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.