Westchester County Legislator Bill Burton (D-Ossining) and other community leaders joined educators, parents, business leaders, and childcare advocates at Ossining’s Market Square on Thursday, July 15, at 6:00 pm to protest cuts to childcare funding being made by the County Executive. The programs that are in danger include the Westchester County Child Care Scholarship program (created by the Board of Legislators) and Title XX child care, a federal program that helps countless families. In addition, the County Executive has drastically increased parental contributions, from 15% to 20%.

Comments made before a vote on the Marcellus Shale Hydrofracking (Drilling) Ban Resolution, passed by the Westchester County Board of Legislators at its meeting on Monday, June 21, 2010. For more on this issue, visit: http://www.westchesterlegislators.com

County Executive Robert P. Astorino, Board Chairman Ken Jenkins of Yonkers, Vice Chairman Lyndon Williams of Mount Vernon and Legislators Alfreda Williams of Greenburgh and Vito Pinto of Eastchester joined together at a news conference to detail ways county residents can help.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake has affected about 3 million people in Haiti – one-third of Haiti’s population – and devastated the capital city, killing an unknown number of people and destroying buildings.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and all  of their loved ones everywhere, especially here in Westchester,” said Astorino. “As this tragedy has unfolded, people across Westchester have continued to ask, ‘How can I help?’ Toward that end, we have posted information on this Web site. In the days ahead, we will monitor the situation closely to see what other ways we can help.”

Organizations for monetary donations

Organizations receiving necessities and a list of necessities

Information for residents who are trying to locate family in Haiti

The members of the Board of Legislators expressed their sympathy as well.

Jenkins said, “The thoughts and prayers of Westchester’s residents go out to the families directly affected by this tragedy. As the immediate relief effort is underway in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, the Westchester County government is working with local community-based organizations, clergy leaders and caring residents from all parts of our county to identify needed resources.  As a county, we are more than ready to extend our help to the people of Haiti to the extent that we possibly can.”

Lyndon Williams noted that he is the representative to the largest population of Haitian immigrants in Westchester, saying: “I am truly saddened by the catastrophe that has hit Haiti, causing the tremendous destruction of one of the jewels of the Caribbean. At this point, the best way to help is through a financial donation. Unfortunately during times such as these there are some who try to talk advantage of the situation.  The County has compiled a list of local relief efforts for concerned residents who wish to donate their time, finances or necessities in response to the tragedy.”

Alfreda Williams said, “We should all say an additional prayer for the many selfless Westchester residents who were volunteering their time in Haiti when the earthquake occurred, and for some, whose safety is not yet known. I encourage all residents to reach out to one of the many international aid agencies currently on the ground in Haiti to ask how they may be able to help the rescue and relief effort. Westchester residents will do everything we can — as soon as we can — to help the people of Haiti recover.”

Source: www2.westchestergov.com

Westchester County residents and small business owners who suffered damage as a result of last July’s storms can still apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The first deadline for applications is December 1.

The SBA last month declared New York State – including Yonkers, Mt. Vernon and certain areas in the southern Westchester – a disaster area as a result of the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred on July 6 and 7.  This disaster declaration by the SBA makes Westchester County residents and businesses in those areas hit by the storm eligible for assistance with low-interest loans.

For more information, Westchester County residents and businesses can call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email them at disastercustomer@sba.gov and visit  www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance

“Judge Jeanine Pirro” is a one-hour daily court show featuring Jeanine Pirro, former Westchester County district attorney and county court judge. She is also a legal commentator and author. The show airs weekdays at 4 p.m on FOX 5.

Part 2 of Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano’s remarks on the Affordable Housing Lawsuit.

Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano remarks on the Affordable Housing Lawsuit. Part 1 of 2