Being among the lowest paid workers in the state, averaging just $22,000 annually, lawmakers are pushing to pass legislation that would provide what they consider a more respectful wage for New York home care workers.
Facing the worst home care shortage in the nation, more than 300 faith leaders from across the state recently sent a letter to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul pleading for the passage of the Fair Pay for Home Care Act, which would raise home care wages to at least $35,000 a year on average. Currently, more than 40% of New York’s home care workers live in or near poverty due to chronically low wages — 57% rely on public assistance.
