Bill > S00173

This bill establishes two key components: an Unemployment Bridge Program and a Digital Ad Tax. The Unemployment Bridge Program creates a new state fund to provide wage replacement to workers who do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance, including immigrants, day laborers, domestic workers, construction workers, street vendors, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Eligible applicants can receive up to six monthly payments of $1,200 for total unemployment or $800 for partial unemployment, subject to certain income and work history requirements. Applicants must have worked at least three months in the previous year and earned at least $4,050, and must provide documentation proving identity and work history. The program will be administered through a network of nonprofit navigators who will help underserved populations apply and access benefits. The program is funded through a newly established Unemployment Bridge Program Fund. Simultaneously, the bill introduces the Digital Ad Tax Act (DATA), which imposes a graduated tax on digital advertising services based on a company's global annual revenues, ranging from 2.5% to 10%. The tax will be collected from companies with annual digital advertising revenues in New York exceeding $1 million, with the proceeds directed to the Unemployment Bridge Program Fund. The bill aims to provide economic support to workers excluded from traditional unemployment benefits while creating a new revenue stream through digital advertising taxation.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S173