Naming NYS Department of Labor Building as the Frances Perkins Building

Executive Order April 10, 2026

No. 59: Naming the New York State Department of Labor Building on the Governor W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus as the New York State Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building

No. 59: Naming the New York State Department of Labor Building on the Governor W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus as the New York State Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building
Executive Order No. 59 Directs that the **** New York State Department of Labor Building 12, located on the Governor W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus in Albany, New York, shall henceforth be officially known as the New York State Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building

No. 59

E X E C U T I V E O R D E R

NAMING THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BUILDING ON THE GOVERNOR W. AVERELL HARRIMAN STATE OFFICE CAMPUS AS THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FRANCES PERKINS BUILDING

WHEREAS, Frances Perkins dedicated her life to public service, championing the rights and welfare of workers, and leaving an indelible mark on labor policy both in New York State and across the United States;

WHEREAS, Frances Perkins served with distinction as the first female New York State Industrial Commissioner from 1929 to 1933, during which she implemented groundbreaking reforms that improved working conditions, wages, and hours for New York's labor force;

WHEREAS, her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice led to her historic appointment as the first female United States Secretary of Labor, serving from 1933 to 1945, where she played a crucial role in shaping the New Deal and establishing vital programs such as Social Security;

WHEREAS, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of unemployment insurance in New York, providing vital support to workers during times of economic hardship;

WHEREAS, Frances Perkins was a tireless advocate for workers' rights, championing labor reforms that improved workplace safety standards, conditions, and protections for the workforce that also ensured fair compensation and helped to reduce poverty levels;

WHEREAS, Frances Perkins broke barriers for women in leadership roles, serving as a role model for future generations of women seeking careers in public service and labor advocacy;

WHEREAS, as Secretary of Labor during the Great Depression, she implemented programs that not only provided immediate relief but also reformed the labor market to prevent future economic crises;

WHEREAS, Frances Perkins' commitment to public service and social justice has left a lasting legacy in New York State, inspiring ongoing efforts to improve labor rights and social equity;

WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the New York State Department of Labor's proud commemoration of its 125th anniversary, an occasion that stands as a profound and living testament to the indelible impact and enduring vision of Frances Perkins; and

WHEREAS, April 10th marks the birthday of Frances Perkins, making it particularly fitting to honor her profound contributions to labor and public service by dedicating a prominent state building in her name.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim and direct that the **** New York State Department of Labor Building 12, located on the Governor W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus in Albany, New York, shall henceforth be officially known as the New York State Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building; and

FURTHER, I direct all relevant New York State agencies, including the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Office of General Services, to take all necessary actions to implement this renaming. Such actions shall include updating all official signage, records, maps, publications, and digital platforms to reflect the new name of the building.

IN ADDITION, this executive order serves to honor Frances Perkins' legacy, emphasizing the importance of her contributions to labor rights and public service in the context of current labor policies and ongoing efforts to promote social equity.

G I V E N under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this 10th day of April in the year two thousand twenty-six.

BY THE GOVERNOR

Secretary to the Governor