August 10, 2022 at 11:17 p.mUpdated 52m ago
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Connecticut is ready to give payments of up to $1,000 to essential workers for their work during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials hope to start the so-called “Hero Pay“The program later this week after a soft launch last weekend left the website overwhelmed with traffic.
Officials say more than 15,000 workers tried to sign up for Hero Pay over the weekend. State intervention says the site needs tweaks before a full launch later this week. The goal is to release this Friday.
Officials say $30 million has been set aside in the state budget for payments of up to $1,000 to many residents who had to work in person during the early days of COVID-19.
The state’s largest union federation says many workers are struggling, even after making personal sacrifices before the pandemic, such as being exposed to the virus.
But they say $30 million isn’t enough funding for the premium payment program to do all it promises.
Officials stress that payments will not be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workers must earn less than $150,000 a year to be eligible.