Narrative of Resolution:
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Advocating for increased wages and policy reforms to support Direct Care and Home Care Professionals in New York State.
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE ADVOCATING FOR INCREASED WAGES AND POLICY REFORMS TO SUPPORT DIRECT CARE AND HOME CARE PROFESSIONALS IN NEW YORK STATE
WHEREAS, Direct Care Professionals (DCPs), including home health aides, childcare workers, personal care aides, workers supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, and human services jobs provide essential services to vulnerable populations, ensuring their health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, DCPs in New York have historically been underpaid, with wages that do not reflect the critical nature of their work or the growing demand for their services, leading to high turnover, workforce shortages, and inadequate care; and
WHEREAS, New York State has introduced several bills aimed at improving wages and working conditions for DCPs, recognizing their pivotal role in healthcare and social services; and
WHEREAS, the Fair Pay for Home Care Act would raise wages for home health and personal care aides by at least 30% above the minimum wage, establishing a minimum wage of $19.80 per hour upstate New York, and mandating overtime for work beyond 40 hours per week, addressing workforce shortages and improving care quality; and
WHEREAS, this Act also promotes equity by benefiting a diverse workforce that includes individuals from various backgrounds and racial groups, while enhancing economic stability for these essential workers; and
WHEREAS, NY State Senate Bill 2023-S4127A proposes a direct support wage enhancement for employees earning less than $125,000 annually, helping to address wage disparities and attract more professionals to the field of developmental disabilities care; and
WHEREAS, while the FY 2023 budget included a $3.00 minimum wage increase for home care workers, phased over two years, further action is necessary to ensure all DCPs receive livable wages and adequate benefits; and
WHEREAS, investing in DCPs not only improves the well-being of workers but also enhances the stability and quality of care for those who depend on these services, reducing long-term costs related to turnover and inadequate care.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Sullivan County Legislature, advocate for the swift passage and full implementation of the Fair Pay for Home Care Act, NY State Senate Bill 2023-S4127A, and other legislation that seeks to improve wages and working conditions for DCPs, including both home care and direct care professionals, across New York State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the State Government continue to pursue policy reforms that raise wages, provide comprehensive benefits, including healthcare, retirement plans, paid leave, and mental health support, and ensure access to career development for all DCPs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we support efforts to protect DCPs through laws that promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and representation in policymaking; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk to the Legislature forward a copy of this resolution to the New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Senator Peter Oberacker, and Assemblyman Brian Maher and relevant state agencies, urging them to prioritize the needs for DCPs by enacting legislation that recognizes their indispensable contributions and fosters a sustainable, equitable workforce.
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