S6646

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring comprehensive analysis of cost-of-living data across the state, with a 49-10 vote on Senate Print 6646. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ramos, would mandate measurement and analysis of living costs disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability status, household size, and education level across four state regions. Ramos argued the measure addresses wage inadequacy, citing Cornell University's Wage Atlas Tool showing only half of New Yorkers earn a living wage. She also highlighted $3.2 billion in annual wage theft in New York and argued that raising wages reduces crime more effectively than criminalizing poverty. The bill ensures the Legislature has accurate data on whether the current minimum wage meets the cost of living. Ten senators voted against the measure: Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Griffo, Helming, Oberacker, O'Mara, Rhoads, Stec, Weber, and Weik.

The New York State Senate passed S6646, sponsored by Sen. Ramos, an act to amend the Labor Law, on a roll call vote of 49-9. The bill, which carries Calendar Number 1065, takes effect immediately upon passage. Nine senators voted in opposition: Sens. Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Griffo, Helming, Oberacker, O'Mara, Rhoads, Walczyk and Weber. No floor debate was recorded on the measure prior to the vote.