Meetings
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[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to our very first Labor Committee meeting for the twenty twenty six legislative session. I'm state Senator Jessica Ramos, chair of the Labor Committee, and I'm really looking forward to working with all of you this year to set forth an agenda that truly helps workers. I believe that this committee exists to make sure that work leads to stability and not insecurity across our state. You know, like I do, that the dignity of labor is a standard that we are trying to write into the law and it's not just a phrase that we repeat. Fair hiring, clear benefits and systems that work when people are hurt or caring for family are not partisan goals. They are the basics of a functioning economy. Workers deserve transparency and employers deserve clarity. When the rules are fair and understandable, everyone can focus on doing their jobs. So our measure of success this session is going to be simple. Fewer workers in crisis across New York because the system worked beforehand, before they needed for help, means that we are doing our jobs. I want to welcome Senator Nathalia Fernandez for joining us. Senator Chris Ryan, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Senator Mattera. We have six bills on today's agenda. We are starting with Senate Bill number one seventy two a by Senator Rhoads. And I have to amend
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: the workers compensation law, insurance law in relation to increasing short term disability benefits.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Thank you. Is there a motion to move this bill? Motion. You. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Aye. Bill is reported to finance, and we have been joined by Senator Robert Jackson. Next is senate bill number four ninety six by senator Fernandez. The act to amend the labor law in relation to
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: the commissioner's duties to ensure employers inform employees about certain provisions and employment contracts.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Is there a motion to move this bill?
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: I'll move it.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Thank you, Senator Ryan. Thank you, Senator Jackson. All those in favor. I. I. Opposed. All right. Bill is reported to the calendar and we've been joined by the ranking member of the committee, Senator Rhoads.
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: Good morning, Jeremy.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: At the end of the agenda, maybe you can share a few words. Sure. Next is Senate bill number 2,076 by Senator Mayer, who just walked in for her bill. Senator Mayer. And I have to
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: amend the labor law in relation to requiring that notice of initial discrimination for unemployment benefits be provided. Thank you.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Is there a motion to move that bill? Motion. Thank you, Senator Jackson and Senator Fernandez. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed? Alright. Bill is reported to the calendar. Senate bill number 4,518 by Senator Ramos. And act to amend the workers
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: compensation law in relation to communications between a claimant's attorney or representative and an injured employee's treating rider or
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: a claimant's medical consultant. Thank you. Is there a motion to move this bill?
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: Move the bill.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Thank you. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed? Alright. Bill is reported to the calendar. Next is Senate Bill number 4,816 by Senator Ryan.
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: And I commend the workers compensation law in relation to including Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases as occupational diseases for purpose of workers compensation.
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: Move the bill.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator Jackson. All those in favor. Aye. Aye. Opposed. Very good. Bill is reported to the calendar. Next is Senate bill number 5,990 B by Senator Ramos. An act to amend
[Jeremy (Committee Clerk)]: the labor law in relation to requiring employers to disclose information about benefits and other compensation including bonuses, stock options, and commissions. Thank you. Is there a motion
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: to move this bill? Thank you, Senator Scarcella-Spanton and Senator Mayer. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? All right. Bill is reported to the calendar. I'm looking forward to a session where you guys vote for all
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: the bills. And choose be yours.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Thank Senator the floor is yours if you'd like to share.
[Senator Steven D. Rhoads (Ranking Member)]: Well, I appreciate that. I am excited to to be back here with with the Labor Committee. Obviously, the work that we have to do is tremendously important. I'm looking forward to getting to work, protecting workers, also advancing the advancing the cause of labor. I think this is a bipartisan issue that we could be working on, and I'm excited to to have that opportunity along with Senator Mattera and Senator Marks.
[Senator Jessica Ramos (Chair)]: Very good. Well, thank you so much and thank you all for attending. Thank you. The meeting is adjourned. It was the meeting adjourned. And please join us next time.