This afternoon, the New York State Senate will advance legislation (Senate Bill 172) that would improve New Yorkers’ access to paid medical leave with senators lending sweeping, bipartisan support. The Assembly companion legislation (Assembly Bill 84) awaits similar consideration, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are urging Assemblymembers to vote in support.
Under New York’s current paid leave programs, workers battling cancer and other chronic diseases are not guaranteed that they will have a job to come back to after their treatment or illness. They also are not promised a livable wage, receiving a maximum of just $170 per week from the state under New York State’s Temporary Disability Insurance Program—a number unchanged since 1989. This differs from New Jersey where workers can receive up to $1,054 per week.
Last week, ACS CAN advocates visited the Capitol to urge lawmakers to utilize the 2025-26 budget to institute reforms to the state’s existing paid medical leave program. They called on lawmakers to ensure that workers receive a livable wage, job protection, health insurance continuation and the opportunity to take time-off intermittently.
Today, the same advocates are applauding the Senate’s efforts and calling on the Assembly to take this opportunity to deal a win to workers across the state.
“No one battling cancer should have to choose between feeding their family and keeping up with their treatment,” said Michael Davoli, Senior Government Relations Director American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). “Battling cancer is hard. Continuing to work full or even part time while undergoing cancer treatment is almost impossible. I am pleased that the Senate will take this incredibly important step to ensure that cancer patients can focus on their health and not have to worry about losing their jobs or feeding their families. It is now time for the Assembly to do the same.”
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.