Federal Response/ Stimulus Package

IBEW Local 103 has increased our usual lobbying efforts at both the federal and state levels since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak and work closures, in order to secure adequate relief for our members and their families. Fortunately, some of those efforts have come to fruition with the passing of the highly-anticipated, $2 trillion dollar economic stimulus package, which was signed into law March 27. We are by no means satisfied with these measures, and will continue lobbying for 100 percent of lost wages, as well as immediate relief to our healthcare and pension funds. However, the stimulus package is a welcome start to supporting our members and their families who have been impacted by mass work closures. It includes:

• Direct, one-time payments to individuals and families • Expanded unemployment insurance (see page 7) • Loans and potential loan forgiveness for small and medium sized companies, like our

NECA contractors

Most IBEW Local 103 members who have lost work due to the virus will be eligible to collect one-time, direct payment checks. If you haven’t filed your taxes in recent years, it could affect your ability to receive this payment. Individuals earning up to $75,000 annually will receive a check for $1,200. The check value will decrease respectively as your annual income increases, up to the limit of $99,000 annual income. Folks who earn more than $99,000 are ineligible for a check. Similarly, married couples who earn up to $150,000 will receive $2,400, and decrease up to a $198,000 joint annual income. Both individuals and couples will receive an additional $500 per dependent 16 years of age or younger. Members who have lost work due to the virus are also eligible to collect expanded Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State of Massachusetts. See next page for details.