Illegals demand from Hokul to provide them with additional financial assistance

Lawyers and illegal workers marched across the city's bridges on March 8, urging New York Gov. Kathy Hokul to provide more money for unemployment benefits. They are not eligible for federal assistance, and state funding has ended, said CBS.

Protesters temporarily blocked the lanes of Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges to demand more help due to the pandemic.

“Migrant workers have lost everything during the pandemic, and those who receive these funds can get back on their feet. That's why we're here, because there are thousands and thousands of people who haven't received these funds,” said Diana Moreno of New Immigrant Community Empowerment.

Last year, New York State created the Vulnerable Workers Fund, which paid out $2,1 billion in unemployment benefits to illegal workers. This is the largest budget allocated for benefits to illegal immigrants in the country. Nearly all of the 130 recipients received the maximum benefit of $000.

But now, the money is over

“When I finally applied, the fund had already closed,” Cichitle Gomez said through an interpreter.

Gomez explained that she is a cleaning lady whose employment has been affected by the pandemic, adding that she is among the thousands who have not received payments.

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Undocumented workers are not eligible for unemployment benefits and other government benefits. That's why lawyers are demanding an additional $3 billion to replenish the Displaced Workers Fund.

“There is enough funding,” said city council member Carmen de la Rosa.

The protesters said the money was needed to rebuild and meet their most basic needs.

New York Governor Kathy Hokul's office staff released the following statement:

“Gov. Hokul and the Department of Labor have given more than $2 billion to New Yorkers from immigrants through the Dismissed Employees Fund, a commitment and benefit rate that far exceeds that of any other state. The Governor's Executive Budget includes a commitment to work with the Legislature to determine the best way to invest an additional $2 billion in pandemic recovery initiatives. Governor Hokul will continue to work with lawmakers, community leaders, and advocacy partners to support immigrant communities and vulnerable New Yorkers.”

In addition to the Fund for Socially Displaced Workers, advocates are also supporting separate legislation to make unemployment benefits permanent for undocumented workers.

Additional $3 billion needed

The workers are calling for "an additional $3 billion for the Dismissed Employees Fund and a permanent program called 'Excluded No More' to provide compensation to workers who have lost their jobs or income and are not eligible for unemployment insurance," reports ABC7NY.

“While so many of my friends and neighbors were able to access the fund, so many others never got the chance because of how quickly the fund ran out of money. We marched so that the thousands of workers who didn't get it could finally get the relief they need. We need to return the funds to the Dismissed Employees Fund and work to create a permanent solution by promoting Excluded No More,” said Victoria Rivera, board member of New York Communities for Change.

New York public attorney and New York gubernatorial candidate Jumaine Williams, New York planner Brad Lander, and lieutenant governor candidate Ana Maria Archila joined the workers.

“The Dismissed Employees Fund is a much needed program that has provided life-saving funds to many hardworking New Yorkers when they need it, and it absolutely needs to be made permanent,” Williams said.

The workers walked in helmets, vests, with cleaning products and other working tools.

A CUNY study found that another $3 billion would be enough to help 175 New York workers in need.

But where does this money come from?

“Fortunately, the state has received very substantial federal assistance from the government and the local fiscal fund, and in fact, the state's tax revenue has increased by billions of dollars,” Lander said. Gov. Hokul has actually already identified $XNUMX billion in the state budget that has not yet been set aside for any action.”

On March 8, Workorers' Local 79, representing more than 10 workers in the construction industry, came out in support of the Excluded No More proposal. They said this would help bridge the gap between union and non-union contractors, while making it easier for construction workers to organize freely at work without fear of retribution.”