Last Updated: May 12, 2025

New York's human services workers are at a critical crossroads. As advocates and lawmakers push for a 7.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), Governor Hochul's proposed 2.1% increase falls significantly short of what these essential workers need to afford basic living expenses. This gap has sparked a renewed fight for fair wages across the state.

Recent Update: Senator Persaud introduced Bill S1580 in January 2025, proposing a 7.8% COLA for human services programs effective April 1, 2025.

Understanding the Crisis

Human services workers are the backbone of New York's social safety net. They operate homeless shelters, care for individuals with developmental disabilities, provide mental health services, and support vulnerable populations across the state. Despite their essential role, these workers earn approximately 30% less than their government counterparts performing similar roles.

Key Facts About Human Services Workers in New York

• 66% are women, with women of color making up 46% of the workforce

• Average salary: $36,588 per year - roughly $20 per day

• 800,000+ workers across the state providing essential services

• Two-thirds of full-time workers earn below the city's near-poverty threshold

The Political Push for Change

Congressman Ritchie Torres recently addressed Governor Hochul in a powerful letter, stating: "An income of $20 a day is not a living wage. It is a death wage for the working class." Torres emphasizes that while state-employed human services workers receive automatic COLAs, contracted nonprofit workers have been systematically excluded from these increases.

"If the City of New York can grant nonprofit human services workers fairer pay, as it did in FY2025, then the State of New York, which has far more resources, can easily do the same."

Recent Progress: A Mixed Picture

While New York City has shown leadership with Mayor Adams announcing a $741 million COLA providing 3% annual increases for city-contracted human services workers, the state's response remains inadequate. This disparity highlights the uneven treatment of workers doing the same essential jobs across different jurisdictions.

The Real Cost of Underpayment

The chronic underfunding of human services salaries has created a workforce crisis. Staff turnover is high, recruitment is challenging, and many workers must take second or third jobs just to make ends meet. This instability directly impacts the quality of services provided to New York's most vulnerable populations.

Why This Matters for Your Organization

Fair wages ensure:

• Better retention of trained professionals

• Higher quality service delivery

• Increased workforce stability

• Greater investment in professional development

Looking Ahead: The Path to Fair Wages

The introduction of Senate Bill S1580 represents a crucial step toward wage equity. The bill proposes not only the 7.8% COLA but also mandates that at least 2.6% of the increase must go directly to targeted salary increases for eligible workers.

As Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council, notes: "COLA helps, but it doesn't get people the equitable wages that we need." The ultimate goal extends beyond COLAs to establishing wage boards that can ensure sustainable, fair compensation for all human services workers.

What Can You Do?

1. Contact your state representatives to voice support for S1580

2. Join advocacy efforts through organizations like #JustPay Campaign

3. Share this information to raise awareness about the wage crisis

4. Support organizations that advocate for fair wages in human services

The Bottom Line

Human services workers deserve a living wage that reflects their essential contributions to our communities. The proposed 7.8% COLA is not just about numbers—it's about recognizing the value of those who care for New York's most vulnerable citizens. As we continue to advocate for fair compensation, we must remember that investing in human services workers is investing in the well-being of our entire state.

The fight for fair wages continues, and every voice matters. Whether you're a human services professional, an administrator, or simply someone who believes in fair compensation for essential workers, now is the time to act. Together, we can ensure that those who dedicate their lives to serving others can afford to live with dignity in the communities they serve.

The Fight for Fair Pay: Human Services Workers Demand a Living Wage