Governor Hochul Announces $646 Million to Recruit and Train Thousands More Health Care Workers Across New York

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced three Workforce Investment Organizations will receive awards totaling up to $646 million over the next three years to implement the Career Pathways Training Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health, and social care workers across New York. This program will also provide new career advancement opportunities to many current health care workers throughout the State. The WIO awardees are 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, Iroquois Healthcare Association, and the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System. Today's announcement is made possible through the Governor's 1115 New York Health Equity Reform Waiver approved in January.

"The health of every New Yorker depends on a strong, stable, and equitable health care system, and health care workers are its very foundation," Governor Hochul said. "This investment allows us to continue toretain and grow our health care workforce and ensure we deliver the highest quality health care for New Yorkers."

As the designated WIOs under the CPT Program, the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, Iroquois Healthcare Association, and Finger Lakes Performing Provider System will use this new funding to:

• Conduct outreach and recruit thousands of new and current health, mental health, and social care workers for participation in the CPT Program.
• Support CPT Program participants with tutoring and other academic support such as apprenticeship and mentorship programs.
• Make payments to support participants' tuition program fees, textbooks and supplies.
• Aid in job readiness and placement to meet service commitments.
• Hold educational programs for new and current health, mental health, and social care workers, including application and enrollment assistance.
• Form partnerships with educational institutions and other stakeholders to increase career opportunities for CPT program participants.
• Perform data collection and reporting on CPT program performance metrics, spending, and other information.

The funding awarded to these Workforce Investment Organizations is possible because Governor Hochul secured an amendment to New York's Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration that allows New York to invest nearly $6 billion of federal funding into New York's health care system over the next three years. The waiver amendment is now allowing New York to make transformative investments, including establishing Social Care Networks to integrate health, behavioral, and social care services that connect high-need members to critical nutritional and housing support services; enhancing access to coordinated and comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders; investing in primary care and making long-term, sustainable investments in the state's health care workforce.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, "The health of our community depends on the strength of our health care workforce. This investment in the Career Pathways Training Program will help expand New York's health care workforce by recruiting, training, and providing new opportunities to thousands of health care workers.Boosting good-paying health care jobs is a win-win-win, a win for our current and future health care workers, and a win for New York's patients and our economy. I've worked hard to secure federal investments in our health care system through the American Rescue Plan, and I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's commitment to strengthening our health care workforce."

Representative Jerry Nadler said, "Our health care workers show up every day to take care of us and we have a responsibility to take care of them in return. I'm proud to announce this investment of $646 million into the Career Pathways Training program, which will invest in the development and recruitment of thousands of health care workers across New York."

Representative Nydia M. Velázquez said, "No matter your zip code, every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality health care. This significant investment will help revamp our health care workforce, which will provide new job opportunities and ensure our health care professionals have the training to meet the diverse needs of our State's residents. Thank you to Governor Hochul for making this investment and for your commitment to providing every New Yorker with the health care they deserve."

Representative Joe Morelle said, "It's critical we provide support to our health care system and the workers who dedicate their careers to keeping our families healthy. This investment will help bridge the gap connecting the next generation of skilled health care workers with the fields and communities that need them. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul for her dedication to NY's health care system and our partnership as we fight for reliable, accessible health care for everyone."

Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "We all rely on health care workers in every stage of life, so it is critical that we invest in and set up our health care professionals for success. These funds will allow New York to build a stronger and more diverse workforce, where our health care providers can look more like the communities they are called to serve."

Representative Ritchie Torres said, "Health care workers are the backbone of our public health system. Governor Hochul's investment of $646 million towards health care worker recruitment, training, and career advancement pathways will enhance the wellbeing of our city, especially in the Bronx. This decision is a crucial step in addressing New Yorkers' physical and mental health care needs and the health care workforce shortage."

Representative Pat Ryan said, "I'm pushing every day to deliver the highest quality health care for Hudson Valley families, and that means first and foremost investing in our health care workers. I'm proud that these funds, in partnership with our friends in labor, will go straight to recruiting, training, and properly compensating health care workers across the region. I'll keep working alongside partners at every level of government so that our health care workers know: we have your backs and we always will."

Representative Dan Goldman said, "As New York has endured a rise in mental health issues, it has faced a shortage of mental health professionals to combat those concerns. As one of the City's elected officials tackling this problem with a whole-of-government approach, I applaud Governor Hochul for providing this critical funding to recruit, train, and develop health care workers across New York. Alongside our partners in Albany and those on the frontlines like 1199SEIU, we will ensure our health care system meets everyone where they are."

Representative Tim Kennedy said, "Communities in Western New York need and deserve access to high-quality health care. This game-changing funding will set our region on the path to providing equitable and accessible health care and social services now and in the future by recruiting the next generation of professionals and developing those who are already in the field. In my district, this funding will empower the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System to invest in the workforce our region relies on to lead healthy and fulfilling lives."

1199 SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Milly Silva said, "We have lost many caregivers over the past few years leading to critical staffing shortages across the continuum of care. 1199SEIU appreciates Governor Hochul's historic investment to rebuild this workforce by training New Yorkers for occupations experiencing shortages like nursing."

IHA President and CEO Gary Fitzgerald said, "IHA is proud that the Hochul Administration has designated IHA as the Workforce Investment Organization to provide workforce services to Central NY, the Southern Tier, the North Country, and the Capital Region under the NYHER 1115 Waiver. We have been a leader in addressing health care workforce issues in Upstate NY for decades. In recent years, health care providers in our region have faced significant staffing shortages and higher vacancy rates than the rest of the State, threatening continued access to quality care. We are excited to collaborate with providers and educational organizations in this region to attract new workers to health care and help advance the careers of experienced health care professionals. We expect that this workforce will have a positive impact on local economies, ensuring a stable and well-paid employment base, thus strengthening the economic future of communities in Upstate NY. We are looking forward to teaming up with the recently announced social care networks in our region, Healthy Alliance and Care Connect. This project is critically important. We commend Governor Hochul for recognizing the need to address the monumental challenges we have long experienced to recruit, educate and retain individuals for these vital roles to help preserve and grow access to quality health care in Upstate and Rural New York."

FLPPS CEO Carol Tegas said, "We are grateful to be recognized by the State as a trusted partner to deliver on this important work. Finger Lakes Performing Provider System has focused on building the health care workforce over the last decade as part of our Medicaid redesign and system transformation efforts, working closely with our partners and stakeholders. The CPT Program will extend and scale our programming across the Finger Lakes, Western NY, and Southern Tier regions, and provide vital educational and training opportunities that are desperately needed throughout New York State. By fostering partnerships, enhancing skills and career laddering, and creating a new pipeline of students, we are building a more resilient and diverse health care workforce."

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "This investment is essential to the health, safety, and protection of New Yorkers. This will give residents opportunities to receive an education in the health field to advance their careers and increase access to trained health, mental health, and social care professionals, leading to better health outcomes."

Director of the New York State Medicaid Program Amir Bassiri said, "Access to training and opportunities for career mobility are part of Medicaid's strategic plan to address health equity and address shortages for essential Medicaid providers. These funds will support recruitment of new professionals and establish career advancement opportunities with a focus on health equity."

Through the CPT Program, the WIOs will address statewide workforce shortages by subsidizing education and training services to provide holistic educational and professional placement support for New Yorkers in the program who are newly entering the workforce or advancing their careers.

Participants of the CPT program must fall under one of the eligible titles specified in the waiver and make a three-year service commitment in their new professional title to Medicaid providers that serve at least 30 percent of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. Career training will be organized to support both new careers in health, mental health, and social care and career advancement in these fields.

The CPT Program is a key initiative under the New York Health Equity Reform waiver amendment, which includes approximately $7.5 billion - including nearly $6 billion in federal funding - for waiver initiatives, including the CPT program, through 2027. More information can be found under the MRT 1115 Waiver Amendments tab.

Supporting Health Care Workers with Over $2 Billion in Bonuses

In addition to investing in the next generation of New York's health care workers, Governor Hochul has continued to support current health care workers who provide the services that so many New Yorkers rely on.

Earlier this week, the Governor announced that New York State has paid over $2 billion in bonuses to more than 800,000 health care workers statewide through the Health Care Worker Bonus Program. The program was launched by Governor Hochul in 2022 and provided bonuses of up to $3,000 for eligible health care workers across New York.

That program issued payments to workers who provide hands-on and patient-facing health care services. Workers who received payments through the program must have an annualized base salary, excluding any bonuses or overtime pay, of $125,000 or less and can be full-time or part-time.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, "I commend Governor Hochul for this significant investment into the next generation of health care workers. The Workforce Investment Organizations selected are dedicated partners that know the skills, education and career opportunities our state needs to address the critical workforce challenges our health care system is facing. Investing in our health care workforce pipeline is urgent and I look forward to this program's long-term benefits for the health of our communities and our health care delivery system overall."

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, "If it was not already abundantly clear, the pandemic proved that health care workers and mental health professionals are absolutely essential to a thriving New York State. I applaud Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie for dedicating almost $650 million to recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health and social care workers as well as offer career advancement programs to those currently working in these industries. This historic investment will help ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the high-quality health and mental health services that they deserve."

State Senator Robert Jackson said, "Today's monumental investment in New York's healthcare workforce lays the foundation for a thriving state. The allocation of $646 million to Workforce Investment Organizations-1199SEIU, Iroquois Healthcare Association, and Finger Lakes Performing Provider System-will not only bring thousands of new professionals into the health, mental health, and social care fields but also advance the careers of those already serving. This dynamic strategy strengthens our healthcare system, ensuring it serves everyone and reflects New York's commitment to the well-being of all our communities. I commend the Governor for expanding and fortifying our healthcare workforce through this critical partnership."

State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, "I applaud Governor Hochul's decision to allocate $646 million to the recruitment and training of thousands of health care workers across New York State. Reforming our health care system starts with investing in our health care workers. As social care, health, and mental health needs are increasing statewide, we must ensure that we afford proper support and resources to individuals who provide care for our most vulnerable community members. I am thankful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the need to strengthen and reinforce our health care workforce."

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, "Ensuring we have a qualified and prepared health care workforce that meets the needs of all New Yorkers is of utmost importance for the health and safety of our families. I applaud the Governor for making this critical investment in the next generation of health care workers and partnering with organized labor to guarantee that our health care workers, whether they are entering new careers or expanding existing ones, will have good middle-class jobs, quality training and family-sustaining wages."

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal said, "When we invest in our health care workforce, all New Yorkers benefit. By funding the Career Pathways Training Program, we will strengthen and expand our health care workforce. The pandemic took a tremendous toll on this sector, causing many to retire or switch career paths, but investments like this will draw more workers in while improving the health of communities statewide."

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, "As we continue to face an unprecedented demand for health services, Governor Hochul's investment in our health care workforce is a timely and essential initiative. By recruiting and training thousands of new workers and creating new career pathways for current health, mental health and social care professionals, this funding will help build a stronger, more resilient health care system across New York State. By supporting the Career Pathways Training program, we can ensure equitable access to quality care while supporting the dedicated individuals who provide it."

Assemblymember Nader J Sayegh said, "Given the high demand for health care workers across New York State, I applaud and support the Governor's initiative in investing $646 million dollars in recruiting and training thousands of health care workers. This crucial investment will open health care career options to individuals and ensure New York State has highly trained health care workers for future generations."

Assemblymember Rodnyese Bichotte Hermelyn said, "Governor Kathy Hochul is delivering a transformative investment in health care that's a long-term win for all New Yorkers. The Career Pathways Training Program will help ensure all our communities have equitable access to high-quality health care, while boosting the economy by providing training pathways for great careers in health, social and mental care. Our health care heroes are also getting the support they deserve, through $2 billion in bonuses, career advancement opportunities, and strengthened partnerships with organized labor. I applaud my colleagues in the NYS Legislature for implementing this pivotal program and am committed to ensuring my constituents and all New Yorkers fully benefit from and utilize these vital healthcare benefits."

Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, "This investment in health care workforce training is a crucial step towards ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to the quality care they deserve. By empowering our health care workers with the skills and support they need, we are not only strengthening our health system but also uplifting the communities that rely on it. As a nurse and a legislator, I know firsthand how vital it is to have a well-trained, well-supported health care workforce, and I'm proud to see our state making this commitment to our future."

Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, "This investment in healthcare workforce training is a crucial step towards ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to the quality care they deserve. By empowering our healthcare workers with the skills and support they need, we are not only strengthening our health system but also uplifting the communities that rely on it. As a nurse and a legislator, I know firsthand how vital it is to have a well-trained, well-supported healthcare workforce, and I'm proud to see our state making this commitment to our future."

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, "Amidst the relentless challenges of COVID-19, our health care workers have been the steadfast heroes on the frontlines, and it is essential we stand firmly behind them. This historic $646 million investment in health care workforce expansion and training is a testament to New York's commitment to strengthening our health care system. With vital support from unions like 1199SEIU, we're not only creating new career pathways and a pipeline into the health care fields, but also honoring the dedication of our current workers, ensuring they have the resources and respect they deserve,"

Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman said, "As a representative of the 56th Assembly District, I've witnessed the unwavering dedication of our health care professionals working in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Their commitment to delivering high-quality care in challenging conditions is truly commendable. I want to highlight the efforts of 1199SEIU workers, who advocate not only for their patients' safety but also for fair wages and benefits for themselves. I also commend Governor Hochul for the $640 million investment in career pathway training. This initiative will address the workforce shortage and support the development of the next generation of health care workers. This investment is a significant win for our community and a crucial step toward a more robust and equitable health care system."

Assemblymember Steven Ragasaid, "This historic investment will make careers in the health sector more accessible with crucial educational support and job readiness training. Not only will we see a more vibrant health sector workforce but a healthier New York State."

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