Labor & Employment (Apprenticeships)

This bill expands New York's existing apprenticeship tax credit by adding a $500 annual tax credit for employers who hire individuals with disabilities as apprentices. It directly affects employers participating in state-approved apprenticeship programs who hire people meeting the state's disability definition (from Executive Law §292(21)). The new credit applies separately from the existing annual credit structure for apprentice years (e.g., $2,000 for first-year apprentices), providing an additional incentive for disability inclusion. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Relates to making contractors, subcontractors, and substantially owned-affiliated entities that have been debarred under the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3144) ineligible to bid for or be awarded public works contracts.

Requires the commissioner of education to develop guidelines to encourage those in high school to participate in apprenticeships and to raise awareness in apprenticeship opportunities.

Enacts the good jobs guarantee program to provide workforce training and opportunities for employment for residents of New York state to secure high paying jobs through the acquisition of job skills.

Directs the commissioner of labor to establish an online database identifying regional skills and employment gaps and the skills and training needed to fill open and anticipated jobs.

This bill (S 6468) requires New York's public assistance employment programs to prioritize training for sustainable wage jobs (defined as at least 185% of the poverty line, adjusted regionally) and nontraditional employment fields (like skilled trades or tech, where one gender is under 25% represented) in employment plans for participants with high school diplomas or GEDs. It amends social services law to mandate that social services officials develop written employability plans that strongly consider these opportunities while meeting federal work requirements. The bill also defines "nontraditional employment" and "sustainable wage" to guide program implementation. It directly affects public assistance recipients seeking employment through state programs.