Workers supporting the production of protective cleaning and medical solutions, personal protective equipment, disinfectants, fragrances, and packaging that prevents the contamination of food, water, medicine, among others essential. Workers who support radio, television, newspaper and media service, including, but not limited to front-line news reporters, studio, and technicians for newsgathering, and reporting, and publishing news. Health Care Financing. Environment and Natural Resources. If so, are you experiencing problems? Any questions can be directed to covid19.biz@mass.gov. For legislation to establish medicare for all in Massachusetts. Thank you for your website feedback! Environment and Natural Resources. The "Premium Pay" program calls for bonuses of between $500 and $2,000 for essential employees who worked in-person not remotely during the state of emergency that was declared on March 10, 2020 and lasted for more than a year. It is in recognition of that effort that we offer this bill., However, at the time, Rep. Ken Gordon questioned Zlotnik on whether or not a financial or fiscal analysis had been conducted relative to the cost that would be incurred if the legislation was signed into law, and Zlotnick admitted that no such calculation had been made, and Zlotnik said he recognizes that many details associated with the proposal still need to be contemplated.. State workers who repo Elections personnel to include both public and private sector elections support. You skipped the table of contents section. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Whats more, nowhere in any of the discussion does Zlotnik or any of the bills supporters suggest that among the revisions would be any notion that the state should pay for the added cost up-front. Workers and security staff involved in nuclear re-fueling operations. 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. The unprecedented challenges we are experiencing have laid bare how intertwined public health and the Workers who support steam distribution companies provision of district heating and any electric generation, Workers who support steam distribution companies dispatch and control rooms and emergency response and customer emergencies, including steam leak calls, Workers who support steam distribution companies service maintenance and restoration, including call centers, Workers who support steam distribution companies storage, transmission, and distribution centers. An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declaration of a state of emergency H.4739 191st (2019 - 2020) An Act creating a Workers who staff natural gas, propane, natural gas liquids, and other liquid fuel security operations centers, operations dispatch and control rooms/centers, and emergency response and customer emergencies (including leak calls) operations. Please limit your input to 500 characters. 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 Recent and Popular Bills - malegislature.gov 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Workers in dependent care services, in support of workers in other essential products and services. Gov. 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. 23 out of 40 Massachusetts state senators support it by signing on as co-sponsors. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Additionally, workers needed to maintain the continuity of these manufacturing functions and associated supply chains, and workers necessary to maintain a manufacturing operation in warm standby. The bonuses could be a boost for essential workers in Massachusetts who may have been hoping that Congress would act on afourth stimulus check, which now appears unlikely. The text of the bill, H. 2808/S. Workers distributing, servicing, repairing, installing residential and commercial HVAC systems, boilers, furnaces and other heating, cooling, refrigeration, and ventilation equipment. Federal, State, and Local, Tribal, and Territorial employees who support Mission Essential Functions and communications networks. Health Care Financing. Workers supporting the manufacturing of safety equipment and uniforms for law enforcement, public safety personnel, and first responders. Critical or strategic infrastructure includes public works construction including construction of public schools, colleges and universities and construction of state facilities, including leased space, managed by the Division of Capital Asset Management; airport operations; water and sewer; gas, electrical, nuclear, oil refining and other critical energy services; roads and highways; public transportation; steam; solid waste and recycling collection and removal; and internet and telecommunications systems (including the provision of essential global, national, and local infrastructure for computing services). Propane gas service maintenance and restoration, including call centers. Supporting new and existing construction projects, including, but not limited to, pipeline construction. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Government and private sector employees (including government contractors) supporting Department of Defense internet and communications facilities. Workers responsible for operating and dispatching passenger, commuter and freight trains public transportation and buses and maintaining rail and transit infrastructure and equipment. Governor Charlie Bakers order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide COVID-19 Essential Services was originally issued on March 23, 2020. Workers supporting communications systems and information technology- and work from home solutions- used by law enforcement, public safety, medical, energy, public works, critical manufacturing, food & agricultural production, financial services, education, and other critical industries and businesses. 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 HD5038/SD 2921- An Act to provide liability protections for contractors, sub-contractors and unions during the COVID-19 Pandemic: would indemnify contractors and unions for not completing their work because of abnormally dangerous working conditions, Click here to find contact information for your elected representatives to demand they support the above bills. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Employees of companies engaged in the production, storage, transport, and distribution of chemicals, medicines, vaccines, and other substances used by the food and agriculture industry, including seeds, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, minerals, enrichments, and other agricultural production aids. COVID Essential Pay Program: Some 500,000 Mass. All rights reserved (About Us). Massachusetts Essential Workers Bill of Rights. Environmental remediation/monitoring, limited to immediate critical needs technicians. Please enter valid email address to continue. "The panel shall also consider factors including, but not limited to, an essential worker's increased financial burden and increased risk of exposure to the 2019 novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, due to the nature of their work and any bonuses or hazard pay a worker has already received for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the amount thereof.". 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 Workers performing housing construction related activities, including construction of mixed-use projects that include housing, to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the Commonwealths existing housing supply shortage. Workers, including contracted vendors, who support the operation, distribution, maintenance, and sanitation, of air transportation for cargo and passengers, including flight crews, maintenance, airport operations, those responsible for cleaning and disinfection, and other on- and off- airport facilities workers. Essential Worker Bill of Rights in Massachusetts - MassCOSH Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, builders, contractors, HVAC Technicians, landscapers, inspectors and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses and buildings such as hospitals, health care facilities, senior living facilities, and any temporary construction required to support COVID-19 response. Income is also a major eligibility factor for the $500 payments. Natural gas processing plants workers, and those that deal with natural gas liquids. Workers in laundromats, laundry services, and dry cleaners. The Senate Wednesday night unanimously approved a $3.82 billion package that aims to spend billions in federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act. Central office personnel to maintain and operate central office, data centers, and other network office facilities, critical support personnel assisting front line employees. 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. It also provides $200 million in tax relief for small business owners. Workers who support the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and U.S. Military. MassLive wants to hear about your experience with the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program. Workers supporting ecommerce through distribution, warehouse, call center facilities, and other essential operational support functions. Education. Married filers can each be eligible, provided each independently qualifies, according to the Baker administration. The spending package, if signed into law, would use some BOSTON (CBS) -- The Massachusetts Senate on Friday followed the lead of the House and unanimously passed a $4 billion spending bill that includes half a billion dollars for essential worker bonuses. Workers including truck drivers, railroad employees and contractors, maintenance crew, and cleaners supporting transportation of chemicals, hazardous, medical, and waste materials to support critical infrastructure, capabilities, functions, and services, including specialized carriers, crane and rigging industry workers. Natural gas, propane, natural gas liquids, and other liquid fuel processing plants, including construction, maintenance, and support operations. Environment and Natural Resources. Licensed site clean-up professionals and other workers addressing hazardous spills, waste sites, and remediation. Propane, natural gas liquids, and other liquid fuel distribution centers. Workers at hotels, motels, inns, and other lodgings providing overnight accommodation, but only to the degree those lodgings are offered or provided to accommodate the COVID-19 Essential Workforce, other workers responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and vulnerable populations. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Bill S.1195 - malegislature.gov Will those sponsors be willing to vote down the measure? Workers performing mortuary funeral, cremation, burial, cemetery, and related services, including at funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries, and coffin makers. Network Operations staff, engineers and/or technicians to include IT managers and staff, HVAC & electrical engineers, security personnel, software and hardware engineers, and database administrators that manage the network or operate facilities. Local and state inspectors and administrative support of inspection services who are responsible for the inspection of elevators, escalators, lifts, buildings, plumbing and gas fitting, electrical work, and other safety related professional work. Workers providing electronic point of sale support personnel for essential businesses and workers. 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. Workers performing services in support of the elderly and disabled populations who coordinate a variety of services, including health care appointments and activities of daily living. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) Federal Funds Office (FFO) is responsible for maximizing federal revenue and minimizing compliance risks associated with federal grants in the Commonwealth. 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. Workers who support necessary credentialing, vetting and licensing operations for critical infrastructure workers including holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses. Staff at government offices who perform title search, notary, and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions. 1669, is brief. Workers supporting production and distribution of debit and credit cards. Generator set support workers such as diesel engineers used in power generation including those providing fuel. Employees supporting personal and commercial transportation services including taxis, delivery services, vehicle rental services, bicycle maintenance and car-sharing services, and transportation network providers. 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. Workers supporting groceries, pharmacies, convenience stores, farmers markets and farm stands, nurseries, greenhouses, garden centers, and agriculture supply stores, and other retail (including unattended and vending) that sells human food, animal/pet food and pet supply, and beverage products (including liquor stores), including retail customer support service and information technology support staff necessary for online orders, pickup and delivery. Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Workers necessary for the installation, maintenance, distribution, and manufacturing of water and space heating equipment and its components. 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. Provide for premium pay between $500 and $2,000 for each eligible essential worker. 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. Workers who maintain digital systems infrastructure supporting other critical government operations. As always, youre invited to comment at JaneTheActuary.com! Theres $400 million for mental and behavioral health programs and $600 million for investments in affordable, accessible and supportive housing. SENATE .SENATE . . DOCKET, . . NO.. 1686. . FILED. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For legislation relative to pesticides. Massachusetts Legislature | 2023-2024 | 193rd General Court 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. msn back to msn home money Skip To Navigation Workers who support the production and transportation of chlorine and alkali manufacturing, single-use plastics, and packaging that prevents the contamination or supports the continued manufacture of food, water, medicine, and other essential products, including glass container manufacturing. 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. In subsequent reporting, government watchdog group The Pioneer Institute voiced its opposition. Relative to health insurance consumer deductibles. 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). Please enter valid email address to continue. Workers responsible for the leasing of residential properties and RV facilities to provide individuals and families with ready access to available housing. WebEssential Worker Bill of Rights in Massachusetts All workers deserve proper health and safety protections, protection from retaliation, access to free testing and treatment for Workers who produce, process, ship and handle coal used for power generation and manufacturing. Employees and firms supporting the distribution of food, feed, and beverage and ingredients used in these products, including warehouse workers, vendor- managed inventory controllers and blockchain managers. The Massachusetts Essential Worker Pension Boost Massachusetts Environment and Natural Resources. Checks will be mailed automatically to eligible individuals regardless of what type of industry or business they work for with no type of application or action needed on behalf of Massachusetts essential workers themselves. This is a BETA experience. Thank you for your website feedback! Bill S Now, whether this bill ultimately becomes law is still unknown. 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. Gov. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. Chemical and equipment suppliers to water and wastewater systems and personnel protection. Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services. Health Care Financing. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Similar Bills. WebBill No. A lock icon ( Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Bonuses would be issued no later than March 31, 2022, according to the plan. Workers who perform critical clinical research, development, and testing needed for COVID-19 response. Employees supporting or enabling transportation functions, including truck drivers, bus drivers, dispatchers, maintenance and repair technicians, warehouse workers, truck stop and rest area workers, Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) employees, towing/recovery services, roadside assistance workers, intermodal transportation personnel, and workers who maintain and inspect infrastructure (including those that require cross-jurisdiction travel). Gov. Massachusetts _____ PETITION OF: If you need assistance, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Please visit mass.gov/reopening for full details on the reopening plan. Essential support personnel for electricity operations. Workers who are critical to facilitating trade in support of the national, state and local emergency response supply chain. State executive branch employees are also disqualified from the programs first round if they have already received, or will receive, a one-time check from the commonwealth. Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employeesto include those employed in food ingredient production and processing facilities; livestock, poultry, seafood slaughter facilities; pet and animal feed processing facilities; human food facilities producing by-products for animal food; beverage production facilities; and the production of food packaging. Did you qualify to receive the $500 essential worker payment? Supporting new and existing construction projects, including, but not limited to, pipeline construction. Workers supporting transportation via inland waterways such as barge crew, dredging, river port workers for essential goods. Operational staff for water distribution and testing. For legislation to save recycling costs in the commonwealth. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Workers who coordinate with other organizations to ensure the proper recovery, handling, identification, transportation, tracking, storage, and disposal of human remains and personal effects; certify cause of death; and facilitate access to mental/behavioral health services to the family members, responders, and survivors of an incident. Workers in fuel sectors (including, but not limited to nuclear, coal, and gas types and liquid fuels) supporting the mining, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, permitting, operation/maintenance, and monitoring of support for resources. Dispatchers involved with service repair and restoration. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. 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. The bonuses could be a boost for essential workers in Massachusetts who may have been hoping that Congress would act on afourth stimulus check, which now appears unlikely. 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. The legislation Baker signed into law called for payments of between $500 and $2,000 for essential employees who worked in-person not remotely during the Making appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2023 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Baker Concerned About 'Red Tape' Around $2,000 Bonuses For If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Baker said one area of concern is the process for handing out bonuses between $500 and $2,000 for essential workers in Massachusetts who worked in The $500 payments, comprising the first phase of the $460 million COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program, are funded through federal coronavirus relief dollars. Employees in cafeterias used to feed employees, particularly employee populations sheltered against COVID-19. We will use this information to improve this page. "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 Senate bill states. "I'm glad it's here," Baker said at a Friday news conference. External Affairs personnel to assist in coordinating with local, state and federal officials to address communications needs supporting COVID-19 response, public safety, and national security. Includes cold- and frozen-chain logistics for food and critical biologic products. Workers who support command centers, including, but not limited to Network Operations Command Centers, Broadcast Operations Control Centers and Security Operations Command Centers. Workers who support the operation, inspection, and maintenance of essential dams, locks and levees. Government and private sector employees (including government contractors) with work related to undersea cable infrastructure and support facilities, including cable landing sites, beach manhole vaults and covers, submarine cable depots and submarine cable ship facilities.