County Executive Robert P. Astorino has proposed legislation that would require all non-union managerial employees (including those at Westchester Community College and the District Attorney’s Office) to contribute 15 percent of the overall cost of their health insurance premiums.
The announcement was made before an audience of about 500 at the Westchester County Association’s 13th Annual Breakfast with the County Executive at The Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown. Astorino emphasized that he is making good on his campaign promise to cut county spending and that he remains committed to running a fiscally responsible government.
“The intent of this legislation is twofold,” said Astorino. “First, reduce the cost of county government and second, align public sector pay practices with those in the private sector. It is simply a matter of fairness and fiscal responsibility that those who receive health care benefits from the county should pay a share of the cost.”
The legislation would affect more than 400 county employees and would mean a savings of about $1.2 million a year.
In his remarks, Astorino talked broadly about Westchester’s advantages and disadvantages as a place to live and work and the need for business and the county government to work in partnership. He outlined themes of competence, collaboration and communication as the framework for that partnership.
“Our conversation today is the start of what I hope will be a strong and lasting partnership between county government and Westchester’s business community. And, it’s a two-way conversation - not a monologue. You have a voice that needs to be heard and my team will be listening today and every day.”
In the coming weeks, Astorino said he will be personally reaching out to companies across Westchester to engage them in building active partnerships for making the county more competitive.
“One message I will deliver loud and clear is to tell businesses that they can count on me to be a strong advocate for our shared causes and concerns, here locally in Westchester and in Albany and Washington.”
Read the full press release on health care contributions.
Read the full text of the WCA speech.