The State Senate’s Westchester Delegation will hold two budget forums, one in-person and one virtually, on the governor’s proposed 2024-25 NYS Budget to get feedback from the community.
The in-person forum is set for Thursday, Feb. 8 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Greenburgh Town Hall, and the virtual forum will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Those who wish to testify must pre-register. Each person will be given two minutes to speak. Written testimony will be accepted before and after the hearing. Spanish and ASL interpreters will be available at both forums.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “Community engagement and transparency in governance is vital. As your representatives, it’s essential for us to hear directly from our constituents about your priorities and concerns regarding the state budget. These local budget forums provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and enable us to better advocate for the needs of our community in Albany. Your participation is crucial in shaping policies that impact our daily lives. I urge all constituents to join us in these forums, whether in-person or virtually, to ensure your voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.”
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “As my colleagues and I continue the NYS budget deliberation process, it is essential that we hear from the residents and community groups we represent. These budget forums are an important and wonderful opportunity for me and my colleagues to hear from our constituents. We have an obligation to ensure our final budget invests in programs and services that support our community to the greatest extent possible. I strongly encourage Westchester residents to attend and voice your concerns, priorities, and opinions. I am committed to fighting for the needs of all those in our community, and I look forward to hearing from all the speakers.”
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 solve the many problems we face and make critical investments in our communities, our decision-making is strengthened with open and honest communication, so I look forward to hearing from residents and stakeholders at the upcoming budget forum.”
Senator Jamaal T. Bailey said: “It is an honor to represent Pelham and New Rochelle in the Westchester State Senate Delegation alongside my colleagues and Leader Stewart-Cousins. I urge all our constituents to participate in these forums because it is not the People’s Budget without the participation of the people. This year’s budget has many statewide implications, but it also has direct lines to our communities to address our needs. I look forward to hearing from the 34th Senate District on your priorities and how we can better advocate for you in Albany.”
Senator Nathalia Fernandez said: “Democracy starts at the local level. Community input is vital to ensuring the budget accurately reflects our priorities and that our voice is heard in shaping the decisions that directly impact the future of our families, schools, and neighborhoods. The budget process is an opportunity to address the urgent challenges our community faces. These are issues that affect our families, friends, and neighbors every day, and it’s essential that we have a say in how this critical funding is allocated. I want to thank my colleagues in the Westchester delegation for organizing this forum and ensuring our constituents and community members have a seat at the table in this important process.”
Both events will be livestreamed on Facebook.com/Andrea.StewartCousins.
For more information, email westchestersenatedelegation@gmail.com.
