Bill > A05589

This bill requires the New York State Commissioner of Labor to establish a Human Services Employee Wage Board to investigate and address pay disparities in the human services sector. The 12-member board will be composed of three human services employees, three human services providers, three coalition representatives, and three public members (with one serving as chairperson). The board is mandated to conduct public hearings, with at least three hearings that will provide opportunities for public comment and ensure language accessibility, including Spanish interpretation and accommodations for other languages and individuals with disabilities. The board will investigate wage gaps between human services workers and government/private sector employees, considering factors such as fringe benefits, poverty guidelines, and cost of living. By December 31, 2025, the board must submit a comprehensive report to the governor and legislature detailing their findings and recommendations for addressing wage inequities. The bill highlights that the human services workforce is predominantly female (66%) and workers of color (68%), and that these workers often earn significantly less than comparable public sector employees, despite many having four-year degrees. The ultimate goal is to develop recommendations for more equitable and adequate wages in the human services sector.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5589