Bill > S2832

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Works Progress Administration (the "Program") within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The Program will receive and select works project proposals submitted by state departments and agencies that meet certain criteria, such as creating multiple jobs at affordable rates, providing continuing economic or environmental benefits, and being able to be staffed quickly. The approved projects may include contact tracing, climate change resiliency, the creative economy, agriculture, infrastructure, home care services, online education, and the cannabis industry, among others. The Program will prioritize projects in counties with high unemployment rates or that demonstrate a commitment to hiring individuals who have been unemployed for at least 60 days and belong to communities disproportionately affected by high unemployment. The bill also requires certain rights and protections for eligible individuals employed on these projects, as well as regular reporting and an annual audit of the Program's performance.