NYATEP's 2023 Policy Priorities

As New York prepares to embark into a post covid era it must address the immediate issues of income insecurity, the lack of economic mobility for communities of color, severe worker shortages and the skills training gaps that pre-dated the COVID-19 pandemic. The State’s workforce system is uniquely positioned to respond to these challenges by providing opportunities for those systematically excluded from high quality, high wage jobs. Our success will be measured on how well we support our most vulnerable New Yorkers.

To increase work participation and decrease poverty of low-income workers, the Governor and Legislature should amend the Social Services Law, Article 5, Title 1, Section 131-A to allow for six month, 100% income disregard for individuals receiving public assistance, SNAP, public assistance recipients who are participating in publicly funded workforce, postsecondary education and employment opportunities. We are asking to Pass Senator Persaud’s S2144 language included in the Senate One House Budget Proposal OR amend the Governor’s proposal which would allow the recipient’s total income to be 300% or higher of the federal poverty level.

We urge the Governor and the Legislature to restore the $150 million in grants that provide much needed flexible funding into the workforce system. Workforce development is economic development and without the workforce to fill the current open jobs and future jobs, our massive investments in economic growth will be for naught. The Office should continue to award grants to proven providers that ensure New Yorkers are ready to meet employer needs, while expanding access for marginalized communities through wraparound services and other tested models that reduce systemwide inequities.

The need for a thoughtful, integrated workforce development data system is especially timely considering the number of New Yorkers unemployed and without a path forward.

NYATEP's Statement on the 2023 STATE OF THE STATE

We are encouraged by Governor Hochul's FY2024 Executive Budgetproposals' focus on supporting New Yorkers' access to skills training and economic mobility, including language regarding an earned income disregard," shared Melinda Mack, NYATEP Executive Director". "However, I am deeply concerned by the lack of flexible grant funding for training and supportive services through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The State's economic development goals will not be realized, if workforce development and job training funding are not prioritized as critical. We look forward to working with the Administration and the State Legislature on our shared priorities.”