New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05567

Introduced
2/25/25  
Refer
2/25/25  

Caption

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.

Summary

Bill S05567 establishes the Human Services Wage Commission within the New York State Department of Labor. The purpose of the commission is to investigate wage disparities among human services workers, who are defined as employees providing direct services to individuals in programs funded or licensed by the state. The commission will assess whether current wages are sufficient for the maintenance and health of these workers, and it will be tasked with holding public hearings, gathering testimony, and reporting its findings and recommendations to state leadership within a specified timeframe.

Impact

The establishment of the Human Services Wage Commission will have a significant impact on labor laws in New York, particularly concerning wages in the human services sector. The commission will analyze wage structures and propose adjustments to ensure that human services workers receive adequate compensation. This could lead to changes in funding and reimbursement rates for state-funded programs, as the commission's recommendations may necessitate increased financial support from the state to meet the proposed wage standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05567 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses long-standing concerns about wage disparities in the human services sector. Stakeholders, including advocates for human services workers, have expressed the need for better compensation to improve employee welfare. However, there may be some apprehension from employers regarding the potential financial implications of wage increases.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the perspectives of employers in the human services sector, who may be concerned about the financial burden of increased wages and the impact on their operational budgets. Conversely, advocates for human services workers argue that fair wages are essential for attracting and retaining qualified personnel in a field that is critical to public welfare. The balance between ensuring fair compensation and maintaining the viability of service providers will likely be a key area of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A07624

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 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 A09082

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

NY S08337

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

NY SF3117

Commissioner of human services revalidation of providers enrolled in Minnesota health programs every three years requirement

NY HF2957

Commissioner of human services required to revalidate providers enrolled in Minnesota health care programs every three years.

NY HB2938

Relating to attendant care services under Medicaid and other programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission, including establishing a minimum base wage for certain personal attendants providing those services and allowing family members to provide those services.

NY SB502

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

NY HB4419

Relating to peace officers commissioned by the Health and Human Services Commission's office of inspector general.

NY HB4545

To require the Department of Human Services to provide child welfare workers with mobile technology that will permit them to conduct investigations and create a digital record.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.