Mayor Foster Asks Legislator Testa to Fight for Hudson River HealthCare

Dear Legislator Testa,

The City of Peekskill Common Council and I urge you to fight the cuts proposed by the County Executive, Rob Astorino, to Hudson River Health Care and the other health clinics in our communities.  I realize that you understand the importance of the health clinic system as an affordable choice for quality health care. Peekskill’s health care clinic provides necessary services including vaccinations to children, prenatal care to mothers, health screenings to reduce the likelihood of costly chronic illnesses, and health screenings for our teens. Health clinics are an important element to the quality of life in Westchester County. They are also a cost-effective alternative to having increasing numbers of uninsured seeking emergency care and treatment at the areas hospitals.

We would also urge you to restore the funding cuts to the Westchester County Arts program. Arts Westchester is a modest investment in the quality of life and unique offerings in Westchester County that enable cities and towns to recruit new corporations and jobs. It is part of what makes Westchester County a community and not just an amalgamation of municipalities. This past month Deputy Mayor Bennett participated in reviewing grant applications to Arts Westchester from 43 different arts related nonprofits. Although the Arts Westchester funding that is available to these organizations is limited, this funding provides critical financial support and has a significant impact in the local arts communities.

We look forward to your support on these important budget issues.

Sincerely,

Mary F. Foster,

Mayor