Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Senator Stewart-Cousins was in Albany for the first Regional Economic Development Council Awards Ceremony last week. The Mid Hudson Regional Economic Development Council won $67 million in grants, with $43 million going to Westchester County. The grants, part of this year’s budget agreement, will fund several key projects including $4 million for a biotechnology incubator at New York Medical College in Valhalla, $990,000 to install green roofs at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, $400,000 to revitalize the Tarrytown Music Hall, a total of $359,000 for projects in the Villages of Sleepy Hollow and Dobbs Ferry, and $40,000 for a job-training program at the Yonkers YWCA. In addition, $29.6 million will help transform School 6 in Yonkers into a 120 unit affordable housing building.

Senator Stewart-Cousins presented a proclamation to the Dobbs Ferry High School Varsity Football Team to recognize their achievement as the Class C New York State Champions. The Senator presented the award at a victory parade and celebration in honor of the team on Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry. She then joined Mayor Hartley Connett and trustees for the community Christmas tree lighting.

Senator Stewart-Cousins recently met with the Roosevelt High School Skills USA Team and their teacher Mr. Frank Leonetti to discuss proposed legislation that would prohibit smoking in State parks. Skills USA is a national organization that helps high school and college students develop leadership and career skills. The Roosevelt team has been working on a project to raise money and awareness about cancer research. They requested the meeting with Senator Stewart-Cousins as part of their project and also organized “A Walk to Support the Fight Against Cancer” which will take place at 10:30 AM on December 17 at the Roosevelt High School Athletic Field. Their work will culminate in June at the Skills USA National Leadership Conference, where they will share their experiences with other Skills USA Teams around the country.

On Veteran’s Day, Senator Stewart-Cousins attended several events throughout her district to honor the service of our military. The following Sunday, she participated in the 2nd annual “Walk for Wounded Veterans” at Tibbetts Brook Park. Organized in part by Shoprite, the walk raised money for Tower of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to wounded veterans. For more information about The Tower of Hope, click here.

Joining thousands of parade-goers and marchers, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins took part in the 84th Annual Yonkers Columbus Day Parade. Organized by the Yonkers Columbus Day Celebration Committee the parade celebrates Italian heritage in the city of Yonkers and beyond. Marchers included dance and music performers as well as community groups and elected officials. During the parade, the Senator stopped for a picture with Miss Westchester and Miss Teen Westchester.

Senator Stewart-Cousins spoke at a press conference with US Senator Charles Schumer, calling on state, local and county officials to clear debris from the Saw Mill River. She also called on FEMA to cover the costs of this clean-up through their Public Assistance Grant Program, which helps government entities pay for storm recovery.