NY A05589

Requires the Commissioner of Labor to convene a 12-member Human Services Employee Wage Board consisting of 3 human services employees, 3 human services providers, 3 provider coalitions, and 3 public members appointed by the commissioner

Mandates the wage board hold its first hearing by March 1, 2025, with at least 3 public hearings total, and submit a final report to the governor and legislature by December 31, 2025

Empowers the board to conduct public hearings, subpoena witnesses and documents, administer oaths, and consult with various state commissioners including those overseeing health, mental health, and children and family services

Requires the board to investigate pay disparities between nonprofit human services workers and government/private sector employees performing similar duties, noting that human services workers currently earn 71% of government employee wages

Addresses workforce equity concerns, citing that the 800,000-person human services workforce is 66% female and 68% people of color, with 15% of workers qualifying for food stamps despite 63% having college degrees