2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala Highlights
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Bronx Politics and Community events
2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala Highlights
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Public Comment Period Begins Today; New Yorkers Invited to Share Feedback
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced next steps in the state’s $15 minimum hourly wage phase-in. Commissioner Roberta Reardon issued an Order calling for the minimum wage rate in counties outside of New York City, Long Island and Westchester to rise by $1 per hour, from $13.20 to $14.20, following a statutorily required economic analysis conducted by the New York State Division of the Budget (DOB). The Division's analysis found evidence of pressure for wages to rise in the midst of a continued pandemic-driven labor shortage. Currently, the minimum wage rate in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County is $15 per hour, having reached that level following phased-in annual increases pursuant to statute.
The Commissioner's Order will be enacted through rulemaking and is subject to public comment before a final decision is made. NYSDOL announced the start of the public comment period for New Yorkers to weigh in on the recommendation and invited New Yorkers to share feedback by e-mailing regulations@labor.
“By raising the minimum wage incrementally, New York State is helping businesses adjust to the new rate, while giving low-wage workers the ability to better participate in our economy,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Continuing with the multi-year plan to raise the minimum wage is in line with market standards and ensures that no worker is left behind.”
An average of 200,000 New Yorkers in these upstate counties will benefit from this wage increase, 44% of which are full time workers and of those, nearly 25% are supporting children below age 18. In addition, this increase will help to close the gender pay gap, providing an estimated 110,000 women with greater financial stability.
New York’s minimum wage statute requires that DOB review the state’s economy annually to determine whether wage increases should move forward as scheduled. For the minimum wage that will be applicable in 2023, the statute also requires that DOB, in coordination with NYSDOL, evaluate various economic factors, such as consumer prices, and determine the rate of minimum wage increases outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.
In its analysis, DOB considered various measures of inflation; statewide average wages; labor productivity; the pace of the state’s labor market recovery; labor demand and supply; regional unemployment rates and other trends in the low-wage employment sector; the impact of COVID-19 on the minimum wage workforce; and other factors. Key findings from DOB’s minimum wage report include:
GENERAL MINIMUM WAGE RATE SCHEDULE
New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) Creates an Important Baby Safety Checklist for Baby Safety Month
Part 2: Provide A Safe Environment for Babies
Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez says, “We can do a lot to avoid common injuries and it’s important to know prevention tips during these first critical months of a child’s life.”
In recognition of Baby Safety Month, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is providing a Baby Safety Checklist to help parents maintain a safe environment for their little ones. In the first alert, DCP called attention to the importance of monitoring product recalls here. In part two of the series, DCP is providing baby-proof safety measures and tips to help parents keep babies out of harm's way from birth through their toddler years.
“The first year of a baby’s life is packed with milestones that are both exciting and sometimes overwhelming,” said New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “The Baby Safety Checklist provides an overview of safety tips to help parents maintain a safe environment for babies. As parents, we can do a lot to avoid common injuries and it’s important to know prevention tips during these first critical months of a child’s life.”
The DCP Baby Safety Checklist is packed with tips on how to keep baby safe while sleeping, feeding, on the go or around the house. There are many potential hazards for babies, but parents can keep their child safe by finding out what the risks are, and then preventing or removing them.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-
For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.