Department of Labor Analyzes Minimum Wage, Recap of Advocacy Day and Unions Pushing for Ratios Bil
Department of Labor Analyzes Raising Minimum Wage
In a report issues this week, the Department of Labor (DOL) says that raising the minimum wage increases the standard of living for workers, reduces poverty, incentivizes fair and more efficient business practices, and ensures that the most vulnerable members of the workforce can contribute to the economy. DOL reports that an increase to $15 per hour would bring the hourly wages up to 55%, compared to the current 32% of the state average wage, reducing income inequality in New York State.
DOL cited that researchers found evidence of increased employment from increasing the minimum wage.
“Comparing performance of every state that enacted a minimum wage increase from 1990 through 2011 at a time of high unemployment rate, researchers found their average rate of job growth mirrored the national average, with most states that increased their minimum wage doing slightly better on job growth than the national average. A recent analysis by economists at Goldman Sachs and CEPR found that the thirteen states—including New York—that increased their state minimum wage in 2014 had higher rates of employment growth than the national average.”
What do you think? Make sure your legislator knows by texting MINIMUM WAGE to 52886 and sending an email, tweet or Facebook message.
Unions Push for Nurse Staffing Ratios
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), has joined forces with the AFL-CIO, Communication Workers of America (CWA), Public Employees Federation Working Families Party and Citizen Action of New York, including others, to launch a Campaign for Patient Safety. The groups were in Albany on Tuesday, briefing lawmakers and their staffs on staffing ratios and asking legislators to pass a bill to require specific nurse staffing ratios.
LeadingAge New York encourages members to follow-up with their legislators to ensure they understand the other side of this issue. LeadingAge NY’s opposition memo can be found here. You can also visit our Advocacy Page to oppose nurse staffing ratios by emailing, posting on Facebook or Tweeting to legislators and the Governor. Make it easy on yourself by texting RATIOS to 52886.
Legislature Adjourned for Two Weeks
The Legislature has adjourned for two weeks, so legislators are likely to be back in their district. This is a great opportunity to connect with lawmakers to express concerns and issues specific to your facility. Winter break is an especially great time to advocate by using social media. Please take the time to visit our Take Action Advocacy Page and take action on issues that are of concern, especially the minimum wage increase. A potential increase in minimum wage without additional Medicaid funding could be catastrophic to you. We need your help to ensure that our legislative representatives fully the understand the implications.
When the legislature returns, one-house budgets and budget conference committees will convene. That doesn’t leave much time to advocate and inform legislators on issues that are of concern.
Advocacy Day Recap
On Tues., Feb. 9th we had our annual Advocacy Day. We had over 80 members in attendance, meeting with more than 50 legislators and key staff. Members advocated on issues including the minimum wage, staffing ratios, SSI increase for ACFs, transportation issues and Medicaid rate adequacy. Please take a look at some of the talking points and budget initiatives that we utilized for our meetings. If you weren’t able to meet with your legislators, please share the materials with your lawmakers back home.