LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 14, 2016, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those indi-
viduals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its citizens
with diligence and compassionate commitment profoundly strengthen our
shared commitment to family and community life; and
WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the sense of this Legislative Body to
recognize the efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential
care and support to people in the communities across New York State,
serve to enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable
residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2016, as Direct
Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Direct caregivers are a vital lifeline to those they serve,
as well as to families and friends struggling to provide quality care to
their loved ones; they provide the bulk of the paid hands-on long-term
care and personal assistance received by Americans who are elderly or
living with disabilities or chronic conditions; and
WHEREAS, Direct caregivers provide a broad range of critical tasks and
services that improve the lives of those who need home or residential
care; they assist individuals with activities of daily living, perform
clinical tasks, help with homemaking and medication management, help
consumers remain engaged in their communities, and serve as the eyes and
ears for licensed professionals; and
WHEREAS, Direct caregivers also constitute one of the largest and
fastest-growing workforces in the country, playing a vital role in job
creation and economic growth; serving in roles that include: nursing
assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides, they work in
hospitals, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, community-
based residential settings, non-residential day programs and private
homes; and
WHEREAS, Key members of the health care system, there were more than
three million direct caregivers in the United States in 2008; in 2006,
more than 317,000 paid direct caregivers were employed in New York
State, the majority of whom provided care in the home; and
WHEREAS, These essential workers carry out their life-affirming tasks
despite low wages; about 45% of direct caregivers live in households
earning below 200 percent of the federal poverty level income, and 46%
of direct caregivers use public benefits such as Medicaid or food
stamps; and
WHEREAS, As team members of one of the largest industries in the
United States, the dedicated efforts of direct caregivers often go
unheralded in the media, and unnoticed by the general public; and
WHEREAS, New Yorkers benefit daily from the caring and skilled atten-
tion of these individuals and it is appropriate to recognize the innu-
merable contributions of direct caregivers by designating a special day
in their honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2016, as
Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.