New York state legislators this week agreed to establish a $2.1 billion fund that will give money to illegal immigrants and other so-called excluded workers who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic but were ineligible for federal stimulus checks, unemployment aid, or other benefits. The Excluded Worker Fund will extend a one-time payment to workers who lost jobs or income during the pandemic. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers across the state risked their lives to keep our state moving and our families safe,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, said in a statement. “When unemployment rates skyrocketed last summer, many of those selfless workers were excluded from any type of federal assistance during this pandemic and we must take care of all New Yorkers.” People can receive up to $15,600 total; taxes will be deducted before they receive the money. Workers won’t be eligible unless they were making less …