January 13, 2025
Video available on: https://youtu.be/uP3XY3W4I-M
Introduction. 265-A requires agencies to expedite administrative processes to continue providing city-administered health insurance when city employees transfer between agencies
Introduction. 532-A extends the program for nonpublic schools to Receive reimbursements for costs related to employing security guards
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed two pieces of legislation that improve the health insurance enrollment process when city employees transfer between city agencies and expand a program allowing private schools to receive reimbursement for costs related to the employment of security guards. Both bills build on Mayor Adams’ commitment to making New York City the best place to raise a family.
“To be the best place to raise a family, we need the best city workers to get things done, and that’s exactly what we have in New York,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city employees are the engine that moves our city and deserve the best benefits to take care of themselves while raising their families. For too long, red tape has made it more difficult to access essential health insurance benefits. With today’s legislation, we are giving City employees peace of mind, expanding a critical program to expedite the administrative process, and ensuring that the transition from working in one agency to another is smooth immediate health benefits. Families should not have to worry when sending their children to school, including our private schools. That’s why we’re expanding reimbursement programs for school safety officers, to keep our children safe, no matter what school they’re in.
“This administration has a clear mission to keep New Yorkers safe, and with the expansion of the School Safety Officer Reimbursement Program, we are helping to ensure that all of our city’s children are protected,” said Louis A. Molina, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Administrative Services. “This expansion clearly demonstrates that the program is important to New Yorkers, and we thank Mayor Adams and the New York City Council for their support in expanding it to even more schools across the city.” »
“Safety and security in our schools should always be non-negotiable, because there is nothing more important than keeping our children safe,” said Justin Brannan, New York City Council member. “We know that the initial deployment of the security guard program in the city’s non-public schools worked well. Expanding it to more of our schools and students just makes sense. When we keep them safe, children can focus solely on school. This means better educational outcomes and a brighter future for us all. I am grateful to the families, school communities and other stakeholders who got us here, and to Speaker Adams and the rest of our City Council for joining me on this issue and getting this done. I also want to thank Mayor Adams for signing this important law into law and ensuring that the safety of our children remains a top priority.
“Clear communication and expedited processes are not just administrative improvements; they are essential lifelines for workers and their families, providing stability during transitions and alleviating unnecessary stress,” said Rita Joseph, New York City Councilor. “By ensuring our public servants have the information and support they need to maintain uninterrupted health coverage, we are affirming that New York City supports the individuals who tirelessly serve our communities. This initiative highlights our collective commitment to creating a work environment where employees feel valued, respected and supported as they contribute to the vitality and resilience of our city. As someone deeply committed to advancing equity, efficiency, and respect within our city’s workforce, Intro 265-A is one. an essential step towards protecting the health and well-being of our public servants. This legislation will simplify and improve access to city-administered health insurance, ensuring that employees transferring between agencies can maintain their coverage seamlessly, without unnecessary delays or interruptions.
Introduction. 265-A – sponsored by New York City Council member Rita Joseph – would require agencies to use their best efforts to expedite any administrative process related to the provision of continuous city-administered health insurance coverage when a employee is transferred from one municipal agency to another. The bill would also require municipal agencies to provide detailed information about access to city-administered benefits when an employee begins working at that agency, including deadlines for any actions the employee must take to sign up for health coverage and contact information for people at the agency who can provide advice regarding city-administered benefits.
Introduction. 532-A – sponsored by New York City Council member Justin Brannan – expands a program allowing private schools to seek reimbursement from the city for costs associated with employing security guards. Currently, only private schools with more than 300 students are eligible to participate in the program. This bill would expand the existing program to cover more schools and increase the annual spending cap included in current law. First, the eligibility threshold would be lowered to include schools with 150 or more students. Additionally, the program would be expanded to include certain charter schools that are not located in an existing public school building.
Mayor Adams has made historic investments to invest in the municipal workforce and increase benefits for municipal workers. Last year, the administration paid parental leave doubled for non-union employees from six to 12 weeks, and allowed up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for those caring for seriously ill family members. The Administration’s expansion of paid parental and family leave affects more than 10,000 city employees and makes New York City more competitive with municipalities and private sector employers across the country – by taking steps to make advance Mayor Adams’ ambitious goal of making New York City the most forward-thinking city in the United States and the best place to raise a family. Mayor Adams also expanded employee benefits to increase access and support for tens of thousands of city workers in building families. From now on, the members of the “Management benefit fund» – which provides benefits to approximately 27,000 non-union employees and retirees – will be eligible for “Family Consolidation Benefits” for provide up to $10,000 in reimbursement for costs associated with adoption, surrogacy and egg or sperm donation. This is the first time a major U.S. city has offered these benefits to its municipal employees and is similar to benefits increasingly offered by private sector companies and universities. These extensions add to the release from administration of “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equality,” an investment of more than $43 million aimed at making New York City a national leader in gender equity, including for transgender and genderqueer New Yorkers.
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