Sets base wage requirements for certain human services workers employed in eligible state-funded programs that provide health and/or welfare assistance.
Impact
This legislation is significant as it sets a phased-in base wage of $29 per hour for human services workers in downstate regions, which will be implemented gradually starting in April 2026. The bill also introduces annual adjustments based on the consumer price index to keep pace with inflation. Such measures are aimed at elevating the standards of wages within the sector, ensuring that human services workers receive adequate compensation reflecting their invaluable contributions to society's well-being.
Summary
Bill A09082 aims to amend New York's labor law to establish specific wage requirements for human services workers employed in state-funded programs. The bill defines human services workers as individuals who provide direct care or support, or those involved in improving health and welfare without being executive professionals. It is designed to ensure that these workers receive a fair base wage as they play a crucial role in the delivery of essential health and welfare services within the community.
Contention
While proponents of A09082 argue that the bill is a necessary step to promote fair wages and improve the quality of services provided in the human services sector, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for state-funded programs. Critics fear that the mandated wage increases may strain budgets for these programs, possibly leading to cutbacks in services or reduced hiring within the sector. The balance between adequately compensating workers and ensuring sustainable funding for essential programs continues to be a notable point of contention in discussions surrounding this legislation.
Same As
Sets base wage requirements for certain human services workers employed in eligible state-funded programs that provide health and/or welfare assistance.
Establishes the NYS Employee Loan Forgiveness Program; provides that individuals employed by a state employer for 5 years or more with outstanding loan debt are eligible to receive $5,000 per year.
Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.
Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.
An Act Making Adjustments To The Personal Income And The Earned Income Tax Credit And Concerning The Human Capital Investment Tax Credit, Tax Gap Reporting And The Tax Incidence Report.