NEW YORK SENATE VOTES TO MODERNIZE PAID MEDICAL LEAVE BENEFITS FOR WORKERS FACING CANCER AND SERIOUS ILLNESS, ACS CAN CALLS ON ASSEMBLY TO DELIVER FOR PATIENTS AND PASS BILL

The following information was released by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):

Patients say outdated disability benefits force workers battling serious illness into impossible financial decisions

June 4, 2026

The New York State Senate began its wrap up of the 2026 legislative session by advancing bipartisan legislation (Senate Bill 172b) that would improve New Yorkers' access to paid medical leave through the state's Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) Program. Despite overwhelming support from the Assembly majority conference, the companion legislation (Assembly Bill 9571a) is not expected to be taken up before the Assembly adjourns. Advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) are expressing their disappointment that the Assembly may allow the effort to fail for the third year in a row.

Under New York's TDI program, workers battling cancer and other chronic diseases are not guaranteed that they will have a job to come back to after their treatment or illness. They also are not promised health insurance continuation or a livable wage, receiving a maximum of just $170 per week, a number unchanged since 1989. This differs from New Jersey where workers can receive up to $1,054 per week.

In April, ACS CAN advocates visited the Capitol to urge lawmakers to support Senate Bill 172b and Assembly Bill 9571a, which would rectify gaps in the existing TDI program. They called on lawmakers to ensure that workers receive a livable wage, job protection, health insurance continuation and the opportunity to take time off intermittently.

Today, the same advocates are applauding the Senate's efforts and labeling the Assembly's refusal to run the bill, a missed opportunity to deal a win to workers across the state. With 110 co-sponsors in the Assembly, passage is still within reach.

"Cancer patients should not have to choose between staying alive and staying employed," said Michael Davoli, senior government relations director for American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "Right now, New York's Temporary Disability Insurance Program leaves too many people without the financial stability or workplace protections they need while undergoing treatment. The Senate took an important, bipartisan step toward changing that today. Regretfully, the Assembly has not yet finished the job, but there is still time for them to do what's right. Before they head out for their (paid) time off this summer, we hope they will consider the cancer patients in their districts who cannot take time off to focus on their health and are instead left to worry about losing their income, insurance and employment."

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About ACS CAN

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We're more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.