Assembly Resolution No. 389

BY: M. of A. Joyner

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
September 2021, as Essential Workers Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, On March 7, 2020, the Governor of the State of New York
declared a state disaster emergency for the entire State of New York in
anticipation of the growing threat of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19;
and

WHEREAS, Effective March 22, 2020, the Governor of the State of New
York issued the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order to close all
non-essential businesses and restrict in-person workforces and other
operations statewide in response to the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Workers performing essential services have provided
invaluable assistance and support to the public in industries including,
but not limited to, healthcare, public safety, food service, grocery,
cleaning, transportation, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture;
and

WHEREAS, While some individuals have had the opportunity to
telecommute and safely work from home during this time, millions of
essential workers have continued to work on the frontlines of the
pandemic, at times in close proximity to the public, in order to provide
vital services to the citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, These essential workers have often risked their own safety
and well-being, and that of their families, to serve others in their
communities while facing significant challenges such as social
isolation, shortages of personal protective equipment, inadequate pay,
declining staffing levels, burnout, and other unsafe working conditions;
and

WHEREAS, Black, Hispanic, and Latino workers, as well as immigrant
workers, make up a significant part of the essential workforce in New
York State, and yet studies and data have shown that these individuals
have been the most disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and vaccine
distribution across the State; and

WHEREAS, Essential workers have played a central role in restarting
and strengthening the state's economy and ensuring that the people of
the State of New York remain healthy, safe, and cared for during these
challenging times; and

WHEREAS, The first Monday in September is traditionally observed as
Labor Day, a federal holiday which pays tribute to the great
contributions and achievements of American workers; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 2021, as
Essential Workers Month in the State of New York; and be it further

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