BILL NUMBER: S3275
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to establish-
ing the relocated worker grant program
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends economic development law by adding a new article' 18
which establishes the Relocated Worker Grant Program. Empire State
Development will issue reimbursement grants for relocation expenses up
to $5,000 incurred by out-of-state workers relocating to every city in
the state with a population between 90,000 and 300,000.
Section two is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Recent census data revealed the number of people in the New York City
metropolitan area is growing while upstate is experiencing population
loss. This bill improves the economic standing of upstate by attracting
the talented and diverse workforce it needs for long term sustainable
growth. By defraying relocation expenses of workers moving to cities
outside of New York City, upstate will be a more viable destination for
workers and families who want an affordable cost of living and new
employment opportunities, including remote working options. As the
upstate population declines and ages, the "Big 5" cities must attract
new and diverse talent to build tomorrow's workforce. In a competitive
workforce market, upstate cities cannot always compete with the higher
wages of large metropolitan areas across the nation. As such, we must be
intentional and aggressive in workforce attraction and this program
would help financially incent vize this population growth.
Importantly, this grant program also provides an equitable solution for
first generation graduates by offering affordable geographic centers
when looking to enter the workforce. Furthermore, work is more mobile
today and New York must adapt to capitalize on the rise of remote work-
ing. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend with more people
choosing to work from home or in a co-working space. This bill allows
individuals to be compensated for relocation expenses such as home
dosing costs, purchasing computing equipment, access to broadband, and
fees related to a co-working space.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S.956
2021-22: S.6960
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.