The fine is awkward for Ocasio-Cortez, who took the seat of top Democratic Rep. Joe Crowley with a campaign theme of improving conditions for the working class during the November midterm elections.
READ MORE: Whoopi Goldberg Slams Ocasio-Cortez, Urges Her to Stop 'Pooping' on Other Dems
“The employer did not have the required workers’ compensation coverage from March 31, 2018, to April 30, 2018, and was issued a final penalty of $1,500, which was paid,” state Workers Compensation Board spokeswoman Melissa Stewart told the New York Daily News, adding that the coverage is “vital to ensuring workers are protected for on-the-job injuries.”
Ocasio-Cortez was criticized by the Republican party, who called it “hypocrisy at its finest”
“The so-called champion of workers, when given her own responsibility, is not following the law. It’s unbelievable,” said state GOP spokeswoman Jessica Proud.
Last year Ocasio-Cortez was also mocked after she lamented the shuttering of a coffee shop in New York, which, it was revealed, closed its doors because of the wage hike in the state – a policy that she supports, causing 150 people to lose their jobs.
“The rents are very high and now the minimum wage is going up and we have a huge number of employees,” Charles Milite told the New York Post last month.