Harckham Steps Up for Workers Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham voted today to pass legislation ensuring employees in New York State will be able to access paid leave if they are subject to a mandatory or precautionary quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). 

The State Senate bill also waives the seven-day waiting period before New Yorkers can apply for unemployment insurance. This action builds on legislation passed by Harckham and his colleagues in the State Senate to allocate $40 million to help address this crisis.

“We all need to work together to confront this coronavirus pandemic,” said Harckham, “Anyone who is subject to a quarantine or isolation to help protect other people’s health should not have to fear losing their jobs or paychecks. That is why I voted for legislation to help guarantee every New York employee’s ability to get paid leave for the duration of a coronavirus quarantine. My Senate colleagues and I will continue to put the health, welfare and safety of New Yorkers first, and take swift actions to stop the spread of COVID-19.” 
The legislation advanced by the State Senate (S.8091) will help every employee in the State by ensuring they receive paid leave and guaranteed job security if they have to undergo a mandatory or precautionary quarantine or isolation. This paid leave will last for the duration of their order, and is intended so that New Yorkers listen to these precautions and are not financially punished for helping contain the coronavirus pandemic. 

This legislation is another example of the State Senate’s work to support New York’s small businesses, as it will require state insurance programs to cover the full cost of workers’ salaries for New York’s smallest businesses, and everything following a week of leave for medium businesses.
· Businesses that have 10 or fewer employees as of January 1, 2020, and a net income under $1 million last fiscal year, will have the full cost of employee’s leave provided by New York State insurance programs, capped at coverage equal to annual salaries of $150,000. 
· Businesses that have 11-99 employees as of January 1, 2020, and a net income greater than $1 million last fiscal year, will be required to provide five days of paid leave to their employees, and the rest of the required quarantine or isolation days provided by New York State insurance programs, capped at coverage equal to annual salaries of $150,000.
· Businesses that have 100 or more employees, and all government institutions, will be required to cover at least 14 days of paid leave.