Massachusetts Senate Bill S130

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Relative to a livable wage for human services workers

Impact

If enacted, S130 would significantly impact the compensation structures within the human services sector. It mandates that various state executive offices collectively increase reimbursement rates for human service providers, ensuring that improvement in wages for workers is both effective and timely. This legislation is pivotal in enhancing workforce stability within the human services sector, which is historically known for underpayment and high turnover rates, thus affecting the quality of services delivered to vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill S130 aims to establish a livable wage for human services workers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill seeks to address the wage disparity between human service workers and their counterparts in state-operated human services programs. By increasing the reimbursement rates provided to human service providers, the bill intends to improve the financial compensation of those workers who are considered essential in delivering services to clients and their families. The bill outlines a clear timeline for reducing this wage disparity to zero percent by July 1, 2029.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding S130 may revolve around the viability of the state meeting the proposed increases in reimbursement rates. Critics might express concerns about budgetary constraints, the potential for increased tax burdens, and whether these changes can be implemented without negative consequences for other state-program funding. Proponents, however, are likely to argue that failing to address wage disparity undermines the critical work provided by human services workers and would advocate that investing in their compensation is a moral and economic imperative.