Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration has proposed keeping approximately $1 billion in Medicaid pass-through funds that have traditionally flowed back to New York's 62 counties through the state budget. Westchester County's share of that cut has not been disclosed, but the county's 2026 budget did not account for losing the money, according to the I Live Here Westchester newsletter, which cited a Westchester County Government budget signing release.

The proposal lands on a county that has already absorbed deep cuts. County Executive Ken Jenkins closed a $197.7 million budget gap this year through 8% reductions across all departments and the elimination of roughly 180 positions, according to his State of the County address on Wednesday, May 6.

"Before we asked more of you, we reduced the County workforce and had an 8% budget cut across all Departments," Jenkins told the Board of Legislators during that address. "And the truth is this: it would be irresponsible — truly irresponsible — for me to hold the line or cut taxes while the needs of our residents are growing every single day."

The average tax impact for county residents came to about $3 more per month per household, Jenkins said.

Albany County's legislature passed a unanimous proclamation opposing the Medicaid pass-through proposal, according to an Albany County news release from July 2026 cited by the newsletter. No similar resolution from the Westchester County Board of Legislators has been reported.

NYS Focus reported on Thursday, May 28 that there was "no solution to health coverage cliff in delayed state budget," pointing to broader Medicaid pressures facing counties statewide, according to the newsletter's sourcing.

Several key details remain unconfirmed: how much of the $1 billion Westchester would lose, when a state budget vote might occur, and whether the county's Board of Legislators plans any formal response. Westchester maintained its AAA credit rating from both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings in 2026, with Fitch citing reserve levels exceeding 20% of spending over the last three fiscal years. Those reserves could become relevant if the pass-through cut advances.

In a separate action, Jenkins signed a new apprenticeship law requiring local hiring on large county construction contracts. The Board of Legislators adopted the measure (Local Law 2026-144) on Monday, April 20, following a public hearing the same day. The specific contract-size threshold triggering the requirement has not been confirmed in available public records.

Residents can track county legislative agendas and submit public comments through the Legistar portal at westchestercountyny.legistar.com. The next Board of Legislators meeting date has not been confirmed.