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Archives for May 18, 2020

HEROES Relief Bill

May 18, 2020 By
 
 
On, Friday May 15th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) by a vote of 208-199. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where unfortunately Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says that Congress needs to take a ‘pause’ on additional legislation to address the impacts of COVID-19.
 
“Transportation workers and their families can’t afford a pause. We can’t let perfect be the enemy of the good, and the HEROES Act is a good bill that provides immediate and additional relief to transportation workers and the industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic” National Legislative Director Greg Hynes said. “This needed legislation includes a number of hard-fought provisions that will provide financial stability to thousands and thousands of members directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19. There must be a vote in the U.S. Senate.”
 
HEROES Relief Bill Includes:
  • hazard pay of an additional $13/hour for all essential workers (rail and bus members included) retroactive to January 27. This is capped at $10,000 per member.
  • an additional $15.75 billion in transit assistance and requires funds to first be directed to payroll and service.
  • prohibiting employers from cutting pay or benefits from essential employees, retroactive to January 27 and good for 60 days after the national emergency ends.
  • enhanced railroad unemployment benefit of $1,200 per two-week period would be extended to the end of the year (beyond the current CARES Act)
  • the Railroad Retirement Board $4.5 million in additional grant funds to administer the railroad retirement benefits to decrease current caseloads.
  • additional relief checks up to $1,200 per person, $500 per child.

Here is where I need your help. This needed legislation is on ‘pause’ by Senator Mitch McConnell. And while the Senate leader has immense power as to which bills make it to the Senate calendar — if enough Senators demand a vote, a vote will occur. But this only happen if Senators hear from their constituents.

So please click here, and send your two Senators an email asking that a vote take place on the HEROES Act. We have provided you with a pre-drafted message for your convenience. And finally, while the country begins to reopen to business, please take every precaution and stay safe.
 
Fraternally,
Greg Hynes
National Legislative Director
SMART Transportation Division
Filed Under: Industry Related, Local 60 News