Westchester County Board of Legislators

Proud to announce that the #WestchesterBOL has officially launched the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins! This vital initiative aims to create safer traffic stops for drivers with autism and other disabilities. Participants receive a blue envelope designed to store their driver's license, registration, and insurance card, along with guidance for calm, effective communication during traffic stops. Law enforcement officers throughout Westchester County will receive specialized training to recognize the blue envelope and better understand the unique needs of these drivers. Thank you to leaders from the County's Public Safety Department, Office for People with Disabilities and Westchester Institute for Human Development. committed to creating a more inclusive Westchester for all residents. This program represents another important step forward in that mission. #WhitePlainsNY #BlueEnvelopeProgram #AutismAwarenessMonth

SIGNED TODAY: After the #WestchesterBOL voted unanimously to approve a bill strengthening oversight of public works contracts, today Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins signed it into law. Companies bidding on County contracts will now be required to prove they are qualified and responsible—not just the lowest bidder. The new law creates a uniform and comprehensive vetting system for contracts over $35,000, examining bidders' financial standing, legal capacity, integrity and past performance. Spearheaded by Legislator Nancy Barr, co-authored by Legislator Erika Pierce and supported by Legislator David Imamura, this local law means smarter spending of tax dollars and better results for Westchester infrastructure. #PublicWorks #CountyGovernment #NCGM

Learn steps #nonprofits can take to minimize risk.

As we gather to celebrate Passover, we reflect on the significance of liberation, both past and present. This holiday reminds us of the importance of freedom, justice, and the strength found in unity. May it inspire us all to continue working toward a world of peace and understanding for everyone. Chag Pesach Sameach! #pesach #Passover2025 #ChagSameach #HappyPassover 

Board Delivers Support for Gynecological Cancer Patients Chairman Vedat Gashi delivers $30,000 to Support Connection, Inc., a nonprofit empowering cancer patient with free counseling from survivor counselors. This funding strengthens one-on-one support, group programs, and wellness services for those facing breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancers. Led by Executive Director Katherine Quinn, this Yorktown Height-based organization extends its critical resources across Westchester and nationally through their toll-free support line and virtual programs. #WestchesterCounty #SupportConnection #WestchesterBOL #YorktownHeights #WCBOL #CommunitySupport

Board Fights Hunger in Northern Westchester. Watch Legislator Colin D. Smith deliver this critical Board funding to Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), powering Fred's Pantry's farm-to-table food security efforts. Despite working full-time, many Westchester families struggle to afford nutritious meals. This initiative, led by CHOPP CEO Cynthia B. Knox, directly addresses food insecurity in Peekskill and surrounding communities when it is needed most. The Board remains deeply committed to serving working families facing difficult economic challenges. #FeedingWestchester #CommunitySupport #WestchesterStrong #PeekskillNY #WestchesterBOL #WestchesterCounty 

Social Security Administration Office Clarification: The SSA HEARING OFFICE at 75 South Broadway is permanently closing after May 2025. The nearest will be: NYC, Albany, CT, and NJ. Hearing Offices review appeals and conduct hearings for those challenging benefit eligibility decisions. The SSA FIELD OFFICE at 297 Knollwood Road remains open, along with offices in New Rochelle, Yonkers, and Peekskill. Field Offices process benefit applications, card replacements, and document requests. For questions about the Knollwood office: Contact Odily Bonilla (866-331-8134, ext. 17734) For questions about the closure: Contact Press Officer Mark Hinkle (press.office@ssa.gov) #WestchesterBOL #WhitePlainsNY #SocialSecurity #SocialSecurityAdministration #GovernmentUpdate #WestchesterCounty #SSA

Watch our tribute video honoring Herman Geist on his 100th birthday - the first-ever Chairman of the #WestchesterBOL and a true public service icon! This special conversation featuring Legislator Ben Boykin and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins highlights an extraordinary century of dedication to our community. From WWII lieutenant who helped liberate towns in the Czech Republic to founding the Westchester Parks Foundation that’s contributed over $15M to our county parks, Herman’s legacy has shaped Westchester in countless ways. To honor him, Chair Vedat Gashi announced that the Board was renaming its summer internship program “The Herman S. Geist Fellowship Program.” Let’s hear it for this living legend who continues to inspire us all with his lifetime of service. #WestchesterHistory #VeteranLeadership #LocalGovernment #GreatestGeneration #livinglegend #WestchesterCounty #WhitePlainsNY

The Board is defending County residents against Con Edison's proposed double-digit rate hikes by becoming a party to the major rate case in New York State with County Executive Ken Jenkins, ensuring the people of Westchester will have a voice during the proceedings. The NYS Public Service Commission is now accepting public comments on Con Edison’s proposals. Your input is critical before any final decisions are made. To make your voice heard: Speak at a Virtual Public Hearing: • Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM Must register by Monday, April 7th • Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM Must register by Tuesday, April 8th • Register at dps.ny.gov/calendar or call: 1-800-342-3330 Submit written comments by November 21, 2025: • Online: Visit dps.ny.gov and search case "25-E-0072" or "25-G-0073" • Mail: Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350 • Phone: 1-800-335-2120 Special accommodations available: Call 1-518-473-9463 Your voice matters! Influence decisions affecting your utility. #WestchesterCounty #WestchesterBOL #PublicHearing #noloveforconed #conedisonratehikes #ratehike #ratehikes

Please join us on Monday, April 7th, before our regular board meeting, as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Herman Geist, the first-ever County Board of Legislators Chairman and an extraordinary lifelong public servant. We invite you to celebrate his significant contributions virtually or in person. During the regular board meeting, two public hearings will be held. Westchester County #WestchesterCounty #WhitePlainsNY #LocalGovernment #WCBOL #WestchesterBOL #WestchesterNY #BOLChamber