Queens, NY – As of January 1st, New York State became the first in the nation to offer twenty hours of paid prenatal leave and the minimum wage increased by 50 cents.

Prenatal leave is now available to any privately employed pregnant New Yorker, regardless if they are part-time or full-time. This leave will allow an estimated 130,000 pregnant New Yorkers each year to schedule essential healthcare services such as physical examinations, medical procedures and fertility treatment. Assemblymember Steven Raga is extremely proud to have worked with the legislature and advocates last year to ensure it was included in the fiscal year 2025 budget. 

Assemblymember Steven Raga stated, “I am so proud our state has set the standard for the nation by being the first to guarantee prenatal leave. Pregnant New Yorkers should never have to stress over missing a paycheck when accessing essential healthcare. This will better the health of not only the parent, but also the child.” 

This year also saw a 50-cent increase to the state’s minimum wage. In 2024, the minimum wage was increased to $16 in New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester; the rest of the state saw an increase to $15. Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually according to inflation. 

With these instrumental wins secured last year, Assemblymember Raga is excited to continue advocating for programs and legislation that will better support parents and put more money in people’s pockets.