Assemblymembers on passing critical legislation in Albany, or assisting Westchester’s Mayors and Supervisors through an unexpected pandemic, Copernicus always has those who are most in need at the forefront of his mind. Copernicus is one of the smartest, dedicated and hard-working people in politics. My heartfelt congratulations goes out to Copernicus on this well-deserved honor.”

 

Editor of 914Inc. Joe Cesarano said: “This year’s group of 26 honorees represents our largest Wunderkinds class ever. We raised our age limit this year – and we are honoring the most impressive young professionals working in the County under the age of 35 for the first time ever. From chefs and engineers to scientists and make-up artists, the impact that this remarkable group has made on their respective industries and organizations has been immeasurable.”

 

Crane, 27, is a graduate of Binghamton University and has worked with the Latimer Administration since 2018. He has been responsible for facilitating the County’s Police Reform and Reinvention Task Force and the LGBTQ Advisory Board, navigating public events and multifaceted public hearings and coordinating with local, state and federal elected officials.

 

Deputy Director of Communications, Joseph Sgamatto, Esq. was selected as a Wunderkind in 2020. Chief of Staff Andrew Ferris was named to the 2019 class of Wunderkinds.

 

See the list and read more here: https://westchestermagazine.com/wunderkinds-home/

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY TO HOST SECOND HRD EVENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 7 IN YONKERS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY TO HOST SECOND HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING DAY EVENT OF 2022 AT SPRAIN RIDGE PARK IN YONKERS.

 

Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will be conducting its second Household Recycling Day (HRD) Event on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sprain Ridge Park, 149 Jackson Avenue, Yonkers. The upcoming HRD event in Yonkers will be the second HRD event of 2022, and gives residents across the County an opportunity to conveniently and safely dispose of their household waste.

 

In 2021, DEF held four HRD events that welcomed over 2,500 County residents and accepted over 160,000 pounds of household waste for disposal. HRD events return in 2022 looking to reach even more residents.

 

In addition to properly labelled household chemicals, tires, scrap metal, electronics, appliances, special wastes found in a typical household, documents for shredding, and expired or unwanted medications; the County, for the first time, will also be accepting latex paint and textiles for recycling at the May 7 HRD Event.

 

Generally, the following items are accepted for safe disposal or recycling:

·           Properly labelled household chemicals, such as:

§  Household cleaning products

§  Most automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, but not motor oil)

§  Flammable liquids (kerosene, butane, lighter fluid, turpentine)

§  Metal, jewelry, and furniture polishes and waxes; wood preservatives

§  Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides

§  Photographic and swimming pool chemicals

·           Batteries – only vehicle, rechargeable, or button cell

·           Textiles- footwear, clothing, linens, leather, small area rugs, and handbags

·           Latex and oil-based Paint, wood stains

·           Fluorescent light bulbs & CFLs

·           Fire extinguishers

·           BBQ propane tanks (up to 20 lbs.)

·           Mercury containing devices (thermometers and thermostats)

·           Electronic waste (TVs, computer monitors and towers)

·           Expired or unwanted medications, both OTC and prescription

·           Personal documents for shredding (limit of four (4) file-size boxes per household)

·           Tires

 

Items that will not be accepted and should not be brought to the Household Recycling Day include, non-rechargeable alkaline and carbon zinc batteries (they can be safely discarded in the trash), motor oil, smoke detectors, cell phones, explosives (flares, fireworks, ammunition), construction debris and hypodermic needles. Also, waste from businesses, schools, or other institutions will not be accepted.

 

For more information on what to bring to this event, visit www.westchestergov.com/recycling or call (914) 813-5425.

 

If you are unable to attend the HRD Event, you can dispose of your hard-to-get-rid-of household waste by making a convenient appointment for the County’s Household-Material Recycling Facility (H-MRF), 15 Woods Road, Valhalla.  The H-MRF is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment, and accepts the same items that are accepted at the HRD events. For more information about the H-MRF or to make an appointment, visit https://environment.westchestergov.com/facilities/h-mrf or call (914) 813-5425.

 

For more information on Westchester County environmental programs and events follow us on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/WestchesterCountyDEF

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: Press Release: BOARD APPROVES GAS TAX RELIEF.

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 28, 2022

BOARD APPROVES GAS TAX RELIEF: Measure Will Be Accompanied by Bus Fare Holiday.

 

White Plains, NY —  The Board of Legislators has approved gas tax relief for Westchester residents.

In a special meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Board voted 15-2 in favor of a measure to cap sales tax on gas purchases at $.12 per gallon, the equivalent of the tax drivers would pay if gas was $3.00 per gallon.  The tax relief will run from June 1 through August 31.

The relief, proposed earlier this week by County Executive George Latimer, is designed to help residents struggling with inflationary pressures and uncertainty in gas prices relating to the war in Ukraine and other market factors.

To go along with the gas tax cap, the County Executive will suspend fares on the County's Bee-Line bus system for the same period.

Because of federal transit support for the bus system, the fare holiday is expected to have no impact on the County budget.

Board Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D-Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, Peekskill) said, "I'm proud of the steps we've taken in recent years to strengthen the County's finances so that we have the flexibility to help residents with this temporary tax relief.  We hope it will be a small step to help families balance their budgets this summer, a time when gas prices typically rise and families take road trips and driving vacations. Just as important is the temporary suspension of bus fares. We really want to encourage people to use less gasoline altogether. I hope the bus fare holiday will inspire more people to leave their cars at home and try the County's terrific bus system."

Legislator Vedat Gashi (D-New Castle, Somers, Yorktown), chair of the Board's Budget and Appropriations Committee, said, "I'm glad to see the County taking this step, which I strongly support. While we'd love to see everyone using less fossil fuel, the reality is many residents and businesses still rely on gasoline and any help that we can provide during this time of relatively high and uncertain pricing is something we want to do."

Legislator David Tubiolo (D-Yonkers) said, “Working families and small businesses are really feeling the pinch of high gas prices.  Of course, in County government, we can’t affect the global oil markets, but this is something we can do for the people of Westchester.  I thank the County Executive and my colleagues in the legislature for backing this measure.”

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line Bureau: **May MetroCard Van Schedule**.

For service alerts and bus schedules visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus

Westchester Insider: Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body (AFL-CIO): Workers' Memorial Day Message.

 

Today is Workers' Memorial Day. We remain committed to worker safety and safe job sites. Safe jobs, save lives. See video message from New York State AFL-CIO President, Mario Cilento:

https://nysaflcio.org/.../workers-memorial-day-2022...

We hope you will join us at our upcoming Workers' Memorial Day Vigil & Reception where we will gather to honor workers who died from work-related injuries or illnesses. It is being held on May 3rd. Details here: https://act.aflcio.org/fundraising/workers-memorial-day-2022

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: Westchester County Ranks in Top Five Statewide in Health Outcomes and Factors.

 

Westchester County Ranks in Top Five Statewide in Health Outcomes and Factors.

For the seventh year in a row, Westchester County has ranked in the top five out of 62 counties statewide for health outcomes and health factors, according to the County Health Rankings released Wednesday by the national County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program.

When compared with other counties in New York State, the distinction proves that Westchester is among the healthiest places to live and raise a family, with lower rates of physical inactivity, obesity, teen births, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, motor vehicle crashes and drug overdose deaths, and chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. Westchester also had higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, and lower rates of children in poverty, violent crime and injury deaths.

The survey showed that Westchester residents reported they felt physically and mentally healthy more often than residents statewide. County residents had better access to primary care providers, dentists and mental health providers, than residents statewide, with more providers per capita, and higher rates of flu vaccination and cancer screenings.

Despite the toll taken by COVID-19, the County ranked fourth for health outcomes, which measure the length and quality of life, and fifth for health factors, which measure the ways health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and the environment affect our health. Westchester has ranked in the top five since 2016, and in the top 10 since 2011. The overall life expectancy in Westchester is 83.6 years, which is better than top performers statewide and nationally.

The County’s child poverty index and the teen birth rate both demonstrated stark racial disparities. While Westchester had a much lower rate of child poverty (10%) than the state (18%), the report found that 19 percent of Black and 18 percent of Hispanic children lived in poverty, as compared to three percent of white children. While 8 percent of Westchester live births overall weighed in at less than 5 lbs. 8 oz., comparable to the state low birthweight, the burden of low birthweight was greatest among Blacks, at 12 percent. The low birthweight rate for whites and Hispanics was seven percent each.

The rankings were developed by The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report shows how counties compare within the state for the length and quality of life, their access to clinical care, as well as for such factors as the teen birth rate and the percentage of residents who smoke, are obese, drink to excess or are physically inactive.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS RESIDENTS FREE MINNOWS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS RESIDENTS FREE MINNOWS.

 

Minnows and Education are part of the County’s Mosquito Prevention Strategy.

 

(White Plains, NY) – To help residents keep their backyards free of mosquito breeding sites, the Westchester County Department of Health will give away free minnows for residential ponds and water features, along with advice and strategies to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus. The minnows will be available at the Westchester County Airport, 2 Loop Road, West Harrison, 10604 on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

By adding fathead minnows to ornamental ponds, residents can reduce the growth of mosquitos in their own backyards. The minnows eat mosquito larvae, preventing them from maturing into biters. Residents who plan to pick up minnows should bring a bucket or pail; minnows will be distributed in watertight plastic bags. To keep the minnows viable, residents should plan to bring them straight home and release them immediately into ponds with at least eight inches of water. They are not needed in ponds that have fish because the fish serve the same purpose.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “With their hearty appetites, this baitfish can keep mosquitos from breeding in your pond and biting you in your own backyard.”

 

Any resident can help reduce the mosquito population, even without a pond.

 

“Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in a puddle, a flowerpot saucer or an old tire, so it’s extremely helpful to clear your yard and the pavement around your home of buckets, pails and toys that collect standing water and pour out any water that remains after it rains,” Amler added.

 

Large areas of standing water on public property that cannot easily be removed should be reported to the Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

 

For more information, download the “Keep Healthy and Bug Off” brochure at http://health.westchestergov.com. 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY RANKS IN TOP FIVE STATEWIDE IN HEALTH OUTCOMES AND FACTORS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RANKS IN TOP FIVE STATEWIDE

IN HEALTH OUTCOMES AND FACTORS.

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – For the seventh year in a row, Westchester County has ranked in the top five out of 62 counties statewide for health outcomes and health factors, according to the County Health Rankings released Wednesday by the national County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program.

 

When compared with other counties in New York State, the distinction proves that Westchester is among the healthiest places to live and raise a family, with lower rates of physical inactivity, obesity, teen births, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, motor vehicle crashes and drug overdose deaths, teen births and chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. Westchester also had higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, and lower rates of children in poverty, violent crime and injury deaths.

 

“This is good news for Westchester residents, our health department and our community partners,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “These rankings highlight why it is so important that we continue to collaborate to improve the health and quality of life of all County residents.”

 

The survey showed that Westchester residents reported they felt physically and mentally healthy more often than residents statewide. County residents had better access to primary care providers, dentists and mental health providers, than residents statewide, with more providers per capita, and higher rates of flu vaccination and cancer screenings.

 

Despite the toll taken by COVID-19, the County ranked fourth for health outcomes, which measure the length and quality of life, and fifth for health factors, which measure the ways health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and the environment affect our health. Westchester has ranked in the top five since 2016, and in the top 10 since 2011. The overall life expectancy in Westchester is 83.6 years, which is better than top performers statewide and nationally.

 

“Westchester County residents care about their health, enjoy access to quality care and many strive for healthier lifestyles, but health inequities do persist,” said Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health. “Together with our community partners, we are working to address these complex and difficult problems and to help residents overcome the burden of poverty and health disparities.”

 

The County’s child poverty index and the teen birth rate both demonstrated stark racial disparities. While Westchester had a much lower rate of child poverty (10%) than the state (18%), the report found that 19 percent of Black and 18 percent of Hispanic children lived in poverty, as compared to three percent of white children. While 8 percent of Westchester live births overall weighed in at less than 5 lbs. 8 oz., comparable to the state low birthweight, the burden of low birthweight was greatest among Blacks, at 12 percent. The low birthweight rate for whites and Hispanics was seven percent each.

 

The rankings were developed by The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The report shows how counties compare within the state for the length and quality of life, their access to clinical care, as well as for such factors as the teen birth rate and the percentage of residents who smoke, are obese, drink to excess or are physically inactive.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: MEETING NOTICES – May 2022.

MEETING NOTICES – May 2022.

 

Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.

 

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

The Westchester County Planning Board will be meeting on 5/3/2022 at 9:00 a.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board will be meeting on 5/3/2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Michaelian Office Building

Room 527

148 Martine Ave. White Plains, NY 10601

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Deferred Compensation Board will be meeting on 5/4/2022 at 10:00 a.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Housing Opportunity Commission will be meeting on 5/10/2022 at 12:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board will be meeting on 5/10/2022 at 5:30 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

​

The Westchester County African-American Advisory Board will be meeting on 5/17/2022 at 6:30 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee will be meeting on 5/18/2022 at 4:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Correction Advisory Board will be meeting on 5/18/2022 at 4:30 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Stormwater Advisory Board will be meeting on 5/19/2022 at 3:00 p.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors will be meeting on 5/27/2022 at 9:00 a.m. Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.