Scott Horton

Scott Horton has practiced labor and employment law in New York for over 20 years. He has represented approximately 500 employers, authored hundreds of articles and presentations, and wrote the book New York Management Law: The Practical Guide to Employment Law for Business Owners and Managers. Nothing on this blog constitutes legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, you should consult an attorney.
New York Secure Choice - Man holding coffee on beach looking at sunrise

New York Secure Choice, the state-facilitated Roth IRA program, officially launched on October 8, 2025. Covered employers face 2026 registration deadlines and new, ongoing payroll and notice obligations. Below is what New York employers need to know now, with the latest official dates and practical guidance. The New York Secure Choice program only applies to … Read more

2026 New York Minimum Wage

Do you know the 2026 New York minimum wage? Actually, there are different minimum wages for different parts of the state and different industries. Employers must be ready by the end of the year to meet the new requirements that apply to their employees. The 2026 New York minimum wage rates are shaded in blue in the … Read more

New York Unemployment Benefits

Beginning in October 2025, New York will substantially increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit. It will jump from $504 to $869. The elimination of the state’s long-standing federal debt from the unemployment insurance trust fund made the move possible. With the debt finally repaid, benefit levels that had been frozen for more than a decade … Read more