Senate Democrats propose hazard pay, recruitment incentives for healthcare workers

Senate Democrats propose hazard pay, recruitment incentives for healthcare workers

Senate Democrats on Tuesday announced legislation that would guarantee pay raises for frontline healthcare workers and a $15,000 signing bonus to help recruit health and home care workers and first responders.

The so-called “Heroes Fund” would increase pay for essential workers $13 per hour from January 27 until December 31. The wage increases would be capped at $25,000 per year for workers earning less than $200,000 per year. Backpay would apply for hours previously worked.

The fund would also provide for a $15,000 bonus to help recruit healthcare workers, home health workers and first responders. Additional death benefits would be distributed to the families essential workers who die fighting COVID-19.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) did not commit to oppose a fourth COVID-19 relief bill if it does not include hazard pay for frontline workers, but said it is “one of our very, very highest priorities.” Schumer also declined to provide a cost estimate for the measure.

The legislation was introduced by Schumer, Senate health committee ranking member Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

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