On the Eve of Women's Suffrage Signing-Maltese calls upon CUOMO

Maryann Maltese, long time Huntington Democrat-Working Family Establishing Member-or as we call if "Founding Mother", where the WF Political Party began in Brooklyn, NY-calls out Governor Andrew Cuomo to step forward and enact the Maltese Fairness in Wages Law on behalf of Women throughout NYS.

Today is the Eve of signing of the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote-a fundamental civil liberty woven into the U.S. Constitution. This Amendment is so significant for Women because it is the date that enabled Women who are leaders within the Legislature or in the Private Sector to allow them to bring their gifts forward to run for Elective Offices. This is the way-Women in 2020 should see the significance of the 19th Amendment -for us-as it's the hallmark point of all of our other Civil Rights-because we never truly had Civil Rights before the signing of the 19th on August 26th-100th years ago-said Maltese.

This is the modern vision of the 19th Amendment because one needs to be registered to vote to run for democratic elective offices-and this is why Women should never be silenced when it comes to discussing what Men have had for 120 years longer than women-the right to be Elective Leaders-or President or Vice President. Once again-wage disparity between Male Staffers within NYS Legislature is prominent-on average Male Management NYS Public Staffers are still earning 50-60% more than Female Staffers within NYS Legislature in roles and titles issued by the NYS Legislature- in 2020/100 Years of our Rights as Equals-that is unacceptable practices as the OMCE Office Management of Civil Employees agrees too. OMCE which I'm a Member of is NYS Public Employees advocacy group but we are not unionized-once out of service successfully we can speak to Members of Staff to encourage swift passage of Laws. This is our mission-and we are seeking retribution for wrongful acts towards us-and this year is the year NYS should make good on its promises to Female Staffers. To the Governor's credit-this past June-2020-he enacted a State Holiday Observation for all of us-and I thank him for that-but it doesn't correct the long term in justice many of us received as we do not have the ability in the Public Sector to negotiate on employment terms or contracts signed, said Maryann Maltese. Something the Township of Huntington needs to review as they are in violation with their recent resolution 2020-333.

Back to Women's celebration- This year-being the 100th Year-is the year for Andrew Cuomo to move on the Retroactive Maltese Wage Fairness bill and law because it will correct significant wage disparities not only for Me but other NYS Public Service Women who also meet the criteria; tenure of service and successful completion of job performances. This Law will encourage other Women to step forward and say-I'm the victim of NYS Legislature offering me mediocre employment packages or wage contracts provided and not negotiable. Technically- NYS is permitted to pay less then Minimum wages-a practice not encouraged, and as CUOMO has made it part of his Women's agenda-he needs to follow through on his promises to the Women of NYS Legislature as we are the examples to respect-not ignore. Maltese and OMCE are out here every day reminding Leaders of special situations where Statewide Legislative changes need to be made-hence my reasons for mentioning the Township of Huntington's recent Resolution Passage above-further minimizing public employee hires with less benefits (no sick days paid, no vacation days paid)- that is not the example to follow-and many should ask Councilman Smythe who is a candidate for NYS Senate 2nd why he voted for it.

What a tremendous honor it would be if the Governor stepped forward and signed this Law today-or tomorrow for the Women of NYS that deserve it-and they are entitled. Today, no woman wants to continue to hear "I know you deserve this-but this isn't the year to enact the change"-why NYS even being permitted to say that any further in a State of State Speech or during a State of Emergency just means NYS doesn't care or NYS didn't budget plan the right way. Last Session-the office of the Governor through Legislative Action-received $40,000 raise-It's now time for the Female Support Staffers who have also stepped forward, advised leadership of such and who earned it-receive their due compensation. There is no more excuses.

Maryann Maltese, has 18 years of exceptional and consecutive years of service in the NYS Legislature-not many Support Staffers meet Tenure or the Mark-but Maryann does and this Law signing tomorrow-is warranted. Join me in reaching out to the Executive Chamber on behalf of the women of NYS because our celebration tomorrow whether you're meeting in small groups or hosting Virtual Meetings starts when Women NYS Public Officers receive retroactive salary and going forward-the Women Staffers receive the same starting salaries as Male Staffers to eliminate former bad management practices. This is why-the Maltese Fairness in Wages Law is necessary-it will send a message that NYS respects it's NYS Legislative Public Officers and we no longer tolerate poor Labor Management contacts-said Maryann Maltese. COVID 19 can not continue to be the excuse.

To reach out in Support of the Maltese WAGE Fairness Law-governor.ny.gov, 518-474-8390, or by mail; The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor, NYS State Capitol Building, Albany, NY. 12224