Advocates are calling for a permanent solution for the temporary excluded workers fund, which provided $2.1 billion in unemployment for undocumented New Yorkers in this year’s budget. 

Just nine weeks after the fund opened, all the funding had been allocated. 

With new COVID-19 variants spreading, advocates want the New York Legislature to create a permanent fund for the population. Additionally, they want the Legislature to replenish the unemployment fund that was created in the state budget this year.

Bianca Guerrero, coordinator of the “Fund Excluded Workers” coalition, spoke with Capital Tonight’s Susan Arbetter about why these funds are so critical.

“We do know that that these workers who are vital to New York’s economy must be covered and must be included in the social safety net going forward,” Guerrero explained.

The new, permanent program would be separate from the unemployment fund for excluded workers. It would cover three main categories of workers: workers who are paid in cash, people who are self-employed and undocumented workers.

The Fund Excluded Workers coalition is seeking $3 billion to replenish the original excluded workers fund, and $800 million to start paying for a permanent fund for excluded workers. The permanent fund would support about 50,000 people with an average payout of $1,200 per month.

“When we take care of the most vulnerable workers across New York, we are able to take care of the state’s overall economy,” Guerrero said.