NYS Governor David Paterson Marks Passage of Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Governor David A. Paterson

The New York State Assembly and Senate have agreed upon a final form for the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and on 1 July Governor David A. Paterson released a statement of support:

"Today, both houses of the Legislature passed legislation that truly deserves to be called historic. It would make New York the first State in the nation to enshrine in law the basic rights of a class of workers that has historically and wrongfully been excluded from such protections: the domestic workers who care for our children, clean our homes, and provide the elderly with companionship. Their work is of incalculable value, yet our laws have failed to recognize it. This bill would change that, and serve as a model for such change on a national scale.

The bill passed today reflects an agreement reached earlier this week between my office and both houses of the Legislature. I am glad to have been a part of this process, and congratulate the sponsors, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Senator Diane Savino, who should feel justifiably proud of their achievement. Most of all, I must express my gratitude to the thousands of individual domestic workers who organized and fought for this legislation. They provide all of us with an example of how individuals can, through struggle and dedication, bring about positive change in the face of skepticism and doubt. This achievement belongs to them, and I will be pleased to sign it into law on their behalf." [Source]

We appreciate the work of the Governor and the New York State legislature and congratulate our grantee partners, especially Domestic Workers United, on their victory. We look forward to the expansion of these rights to domestic workers nationwide.

[See our previous coverage on the New York State Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.]