Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) and Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature on Monday, October 26 to pass An Act relative to additional unemployment benefits for the neediest recipients currently excluded from the Lost Wages Assistance program, which enhances unemployment benefits for certain Massachusetts workers by as much as $1,800 each. The Governor signed the legislation into law last week.
The legislation authorizes an increase in unemployment compensation for every recipient in Massachusetts not receiving at least $100 in weekly benefits. This enhancement would apply retroactively to approximately 17,000 eligible recipients.
“I’m grateful for the hard work of the House and Senate to ensure that this bill was passed into law,” said Rep. Ken Gordon. “This bill gets critical money to the families and workers who need it most right now. I’m proud of this bill and the Legislature’s commitment to those who have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 crisis”.
“For people who have lost their jobs, the holidays can be a bleak time,” said State Senator Mike Barrett. “I’m pleased we’re able to provide some measure of relief.”
