Workers who support infrastructure, such as by road and line clearing and utility relocation, to ensure the availability of and access to needed facilities, transportation, energy and communications. 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. Installation, maintenance and repair technicians that establish, support or repair service as needed. One way or the other, this is a prime case study in how pensions become so underfunded, as it is always far more popular to promise benefits than to pay for them. We will use this information to improve this page. Licensed site clean-up professionals and other workers addressing hazardous spills, waste sites, and remediation. If you would like to continue helping us improve Mass.gov, join our user panel to test new features for the site. Some 500,000 essential workers in Massachusetts should expect to receive $500 payments from the Baker administration by the end of March.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com. 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 WebThe 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. H.3900. Workers supporting the energy sector through renewable energy infrastructure or energy efficiency projects (including, but not limited to wind, solar, biomass, hydrogen, ocean, geothermal, and/or hydroelectric), including those supporting construction, manufacturing, transportation, permitting, operation/maintenance, monitoring, and logistics. 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. Workers, including contracted vendors, engaged in the maintenance and operation of essential highway infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and tunnels (e.g., traffic operations centers and moveable bridge operators). Employees in cafeterias used to feed employees, particularly employee populations sheltered against COVID-19. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. Employees of firms providing services, supplies, and equipment that enable warehouse and operations, including cooling, storing, packaging, and distributing products for wholesale or retail sale or use. 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. "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.". Workers needed to preempt and respond to cyber incidents involving critical infrastructure, including medical facilities, SLTT governments and federal facilities, energy and utilities, and banks and financial institutions, securities/other exchanges, other entities that support the functioning of capital markets, public works, critical manufacturing, food & agricultural production, transportation, and other critical infrastructure categories and personnel, in addition to all cyber defense workers (who can't perform their duties remotely). Charlie Baker's desk. Did you qualify to receive the $500 essential worker payment? For legislation to establish the Massachusetts data privacy protection act. Workers in other medical and biomedical facilities (including Ambulatory Health and Surgical, Blood Banks, Medical Clinics, Community Mental Health Centers, Comprehensive Outpatient rehabilitation, Methadone/OBOT Clinics, 24 hour Diversionary and Residential Behavioral Health Providers, End Stage Renal Disease, Health Departments, Home Health care, Hospices, Hospitals, Rest Homes, Assisted Living Residences, Nursing Care Facilities, Organ Pharmacies, Procurement Organizations, Psychiatric Residential, Residential Treatment Schools, Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, State Hospitals, licensed medical marijuana retailers, and retail facilities specializing in medical good and supplies). 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). The program still has million of dollars to dole out to essential workers. Workers who produce, process, ship and handle coal used for power generation and manufacturing. These individuals include, but are not limited to, space and aerospace; mechanical and software engineers (various disciplines), manufacturing/production workers; IT support; security staff; security personnel; intelligence support, aircraft and weapon system mechanics and maintainers; and sanitary workers who maintain the hygienic viability of necessary facilities. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Married filers can each be eligible, provided each independently qualifies, according to the Baker administration. 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. 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. Suppliers, designers, transporters and other workers supporting the manufacture, distribution and provision and construction of essential global, national and local infrastructure for computing services (including cloud computing services and telework capabilities), business infrastructure, financial transactions/services, web-based services, and critical manufacturing. Personnel working for companies, and their subcontractors, who perform under contract or sub-contract to the Department of Defense, as well as personnel at government-owned/contractor- operated and government-owned/government-operated facilities, and who provide materials and services to the Department of Defense, including support for weapon systems, software systems and cybersecurity, defense and intelligence communications and surveillance, space systems and other activities in support of our military, intelligence and space forces. But there were reportedly differences in priorities for spending in areas such as public health, youth jobs, education and water and sewer infrastructure. Air transportation employees, including air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel, ramp workers, aviation and aerospace safety, security, and operations personnel and accident investigations. 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 responsible for handling property management, maintenance, and related service calls who can coordinate the response to emergency at-home situations requiring immediate attention, as well as facilitate the reception of deliveries, mail, and other necessary services. Supporting new and existing construction projects, including, but not limited to, pipeline construction. Workers who perform critical clinical research, development, and testing needed for COVID-19 response. 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 IT and OT technology for essential energy sector operations including support workers, customer service operations; energy management systems, control systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition SCADA systems, and energy sector entity data centers; cybersecurity engineers; and cybersecurity risk management. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "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. 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. Operational staff for water distribution and testing. Workers needed for safe and secure operations at nuclear generation to include but not limited to, the broader nuclear supply chain, parts to maintain nuclear equipment, fuel manufacturers and fuel components used in the manufacturing of fuel. An advisory panel will determine which essential workers qualify for the bonuses. Workers who are critical to facilitating trade in support of the national, state and local emergency response supply chain. Farmers, farm workers, and agribusiness support services to include those employed in auction and sales: grain and oilseed handling, processing and distribution; animal food, feed, and ingredient production, packaging, and distribution; manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of veterinary drugs; truck delivery and transport; farm and fishery labor needed to produce our food supply domestically and for export. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Workers supporting the safe transportation of chemicals, including those supporting tank truck cleaning facilities and workers who manufacture packaging items. That the town of Arlington be authorized to prohibit use of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides by commercial pesticide applicators in said town. Organizations and workers responsible for the care and custody of animals, pets and livestock. Use this button to show and access all levels. Workers who support the operation, maintenance and public safety of parks, forests, reservations, conservation restrictions, wildlife management areas, water supply protection lands, and other critical natural resources and open space for passive recreation. Workers who support storm clean-up operations (e.g., foresters). Title. Workers for onshore and offshore petroleum drilling operations; platform and drilling construction and maintenance; transportation (including helicopter operations), maritime transportation, supply, and dredging operations; maritime navigation; well stimulation, intervention, monitoring, automation and control, extraction, production; processing; waste disposal, and maintenance, construction, and operations. Workers who support the essential services required to meet national security commitments to the federal government and U.S. Military. 06 May, 2020. All businesses and organizations that provided COVID-19 Essential Services were included in Phase 1 of the reopening plan. Relative to preserving preventative services without cost sharing. They estimate the bills cost at in the billions of dollars and point to a massive boost even for a single individual, the president of the University of Massachusetts, whose lifetime pension benefit would increase by $790,750. 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. Charlie Baker's desk in time for Thanksgiving, the State House News Service reports. Health Care Financing. Petroleum and petroleum product operations control rooms/centers and refinery facilities. Workers providing electronic point of sale support personnel for essential businesses and workers. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Community Property Estate Planning Not So Simple, Calculating The Right Number Of Bank Accounts For Your Solo Business, Most Likely President Joe Biden Will Live Through A Second Term, Life Expectancy Data Show, Why Women Are Better (Investors) Than Men, Older Adults With Middle Incomes Are Trapped In The Affordable Housing Gap, Inherit A Roth IRA? Workers necessary for the manufacturing of metals (including steel and aluminum), industrial minerals, semiconductors, materials and products needed for medical supply chains, and for supply chains associated with transportation, energy, communications, information technology, food and agriculture, chemical manufacturing, nuclear facilities, wood products, commodities used as fuel for power generation facilities, the operation of dams, water and wastewater treatment, processing and reprocessing of solid waste, emergency services, and the defense industrial base. Environment and Workers who respond to and clear traffic crashes, including contracted vendors and dispatchers. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Bill No. Retail fuel centers such as gas stations and truck stops, and the distribution systems that support them. Workers supporting the sanitation and pest control of all food manufacturing processes and operations from wholesale to retail. 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. Workers performing security, incident management, and emergency operations functions at or on behalf of healthcare entities including healthcare coalitions, who cannot practically work remotely. 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. 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. Support to ensure the effective removal, storage, and disposal of residential and commercial solid waste, recycling, and hazardous waste, including landfill operations. 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. 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. Charlie Baker, who made his own proposal to spend $2.8 billion of the funds on housing, economic development and workforce training, criticized the delay through a spokesman. It is possible that neither spouse, or only one spouse, or both spouses would be eligible for a payment.. 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. Workers and security staff involved in nuclear re-fueling operations. For legislation relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients. 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. Government and private sector employees (including government contractors) supporting Department of Defense internet and communications facilities. contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. "The one-time investments made in this bill address evident needs across all Massachusetts communities and sectors of the economy, particularly those who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," House Speaker Ron Mariano said in a statement. Relative to creating the executive office of housing and livable communities and to rename the Executive Office of Economic Development. 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. Education. If you need assistance, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. 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 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. Workers who maintain, ensure, or restore, or are involved in the reliable development, transportation, fuel procurement, expansion, or operation of the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power, including call centers, utility workers, engineers, retail electricity, constraint maintenance, and fleet maintenance technicians- who cannot perform their duties remotely. 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. 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. Staff at government offices who perform title search, notary, and recording services in support of mortgage and real estate services and transactions. Will those in power recognize this would be an embarrassment and simply never bring the bill to a vote? Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. The household income of those essential workers must not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level. Email feedback@masslive.com. 1669, is brief. Employees required in person to support Software as a Service businesses that enable remote working, performance of business operations, distance learning, media services, and digital health offerings, or required for technical support crucial for business continuity and connectivity. Transportation safety inspectors, including hazardous material inspectors and accident investigator inspectors. WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller notedthat the House and Senate bills have plenty of "lard" local spending unrelated to the stated goals of the ARPA and many of those projects made it into the compromise agreement. Workers at renewable energy infrastructure (including, but not limited to wind, solar, biomass, hydrogen, geothermal, and/or hydroelectric), including those supporting construction, manufacturing, transportation, permitting, operation/maintenance, monitoring, and logistics. It is not even clear whether he would have pursued any cost analysis, had he not been called out on this. Workers who support moving and storage services. Massachusetts essential workers will soon receive $500 payments from the commonwealth. Bay Staters who received any unemployment compensation in 2020 wont receive a $500 check, according to the Baker administration. Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services. Factors that A&F considers in matching spending with People must also have been Massachusetts residents in 2020, or part-year residents in the commonwealth between March 10-Dec. 31, 2020. 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. ", Baker saidin late October that he's generally supportive of the "premium pay program," saying that "this is something that is the right thing to do.". Please let us know how we can improve this page. Automotive repair, maintenance, and transportation equipment manufacturing and distribution facilities (including those who repair and maintain electric vehicle charging stations). 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. Theres $400 million for mental and behavioral health programs and $600 million for investments in affordable, accessible and supportive housing. The spending package, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, is now headed to Gov. Workers who support client service centers, field engineers, and other technicians and workers supporting critical infrastructure, as well as manufacturers and supply chain vendors that provide hardware and software, support services, research and development, and information technology equipment (to include microelectronics and semiconductors), and HVAC and electrical equipment for critical infrastructure, and test labs and certification agencies that qualify such equipment (to include microelectronics, optoelectronics, and semiconductors) for critical infrastructure, including data centers. This includes construction of new facilities and deployment of new technology as these are required to address congestion or customer usage due to unprecedented use of remote services. Environment and Natural Resources. 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.
mass essential workers bill