BILL NUMBER: S2129
SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring state agen-
cies to publish certain information in local, community and ethnic media
 
PURPOSE:
For the purpose of making sure critical information about state
services, policies and opportunities reach all of New Yorkers by ensur-
ing any print and digital publications in this regard are produced by
local, community, and ethnic media.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: This act shall be known and may be cited as the local, commu-
nity, and ethnic media commitment act
Section 2: Legislative findings & intent.
Section 3. Amends the executive law by adding a new section to 164-e.
Section 4. This act shall take effect immediately
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York is one of the most diverse states in America and community and
ethnic media provides an important way for the state to connect and
ensure that its message reaches all New Yorkers.
The 2022 U.S. Census population estimates that 23 percent of New York
state residents and 37 percent of New York City residents are foreign
born. Whilst the 2019 U.S. Census population estimates for New York
state show that 30 percent of residents do not speak English as their
primary language and 13 percent have a limited ability to read, speak,
write, or understand English.
It is essential that all residents have meaningful access to state
programs, services, and activities, and that the public safety, health,
economic prosperity, and general welfare of all New Yorkers is furthered
by expanding access to state programs and services, regardless of native
language, race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion,
sexual orientation, disability or immigrant status.
Therefore New York wants to ensure that critical information about state
services, policies, and opportunities reach these communities and local,
community and ethnic media is the pathway to ensure members of these
communities, many of whom critically need information about New York
state programs, access them.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S6495A - Referred to Finance
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
To Be Determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately