Frontline worker pay working group still has no solid plans for $250M

(ABC 6 News) – 12 Meetings in and the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group has yet to come up with a clear path to getting checks out in order to distribute some $250 million to essential workers during the pandemic.

The group met yet again Wednesday afternoon with many concerns on how long it would take to roll out the program, who qualifies for any stipend and the expense of systems needed.

Commissioner Roslyn Robertson with the Department of Labor and Industry said that a high volume call center would be needed, an appeal process in place and possibly a 3rd party to distribute funds.

With no agreement in place, Chair, Rep. Ryan Winkler asked the group to find middle ground and said the group will meet again in one week for another vote. Without any agreement, the issue will continue on to the Legislature in January.