Representative Steven Ultrino (D – Malden) along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature on Monday, October 26 passed An Act relative to additional unemployment benefits for the neediest recipients currently excluded from the Lost Wages Assistance program, which will enhance unemployment benefits for 17,000 people in Massachusetts by as much as $1,800 each.
“The House has an ongoing and long-standing commitment to supporting workers, and these benefits will ease the economic burden of the pandemic on individuals and families across the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I thank Chairs Michlewitz and Hay and House Members for their diligence on this important issue, and appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka with the support from our colleagues in the Senate.
“I was proud to be among the first members to sign on in support of these extended benefits, and I’m now proud to stand together with my colleagues to deliver this much needed support to working families across the Commonwealth,” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D – Malden). “I’m thankful to my colleagues for putting working people first in this bill, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to put the needs of those most impacted by the ongoing pandemic first.”
“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature for honoring our obligation as legislators to stand up for working people,” said Representative Paul J. Donato (D – Medford). “With a small investment from the Commonwealth, we’ve won millions in federal funds for those most impacted by this pandemic and made an enormous impact on their ability to get through these difficult times.”
“Last month, I joined colleagues in urging the State to raise the minimum unemployment benefit so that all recipients could access a significant pool of federal aid,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian (D-Melrose). “I am pleased that the legislature took quick action on this issue. Our small state investment will enable neighbors in the District to receive federal benefits during this time of economic turmoil.”
The legislation authorizes an increase to unemployment compensation for every recipient in Massachusetts not receiving at least $100 in weekly benefits. This enhancement would apply retroactively to approximately 17,000 recipients.
The Governor signed the legislation into law,