SearchNY Update: Paterson Vetoes Human Rights Law Bill
Sad news since we asked for your help on urging the governor to sign S4687/A8012 into law. The bill, which would help thousands of New Yorkers with criminal histories fight illegal discrimination, was vetoed last week.Expressing support for the bill's goal of helping people with criminal records re-enter society, Gov. Paterson cited a concern for cost in his veto, writing:
"... it seeks to do so by imposing significant litigation, and therefore significant costs, on both the State and on local governments. Therefore, I am compelled to disapprove it."
Many thanks to all of you who reached out on behalf of this bill -- and please stay tuned, as LAC will be pushing for this critical legislation once again next session.
Background:
S4687/A8012 would give people with criminal histories who face discrimination from public agencies the same opportunities to seek redress for human rights violations as those facing other forms of discrimination.While this law would help all people with criminal histories find and keep jobs, it would have a particular impact on communities of color: Studies have shown that people of color with criminal histories face even higher levels of discrimination in the job market.
This bill would also save the state money by giving people the right to file claims administratively at the Division of Human Rights, achieving speedy results at less cost to everyone. (Click here to read the legislation.)