Levy proposal extends to nonprofits

BY JAMES T. MADORE | Newsday Staff Writer

July 14, 2006

Many social service agencies, charities and town governments with contracts from Suffolk County would be required, along with private-sector contractors, to verify their employees are eligible to work in the United States under a proposal unveiled Wednesday by County Executive Steve Levy.

More details about the measure emerged yesterday, though the bill won't be filed with the county legislature until today.

Officials at a half dozen not-for-profits contacted by Newsday expressed surprise that they would be affected. And some, such as Catholic Charities and United Cerebral Palsy, said they didn't anticipate a hardship because they already follow a 20-year-old federal mandate.

Others worried about the cost of added bureaucracy and increased social problems should contractors fire their undocumented workers.

The legislature's Democratic majority appeared split on the contractor bill with some criticizing Levy, also a Democrat.

"I don't think this is necessary and I don't think it is workable," said Deputy Presiding Officer Vivian Viloria-Fisher (D-Setauket). "The people who are contracting with the county are not the people who are hiring undocumented workers. "

Legis. Ricardo Montano of Central Islip cautioned against haste, saying, "This should be tabled for further study. "

Levy responded that he had received complaints from businesses and labor unions of unfair competition from rivals who hire undocumented workers so as not to pay prevailing wages and benefits. Levy said he was hoping for a legislative vote on Aug. 22.

"This is not asking companies to do something that they aren't already required to do under federal law," Levy said. "And to suggest that it is too burdensome to simply sign an affidavit and keep someone's birth certificate on file is utterly ridiculous. "

Under the measure, repeat violators would face permanent exclusion from contracts funded exclusively by Suffolk.

Administrators of two not-for-profits with county contracts described Levy's bill as pointless bureaucracy. "This will require time that would be better spent helping those who are truly in need," said one official who requested anonymity.

Judy Pannullo, of the Suffolk County Community Council, which represents small social-service agencies, questioned the impact of Levy's measure on immigrants if they are fired. "You are concerned about the more vulnerable population of the county. "

Among the GOP, Legis. Edward P. Romaine of Center Moriches said he supported the "concept" behind the bill but suggested an amendment to ensure "Suffolk County is not providing any training or services" to the undocumented.

Levy replied that Suffolk doesn't have the power to verify the legal status of trainees but will terminate any county worker found to be here illegally. He said, "We are open to amendments and modifications."