Congressman Neguse Introduces Measures to Provide Hazard Pay for All Frontline Workers Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Statement

Today Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado's 2nd Congressional District in Congress and serves as a member of the House Democratic Leadership team, introduced new legislation to provide hazard pay for all front line health care workers battling the COVID-19 outbreak across the U.S. The Hazard Pay for the Frontlines During Health Emergencies Act, co-lead by Congressman Kendra Horn, would require employers of healthcare workers to pay an additional 25% of worker's salary as hazard pay during public health emergencies and would ensure federal reimbursement for 100% of the expenses associated.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is a battle, and our nurses, doctors, and first responders are on the frontlines every day, sacrificing their own health to save lives and protect our communities," said Congressman Joe Neguse. "Our frontline workers deserve hazard pay for the duties they are performing throughout this pandemic and for putting their own lives on the line."

"Doctors swear an oath to protect their patients, and legislators on the state and federal level swear an oath to protect their constituents and advocate for their wellbeing. As a pediatrician, I see how colleagues are putting their lives on the line across Colorado in order to mitigate this crisis. They are working long hours, sometimes at reduced pay, and are at risk of infection due to a lack of medical supplies from the federal government," said State Representative Yadira Caraveo. "Congress is in a unique position to help front line providers across the country, and this bill will provide the hazard pay and support that they need in order to continue serving our communities."

"Health care workers on the frontlines of this epidemic are working long hours under difficult conditions. There is no doubt they should be compensated for keeping our communities and our countries safe during this public health emergency," saidState Representative Kyle Mullica. "I applaud Congressman Neguse for leading on this effort and introducing this needed legislation."

"To put it bluntly, the healthcare workers we all depend on cannot protect us during this pandemic if we as a nation are not ready to step up and protect them," said Ron Ruggiero, President of SEIU Local 105. "This crisis has shown that no matter who you are, the color of your skin, or where you work; we are all in this together. Providing our frontline healthcare workers with the hazard pay they deserve is an essential step in recognizing the sacrifices they are making every day for all of us."

"Our health care workers are putting their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and halt the pandemic," saidCongresswoman Kendra Horn "Today's legislation provides them with the hazard pay they deserve. We must continue fighting to ensure our health care workers receive the equipment and resources they need to save lives and protect our health."

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, health care workers across the country are finding themselves working in increasingly worse conditions. Many nurses and doctors are working without proper personal protective equipment, such as N95 masks, gloves and gowns to protect themselves while they treat ill patients as shortages of personal protective equipment continue nationwide. A photo of nurses at Mount Sinai hospital wearing trash bags in lieu of personal protective equipment went viral a week and a half ago.

In China, according to Chinese government statistics, more than 3,000 doctors were infected with coronavirus, nearly half of them in Wuhan, where the pandemic began. Nearly 14 percent of Spain's confirmed coronavirus cases are medical professionals.