New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03953

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2025.

Summary

Bill S03953 aims to address wage disparities among human services employees in New York by establishing a Human Services Employee Wage Board. This board will investigate the pay differences between human services workers and their counterparts in government and the private sector, particularly focusing on the impact of these disparities on marginalized communities. The board will consist of twelve members, including human services employees, providers, and public representatives, and is tasked with holding public hearings and submitting a report with recommendations to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2025.

Impact

The bill will amend the labor law to create a new article focused on human services employees, thereby formalizing the process for assessing and recommending wage adjustments. It seeks to ensure that human services workers receive equitable compensation that reflects their essential role in society, particularly in light of the historical underfunding of human services. If enacted, this could lead to significant changes in how human services are funded and compensated in New York, potentially impacting state contracts and funding allocations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03953 appears to be largely supportive among advocates for human services workers, who argue that the bill is necessary to rectify long-standing wage inequities. However, there may be concerns from some stakeholders about the implications of increased wages on funding and service delivery, particularly from organizations that rely on state contracts for human services.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential financial impact on nonprofit organizations that provide human services, which may struggle with increased wage requirements without corresponding increases in funding. Additionally, there may be disagreements regarding the methodology the wage board will use to assess wage disparities and the potential for increased bureaucracy in the human services sector. Stakeholders representing both human services employees and providers may have differing views on the best approach to address these disparities.

Companion Bills

NY A05589

Same As Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2027.

Previously Filed As

NY A05589

Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2027.

NY A03329

Relates to the convening of a human services employee wage board; requires the commissioner of labor to convene a human services employee wage board comprised of twelve members; requires the wage board to hold hearings and report and make recommendations to the governor and legislature no later than December 31, 2023.

NY A07624

Establishes the human services wage commission for the purpose of investigating whether the wages paid to human services workers are sufficient to provide adequate maintenance and to protect the health and welfare of employees; defines terms; provides for the duties of the commission; requires reporting.

NY HB4147

Relating to medical assistance; prescribing an effective date.

NY A02456

Prohibits employers from requiring low-wage employees to enter into covenants not to compete; requires employers to notify potential employees of any requirement to enter into a covenant not to compete.

NY SB695

Labor and Employment - Uninsured Employers' Fund Board - Membership and Reserves

NY S0070

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

NY H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

NY SF2277

A bill for an act relating to rights of employees and requirements of employers with respect to labor union membership.

NY A09082

Sets base wage requirements for certain human services workers employed in eligible state-funded programs that provide health and/or welfare assistance.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.