Judith Goldiner, Attorney in Charge at The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Law Reform Unit, has teamed with New York City Council member Gale Brewer for a new op-ed in City & State opposing Intro. 303, a well-intentioned but fundamentally flawed bill.

The bill seeks to protect home care workers by limiting shifts to 12 hours, but fails to replace or fund the additional 12 hours of care for people who require 24-hour care. Because services are governed by New York State Medicaid — not the City — authorizations for 24-hour care will continue, but New York City employers will not be allowed to provide the care.

“Intro. 303 tries to solve the problem of abuse of the current rules by throwing the baby out with the bathwater, they write in part. “The bill does not and cannot change the rules governing the insurance plans or regulate the conduct of the insurance plans. This is because home care in New York City is governed by state Medicaid rules and managed care plans, not city statute; Medicaid dictates how many hours a person receives.”

“New Yorkers deserve better than false choices and unfunded mandates,” they continue. “We can and must build a home care system that protects workers from exploitation while preserving the dignity, independence, and stability of those who rely on care to live in their communities.”

Read the full piece here.

Take action and tell the City Council to reject Intro. 303 here.