Legislation provides coronavirus 'hazard pay' for essential workers

Workers deemed essential in the pandemic, such as grocery store clerks and transit workers, deserve an income boost, Democrats say.

Senate Democrats in early April proposed a Heroes Fund to provide a pay raise through the end of the year of $13 per hour for essential workers earning less than $200,000 yearly. The maximum payment would be capped at $25,000, while higher-income earners would receive an additional $5,000. The plan also provides a $15,000 incentive for people to join the medical workforce.