Senate Bill S8656

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8656

SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the elder law, in relation to creating the office of
older adult workforce development within the office for the aging

 
PURPOSE:

This bill establishes an Office of Older Adult Workforce Development
within the State Office for the Aging and Department Of Labor.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one of the bill adds new section 226 to the Elder Law, to estab-
lish an office of older adult workforce development within the State
office for the Aging and Department Of Labor. It establishes the duties
of the coordinator and deputy coordinator, which include helping to plan
and implement efforts to address the needs of older adults in the work-
place; creating a centralized website with resources for older adults;
providing information on prohibitions against age discrimination and
              

remedies to victims of such discrimination and provides outreach and
education on the services provided by the office.

Section two of the bill provides that this act shall take effect imme-
diately.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

According to Senior Service America, by 2024, older workers will compro-
mise 25% of the labor force. As New York's population ages, it is imper-
ative that we make every effort possible to keep older citizens healthy,
active, and connected to their communities. Many older New Yorkers would
like to continue working or embark on a second career later in life. A
significant number do not have much of a choice. Due to financial
constraints and other circumstances, it may be necessary for some New
Yorkers to work well beyond the anticipated retirement age. The depth of
experience older workers bring with them makes them an excellent
resource for any employer, but they can face significant barriers to
entering or re-entering the work force.

New York is taking the lead in the United States by becoming the first
truly age-friendly state. We can take another step in this direction by
adding older adult workforce development to the planning and implementa-
tion of policies across the state. This legislation furthers this goal
by creating an office for older adult workforce development within the
State Office for the Aging, a recognition that recognizing both the
significant contributions and particular needs of older workers are
critical to the long-term vitality of our state's aging population.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

Passed Both Houses Multiple Years.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.