New York State to Pay $600 Million to Employees for Raises
Employees of New York State who have been owed pay raises are finally going to receive them. According to WIVB, $600 million will be paid out to employees who have had their salary increases delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April of 2020, the two percent pay raises that employees were expecting, were put on hold due to the financial crisis the state faced, brought on by the pandemic. Approximately 120,000 state employees will receive retroactive raises.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo thanked state employees,
“The FY 2022 enacted budget will repay $600 million that was withheld from State workers during the pandemic. On behalf of the entire family of New York, we thank state workers for their extraordinary service, sacrifice, and selflessness which helped us through this unpredicted crisis.”
New York to Offer Grants for Low-Income Homeowners
In addition to the announcement about retroactive pay raises for state employees, Gov. Cuomo also announced grant money for low-income homeowners. Municipalities and non-profits across the state have access to $20.4 million in grants to help residents with low to moderate incomes make repairs to their homes. There are grants available to help a variety of homeowners, including those who are seniors, veterans or disabled.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said,
"Our $20.4 million in awards will make a huge difference in the lives of homeowners across the state. By funding accessibility modifications, addressing emergency repairs and replacing obsolete manufactured homes, we are ensuring that seniors, disabled adults, veterans and other low- and moderate-income households can remain living safely and securely in the place they call home."
You can see the list of organizations receiving grant money here.