house resolution no.132

Rep. Neeley offered the following resolution:

A resolution to support the use of federal funding to provide heroes pay to essential workers.

Whereas, Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, essential workers have ensured that our society and economy were still able to function. From grocery store employees, food processing employees, all healthcare, hospital and nursing home workers, school employees, airport workers, truck drivers, utility workers, hotel, custodial, college, and fast-food service employees, security guards, correctional officers, state employees, and bus drivers to first responders and many others, these workers have provided an incalculable benefit to our state while disproportionately bearing the weight of the Pandemic; and

Whereas, Essential workers have been put at increased risk of exposure to the virus and of bringing the disease home to their loved ones. This risk was often exacerbated by a lack of proper personal protective equipment. Many essential workers have died after being exposed to the virus at work; and

Whereas, It is necessary to ensure that essential workers are compensated for their sacrifice and importance to our society. In the United States, more than half of all occupations with a median wage below $15 per hour are essential workers. While some companies have stepped up to provide hazard pay to frontline employees, many have not; and

Whereas, The $6.6 billion in federal discretionary aid Michigan received through the American Rescue Plan Act has given our state the opportunity to fill the gap left by private employers and provide heroes pay to essential workers. If they are heroes, it is time that Michigan's leaders pay and protect them like heroes and provide real support to these workers who have sacrificed so much during the Pandemic; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we support the use of federal funding to provide heroes pay to essential workers; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.