BILL NUMBER: S4788
SPONSOR: SANDERS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act establishing the New York state commission on economic inequal-
ity, equal opportunity, and competitiveness
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would establish the New York State Commission on Economic
Inequality, Equal Opportunity, and Competitiveness.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section One: Legislative Intent.
Section 2: Establish the temporary New York State Commission on Economic
Inequality, Equal Opportunity, and Competitiveness.
Section 3: Commission composition. 17 members.
Section 4: Topics of investigation. Economic inequality; Poverty; Equal
opportunity; Full employment; and Economic competitiveness and growth.
Section 5: The commission may hold public hearings and to undertake
studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses it may deem relevant.
Section 6: Make recommendations and issue a report of its findings.
Section 7: Effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The United States and New York State have been going through increasing
economic inequality for decades with fewer and fewer people and corpo-
rations controlling more and more of the wealth. The American middle-
class, the foundation of a vibrant democracy and strong economy, is
shrinking. This trend threatens to undermine the pillars of democracy,
equality and justice if not checked. Under this legislation, it shall be
the policy of New York State to work toward reducing economic inequal-
ity, eliminating poverty, achieving equal opportunity and full employ-
ment, and boosting economic competitiveness and growth for the purpose
of justice, equality, democracy, fairness, the general welfare, and
strengthening the economy of New York State. This bill would establish
the New York State Commission on Economic Inequality, Equal Opportunity,
and Competitiveness.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22 REFERRED TO SENATE FINANCE
2021-22 referred to assembly governmental operations
2019-20 REFERRED TO SENATE FINANCE
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.