Tom Perez: Governor Hogan should extend and expand hazard pay for essential workers

by Tom Perez


Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re facing what many experts predict will be the largest spike in cases yet. Across Maryland, hospitals are reaching full capacity, and we haven’t even seen the inevitable post-holiday season increase. January promises to be difficult for all of us.

The abundant availability of vaccines and booster shots means we have a powerful tool to save lives — and many people who get sick with the virus will have no symptoms or very mild ones thanks to the incredible work of the scientists who developed the vaccines, and the health care workers and public health officials who have administered them. Still, many people remain at risk, and the coming wave will stress many of our systems.

But just as we’ve entered another very challenging phase of this crisis, state employees are about to lose a critical support that has helped them weather this storm. Hazard pay for our front-line state workers will expire on December 31st, and Governor Hogan should take immediate action to extend this benefit for at least three months as the omicron spike takes its toll on the people of Maryland.

As many people once again retreat to their homes to telework, our essential front-line workers often don’t have this option. These are committed public servants who work in our correctional facilities and state hospitals. They drive public buses and care for and educate children in our juvenile facilities. They process applications at the Department of Motor Vehicles and applications for critical public benefits.

Read more: https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/12/27/tom-perez-governor-hogan-should-extend-and-expand-hazard-pay-for-essential-workers/