No Approval on Additional EWF Funds for Next Year

Two weeks ago, Governor Hochul decided to exclude undocumented New Yorkers from next year’s budget by denying financial relief, childcare, and healthcare for undocumented New Yorkers, even though many of them pay the taxes that fund New York. This means that many who are qualified but did not get to apply for the Excluded Workers Fund (EWF) will not see additional funds for EWF next year. 

Damayan condemns Governor Hochul’s anti-immigrant and anti-worker decision. Workers who support our society with their labor are once again left on their own when it comes to financial security and support. 

EWF was the historic financial assistance for Covid-affected New Yorkers passed by NY State after numerous mobilizations, hunger strikes, and protests in 2021. Damayan assisted more than 200 Damayan and community members apply for EWF which resulted in the distribution of more than $3M to the Filipino community in NY. 

However, EWF has reached some, but has excluded many. That is why Damayan joined the Fund Excluded Workers (FEW) Coalition and other organizations to demand an additional $3B from Governor Hochul and an unemployment program to serve as a safety net for undocumented families in the 2022 NY State Budget. While Governor Hochul’s denial was a blow to the community, we will not sit idly by - we will continue to fight! Please join us in the upcoming rallies for additional EWF funding and stay tuned for more details. #ExcludedWorkersFund #EWF #ExcludedNoMore #Damayan #DamayanMigrants #DamayanMigrantWorkers