The Westchester County Board of Legislators and County Executive Ken Jenkins submitted their 2025 Joint State Legislative Package to the New York State Delegation this afternoon. The purpose of the annual meeting is to advocate for and support New York State legislation that impacts priority issues for residents of Westchester County.

This year’s package included a range of budgetary and legislative initiatives proposed by our State Senators and Assembly Members on issues such as housing affordability, childcare support, and increased benefits for working families. Held as part of the Board’s regular Legislative Committee meetings, this gathering continues to be an important opportunity for Westchester County Legislators and the County Executive to sit together with State Legislators to discuss the County’s most pressing issues for the new year.

In attendance from the New York State Delegation were Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins as well as Senator Jamaal Bailey, and staff representatives for Senators Shelley Mayer and Pete Harckham attending virtually. Assembly Members Amy Paulin, Mary Jane Shimsky, Chris Burdick and Steve Otis were present. Assembly Members Gary Pretlow, Nathalia Fernandez, Matt Slater, and staff representatives for Dana Levenberg, and Nader Sayegh attended virtually.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester County remains dedicated to advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life of our residents. Our 2025 Joint State Legislative Package reflects the priorities of our communities and the collaborative efforts of the Board of Legislators and my administration. We look forward to working closely with our partners in the New York State Delegation to advance meaningful legislation that will help strengthen our County and create new opportunities for all who live and work here.”

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Thank you to our exceptional State Delegation for your steadfast support and advocacy for the people of Westchester. Your work on behalf of our residents – from addressing housing to improving support for working families – is vital to building a stronger future. I also want to acknowledge County Executive Ken Jenkins for his unwavering partnership, and all of those at the Board of Legislators who worked so hard to bring this report to fruition. We’re united in our mission to create lasting progress for the people of Westchester.”

Legislator Colin Smith (D- Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown), Chair of the Legislation Committee, said, “I’m excited that this package is complete and includes vital legislation ranging from property tax relief and childcare initiatives to healthcare and emergency medical services. I want to extend my gratitude to our state partners for introducing and supporting bills that address the needs of Westchester County residents. A special thank you goes to my team at the Board of Legislators for their dedication in making this process run smoothly, ensuring that we can provide timely support to our community.”

Majority Leader Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (D- Mount Vernon) said, “Thanks to the County Executive and his team for their annual collaboration on key financial and legislative initiatives. I also appreciate our state delegation for meeting with us again this year to discuss issues of importance to Westchester residents. My top priority is affordability and the housing shortage we currently face, and I believe our talks will help secure affordable housing for Westchester.”

Minority Leader Margaret Cunzio (C- North Castle, Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, Harrison) said, “The NYS legislative package is a major step forward for Westchester County, addressing key local priorities while fostering solutions that benefit our constituents.  We are calling on our NYS representatives in Albany to support these initiatives and deliver the resources our communities need to thrive.  By working together, we can make a difference for the people of Westchester.”

Watch the full meeting replay here.