The Committees on Finance and Hospitals convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget for the City of New York. The meeting focused on various budgetary needs and concerns, particularly in the healthcare sector.

One of the key speakers was a primary care social worker from Bellevue Hospital, who highlighted pressing issues faced by members of their union, Local TC 37 and Local 768. The speaker emphasized the need for improved economic conditions for social workers, citing a recent survey that identified longevity and licensing differentials as top priorities for union members.

The social worker pointed out that turnover among city hospital social workers is a significant problem, particularly in certain areas. They called for ongoing differentials for longevity, noting that current rates are insufficient and need to be adjusted to match inflation. Additionally, the speaker advocated for the introduction of a differential for obtaining clinical social work licenses, which require considerable time and financial investment.

Another critical point raised was the demand for a language differential. The social worker explained that the diverse patient population served by city hospitals necessitates bilingual staff, yet there is currently no salary differential for bilingual social workers. This lack of compensation makes it challenging to recruit and retain qualified professionals who can communicate effectively with patients.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing these workforce issues to ensure the retention of quality social workers in city hospitals. The discussions will likely inform future budgetary decisions and negotiations regarding contracts for healthcare workers in New York City.