Adams signs bills to streamline health coverage, strengthen school security

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed two new pieces of legislation designed to improve the health insurance enrollment process for city employees and expand security programs for private schools. These moves further Mayor Adams’ goal of making New York City the best place to raise a family.

“To be the best place to raise a family, we need the best city employees to get stuff done, and that is exactly what we have in New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city employees are the engine that keep our city moving and deserve the best benefits to take care of themselves while raising their families. For too long, bureaucratic red tape made it harder to access critical health insurance benefits. Thanks to today’s legislation, we’re giving city employees peace of mind, expanding a critical program to expedite the administrative process, and ensuring the transition from working at one agency to another comes with immediate health benefits.”

The first bill, Intro. 265-A, requires city agencies to streamline processes for providing health insurance coverage to employees transferring between agencies, ensuring minimal delays and offering clear guidance for new employees on accessing benefits. “Clear communication and expedited processes are not merely administrative enhancements; they are essential lifelines for workers and their families,” said Councilmember Rita Joseph, the bill’s sponsor. “This initiative underscores our collective commitment to creating a workforce environment where employees feel valued and supported.”

The second piece of legislation, Intro. 532-A, expands the city’s reimbursement program for security guards employed at private schools. This bill lowers the eligibility threshold to include schools with at least 150 students and extends the program to charter schools not located within public school buildings. “Safety and security in our schools should always be nonnegotiable, because there’s nothing more important than keeping our kids safe,” said Councilmember Justin Brannan, who sponsored the bill. “When we take care of their safety, kids can just focus on school.”

Both measures reflect Mayor Adams’ commitment to enhancing services for both city employees and the broader community. “We’re helping to ensure that all of our city’s kids are protected,” added Louis A. Molina, commissioner of the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

Additionally, Mayor Adams has expanded employee benefits significantly in recent years, including doubling paid parental leave for non-union employees and providing up to $10,000 for family-building costs, marking historic investments in the city workforce.

These initiatives build on the administration’s broader efforts to support families, ensure safety, and improve New York City’s standing as a model for progressive workforce policies.