NOTE: This is part one of a multi-part series on the federal HEROES Act, which Congressman Michael San Nicolas co-sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. San Nicolas rolled out breaking news on the legislation, which provides billions in funding and relief to Guam alone.
By Troy Torres
(Tumon, Guam) Legislation expected to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives this week will add $13 an hour to the pay of private and public sector employees deemed essential during the national public health emergency, according to breaking news from Congressman Michael San Nicolas.
H.R. 6800, which he co-sponsored, would add $13 (federal funding) per hour of work to the amount workers already are paid by their employers, and will be capped at $10,000 throughout the program per worker. This is restricted to 'essential' workers throughout the country, who are working on the emergency and have physical interaction with others in carrying out their duties.
The congressman went over a list of types of workers, who would be paid this supplemental hourly rate if this legislation becomes law (only those in these categories of work, who have physical interaction with others in carrying out their duties). This is not an exhaustive list:
First responders, such as police officers, firefighters and medics, emergency management services personnel, security guards, child maltreatment workers, protective services (Marshals, etc.)
Health care setting workers in hospitals and clinics
Pharmacy workers
Medical testing and diagnostic workers
Home- and community-based health workers
Behavioral health workers
Child care, social work, and family services workers
Public health agencies workers
Retail workers in businesses providing groceries and medical goods and supplies
Restaurant workers
Food production workers (agriculture: farming and fishing)
Cleaning and building maintenance workers
Removal or collection of solid waste workers
Educational work, including early childhood education workers
Laundry services workers
Elections workers
Hazardous materials workers
Mortuary services workers
Physical and occupational therapy workers
Dental care workers
U.S. Postal Service workers
Hotel and commercial non-congregate facility workers
