New York State Insider: New York State Senate Westchester Delegation Calls for Input on the Executive Budget Proposal.

 

Date: February 9, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   New York State Senate Westchester Delegation Calls for Input on the Executive Budget Proposal.

(White Plains, NY) – The New York State Senate Westchester Delegation will hold two virtual budget forums on the proposed 2022-23 NYS Budget to gather testimony from community members and advocates.    The forums will be held on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who wish to testify must pre-register. Each person will be given two minutes to speak.    Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “I’d like to hear from my constituents as the legislature continues its negotiations on Governor Hochul’s proposed $216.3 billion Executive Budget. These two public forums are an important opportunity for my colleagues and me to get feedback from Westchester residents and better inform our efforts in Albany,”   Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “These forums are wonderful opportunities for local residents and advocates to speak about their budget priorities and for the Westchester Senate Delegation to hear about what matters most to our community. I encourage those with priorities they want to see in this year’s budget to attend the forums and testify.”   Senator Pete Harckham said: “It is incredibly important for our residents to be able to express their priorities and concerns directly to their state legislators during the budget process. As we work together to face the challenges ahead, we can only strengthen our decision-making and resolve with forthright communication, so I look forward to hearing from residents and stakeholders at the upcoming budget forum.”   Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick said: “As the legislature negotiates the 2022-23 New York State Budget with the governor in the coming weeks, hearing input from residents and organizations of what programs and priorities are important to them is crucial. I’m glad to partner with my colleagues in the Westchester delegation to participate in these budget forums and I encourage any interested Westchester resident to testify.”    Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said: “It’s critical that our community has a seat at the table as we move forward with this year’s budget process. I look forward to joining my colleagues in the Westchester Senate delegation to learn about the needs and priorities of our constituents. I encourage everyone to get involved in this important process, make your voices heard, and help ensure the state budget accurately reflects the values and priorities of our community.”   Senator Alessandra Biaggi said: "Each year, the New York State Budget acts as a vehicle to show our State’s priorities and values, and shape the future of New York for the better. I strongly encourage Westchester residents to attend and testify at the Westchester budget forums to ensure their priorities are heard. Without your insight and input, none of us would be able to advocate for a State Budget that truly reflects the needs of our communities. I look forward to hearing from constituents and working together to build a budget that properly invests in our communities."   Both events will be streamed on Facebook.com/Andrea.StewartCousins.  Written testimony will be accepted before and after the hearings. For more information, email westdelg@nysenate.gov.