Local Legislators Fight Back on Social Security Office Closure, Aid to Ukraine, Cuts and Tariffs

(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.