Western US Lawmakers Demand Resources for Essential Workers

Strategic Insights -

As wildfires loom in the western United States, local, state, and tribal governments are bracing for the worst, with critical funding for firefighters, police, and health care workers hanging in the balance. In a joint press call, seven Democratic lawmakers from the region – Representatives Debra Haaland (NM-01), Joe Neguse (Colo.-02), Steven Horsford (Nev.-04), Susie Lee (Nev.-03), Greg Stanton (Ariz.-09), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) – condemned Senate Republicans' efforts to hold funding hostage and called for direct support for local governments in the next coronavirus aid package. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Haaland announced a discussion on an Essential Workers Bill of Rights with Representative Khanna, highlighting the urgent need to recognize the value of frontline workers and provide them with the necessary resources and protections.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. House lawmakers are demanding direct funding for local governments to support public service workers, firefighters, police, and health care workers.
  • The next coronavirus aid package must prioritize funding for local governments, as Senate Republicans are attempting to hold funding hostage.
  • An Essential Workers Bill of Rights is being developed by Representatives Haaland and Khanna to provide personal protective equipment, hazard pay, and other essential benefits to frontline workers.
  • Family caregivers are being recognized as essential workers, and the lawmakers are pushing for a living wage, expanded leave, and access to affordable healthcare for these caregivers.
  • The lawmakers are calling for Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to prioritize the needs of frontline workers and local governments over corporate interests.

Statistics:

  • 18% of U.S. workers are considered essential, including frontline healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, and family caregivers (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
  • 71% of U.S. adults believe that essential workers receive inadequate pay and benefits for their critical work (Source: Pew Research Center).
  • The U.S. government has allocated $3.7 trillion in coronavirus relief funding since March 2020 (Source: Congressional Research Service).

Sources:

  • Rep. Debra Haaland (D-NM), "Press Call" (May 7, 2020)
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (n.d.)
  • Pew Research Center (2020)
  • Congressional Research Service (2020)