Albany, NY – In response to the final budget implementing a long awaited paid family leave program and a historic minimum wage raise, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) issued the following statement:

“I am particularly excited that this budget builds on New York City’s paid sick leave by mandating paid family leave for millions of hard working men and women. This budget was an important opportunity to put families first so that they no longer have to risk economic security to care for their loved ones,” said Rozic.

New York will be the fifth state in the country to mandate paid leave when the program goes into effect in January 2018. A gradual phase-in will allow both men and women to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave starting in 2021 that will be funded through a payroll tax.

The final budget also includes a Fight for $15 victory with a gradual minimum wage increase that will take place over the next several years by region. Quicker implementation will occur in downstate counties where the cost of living is higher. Upstate communities will see a gradual raise with a pause for studies on economic impact.

Rozic added, “All of the credit goes to the brave workers, including fast food and airport workers, who started the Fight for $15 movement just a few years ago. It is incredible that the City is on a path to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour – a change long past due that will increase equity and opportunity for all.”