NY S08440

Establishes the New York Works Progress Program (WPA-PR) within the Department of Labor, headed by the commissioner, to receive and approve works project proposals from state departments and agencies.

Defines eligible individuals as those unemployed for at least 60 days prior to project start and not full-time students; priority individuals are ages 18-35, unemployed for 60+ days, and not enrolled in training programs.

Requires approved projects to produce high employee hours per dollar, be staffable with minimal delay, employ individuals for six months minimum, and provide lasting economic contribution after completion.

Eligible projects include contact tracing for COVID-19, climate resilience and environmental conservation, creative economy initiatives, agricultural and food security projects, infrastructure improvements, home care services, and online education.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment and expires 30 months after the state of emergency declared by Executive Order 202 on March 7, 2020 is lifted; requires biannual reporting to legislature and annual audits by the comptroller.