Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1679

Introduced
2/18/22  
Refer
2/18/22  

Caption

Appropriation; provide premium pay to essential health care workers through MSDH grants.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1679 is expected to bolster the financial support system for health care workers amidst the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. It sets forth stringent eligibility criteria and a clearly defined application process for employers to access grant funds, which could enhance the workforce retention among essential healthcare personnel. Given that these workers frequently face higher risks of exposure to COVID-19, the proposed hazard pay serves as both recognition and compensation for their sacrifices during the public health emergency.

Summary

House Bill 1679, also known as the 'Hazard Pay for Essential Health Care Workers Grant Program,' is a legislative measure designed to allocate funds from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Mississippi Department of Health. The primary objective is to provide additional financial support to essential health care workers who have been exposed to heightened risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill proposes assigning $1,500 in premium pay to qualifying health care workers, who must have an annual income of $75,000 or less and have performed essential services between January 31, 2020, and February 1, 2022.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, some objections may arise regarding the perceived adequacy of the funds allocated and the implication of granting premium pay during a time when state finances are under scrutiny following pandemic-related expenditures. Critics may also raise concerns about the potential complexities involved in the application process for employers and whether the funds will reach the intended recipients effectively, potentially leading to further debates on resource allocation and government transparency.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB333

Appropriation; State Department of Health from Coronavirus Recovery Fund for premium pay to essential health care workers.

MS HB215

Essential health care workers premium pay; Department of Health to create program using any available funds.

MS HB577

Essential health care workers premium pay; Department of Health to create program with Coronavirus Recovery Funds.

MS SB2902

"Hazard Pay for Essential Health Care Workers" Grant Program; establish in State Department of Health.

MS HB06860

An Act Extending Connecticut Premium Pay To Certain Essential Workers.

MS SB275

Health Care and Essential Workers: personal protective equipment.

MS H1935

Providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency

MS H2156

Providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a declared public health state of emergency

MS A5830

Provides bonuses for certain essential healthcare workers; appropriates $400,000,000.

MS A2822

Provides bonuses for certain essential healthcare workers; appropriates $400,000,000.

Similar Bills

MS HB469

Appropriation; Health Department for MS Baptist Medical Center in Jackson to establish a burn center or unit.

MS HB1721

Appropriation; Health Department for MS Baptist Medical Center in Jackson to establish a burn center or unit.

MS SB3058

Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund; FY2025 reappropriate to certain agencies.

MS SB3060

Appropriation; additional to Health Department for the Covid-19 Hospital Capacity Program and operations-ARPA funds.

MS SB2048

Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund; FY2026 reappropriate to certain agencies.

MS SB3053

Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund; FY2026 reappropriate to certain agencies.

MS SB2863

Appropriation; Mississippi Emergency Management Agency-ARPA funds.

MS HB272

Appropriation; Health Department for Local Provider Innovation Grant Program.