Each day, men and women across Central New York go to work to make our community a better place. Police officers walk the beat and put their lives on the line to ensure our safety. Skilled machinists and technicians manufacture products that help us in our lives and help protect our nation. Farmers till the field to produce the food we eat, and teachers are knee-deep in lesson plans for the upcoming school year, getting our children ready to be the leaders of tomorrow.
On Labor Day, we honor everyone who works hard to keep our economy moving forward and improve our quality of life.
New York has a long history of pioneering workers’ rights. The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. It was proclaimed a state holiday in 1887. By 1894, Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, was recognized as a legal holiday around the country.
Today, I continue fighting for all workers. This past year, I fought to raise the minimum wage and will keep working toward the goal of $15/hour statewide, because no person who works full time should live in poverty. I fought for paid family leave, so employees can afford to take time off to care for a newborn or a sick family member. I voted to provide needed funding to retrain workers so they have the chance to find good-paying jobs in our rapidly changing economy. I championed cutting taxes on small businesses and manufacturers so they can have the capital they need to expand and to create good jobs.
I will continue fighting to create and keep good jobs in Central New York.
This year, as you enjoy your Labor Day, keep in mind all those who provide essential services and have to work on the holiday to keep our community moving forward. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this or any other issue, do not hesitate to contact me at 452-1115 or at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.