Senate Resolution No. 542

BY: Senator RAMOS

RECOGNIZING Human Services Workers as Essential
Workers

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
recognize Human Services Workers as Essential Workers; and

WHEREAS, Nonprofit human services workers are on the frontlines
risking their lives during the global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Nonprofit human services organizations are critical to the
health, safety, and overall well-being of New York's communities; and

WHEREAS, The nonprofit human services workforce is predominately
made up of women (80 percent) and more than half are people of color;
and

WHEREAS, Many nonprofit human services workers are well-educated,
with 41 percent having a four-year college degree and 25 percent having
an associate degree or some college, but are still among the lowest paid
workers in New York; and

WHEREAS, The nonprofit sector is an economic engine, employing
roughly 18 percent of New York State's workforce; and

WHEREAS, Nonprofit human services workers: provide early childhood
education and after-school programs, run food pantries, provide mental
health counseling, shelter people experiencing homelessness, and care
for the elderly, among many other vital community services to vulnerable
New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, These vital workers have always been essential to the
people of the State of New York and have gone over and above during the
COVID-19 crisis to ensure our communities have access to food,
technology, shelter, mental health services and countless other
lifesaving programs; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing all New Yorkers, stands
with nonprofit human services workers and will continue to work to
ensure fair wages on State contracts and adequate human services funding
for our communities; and

WHEREAS, Actions such as these would improve New York's recovery,
particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 due
to structural racism, ableism, and income inequality, with Black and
Brown New Yorkers suffering profound harm now; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Human Services Workers as Essential Workers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Human Services Council of New York.