Bill Text: NY K00075 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2019, as Direct Caregivers Day in the State of New York

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 44-25)

Status: (Passed) 2019-02-05 - adopted [K00075 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-K00075-Introduced.html

Senate Resolution No. 379

BY: Senator PARKER

        MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
        February  14,  2019, 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  Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2019, 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
three  million direct caregivers in the United States in 2008; projected
demand calls for an additional 1.1 million new positions by 2018; and

  WHEREAS, At 4.3 million, in 2018,  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  Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 14, 2019, 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
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