Assembly Resolution No. 559

BY: M. of A. Cusick

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 18, 2022, as Direct Caregivers Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those
individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its
citizens with diligence and compassionate commitment profoundly
strengthen our shared commitment to family and community life; and

WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the sense of this Legislative Body to
recognize the efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential
care and support to people in the communities across New York State,
serve to enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable
residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 18, 2022, as
Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Direct caregivers are a vital lifeline to those they serve,
as well as to families and friends struggling to provide quality care to
their loved ones; they provide the bulk of the paid hands-on long-term
care and personal assistance received by Americans who are elderly or
living with disabilities or chronic conditions; and

WHEREAS, Direct caregivers provide a broad range of critical tasks
and services that improve the lives of those who need home or
residential care; they assist individuals with activities of daily
living, perform clinical tasks, help with homemaking and medication
management, help consumers remain engaged in their communities, and
serve as the eyes and ears for licensed professionals; and

WHEREAS, Direct caregivers also constitute one of the largest and
fastest-growing workforces in the country, playing a vital role in job
creation and economic growth; serving in roles that include: nursing
assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides; they work in
hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities,
community-based residential settings, non-residential day programs and
private homes; and

WHEREAS, Key members of the health care system, there were more than
4.6 million direct caregivers in the United States in 2021; projected
demand calls for an additional 1.1 million new positions by 2028; and

WHEREAS, At 4.6 million, in 2021, the direct-care workforce will
reach historic proportions, exceeding teachers from kindergarten through
high school (3.9 million), all law enforcement and public safety workers
(3.7 million), fast food and counter workers (3.7 million), registered
nurses (3.2 million), and all childcare workers and preschool teachers
(2.0 million); and

WHEREAS, These essential workers carry out their life-affirming
tasks despite low wages; about 45% of direct caregivers live in
households earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level
income, and 46% of direct caregivers use public benefits such as
Medicaid or food stamps; and

WHEREAS, As team members of one of the largest industries in the
United States, the dedicated efforts of direct caregivers often go
unheralded in the media, and unnoticed by the general public; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers benefit daily from the caring and skilled
attention of these individuals and it is appropriate to recognize the
innumerable contributions of direct caregivers by designating a special
day in their honor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 18, 2022, as
Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.