Latimer Votes No on Government Funding Bill and Speaks Out on Tariffs and Cuts to Federal Work Force
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Newly elected Congressman George Latimer has been speaking out and voting in defense of his constituents in NY District 16.
Here are his comments:
Government Funding Bill
"It is clear that everyday residents are outraged with the cut and destroy method of management by the Trump Administration. This strategy is an outrage. Without providing guardrails or reasserting Constitutional authority about how to spend money that Congress appropriates, this systematic dismantling will continue.
The government funding bill today deserved a 'no' vote. It does not include any of these critical guardrails and submits to the will of Trump and Elon Musk as they to continue to tear down our government. We offered an alternative bill which would keep the government open without implementing disastrous policies - the Republican majority wouldn't even consider it.
The bill has significant cuts to housing programs for seniors and domestic violence survivors, and cuts funding for veterans' healthcare. My priority is to make life less expensive for working families. This funding bill does not achieve that goal. It does the exact opposite."
Tariffs
On March 10, 2025, U.S. Representative George Latimer (released the following statement after the government of Ontario, Canada, applied a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Minnesota and Michigan:
“Electricity rates, which are already high, are about to go up. As we predicted a month ago, President Trump’s ill-advised and thoughtless trade war with our ally Canada is needlessly adding to increasing prices already felt by New York ratepayers. The stock market has dropped again today after the President refused to rule out a recession. He is gambling with our economy and the wallets of working Americans.
Last week President Trump announced tariffs on Canada and Mexico after rescinding them in February. The 25% surcharge on electricity exports is expected to affect electricity sales to 1.5 million homes across New York, Michigan and Minnesota."
Firing of Federal employees
Watch this video with Latimer’s address on the house floor on cuts to the federal work force which he calls “heartless and cruel.”
Local Legislators Fight Back on Social Security Office Closure, Aid to Ukraine, Cuts and Tariffs
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(Updated Marchh 5, 2025) At a press conference on March 3, 2025, Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced that they have identified county space that can be used for the White Plains Social Security Office that will be closing in May.
“The expected closure of the Social Security Administration’s White Plains hearing office will mean seniors and people with disabilities will have to drive long distances – as far away as New Haven and Albany — at greater expense, to fight for their rights. But that does not have to happen,” said Rep. Latimer. “I am very glad to work with my friend and former colleague County Executive Ken Jenkins to offer County space to keep these important services in White Plains. I will work with officials at all levels of government to try to make this a reality.”
“Our priority is ensuring that Westchester County maintains access to essential services. We are committed to supporting seniors, individuals with disabilities and many others by finding solutions that keep Social Security resources available in White Plains. I’m grateful to Congressman Latimer for collaborating with me and Westchester County to turn this request and proposed solution into a reality,” said County Executive Jenkins.
In February it was announced that the Social Security Administration would not be renewing its lease for the White Plains Hearing Office. The Office has since been placed on the list of cuts made by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Last week it was announced that the new Administration is planning to cut Social Security staff by 50%.
“On behalf of the AALJ, I want to thank Congressman Latimer and County Executive Jenkins for generously offering to make equivalent hearing space available in White Plains for social security disability claimants who depend on the White Plains facility to secure their benefits. If the White Plains office closes without a replacement, residents will incur the additional expense and inconvenience of traveling to far away hearing locations without consideration of where they live,” said Judge Som Ramrup, President, Association of Administrative Law Judges (AALJ).
Latimer submitted the following comment after attending President Trump's address to Congress on March 4:
"President Trump, in his first major address of his second term, could have given a reason to all Americans to welcome his new term.
He could have described in detail how he planned to lower the cost of living for everyday Americans.
But rather, he defended his decision to levy tariffs that will raise everyday prices, and stifle economic growth. The stock market continued its slide, showing that Wall Street and Main Street reject tariffs. All economic indicators are now below what they were on Election Day in 2024.
He could have described how he would help secure a better life for seniors and veterans. But he did nothing to dispel plans for major cuts to the Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs, meaning deserving seniors and veterans will get fewer benefits than they have earned. There was no pushback against Elon Musk’s ‘Ponzi Scheme’ slur against social security.
He could have described how America will take the lead in the Free World, defending democracy on every continent, as did Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, as well as all Democratic Presidents. Instead, he punishes Canada, Mexico, insults Denmark, ignores Britain and France, and sacrifices Ukraine to appease Russia.
The massive, erratic cuts to government departments does not show a rational, business-like strategy. It shows an ideological desire to throw the baby out with the bath water, systemic cuts rather than well-planned, strategic cuts.
This is no way to run a government. I know. I ran one well for seven years. It appears this speech is a roadmap for the next four years.”
Statement of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer on President Zelenskyy's Meeting with White House:
State Senator Shelley Mayer issued the following statement on March 2, 2025
I was deeply disturbed by President Trump and Vice President Vance’s bullying behavior towards Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and our democratic ally of Ukraine on Friday. I am concerned that the repercussions will damage our relationship with Ukraine. For over three years, the Ukrainian people have been the victim of Russia’s attacks on its people. New York State is committed to doing everything in its power to assist the Ukrainian people, and despite the White House’s lack of empathy, New York stands firm in its unequivocal support for Ukraine. It is unprecedented for the leaders of the United States to treat our allies with such disrespect.
The only acceptable outcome is for the White House to apologize to President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, who have endured aggression from Putin and Russia, and for them to affirm support for a fellow sovereign, democratic nation.
Scarsdale Students Show Appreciation to First Responders
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October 7th, 2023 was a day that left many in our community feeling devastated and fearful for the safety of loved ones in Israel and even right here at home. After the heartbreaking events of that day, and in response to the rise of anti-semtic incidents around Westchester, local police officers began working even harder to protect Scarsdale’s schools, houses of worship, and the community overall.
Noticing the increased police presence, three Scarsdale High School students (Arielle Zaitchik, Cami Culang, and Samantha Schnieder) wanted to find a way to thank the police department for their dedication to keeping their community safe. What started with the three students providing a simple Shabbat Dinner to express their gratitude, quickly evolved into a bigger project where they not only deliver Shabbat dinners, but also special meals for holidays and other secular celebrations.
Taking their gratitude to the next level, Zaitchik, Culang, and Schneider co-founded “Appreciating First Responders” where, with the help of community members who generously contribute food and donations, they are able to provide first responders with delicious pot-luck style meals. Recently, Appreciating First Responders delivered a festive feast for both lunch and dinner to their beloved police department in celebration of the winter holidays.
The collection of donations during the holidays was so successful that the group was also able to provide food for Chief Matturro’s retirement and on Super Bowl Sunday. Even though firefighters had to work that evening, AFS delivered submarine sandwiches and chicken wings to the fire department so they could still enjoy some traditional Super Bowl party food.
In effort to spread awareness about their project, the co-founders also recently led a session during Scarsdale High School’s Non-Sibi Day, where students decorated cookies and made cards expressing their gratitude for everything Scarsdale’s first responders do to protect the community.
When asked about why she was motivated to start Appreciating First Responders, Zaitchik said, “We hope the police, fire department, and EMTs feel the love and appreciation from the Scarsdale community for all they do to protect us.”
And when asked how others can help, Zaitchik added, “To help out with our project, the community can follow our Instagram account where we post updates and ways to contribute to our potluck meals. If bringing a meal is not an option, donations are also very helpful. When families drop off their contributions, oftentimes the police are appreciative and will give out stickers, introduce Sushi, the K9, or the firemen will allow the kids to spray the hoses.”
If you would like to contribute to Appreciating First Responders next meal, follow the project on Instagram.
Westchester Families Need Your Help: Donate Clothing to The Sharing Shelf
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- Written by: Deborah Blatt
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Clothing insecurity is growing in Westchester County. In 2024, The Sharing Shelf, the nonprofit Clothing Bank serving children and teens in need in Westchester, provided clothing to 6,764 children and teens. That’s an increase of 23% from 2023, and the need for clothing continues to grow: In the first month of 2025, requests for clothing grew 84% over the same period in the previous year – from 324 requests in 2024 to 597 in 2025.
Requests to The Sharing Shelf for clothing for the children and teens came in 2024 from 588 staff members at 161 community partner agencies across Westchester. Those children and teens live in every community in Westchester.
Those numbers have grown, too. The number of staff members at partner agencies who requested clothing grew from 522 in 2023 to 588 in 2024. The number of partner agencies grew from 138 to 161.
While Westchester is among the nation’s wealthiest counties, its poverty rate for children under five was 11.1% in 2023, according to Westchester Children’s Association. More than 67,000 children and teens live in poverty or a low-income home in Westchester.
Clothing insecurity is often overlooked, on the assumption that as long as one has some kind of clothes, there’s no problem. But for students to perform well in school – and stay in school – they need to have clothes that are the right size, that are appropriate to the season, that reflect their personality, and they need enough of them to be clean. Imagine how you would feel going into a meeting inappropriately dressed, and how you would perform in that situation.
How can Westchester residents help? By donating new or gently used clothing in all sizes, from newborn through adult XXL to The Sharing Shelf’s Clothing Bank in Port Chester. Donated clothing should be in clean wearable condition, ready for immediate distribution. Clothing donations are by appointment only and can be scheduled through our website: www.sharingshelf.org. There you can find both our seasonal and year-round clothing needs.
At The Sharing Shelf, volunteers are core to our work, and, as clothing insecurity grows, our need for volunteers grows as well. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, and a parent or guardian must actively volunteer with teens ages 14-17. Pre-registration through our website is required for all volunteers.
You can also organize a clothing drive, donate funds, or visit our Target registry or Amazon wishlist to order new items that The Sharing Shelf needs. Relevant information is available at www.sharingshelf.org.
Having clothes that fit properly, are seasonally appropriate, and make a child or teen feel comfortable, are enormously important to their well-being and performance. You can help children and teens across Westchester have the benefit of such clothing. I hope that you will join us in doing that. It’s enormously fulfilling.
The author, Deborah Blatt, is Founder and Executive Director of The Sharing Shelf, the nonprofit Clothing Bank serving Westchester County.
Victory for Ken Jenkins in Election for Westchester County Executive
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(Updated 6:00 pm) The Westchester County Board of Elections is reporting a resounding victory for Ken Jenkins in the special election for Westchester County Executive on Tuesday February 11, 2025. The post was vacated when County Executive George Latimer was elected to represent Congressional District 16 in November 2024. Latimer challenged incumbent Jamaal Bowman in the Democratic Primary in June and won and was then elected in the general election.
Jenkins was named the interim County Executive in January and will now serve for the balance of the term until November 2025.
The vote counts were as follows:
Democrat Ken Jenkins
57,590 votes
64%
Republican Christine Sculti
32,956 votes
36%
Sculti was an advisor to former County Executive Rob Astorino and was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Jenkins was endorsed by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul, NYS Senator Kirsten Gillabrand, NYS Assemblymemeber Amy Paulin and many unions. With Republicans controlling Congress, the Senate and the White House, this is a telling victory for the Democrats in a local race.
Commenting on the results, Alissa Baum and Myra Saul, Co -Chairs of the Scarsdale Democratic Town Committee said, "The voters have spoken! Democrat Ken Jenkins won the special election for Westchester County Executive in a landslide. He defeated his opponent, Republican Christine Sculti, by 64-36%, in unofficial returns. On the Monday before the election, President Trump had tweeted out his support for Ms. Sculti and had urged his supporters to defeat the present administration.
The message of this election is clear: Westchester residents have no love for MAGA Republicans and soundly reject Donald Trump and his lawless presidency."
