The Heroes Act

May. 15, 2020 | H.R. 6800

On April 16, the AFL-CIO called on Congress to take immediate action to protect workers and their families from the worsening COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we called on Congress to embrace “America’s Five Economic Essentials” as the centerpiece of its response by (1) protecting and expanding health insurance for all workers; (2) keeping front line workers safe and secure; (3) keeping workers employed and protecting earned pension checks; (4) keeping state and local governments, public schools and the USPS solvent and working; and (5) hiring people to strengthen our infrastructure. The House responded by passing the HEROES Act, which addressed almost all of our recommendations. It required OSHA to issue an emergency workplace infectious disease standard. It gave critical aid to state and local governments, public schools and the U.S. Postal Service. It provided relief for multiemployer pension plans. It included a 100% subsidy to continue health coverage for laid-off workers. It provided a framework for helping employers keep workers on payroll, and it extended unemployment benefits through the end of the year, including an extra $600 a week for those who are out of work through no fault of their own. It included more direct payments to working people. It ensured free treatment for health care related to COVID-19. It earmarked billions of dollars to protect our elections. And it provided relief for renters and homeowners and additional food assistance. This bill passed the House on May 15, 2020.

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