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Latimer and Otis to hold forum on State Budget in Port Chester

New York State Senator George Latimer (D-Westchester) and Assemblyman Steve Otis (D-Rye City) announced today they will be holding a joint forum to get public input on the proposed 2016-2017 NYS budget. The event is open to the community, and any person or organization that wishes to present is invited to participate.

The schedule for the Port Chester forum is as follows:

Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the Port Chester Senior Center, 222 Grace Church St., from 4-8 p.m.

“The next step in passing a state budget is analysis and review by the state legislature, and I want to make sure that we hear what our constituents want and need,” Senator Latimer said.

No RSVP is required. The public is invited to speak and will be heard on a first come basis. Written testimony can be provided at the hearing or in advance to Senator Latimer or Assemblyman Otis by e-mail to latimer@nysenate.gov or OtisS@assembly.state.ny.us.

Remarks are limited to four minutes of presentation per person.

“This forum is yet another opportunity for us to hear directly from Westchester residents and organizations about the issues they care most about in the state budget,” said Assemblyman Otis. “The more we know about your concerns and priorities, the more effectively we can advocate on your behalf in the budget process.”

Proposed last month by the Governor, the “Executive Budget” is the first step in adopting a spending plan for New York’s next fiscal year, which runs from Apr. 1, 2016 to Mar. 31, 2017. The Governor’s proposal would provide $145 billion to fund state programs and services. The largest areas included in the spending plan are education, public protection, and healthcare, including Medicaid.