Queens Lawmakers On The Move June 7, 2019

Ramos Introduces Fair Hiring Bill

State Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) and and Assembly Member Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx) yesterday introduced a bill that requires that when employers are choosing hiring tests and procedures, they investigate their options and select the methods that pose the lowest risk of discriminating against women and minority groups.

The measure, S6086 / A07989 would codify existing Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines intended to promote fair hiring practices, which the lawmakers say today go largely ignored. Current federal guidelines also don’t require companies to seek unbiased alternatives in hiring until a worker has successfully brought a case demonstrating that a hiring method resulted in discrimination – an impractical and unreasonably high bar.

The bill outlines for employers guidance on how to comply, giving them the clarity they need to open up their recruiting and hiring processes to a wider and more diverse pool of qualified candidates.

“Just because a person didn’t graduate from an elite college or work at a top-tier firm doesn’t mean that they don’t have what it takes to succeed on the job. My bill will increase opportunity for candidates from non-traditional education backgrounds or from communities disadvantaged by the hiring status quo. New York should be a place where all qualified applicants get a fair shot,” said Ramos.

Hyndman Leads Discussion On Providing Benefits For Workers At Transportation Centers

Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman (D-Laurelton, Rosedale, St. Albans, Addisleigh Park, Hollis, Springfield Gardens, Jamaica), State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, (D-Westchester, Bronx) and 32BJ SEIU President Hector Figueroa today will lead a discussion on providing benefits supplement for workers at transportation centers to obtain quality, affordable health insurance

The trio will join workers, experts and other policymakers to discuss bills proposed to compensate workers at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Stewart International Airport, Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal with benefits supplement that could be used for quality, affordable healthcare.

The discussion is slated for 12:30 p.m., today, June 7 at 86-11 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill.

Weprin, Liu Introduce Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oversight Act

Assemblyman David I. Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, Richmond Hill) and State Sen. John C. Liu (D-Bayside, Flushing, Auburndale),  with support from Amnesty International, this week, have introduced the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Oversight Act, A 7853 / S 6107, to ensure that immigrants detained in county jails in New York are in accordance with legal detention standards and to limit the expansion of immigration detention facilities in New York unless approval can be gained from the legislature.

Spurred by reports of substandard conditions at immigration detention facilities nationwide as well as by visits by members of the legislature, including by State Assembly Correction Chair Weprin, to county jails in the state that house immigration detainees; the new legislation prohibits municipalities from using funds or resources for the construction of any new detention facility or the expansion of any existing detention facility without approval by the legislature and establishes a committee on immigration detention oversight.

The committee on immigration detention oversight will consist of six members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, Secretary of State, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Assembly that will be tasked with ensuring detainees are safeguarded while in New York State.

“As residents of the nation’s gateway, New Yorkers know the value of immigration and understand that the vast majority of those emigrating to our country are doing so for a better life and to contribute to our great country.” said Weprin. “We cannot continue to blindly comply with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency if it continues to violate the human rights of those seeking refuge in the United States. This bill will send a clear message that New York will not be complicit with the atrocities of the Federal Government and I look forward to its passage in our State’s Legislature.”

“ICE continuously flouts the law, with little or no regard for basic human rights,” said Liu. “The state of New York can and must legislate with all its power to reduce efforts of this reckless agency to use public funds for construction or expansion of facilities, existing municipal buildings or other resources for their purposes of federal detention.”