S4402

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Kennedy to reduce the unemployment insurance waiting period for striking workers from two weeks to one week. The bill, S4402 (Calendar No. 1337), passed on a 49-9 roll call vote. Kennedy argued the measure would provide critical financial relief to front-line workers engaged in labor disputes, preventing missed mortgage payments, car payments, and other essential expenses while they fight for better wages and working conditions. Kennedy cited the example of striking workers at Mercy Hospital in South Buffalo who faced extended financial hardship during their labor action. The senator credited Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for prioritizing the legislation on behalf of working families across New York State. Nine senators voted against the bill: Borrello, Lanza, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Palumbo, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weber.