House Democrats yesterday introduced the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (HR 6379), describing it as “a bold and comprehensive phase three coronavirus response bill that injects more than $2.5 trillion into the American economy.”
Among the many provisions in the legislation, several of them address the concerns of federal employees as outlined below by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform:
Reimbursement to Federal Workers for Child and Family Care
Federal employees who must report to work would receive up to $2,000 per child or dependent for each month they must leave work to care for children or sick family members at home.
Maximum Telework and Weather and Safety Leave
Agencies would be required to allow telework for all eligible employees during the coronavirus pandemic and allow employees the option of administrative leave if they cannot access their offices and telework is not possible.
Hazardous Duty Pay and Workers’ Compensation
Federal workers who provide direct care and emergency services to coronavirus patients would receive additional pay, and certain federal workers who contract the coronavirus while on duty would be eligible for workers’ compensation.
“American workers are the backbone of our government, so it is critical they have the resources they need to take care of themselves and their families,” said Maloney. “Congress must ensure that we put families before corporations and use our resources effectively and efficiently to fight this pandemic. These should be bipartisan goals, so I hope my Republican colleagues join us as we take bold steps to help all Americans in their time of need.”
A summary of the bill is here. The full text of the bill is here.