House Resolution No. 9 proposes the approval of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the PCA Workforce Council and the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU. This agreement, which covers the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, was submitted to the assembly for approval on March 5, 2024. The resolution has been reported favorably by the House Committee on Appropriations and includes provisions for wage increases, premium assistance, paid time off, holiday pay, and longevity bonuses for approximately 12,000 personal care attendants (PCAs) employed by Medicaid self-directed programs under the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

The fiscal impact of the agreement begins in FY 24 and includes costs associated with the various provisions of the agreement. The total gross cost, state General Fund cost, General Fund revenue gain (reflecting federal reimbursements for Medicaid-related expenditures), and the net state impact after considering both costs and revenues are detailed in the fiscal note. The agreement will result in a net state cost to the General Fund estimated at up to approximately $5 million in FY 24, $12 million in FY 25, and $20.2 million in FY 26. Funding for the agreement was not included in the FY 24 and FY 25 biennial budget, and it is anticipated that agencies will redirect ARPA Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) reinvestment funds for this purpose. Costs associated with the agreement are accounted for in the Governor’s FY 25 Revised Budget proposal. The resolution is effective upon approval by the General Assembly.