Governor Parson announced the implementation of $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program and Workers’ Compensation for First Responders during Tuesday’s News Briefing.
COVID-19 has had a serious impact not only on public health, but also our economy. Business operations have been limited, and many people have lost their jobs. Over 100,000people have filed for unemployment this past week.
Last week, the Missouri Department of Labor received news that the $600 dollar federal supplement for those that are unemployed will be effective the week starting March 29.
The Department of Labor has since received federal guidance, and these payments should begin to be paid retroactively as early as the week of April 12.
In addition to unemployment, workers compensation for first responders has also been an area of concern. Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs are tireless public servants who compromise their own safety to ensure the safety of others.
They risk themselves each and every day. As a result of their duties, they are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 while on the job.
To help with this, the Department of Labor has been directed to implement an emergency rule that will help ensure first-responders who contract COVID-19 are covered.This emergency rule will create a presumption that first responders who contract COVID-19 did so in the line of duty.
4-7-2020-Governor-Mike-Parson-Briefing