Philadelphia — July 16, 2020 — State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) proudly announced a $50 million fund to provide hazard pay increases to front-line workers in health care, social assistance, transit, food manufacturing, food retail, security and janitorial services fields.
Workers making less than $20 an hour would receive a $3 per hour pay increase over a 10-week span, giving workers a total pay increase of $1,200 during that period. Businesses, health care nonprofits, public transportation agencies and Certified Economic Development Organizations can apply during the application window that opened today and closes July 31.
“I want to thank our front-line workers for the sacrifices they have made these past four months and continue to make ensuring essential services carry on during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sen. Hughes said. “They are extremely deserving of our gratitude and recognition, as well as increased compensation that will come from the $50 million Hazard Pay Grant Program for their continued service. I am pleased we were able to direct CARES dollars to provide this much needed funding to those on the frontlines of the fight against this virus, and it remains critical we continue to direct resources to recovery efforts of this nature that focus on helping the people directly.”
Businesses may apply for grants up to a maximum of $3 million. Eligible applicants may apply for grants using the online Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Electronic Single Application for Assistance located at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us from July 16, 2020, to July 31, 2020. Program inquiries may be directed to (717) 787-6245 or ra-dcedcbf@pa.gov.
The $50 million fund is a part of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus’ PA CARES Plan, which sought to use federal CARES funding on recovery efforts that put the people first. For more information on the Hazard Pay Grant Program click here.
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