RC Executive Ed Day Proclaims, “The State of our Beloved County is Strong”

By Sarah Morgenstern

“It is with great pride that I can report to you that the state of our beloved county is strong,” Rockland County Executive Ed Day said with enthusiasm Tuesday night when he delivered his 2022 State of the County Address at 11 New Hempstead Rd. in New City.

“We have improved and streamlined county government for the benefits of both the people we serve and for our taxpayers,” said Day with cheerful optimism. “Our years of conservative budgeting have paid off. We are fiscally healthy, and we can focus on reviving and building Rockland for the future.”

Day not only highlighted the incredible work of Rockland County government employees, but he emphasized growth of Rockland’s economy as it continues to recovery from the pandemic.

“Thanks to our commitment to responsible development, we have increased our total value of taxable real estate by $7.4 billion in five years,” said Day, who has been in office since 2014. “Economic growth ultimately brings good jobs to Rockland, stabilizes our tax base, and shields families form the double-digit tax increases of the past.”

Right now is a great time to get local jobs, as Day announced that Rockland County’s unemployment rate is down to 3.3%, which is one of the lowest rates in Hudson Valley.

One unexpected source of revenue last year came from filming in the area that brought Rockland County $958,000.

Rockland County is helping the community to recovery economically from the pandemic by using the $63 million of federal funds Rockland County received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to create a grant program that has given $500,000 to support local restaurants.

The Rockland County Legislature has also voted to approve grants that will “help reimburse small businesses for expenses incurred by Covid” and “widen urban green spaces and outdoor recreation options.”

“I am so proud of this collaborative effort that helps so many Rockland residents,” said Day, who encouraged residents to get involved in local government. “These organizations support our communities, and it is our duty to support them in return.”