mass essential workers bill
Workers supporting the operation and maintenance of facilities (particularly those with high risk chemicals and/ or sites that cannot be shut down) whose work cannot be done remotely and requires the presence of highly trained personnel to ensure safe operations, including plant contract workers who provide inspections. H.3900. During a hearing on July 21, sponsor Rep. Jonathan Zlotnick explained his purpose in bringing the bill forward: This was the time when these essential services were most important, the people being asked to perform them were most at risk coming into contact with members of the public and with co-workers. Some of the work associated with maximizing federal revenue happens retrospectively: an expense is incurred and allocated to an available state or federal funding source, but it may be reallocated later if a more appropriate funding source is identified. BOSTON (CBS) -- Massachusetts is one step closer to giving bonuses of up to $2,000 to essential employees who showed up to work in-person during the COVID pandemic. Massachusetts Legislature | 2023-2024 | 193rd General Court According to the text of the bill, eligible workers would receive payments on or before January 31, 2022. Workers necessary for mining and production of critical minerals, materials and associated essential supply chains, and workers engaged in the manufacture and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure necessary for mining production and distribution. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. 23 out of 40 Massachusetts state senators support it by signing on as co-sponsors. Essential employees who worked in-person throughout the pandemic could be cashing in on taxpayer-funded bonuses of up to $2,000 under a $3.65 billion plan by Eligible workers must have worked in person during the state of emergency that began on March 10, 2020 and lasted for more than a year. Workers performing mortuary funeral, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services, including at funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries, and coffin makers. Natural gas processing plants workers, and those that deal with natural gas liquids. Bill S COVID Essential Pay Program: Some 500,000 Mass. However, unemployment compensation in 2019 or 2021 does not affect eligibility for a round 1 check, so long as you are otherwise eligible based on residency and income, according to the Baker administration. Both chambers were in agreement on allocating $500 million for the state's unemployment trust fund and another half a billion dollars for the bonuses in the $3.8 billion package. Providing services related to energy sector fuels (including, but not limited, petroleum (crude oil), natural gas, propane, natural gas liquids, other liquid fuels, nuclear, and coal), supporting the mining, processing, manufacturing, construction, logistics, transportation, permitting, operation/maintenance, security, waste disposal and storage, and monitoring of support for resources. Massachusetts House unveils $3.65 billion ARPA, surplus Provide for premium pay between $500 and $2,000 for each eligible essential worker. Eligible employees may include health care, long-term care and home care workers, childcare workers, educators and education staff, farm workers, grocery store workers, food production facility workers, social workers, transportation workers, utility workers and technicians and foster parents. Federal, State, and Local, Tribal, and Territorial employees who support Mission Essential Functions and communications networks. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Workers supporting the chemical and industrial gas supply chains, including workers at chemical manufacturing plants, workers in laboratories, workers at distribution facilities, workers who transport basic raw chemical materials to the producers of industrial and consumer goods, including hand sanitizers, food and food additives, pharmaceuticals, paintings and coatings, textiles, building materials, plumbing, electrical, and paper products. The legislation suggests that those eligible may include but not be limited to health care workers, long-term care workers, public health staff, childcare workers, educators and school staff, farm workers, food production workers, grocery store and other service workers, transportation workers, utility workers and foster care parents. WebAn Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency S.1178 193rd (Current) An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a public health "State of Emergency" declaration H.4745 191st (2019 - 2020) Half a million low-income workers will be the first to get the payments, which are being mailed out over the next week. WebTo the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled: The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill: An Act relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers. AP NEW! / CBS Boston. Will those sponsors be willing to vote down the measure? If so, are you experiencing problems? 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mass.gov Propane gas storage, transmission, and distribution centers. _____ PETITION OF: Propane gas service maintenance and restoration, including call centers. After Age 60, You Still Can Find A New Career As A Firefighter. Animal agriculture workers to include those employed in veterinary health (including those involved in supporting emergency veterinary or livestock services); raising of animals for food; animal production operations; livestock markets; slaughter and packing plants, manufacturers, renderers, and associated regulatory and government workforce. COVID-19: Essential Services | Mass.gov BOSTON (CBS) -- Massachusetts is one step closer to giving bonuses of up to $2,000 to essential employees who showed up to work in-person during the COVID It's possible that a deal could be made on how to spend billions in federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars during a legislative break, but the News Service reports that it may be on hold until 2022. In Joint Session, January 5, 2023 -- Communication from Her Excellency the Governor, Maura T. Healey, submitting her inaugural address. For legislation relative to pesticides. Relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. But the State House News Service reports that leaders agree on two "cornerstones" in the bill - $500 million for the state's unemployment trust fund and another half a billion dollars for the bonuses. Similar Bills. Workers who support weather disaster / natural hazard mitigation and prevention activities. Massachusetts Essential Workers Bill of Rights For legislation to establish the Massachusetts data privacy protection act. In fact, regardless of ones opinions on the various proposals to give teachers, for instance, bonuses for their year of remote teaching, it is nonetheless a far more fiscally responsible choice to make, than this proposal, which is no different than borrowing money for the same purpose. Residents slated to receive checks will have earned at least $12,750 in employment compensation in 2020, with their total household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level in 2020. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Workers who support storm clean-up operations (e.g., foresters). Employees in cafeterias used to feed employees, particularly employee populations sheltered against COVID-19. For legislation relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients. The $3.65 billion package also includes $500 million in bonuses to both private- and public-sector essential workers who worked in-person during the Covid-19 state of emergency. Bill S 25, 2022, 1:30 p.m. Workers supporting essential maintenance, manufacturing, design, operation, inspection, security, and construction for essential products, services, and supply chain and COVID-19 relief efforts. Workers who support the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and U.S. Military. November 18, 2021 / 10:10 AM Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. Title. Workers who produce or manufacture parts or equipment that supports continued operations for any essential services and increase in remote workforce (including computing and communication devices, semiconductors, and equipment such as security tools for Security Operations Centers (SOCs) or datacenters). Workers supporting the manufacturing of safety equipment and uniforms for law enforcement, public safety personnel, and first responders. Gov. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. It is possible that neither spouse, or only one spouse, or both spouses would be eligible for a payment.. Healthcare providers and Caregivers including physicians, dentists, psychologists, mid-level practitioners, nurses and assistants, infection control and quality assurance personnel, pharmacists, physical and occupational therapists and assistants, social workers, optometrists, speech pathologists, chiropractors, other providers of mental and behavioral health care, peer support and recovery coach workers, personal care attendants, home health aides and home care workers, and diagnostic and therapeutic technicians and technologists. Bill H.4745 191st (2019 - 2020) An Act providing hazard pay for essential workers in the COVID-19 emergency By Ms. Robinson of Framingham, a petition "The Baker-Polito Administration believes the Legislature's original decision six months ago to freeze these funds and subject them to the legislative process created a massive delay in putting these taxpayer dollars to work," Press Secretary Terry MacCormack said in a statement. Workers who support command centers, including, but not limited to Network Operations Command Centers, Broadcast Operations Control Centers and Security Operations Command Centers. Massachusetts House Bill 2808 ( Prior Session Legislation) MA State Legislature page for H2808 Summary Sponsors Texts Votes Research Comments Track Note: Legislation replaced by H5206 Status Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 100-24-1) Status: Introduced on March 29 2021 - 25% progression, died in chamber Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. WebBill No. Federal Funds Office | Mass.gov Please do not include personal or contact information. Bill S.1195 / CBS Boston. The Commonwealths Reopening Massachusetts process is now underway, and all businesses and organizations should review that process to determine when they are permitted to reopen. Workers who respond to and clear traffic crashes, including contracted vendors and dispatchers. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. People must also have been Massachusetts residents in 2020, or part-year residents in the commonwealth between March 10-Dec. 31, 2020. Bonuses would be issued no later than March 31, 2022, according to the plan. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Charlie Bakersaid in late October that he's generally supportive of the bonuses, saying that "this is something that is the right thing to do." 06 May, 2020. Data center operators, including system administrators, HVAC & electrical engineers, security personnel, IT managers and purchasers, data transfer solutions engineers, software and hardware engineers, and database administrators, for all industries (including financial services). Mass. Bill Would Boost Pensions For Pandemic Government "The recommendations shall prioritize lower-income essential workers who performed essential duties in-person since the start of the state of emergency declared by the governor on March 10, 2020," the bill states. In subsequent reporting, government watchdog group The Pioneer Institute voiced its opposition. Maritime transportation workers, including dredgers, port workers, mariners, ship crewmembers, ship pilots and tug boat operators, equipment operators (to include maintenance and repair, and maritime-specific medical providers), ship supply, chandler, and repair companies. Learn more about businesses and organizations that were designated as providing COVID-19 Essential Services before the launch of the Commonwealth's reopening plan. workers should expect to receive $500 payments over the next week, Beacon Hill must ensure sports betting legislation is equitable for Black and Brown businesses, senators told in new letter, We have the will: Mental health bill gaining traction on Beacon Hill, with House Speaker Ron Mariano backing reform. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Workers supporting the energy sector, regardless of the energy source (including but not limited to nuclear, fossil, hydroelectric, or renewable), segment of the system, or infrastructure the worker is involved in, or who are needed to monitor, operate, engineer, and maintain the reliability, safety, environmental health, and physical and cyber security of the energy system. / CBS Boston. Workers responsible for operating and dispatching passenger, commuter and freight trains public transportation and buses and maintaining rail and transit infrastructure and equipment. Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Workers who perform critical clinical research, development, and testing needed for COVID-19 response. Pharmacy employees necessary to maintain uninterrupted prescription filling. Massachusetts I write about retirement policy from an actuary's perspective. Ethanol and biofuel production, refining, and distribution. Workers who manage hazardous materials associated with any other essential activity, including but not limited to healthcare waste (medical, pharmaceuticals, medical material production), testing operations (laboratories processing test kits), and energy (nuclear facilities) Workers at nuclear facilities, workers managing medical waste, workers managing waste from pharmaceuticals and medical material production, and workers at laboratories processing tests Workers who support hazardous materials response and cleanup. Air transportation employees, including air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel, ramp workers, aviation and aerospace safety, security, and operations personnel and accident investigations. Health Care Financing. Educators and staff supporting emergency childcare programs and residential schools for students with severe disabilities, and public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning, provision of school meals and other essential student support functions, and essential administrative functions necessary to maintain continuity of operations. Workers and security staff involved in nuclear re-fueling operations. https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator, Massachusetts Coalition For Occupational Safety And Health, Families of Fallen Workers Support Services, https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator, Worker Health and Safety Agenda for the 2021 Legislative Session, Essential Worker Bill of Rights in Massachusetts, Act to Prevent Wage Theft, Promote Employer Accountability, and Enhance Public Enforcement. The text of the bill, H. 2808/S. Workers who support the inspection and maintenance of aids to navigation, and other government provided services that ensure continued maritime commerce. And left out of Zlotniks proposal is a recognition that the states main retirement fund is 64% funded, and the teachers fund, 52%, as of 2019. "We'll take a good look at it over the next several days.". Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Financial Services. Workers providing personal and household goods repair and maintenance. An Act relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers By Representative Zlotnik of Gardner and Senator Velis, a joint petition The bill, which has drawn broad support in the state Legislature, would credit workers with three extra years of service for their pensions when they retire if they Essential support personnel for electricity operations. Transmission and distribution pipeline workers, including compressor stations and any other required, operations maintenance, construction, and support for natural gas, natural gas liquid, propane, and other liquid fuels. [Local Approval Received.]. Workers who manage health plans, billing, and health information, who cannot practically work remotely. Bill S.1669 - malegislature.gov The Federal Funds Office (FFO) provides information about federal funds provided to the Commonwealth, including: Federal funds provided to the Commonwealth in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, such as the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund; Federal funds distributed to municipalities and school districts; and. The Senate still has to work out significant differences in allocations in its legislation with the version of the spending package that the House passed recently. Central office personnel to maintain and operate central office, data centers, and other network office facilities, critical support personnel assisting front line employees. Massachusetts Workers necessary for the manufacturing of materials and products needed to manufacture medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). Senate Passes Spending Bill With Bonuses Of Up To $2,000 For Environment and Natural Resources. That 300% threshold translates into $38,280 for a household size of one; $51,720 for a household size of two; $65,160 for a household size of three; $78,600 for a household size of four; $92,040 for a household size of five; $105,480 for a household size of six; $118,920 for a household size of seven; and $132,360 for a household size of eight. FFOs role in compliance for federal funds, including compliance resources for municipalities and state agencies. Workers who are needed to provide business, commercial, and consumer access to bank and non-bank financial services and lending services, including ATMs, lending and money transmission, and to move currency, checks, securities, and payments (e.g., armored cash carriers). Instrumentation, protection, and control technicians. Installation, maintenance and repair technicians that establish, support or repair service as needed. Workers providing disinfection services, for all essential facilities and modes of transportation, and supporting the sanitation of all food manufacturing processes and operations from wholesale to retail. The bill also includes $500 million for the unemployment insurance trust fund, $400 million in mental health and behavioral support, and hundreds of millions of dollars for climate preparedness, education, housing, economic recovery and workforce development. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Workers in hardware and building materials stores, consumer electronics, technology and appliances retail, and related merchant wholesalers and distributors - with reduced staff to ensure continued operations. For legislation to establish medicare for all in Massachusetts. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. 1195) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to provide hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a "State of Emergency" declaration. Automotive repair, maintenance, and transportation equipment manufacturing and distribution facilities (including those who repair and maintain electric vehicle charging stations). An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Workers who support financial operations and those staffing call centers, such as those staffing data and security operations centers, managing physical security, or providing accounting services. Mass transit, freight and passenger rail workers, including contracted vendors, providing transit services and/or performing critical or routine maintenance to rail or mass transit infrastructure or equipment. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Trade Officials (FTA negotiators; international data flow administrators). Maintenance of communications infrastructure- including privately owned and maintained communication systems- supported by technicians, operators, call -centers, wireline and wireless providers, cable service providers, satellite operations, Internet Exchange Points, Points of Presence, Network Access Points, back haul and front haul facilities, and manufacturers and distributors of communications equipment. Workers providing electronic security, fire, monitoring and life safety services, and to ensure physical security, cleanliness and safety of facilities and personnel, including temporary licensing waivers for security personnel to work in other States or Municipalities. Warehouse operators, including vendors and support personnel critical for business continuity (including HVAC & electrical engineers; security personnel; and janitorial staff) and customer service for essential functions. Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services. It is not even clear whether he would have pursued any cost analysis, had he not been called out on this. Essential Worker Bill of Rights in Massachusetts - MassCOSH Bill S.1669 192nd (2021 - 2022) An Act relative to providing a COVID-19 retirement credit to essential public-sector workers Security staff to maintain building access control and physical security measures. The unprecedented challenges we are experiencing have laid bare how intertwined public health and the economy truly are; how absolutely vital working people are to keeping every family safe, secure, healthy and fed; and how critical economic safety
mass essential workers bill