BUFFALO, N.Y. — The beginning of the New Year always brings some new or revised state laws. So 2 On You Side looks at what officially takes effect today for residents of the Empire State.
Now that the balls have dropped and the New Year is here, we are seeing a variety of changes coming from Albany, the governor, and state lawmakers.
First and foremost, the minimum wage statewide - including Western New York - goes up to $15 an hour. While down in New York City and Long Island it is now $16 an hour.
New York state is joining nearly half of all states in raising its minimum wage.
California is going to $20 for fast food workers and in response some Golden State Pizza Hut franchises warned of delivery driver layoffs.
NBC News reports some states like Pennsylvania still observe the federal-level minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
So back here in New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul is pitching further future increases. As she pointed out in her budget agreement announcement last April, "Starting in 2027 the minimum wage will be increased annually according to the Consumer Price Index. In other words, if costs go up so will your wages."
Some local restaurants and businesses say they have had to pay above minimum wage just to deal with staffing shortages.
Now in a quick look at some other new laws., WNBC reports New York state Medicaid will start covering doula services to aid in childbirth with a new directory of birthing experts.
Crime victims and survivors will get expanded eligibility for state compensation - eliminating the need for law enforcement documentation and allowing more time to file a claim.
Also for workers' rights, employers will be blocked from requesting certain information on their staffer's personal accounts like user names, passwords, and any other log-in details as a hiring requirement or to be used for discipline.
In addition according to WNBC, freelance workers in New York state will be better protected against non-payment for services they provide with rights to written contracts for such and the additional options to request the involvement of the State Attorney General or to file a private lawsuit.
Lawmakers also decided to give another day off on school calendars for school districts to deal with. By state law, they will have to add the Asian Lunar New Year. It will have no major impact this year as the next Lunar Year is Saturday, February 10.