Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Department Head/Elected Official: Diana Ramirez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of the stipend policy for the Essential Workers Board (EWB) members.??
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Background and Discussion:
On May 10, 2022 Commissioners Court approved the DEEO developing a stipend policy for the Essential Workers Board. 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 in essential industries. Establishing fair compensation policies for the members of the EWB is necessary to demonstrate our commitment to engaging essential workers, recognizing the value of engaging them as subject matter experts and valuing their lived experiences. In addition, the EWB is in a unique position as being the only Harris County board to have an income threshold for membership in its Bylaws. Per the Bylaws, EWB members must be low-income Essential Workers in Harris County or have at least 12 months of previous experience as a low-income Essential Worker. Low-income workers are defined in the bylaws as workers earning at or below 80% of the area median income for Harris County, as set by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
DEEO consulted with the County Attorney's Office on the development of the policy and is coming back to Court for approval of the stipend policy.
Expected Impact:
DEEO recommends a stipend of $100 per meeting per Board Member based on best practices in place in other jurisdictions. The immediate cost impact is estimated at $7,800 for FY 2023. DEEO will work with the ...
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