New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00173

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

Summary

Bill S00173 establishes an 'unemployment bridge program' to provide wage replacement for workers who do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance. This program aims to assist individuals who have lost a significant source of income, particularly those in non-traditional employment situations such as domestic workers, day laborers, and street vendors. The bill also creates the 'unemployment bridge program fund' to finance these wage replacements, ensuring that eligible applicants can receive assistance for up to six months. Additionally, the bill introduces the 'Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)', imposing a tax on digital advertising services based on annual gross revenues, with the collected funds directed to the unemployment bridge program fund.

Impact

The bill significantly alters the landscape of unemployment assistance in New York by expanding eligibility to include workers who typically fall outside the traditional unemployment insurance framework. It establishes a dedicated fund for wage replacement, which will be financed through a new tax on digital advertising revenues. This could lead to increased financial support for marginalized workers while also generating new revenue for the state. The implementation of the digital ad tax may affect businesses engaged in digital advertising, potentially leading to increased operational costs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S00173 appears to be generally supportive among proponents who advocate for expanded worker protections and assistance for those in precarious employment situations. However, there may be concerns from businesses regarding the new tax on digital advertising, which could be viewed as an additional financial burden. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions suggests that the bill's reception is still being assessed.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the imposition of the digital ad tax, particularly among businesses that rely heavily on digital advertising for revenue. Critics may argue that this tax could hinder economic growth or lead to higher costs for consumers. Additionally, there may be discussions regarding the eligibility criteria for the unemployment bridge program, particularly concerning the inclusion of undocumented workers and the implications for labor market dynamics.

Companion Bills

NY A03582

Same As Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

Previously Filed As

NY S03192

Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

NY A03582

Establishes an unemployment bridge program and an unemployment bridge program fund to provide wage replacement to workers that do not qualify for unemployment insurance or other worker wage assistance programs and who have lost a major source of income due to lost work (Part A); establishes the "Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA)" creating a tax on digital advertising services (Part B).

NY HB1773

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

NY SB5626

Creating a wage replacement program for certain Washington workers excluded from unemployment insurance.

NY S1320

To increase unemployment insurance benefits for low wage workers

NY H2150

To increase unemployment insurance benefits for low wage workers

NY A1516

Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.

NY S1116

Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.

NY HB1682

Concerning part-time workers in the unemployment insurance system.

NY SB5041

AN ACT Relating to unemployment insurance benefits for striking or lockout workers;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.