Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) hosted a free seminar on October 11 at the Greater Astoria Historical Society on complying with New York’s labor laws for local business owners and operators in the hospitality industry. Simotas was joined by NYSRA Executive Vice President Andrew Rigie (l.) and labor law attorney Carolyn Richmond (r.), who conducted a comprehensive presentation on issues ranging from wages and hours to diversity awareness.  The seminar addressed the state Department of Labor’s final consolidated Wage Order for the Hospitality Industry, which went into effect earlier this year and increased penalties on employers who violate wage and hour statutes. “Labor laws that protect workers are essential to a fair and humane business environment, but the complexity of these regulations make it difficult even for employers who act in good faith to comply,” Simotas said. “I hope this seminar cleared up some of the more complicated aspects of existing statutes and will be beneficial to both restaurant owners and their workers.” The seminar is one of several in-district efforts by Simotas this fall to streamline communication between her constituents and the state government. These initiatives have included holding mobile office hours throughout the district, meeting with non-profit leaders about obtaining grants and mailing senior citizens about changes to state benefits programs. “Dealing with state agencies can often be a long, burdensome process,” Simotas said. “As a local representative, I have a responsibility to help my constituents navigate the bureaucracy so they can better access the services they need.”