Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has reached out to US Congressman George Latimer and US Congressman Mike Lawler, urging them to oppose the federal budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1. This request follows the bill’s recent approval in the U.S. Senate. The legislation proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which Jenkins warns could have dire consequences for Westchester County residents.
Jenkins expressed his concerns, stating, “In short – H.R. 1 was bad before. But the Senate’s changes will cut insurance coverage for more residents. They will overwhelm hospitals, and increase costs. They will force taxpayers to pay more for less. They will force our veterans, children and elderly to go hungry when thousands are already standing in bread lines to feed their families.”
He highlighted that Westchester’s unemployment rate stands at 3.4%, below the national average, yet 23.9% of its population depends on Medicaid. Jenkins argued that many hardworking Americans would lose coverage if these cuts proceed, especially amid tariff-induced price hikes.
Offering support to both lawmakers in efforts against the bill, Jenkins wrote: “The lives of thousands of our residents – and your constituents – are on the line.”
