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File #: 21-6486    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Policy Status: Passed
File created: 11/16/2021 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 11/30/2021 Final action: 11/30/2021
Title: Request for discussion and possible action to establish the Harris County Essential Workers Board (HCEWB), adopt the HCEWB Bylaws of November 30, 2021, and direct the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to launch the HCEWB, as provided in the backup to this agenda item.
Department: County Judge
Department Head/Elected Official: Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Policy

Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Participation (if applicable):

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for discussion and possible action to establish the Harris County Essential Workers Board (HCEWB), adopt the HCEWB Bylaws of November 30, 2021, and direct the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to launch the HCEWB, as provided in the backup to this agenda item.
end

Background and Discussion:
The purpose of the HCEWB is to provide feedback and recommendations to the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) and other relevant Harris County Departments and, where appropriate, serve in an advisory capacity to Commissioners Court on Harris County programs, policies, and initiatives that recognize and support workers.

Expected Impact:
Essential Workers are uniquely positioned to identify and recommend solutions to workplace issues, as they have first-hand insights into hazards and issues workers face on the job. Creating the HCEWB to advise Harris County on programs and policies to improve the health and economic outcomes of Essential Workers and the overall public.

The DEEO will use $16,850 of its existing FY 21-22 budget to hire a temporary staff member or consultant to launch and support the initial activities of the HCEWB for the remainder of this fiscal year.

The DEEO will request funding for the 7-month Fiscal Year (March 2022-October 2022) through the County's annual budget process; this includes $99,667 to continue funding a temporary staff member or consultant(s) and costs associated with hosting HCEWB meetings, as well as $25,000 for operating expenses, including equipment, supplies, and other non-recurring expenditures to be utilized by the HCEWB and other DEEO programs. If the Court does not approve these requ...

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