Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today stood shoulder to shoulder with labor unions, advocates and fellow lawmakers from across the aisle at the State Capitol to call for immediate passage of a “direct to direct” cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for direct care workers, delivering a strong message that New York must finally prioritize the workforce that cares for its most vulnerable residents.

The press conference, held on the 3rd floor of the Million Dollar Staircase, brought together members of CSEA, SEIU, AFSCME, UFCW and other labor organizations united behind the push to ensure wage increases go directly to frontline workers.

“Let’s be clear, these workers have been underpaid and overlooked for far too long,” said DeStefano. “They show up every day to care for New Yorkers with disabilities, and they deserve more than just promises. They deserve real pay increases that go directly into their pockets.”

He emphasized that direct care workers are essential to the stability of New York’s health and human services system and warned that continued inaction will only deepen workforce shortages and strain on families.

“We are losing good, hardworking people because they simply can’t afford to stay in these jobs,” DeStefano said. “That is unacceptable. If we value this work, and we should, then we need to back it up with real investment and real accountability. This is about making sure every dollar we allocate does exactly what it’s supposed to do, support workers,” he said. “No more excuses, no more delays. It’s time to deliver for labor and for the people they serve.”

DeStefano reaffirmed his commitment to standing with organized labor and pushing for policies that uplift working families across Long Island and New York state.