COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION
MEMBERS: Stewart-Cousins, Chair, Bronz, Ryan and Latimer
BOL: Steve Bass, Ann Giordano,
GUESTS: William Randolph (CEO), Andrew Newman (CEO), Linda Trentacoste (Law), Liz Salvi (Law), Rosemary McLaughlin (LWV), Katie Carrano (Co. Budget Office)
Chairwoman, Andrea Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 11:57 a.m.
Chair Stewart-Cousins asked Mr. Newman and the county attorney’s to provide an update on the progress of discussions on Living Wage.
Andrew Newman said some of the things they considered when drafting legislation included the jurisdictional question. How much authority and in what areas can the county enact a Living Wage. Apparently, there is no case law.
Mr. McGrath said they met to go over some of the fine points of the legislation and what was found that the law encompasses a lot and opens it up further than anticipated. The law would apply to grants loans and any type of assistance given through the county. The scope of the proposed law is more about policy issue than legality.
Because of the broadness of scope, it was suggested that the law be tailored to assist those segments of the contractual work force the legislation intends to assist.
Linda Trentacoste gave some comparisons of Living Wage laws including Suffolk’s proposal.
Other issues discussed included monitoring payrolls and how to deal with confidentiality requirements, complaints, and who was allowed to complain. Also discussed was the practicality of the proposed cost pass-through for not for profit human services contracts, how to work out the Child Care issues in view of the counties different child care contracts.
It was agreed that the parties would continue to discuss the issues, the county attorney would do additional research on Suffolk’s experience, and Katie Carrano said we could understand the fiscal implications better once we decided on a bill.
David Schwartz said referred the committee to the childcare Wage Enhancement Law as a possible solution for the child care employees. Mr. Schwartz said The Living Wage Coalition would also look into concerns that came up and questions of enforcement with models that West Co. could possibly follow.
Pat Brodhagen said that Living Wage might be difficult for the supermarket industry as they are an entry-level business.
Finally, the committee
Received & filed
Move to move #83
Domestic Partner to move to #82 to domestic partner registry.
Receive & file #74, #25 stapling it to the back of 74.
Receive & file #25
Receive & file #75
Leg. Rogowsky’s spelling should be changed
All in favor: 4-0
Motions to adjourn Legislation meeting were accepted from Legislators Bronz and Ryan all in favor: 4-0
Meeting was adjourned at 1:43 pm