HARRISBURG, Pa (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Hazard pay may be available for Pennsylvania's frontline workers in essential occupations.
On Thursday, the Wolf administration said $50 million is being available to employers to pay employees in life-sustaining jobs.
"In the fight against COVID-19, our front-line workers have put themselves at risk every day in order to continue to provide life-sustaining services to their fellow Pennsylvanians, and this funding will increase their pay in recognition of those sacrifices," said Governor Tom Wolf. "These grants will help businesses retain employees, ensure that Pennsylvanians keep working and avoid disruption of critical goods and services."
The money comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Businesses, Healthcare Non-profits, Public Transportation Agencies, Certified Economic Development Organizations (CEDO) can apply.
According to the governor's office, eligible Pennsylvania-based industries include:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Ambulatory Health Care Services
- Hospitals
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
- Food Manufacturing
- Food Retail Facilities
- Security Services for eligible industries listed above and commercial industries that were not closed as a result of the Governor's Business Closure Order
- Janitorial Services to Buildings and Dwellings
The grant money can be used for hazard pay for full and part time employees who make less than $20 an hour from August 16 to October 24, 2020.
Applications for the grants are being accepted through July 31.
