ALBANY, NY – FWD.us New York Immigration State Director Eddie A. Taveras issued the following statement today following passage of The New York Health and Essential Rights Act (S.1034A), or NY HERO Act, in the New York State Assembly:

“The New York State Assembly took a necessary step by passing the NY HERO Act. It is a critical measure toward protecting all Empire State workers, regardless of immigration status, by establishing health and safety standards to safeguard workers from all airborne diseases, including COVID-19. Our state’s workers, including two million undocumented essential workers, continue to put their lives on the line to keep our economy and communities running, yet have not been provided enforceable safety standards. More than 51,000 New Yorkers have lost their lives to this pandemic. We cannot mourn or recover until we have done everything we can to save lives.

“Importantly, when all New Yorkers are safe, our entire state benefits. For example, businesses, and especially small businesses, are more likely to reopen or continue operations when their workers are protected, and consumers feel more confident visiting local businesses when they too know there are precautions in place. I urge Governor Cuomo to sign it into law without delay. I appreciate Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Assembly Member Karina Reyes for their leadership on this crucial issue. Every day without the NY HERO Act being signed into law puts New Yorkers’ lives at risk.”