White House Formally Declared Teachers Essential Workers

Group of children with face mask back at school after covid-19 quarantine and lockdown, learning.

The Department of Homeland Security formally declared teachers essential workers in guidance released this week, continuing the Trump administration’s push to reopen schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. Why it matters: Under the guidance, teachers are now considered “critical infrastructure workers,” like physicians and law enforcement officers, meaning they can return to the classroom even after… Continue reading White House Formally Declared Teachers Essential Workers

Essential Workers in Many States Fighting for COVID-Related Workers Comp Benefits

A group of doctors talking about corona virus on conference.

Lauded for their service and hailed as everyday heroes, essential workers who get the coronavirus on the job have no guarantee in most states they’ll qualify for workers’ compensation to cover lost wages and medical care. Fewer than one-third of the states have enacted policies that shift the burden of proof for coverage of job-related… Continue reading Essential Workers in Many States Fighting for COVID-Related Workers Comp Benefits

Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Unveil Compensation Fund for Essential Workers Struck by COVID-19

Female doctor doing medical exam to a senior woman at her home

A bipartisan group of lawmakers announced Thursday they plan to introduce a bill that would create a compensation fund for essential workers and their family members who have been struck by the coronavirus. Reps. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., introduced the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act… Continue reading Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Unveil Compensation Fund for Essential Workers Struck by COVID-19

California Makes It Easier for Essential Workers to Receive Workers’ Comp for COVID Claims

A group of doctors talking about corona virus on conference.

On Wednesday California Governor Newsom signed an executive that will make it easier for essential workers who contract COVID-19 to obtain workers’ compensations benefits in a win for labor unions that called for the change. The order streamlines workers’ compensation claims and establishes a rebuttable presumption that any essential workers infected with COVID-19 contracted the… Continue reading California Makes It Easier for Essential Workers to Receive Workers’ Comp for COVID Claims

Much of U.S. Economy Still Plugging Along Despite Coronavirus Pain

Middle aged woman sitting at a table reading using a tablet computer, holding a cup, front view

Garbage haulers still collect trash. Cops are on the beat. Couriers deliver food and packages. Insurance agents work from home. The coronavirus crisis would appear to have put the entire U.S. economy on ice. Twenty-six million people have filed for unemployment in just a month, with millions more likely waiting in electronic queues at overtaxed… Continue reading Much of U.S. Economy Still Plugging Along Despite Coronavirus Pain

Some Essential Workers Receiving Workers’ Compensation During Quarantine

Microscopic view of Coronavirus, a pathogen that attacks the respiratory tract. Analysis and test, experimentation. Sars. 3d render

Essential Workers and Workers’ Comp While just about everyone has been ordered to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses that have to stay open in order to keep a skeletal infrastructure intact. These are the legendary “essential workers” who have managed to retain their jobs during the quarantine. However, it is not clear… Continue reading Some Essential Workers Receiving Workers’ Compensation During Quarantine