Bill Text: NY K00559 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 18, 2022, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2022-02-15 - adopted [K00559 Detail]

Download: New_York-2021-K00559-Introduced.html

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Assembly Resolution No. 559

BY: M. of A. Cusick

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        February 18, 2022, as Direct Caregivers Day  in  the
        State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the conviction of this Legislative Body that those
individuals who faithfully serve the needs  of  the  community  and  its
citizens   with   diligence   and  compassionate  commitment  profoundly
strengthen our shared commitment to family and community life; and

  WHEREAS, It is, furthermore, the sense of this Legislative  Body  to
recognize  the  efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential
care and support to people in the communities  across  New  York  State,
serve  to  enhance  the  quality of life for some of our most vulnerable
residents; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to  proclaim  February  18,  2022,  as
Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Direct caregivers are a vital lifeline to those they serve,
as well as to families and friends struggling to provide quality care to
their  loved  ones; they provide the bulk of the paid hands-on long-term
care and personal assistance received by Americans who  are  elderly  or
living with disabilities or chronic conditions; and

  WHEREAS,  Direct  caregivers provide a broad range of critical tasks
and  services  that  improve  the  lives  of  those  who  need  home  or
residential  care;  they  assist  individuals  with  activities of daily
living, perform clinical tasks,  help  with  homemaking  and  medication
management,  help  consumers  remain  engaged  in their communities, and
serve as the eyes and ears for licensed professionals; and

  WHEREAS, Direct caregivers also constitute one of  the  largest  and
fastest-growing  workforces  in the country, playing a vital role in job
creation and economic growth; serving in  roles  that  include:  nursing
assistants,  home  health  aides,  and personal care aides; they work in
hospitals,   nursing    facilities,    assisted    living    facilities,
community-based  residential  settings, non-residential day programs and
private homes; and

  WHEREAS, Key members of the health care system, there were more than
4.6 million direct caregivers in the United States  in  2021;  projected
demand calls for an additional 1.1 million new positions by 2028; and

  WHEREAS,  At  4.6  million,  in 2021, the direct-care workforce will
reach historic proportions, exceeding teachers from kindergarten through
high school (3.9 million), all law enforcement and public safety workers
(3.7 million), fast food and counter workers (3.7  million),  registered
nurses  (3.2  million), and all childcare workers and preschool teachers
(2.0 million); and

  WHEREAS, These essential  workers  carry  out  their  life-affirming
tasks  despite  low  wages;  about  45%  of  direct  caregivers  live in
households earning below  200  percent  of  the  federal  poverty  level
income,  and  46%  of  direct  caregivers  use  public  benefits such as
Medicaid or food stamps; and

  WHEREAS,  As  team  members  of one of the largest industries in the
United States, the dedicated  efforts  of  direct  caregivers  often  go
unheralded in the media, and unnoticed by the general public; and

  WHEREAS,  New  Yorkers  benefit  daily  from  the caring and skilled
attention of these individuals and it is appropriate  to  recognize  the
innumerable  contributions of direct caregivers by designating a special
day in their honor; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim February 18, 2022, as
Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.