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Bill

S 877

An Act to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Brady and 18 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishes higher minimum wage for care workers to address labor shortages and improve compensation in healthcare caregiving roles.

Hearing scheduled for 07/01/2025 from 01:00 PM-03:30 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · S 877

Legislative bill overview

S 877 proposes establishing a higher minimum wage specifically for care workers in Massachusetts, distinct from the standard state minimum wage. The bill aims to address wage disparities and labor shortages in the care industry by creating enhanced compensation requirements for workers in caregiving roles.

Why is this important

Care workers—including home health aides, nursing assistants, and personal care attendants—represent a critical workforce caring for elderly and disabled populations. Low wages in this sector contribute to high turnover, staffing shortages, and reduced quality of care, making wage policy directly relevant to healthcare access and service continuity for vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact on healthcare providers and insurers: Higher mandated wages could increase operational costs for nursing homes, hospitals, and home care agencies, potentially passed to consumers through higher insurance premiums or reduced service availability
  • Definition and scope of "care worker": Determining which positions qualify for the enhanced wage could create boundary disputes between standard and elevated wage categories, affecting compensation parity
  • Economic feasibility for small providers: Rural or non-profit care facilities may struggle to absorb wage increases compared to larger institutional providers, potentially creating regional service gaps

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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