In July, New York because the first state to pass legislation protecting domestic workers. This legislation requires that full-time domestic workers receive a minimum of one day of rest each week, three paid days off per year, and overtime pay if working greater than 40 hours per week. This legislation will help alleviate instances of domestic workers being overworked and underpaid.

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Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation allowing a section of state owned land to be transferred to the United Veterans of America. This group will construct up to 125 studio apartments for veterans. Not only does this legislation provide veterans with services they need, but it creates numerous construction jobs that will help aid the economy.

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New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has announced that $250,000 of federal stimulus funds will be used to support the Child Crisis Center of Southern New Mexico. This funding will allow the Children, Youth and Families Department to invest in high-quality care for children and their families. The funds will also be used for counseling and other social services needed by children and families experiencing crises.

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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed two bills into law to create and retain jobs. The first, Public Act 96-1021, allows the Illinois Finance Authority to fund large non-profits with development projects both in-state and outside of Illinois, encouraging growth throughout the region. The second, Public Act 96-1020, allows counties with leftover bonds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to pool together their remaining money and reallocate it to qualified projects that will create and retain jobs.

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Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed House Bill 5044 into law, requiring the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to create a Spanish version of its website containing information regarding predatory lending. Illinois Latinos are disproportionately affected by the practice, and this law will assist them knowing their rights.

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