California Approves $1.3 Billion in Health-Care Worker Stipends

California lawmakers approved $1.3 billion in bonuses to help retain hospital and skilled nursing facility workers as the pandemic continues to stress the health-care workforce.

The legislature late Wednesday agreed to the stipends as part of a $234.4 billion general fund budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) must sign the budget by Friday.

• The bonuses of up to $1,500 for full-time employees, which include a match from employers, should reach workers by next February, said Renée Saldaña, press secretary for the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, which advocated for the pay.
• The stipends ...