Senate Democrats Prioritize Workers, Adopt Protections in Omnibus Bill
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate passed HB 1494, a workers’ omnibus bill, in a vote of 14-10. The bill, amended by the Senate Commerce Committee, covers a variety of workers’ protections including health and safety standards and a state death benefit. HB 1494 next goes to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote, which requires a simple majority.
After the vote, Senator Kevin Cavanaugh (D-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“From the first day of this crisis, our state employees have stepped up for the safety and wellbeing of New Hampshire. They have done this at personal risk, putting the good of the state ahead of their own safety. For many of our state employees, they have done this despite the governor’s rejection of the contracts approved by the various state employee bargaining units.
It is long past time that we put long-term benefits in place that remain after the state of emergency is lifted. Our public employees have been rightfully credited for helping us all navigate through these unprecedented times; it is our responsibility to go beyond words of thanks and put policy in place that protects their health, their families, and their right to collective bargaining.”
###