D Sen. Jessica Ramos

Noted that historical land use review processes favored the real estate industry and argued the bill ensures environmental justice communities have a say in what companies enter their areas and can hold them accountable while supporting climate action and job creation.

The bill mandates state agencies and the State of New York to develop training programs and workplace violence prevention plans that include abusive conduct and bullying. Ramos noted that a state employee died by suicide in December after being bullied by a supervisor, underscoring the need for such protections.

Ramos sponsored the bill and explained it as necessary to combat rampant wage theft affecting New York workers, particularly immigrants. She cited the case of Sandra Mejia and noted that workers lose at least $3 billion annually, with employers using various tactics to evade payment even after court judgments.

Argued the TDI increase is necessary because benefits have remained at $170 per week since 1989 and are inadequate for modern living costs. Cited support from Small Business Majority and noted the system's deficiencies in supporting veterans, women, people with disabilities, and those with Long COVID.

Ramos argued the bill corrects a historical injustice by granting domestic workers paid sick leave. She highlighted how domestic workers, like farmworkers, were explicitly excluded from federal labor protections and are predominantly Black and immigrant women whose care work enables the broader economy.