In this podcast episode, Christine Russo welcomes New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who has been voted the 2023 Staten Island Power 100. Senator Scarcella-Spanton's bill is aimed at making assaults on retail workers a Class D felony. This is for all retail workers; however, at the heart of it, is the small business.

The Senator shares the inspiration behind the bill, recounting an incident during her campaign where a deli worker was assaulted during a robbery. She collaborated with a group called C.A.P.S. (Collective Action to Protect Our Stores) to address the increasing concern of assaults on retail workers across New York State.

The proposed legislation seeks to make assaulting a retail worker a Class D felony, aligning them with other frontline workers' protections. The Senator emphasizes the importance of safeguarding those who were deemed frontline workers during the pandemic, drawing parallels to protections already in place for bus drivers and other essential workers.

Additionally, the podcast touches on a broader legislative approach to address organized retail crime, including bills targeting repeat shoplifting offenses and the sale of stolen goods online. The Senator emphasizes the need for nuanced solutions and an educational campaign to deter potential offenders.

Listeners are encouraged to visit Senator Scarcella-Spanton's Senate website and social media for more information and support for the proposed legislation.

https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/jessica-scarcella-spanton

Bill: https://tinyurl.com/fb3dphcx

@nysenator_jss