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Pandemic Responder Service Award Act Introduced to Honor Frontline Health Care Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Pandemic Responder Service Award Act, introduced by U.S. Reps. Donna Shalala, Chrissy Houlahan, and Mary Gay Scanlon, aims to express gratitude to millions of frontline health care workers who have served bravely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation proposes an award that can be used to pay off student loans, obtain further education, or establish savings for personal goals such as housing, starting a business, or saving for retirement. The bill seeks to honor the compassion and sacrifice of medical professionals, with a companion bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Bob Casey.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pandemic Responder Service Award Act proposes an award for frontline health care workers to recognize their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The award can be used to pay off existing student loans, obtain further education, or establish a savings account for various personal goals.
  • The award amount would be equal to the average cost of in-state tuition at a public institution of higher education, which was $10,000 in 2020 and would be adjusted for inflation.
  • Award levels would be adjusted based on the duration of service at risk, with qualifying workers hospitalized with COVID-19 receiving the full benefit.
  • The awards would be tax-free and transferable to spouses or direct dependents.
  • The legislation would provide a framework of benefits inspired by the GI Bill to show gratitude to frontline health care workers.

Statistics:

  • $10,000: The average cost of in-state tuition at a public institution of higher education in 2020.
  • 4 years: The period during which the annual award would be available to qualifying frontline health care workers.
  • $10,000 (adjusted for inflation): The estimated award amount after adjusting for inflation.
  • 2020: The year in which the average cost of in-state tuition at a public institution of higher education was $10,000.

Sources:

  • Office of Florida Rep. Donna Shalala
  • U.S. Reps. Donna Shalala (FL-27), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5)
  • Senator Bob Casey

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