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Bill

A 2094

Requires the state to provide state funds to community colleges for additional operating costs associated with an increase in the state minimum wage

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec and 1 co-sponsor

New York would provide additional operating funds to community colleges to offset payroll cost increases from a higher minimum wage, preserving classes and programs.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 2094

Summary of Bill A 2094 (New York)

Overview and Purpose

Bill A 2094 proposes that the state provide funds to community colleges to cover additional operating costs that arise from an increase in the state minimum wage. The measure aims to ensure community colleges can maintain current operations and program offerings as labor costs rise due to higher minimum wage requirements.

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the Committee on Higher Education
  • Primary sponsor: Edward Ra
  • Co-sponsor: Karl Brabenec
  • Related bills (prior sessions): A 10396, A 4139, A 3190, A 4816

Key Provisions (based on title; text not provided)

  • The state would be obligated to provide additional operating funds to community colleges to offset increased payroll costs resulting from an increase in the state minimum wage.
  • The bill would specify that such funds are to be used for operating purposes at community colleges (e.g., salaries, wages for staff and faculty, and other related operating expenses) necessitated by the wage increase.
  • Specific funding mechanisms, including the size of the appropriation, eligibility criteria, duration of the funding, and reporting/oversight requirements, are not detailed in the information available.

Note: The exact provisions, applicable definitions (e.g., what constitutes “operating costs” in this context), funding formula, and timelines would be contained in the bill’s text. The summary here reflects the purpose as stated in the title and publicly available information.

Affected Parties

  • Primary beneficiaries: New York community colleges and their students, staff, and programs
  • State government: The executive budget and the Higher Education authority/department responsible for appropriations and oversight
  • Taxpayers and state budget policymakers, who would bear any additional funding obligations

Financial and Policy Implications

  • Fiscal impact: The bill would create or expand a state-funded line item to cover increased labor costs at community colleges. The magnitude would depend on the final appropriation and the scope of covered cost categories.
  • Policy rationale: By offsetting wage-driven cost increases, the bill seeks to preserve college operations, program availability, and access for students during wage adjustments.

Procedural Details and Next Steps

  • Current status: Referred to Higher Education; no further action listed in the provided information.
  • Next steps if advanced: The bill would proceed through committee consideration, potential amendments, and, if approved, floor votes in the Assembly. If passed, it would move to the Senate (or other comparative process depending on the chamber) and then to the governor for signature or veto.

Context and Related Legislation

  • Related bills from prior sessions (A 10396, A 4139, A 3190, A 4816) indicate ongoing legislative interest in offsetting minimum-wage-related costs for higher education institutions.

Notes for Readers

  • This summary reflects the information provided. The full bill text will clarify the exact funding mechanism, eligible expenditures, duration, reporting requirements, and any conditions or limitations. Accessing the current bill text will enable a more precise understanding of obligations and impacts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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