Assemblyman Jones/Senator Little: We must support New Yorkers as they recover and rebuild their lives
From the office of Assemblyman Billy Jones
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that his legislation to provide a tax credit to employers who hire New Yorkers in substance abuse recovery has been included in the executive budget proposal (A.1604).
The Jobs In Recovery bill would allow businesses that hire New Yorkers attending a state-certified rehabilitation center to claim a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the first $6,000 in first-year wages for each employee. Business owners like Michael Carpenter are fully supportive of this measure. “As a member of the business community, we recognize the importance of being a part of the solution to the addiction crisis,” said Michael Carpenter, CEO Northeast Group, Inc. “This tax credit will help us, help those who need help the most. I applaud Assemblyman Jones and Senator Little for their leadership and advocacy for this provision’s inclusion in the Executive Budget proposal.”
“Addiction has devastated communities in the North Country and across the state,” Jones said. “Recovery is often a long and difficult road, and having support can make all the difference. I was proud to author and introduce this measure in the Assembly to give New Yorkers in recovery an opportunity to support themselves and their families so they can stay on track. I am thankful that Senator Little saw the value in this initiative and introduced it in the Senate.”
“The Recovery in Jobs Act initiative is something Assemblyman Jones and I had pushed in the months leading up to the executive budget,” said Senator Betty Little. “So, I am very pleased the language is there, which really increases the likelihood it will be part of the final budget.
“Governor Cuomo and his administration have been very supportive of the community’s efforts to increase the availability of addiction services in the North Country as we saw with the wonderful news of the opening of Champlain Valley Family Center Recovery Campus. Progress is being made, and I am hopeful the outcomes for those struggling with addiction will improve as a result.
“Essential to recovery is establishing a ‘normal’ life, having a purpose and being productive. A job is critical for many of those on the path to physical and emotional well-being. The goal of this legislation is to incentivize employees to consider and, hopefully, hire someone whom may otherwise be overlooked.”
Jones and Little first sponsored the legislation last year and are pushing for the measure to be included in the 2019-20 state budget. Its inclusion in the executive budget proposal is a promising sign, Jones also noted.
Posted: January 22nd, 2019 under Heathcare News, State Government News, State Legislator News.