Bill > S05567

This bill establishes the human services wage commission, a new body tasked with investigating wage sufficiency for human services workers in New York. The commission will consist of various state agency commissioners and up to 20 additional representatives from employers and workers, appointed by the commissioner who will also designate the chair. Its primary purpose is to examine whether wages paid to human services workers (defined as employees of state-licensed or funded agencies providing direct support services, earning up to $85,000 annually) are adequate to maintain employee health and welfare. The commission is empowered to hold public hearings, subpoena witnesses, and gather testimony from stakeholders. Within 120 days of appointment, the commission must submit a preliminary report to the governor and legislative leaders, including an analysis of fiscal and social implications of recommended wage changes. The report must provide specific wage recommendations for human services worker titles, considering factors like wage compression and regional differences, and include a five-year implementation plan. For Medicaid-funded programs, the department must consult with federal agencies and conduct an actuarial analysis. The final report and implementation plan must be issued by March 31, 2026, and made publicly available, with the requirement that the report must pass a majority vote of the commission members.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5567