St. Lawrence County employers like others across New York will now be forced by state mandate to list salary ranges for all advertised jobs and promotions.

Governor Kathy Hochul today (Wednesday, Dec. 21) signed legislation (S.9427-A/A.10477) establishing a statewide pay transparency law in New York State, much like one passed in New York City earlier this year. Legislation S.9427-A/A.10477 establishes a pay transparency law statewide, requiring employers to list salary ranges in advertisements or postings for job opportunities and promotions.

Supporters of the legislation claim the new state mandate will protect workers and push equity in pay disparity among different demographic groups.

"In order for New York to continue being the best place to work, we must create the best protections for our workers - and this legislation will help do exactly that," Governor Hochul said. "This historic measure will usher in a new era of fairness and transparency for New York's workforce and will be a critical tool in our efforts to end pervasive pay gaps for women and people of color.”

The disclosures required by this law will empower workers with critical information, reduce discriminatory wage-setting and hiring practices, and help level the playing field for all workers, a press release from Hochul’s office claimed.

Meanwhile detractors of the law claim it's just another bid by the state to control the economy and meddle in the marketplace.

Following the passage of New York City’s pay transparency law earlier this year, Forbes reported that employers tended to list ultra wide salary ranges to skirt the controls. Other criticisms claim that the law will limit the ability of employers to compete with other companies for qualified candidates and limit the ability to negotiate salaries with new hires and for internal promotions.