Hazard pay grants now available to support frontline workers

Pa. House Democrats fought for funding to support those working through the pandemic

Rep. Jeanne McNeill    July 17, 2020 | 4:57 PM

HARRISBURG, July 17 – Workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic could see hazard pay through funding advocated for by the Pennsylvania House Democrats.

Eligible employers can now apply for $50 million in available grants to offer hazard pay to frontline workers in life-sustaining industries. Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus has fought to support frontline workers and worked to ensure federal CARES Act dollars were allocated as part of the state budget package.

“This is the least we could do for these brave individuals. They risked their health and the health of their loved ones in order to perform vital jobs during a global pandemic. They not only deserve our thanks and praise, but an extra something in their paycheck for the risk they were taking for the residents of our communities and our Commonwealth,” said Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh.

Businesses in the following industries are eligible to apply for the grant funding:

  • Health care and social assistance
  • Food manufacturing
  • Food retail facilities
  • Public transit and ground passenger transportation
  • Security services
  • Janitorial services to buildings and dwellings

More information on the grants is available here.

Since the very beginning of the pandemic, and during 2020-21 budget negotiations, House Democrats have advocated for fair compensation and protections for frontline workers.

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