NY A09082

Establishes a base wage for human services workers in state-funded programs providing health and welfare services, reaching $29 per hour or 400% of the federal poverty level (whichever is greater) by full implementation

Phases in wages for the downstate region (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) starting April 2026 at $20/hour, increasing to $24 (2027), $26 (2028), and $29 (2029)

Phases in wages for the rest of the state starting April 2026 at $19/hour, increasing to $21 (2027), $23 (2028), $26 (2029), and $29 (2030)

Requires annual cost-of-living adjustments after full implementation based on the Consumer Price Index for northeast region urban wage earners (CPI-W), rounded to the nearest five cents

Covers workers in programs funded, licensed, or certified by state agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Office of Children and Family Services, and Department of Health, excluding executive professionals