Mark Molloy, Esq., Cascade Strategies LLC
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HireNow Program Established; Aims to Speed Up Employment
t the end of March, the Baker-Polito Administration launched a new hiring and training employer grant program, “HireNow,” which will help employers quickly hire and train new workers and get more people back to work. The new program provides eligible employers with a $4,000 per employee grant, which can be used to cover training costs or as a signing bonus for new employees. By providing employers with these flexible funds to facilitate quick hiring, the Administration is focusing on addressing continued hiring challenges faced by employers and increasing labor force participation. According to a press release from the Administration, the program is open to all Massachusetts employers, including both for-profit and non-profit entities (excluding federal, state, and municipal governments). HireNow aims to address hiring challenges faced by employers that have been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there are over 85,000 workers not participating in the labor market compared to prepandemic levels. Meanwhile, employers’ need for workers has continued to increase, with unfilled job postings up 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels and approximately 200,000 open jobs available across the Commonwealth. The HireNow program will be supported by $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds. Program Details include the following: • Employer Eligibility: Any Massachusetts employer who is in good standing with Department of Unemployment Assistance and Department of Revenue obligations and is not de-barred by the state is eligible (excluding federal, state, and APRIL, 2022
municipal governments). Applications must be submitted by the employer, not an education or training partner. • Application Process: Employers must pre-register online at Mass.Gov/HireNow by providing employer information. Following the employee’s hire and 60-day retention period, employers will submit a final application for funding. The Commonwealth will also approve the planned use of the funds (training costs, signing bonus, etc.) when approving the application. • Eligible Hires: Hires must be made after March 23, 2022, be retained for a minimum of 60 days, and be placed in jobs that are at least 30 hours per week. New hires need to be Massachusetts residents employed in Massachusetts. There are also limits on compensation: • Minimum eligible compensation: $14.25/hr (minimum wage) • Maximum eligible compensation: $42.5 /hr (~$85K annualized) • Funding: up to $4,000 for each eligible employee hired, with a limit of $400,000 per employer. Funds will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible employers must have a Massachusetts business location. Please note that employees’ homes are not considered Massachusetts work locations in any scenario (e.g., even under remote work). The employer must have a physical business location in Massachusetts, but the employer is not required to be headquartered in Massachusetts. Employers can learn more about the program and apply at www.mass.gov/HireNow. continued on page 9
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