Advocacy
Comptroller: “Duplication” in State Workforce Efforts
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released a report assessing the state Department of Labor’s workforce development efforts. The report found significant overlap, duplication, gaps, and fragmentation in state workforce development programs and services. The audit found that New York offers over 500 workforce development programs and services, administered
Read More3.21.22 COVID Bulletin: State Reverses Course on HERO Act
Without fanfare, the New York State Department of Labor updated its website to announce the relaxation of some NY HERO Act provisions. Employers can now forego enforcing their workplace safety plans.
Read More3.17.22 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Extends State of Emergency, Signs Sexual Harassment Bills
Governor Kathy Hochul has issued an Executive Order extending New York’s state of emergency declaration for COVID-19. The state of emergency was scheduled to expire today, but Hochul extended the declaration through April 15.
Read MoreEmpire Center: Single Payer “Sticker Shock”
A new report from the Empire Center for Public Policy details how expensive a single payer healthcare system would be in New York. The full report is available here.
Read MoreWorkforce Policy Update March 2022
The BNP works closely with government leaders to keep them informed of employer challenges and to advocate for policy that would ease the workforce crisis. The BNP supports legislation that expands access to education and training, makes quality childcare more accessible, removes barriers to workforce participation, and reforms our immigration system to meet our region’s workforce needs.
Read MoreWhat is Carbon Pricing?
In the New York State Climate Action Council’s Draft Scoping Plan, the Council recommends implementing some form of carbon pricing to help the state combat climate change. So, what is carbon pricing, and how would it impact New York?
Read More2.10.22 COVID Bulletin: BNP Gets Answers on Masking and HERO Act
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she would repeal the state’s mask mandate, effective today. However, her announcement did not proactively address how the repeal coincided with the NY HERO Act, which would have required employees in most workplaces to continue masking.
Read More2.9.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Ends Mask Mandate; Poloncarz Will Follow Suit
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she will NOT be renewing the state’s mask mandate, so the mandate will expire tomorrow.
Read More1.28.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Extends Mask Mandate
Today, Gov. Kathy Hochul extended the state’s mask mandate for indoor public places through February 10th. The mandate was previously set to expire on Tuesday.
Read More1.13.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: SCOTUS Blocks Vax-or-Test Rule
This afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court blocked OSHA’s emergency rule that required employees at workplaces of 100 or more to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or test weekly.
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