U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, is proposing “hazard pay,” a raise of $13 per hour, for health care professionals, grocery store workers, first responders, pharmacists, postal workers and others who provide essential services and cannot work from home.

“Not only do we appreciate them, but we want to compensate them for taking a risk for themselves and their families,” Peters said in a telephone news conference Wednesday, April 8.

Peters says the “Heroes Fund” would be introduced as part of legislation that would include other assistance for the U.S. economy and for workers struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He said he has spoken with several other Democratic senators and plans to reach out to Republicans soon.

Workers eligible for the $13-per-hour bonus would most likely be identified by their employers, who would apply for the assistance from the federal government.

Workers earning less than $200,000 per year would receive the hourly bonus up to a $25,000 cap. Those earning more than $200,000 per year would be capped at $5,000 in additional income as a result of the bonus.

The increased pay would be retroactive to the start of the public health crisis and would last until the end of 2020.

Peters’ proposed legislation would also press for additional protective gear and other needs that will help ensure the health and safety of essential workers.

A $15,000 recruitment incentive would attract additional health care workers, home care workers and first responders who will be needed over the coming months.

Peters, an Oakland County native, acknowledges the federal government will be taking on additional debt through assistance programs like the hazard pay proposal.

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“Our focus has to be on restarting the economy in as safe a way as possible,” he said, adding that states will likely need to keep measures in place that keep workers at home and consumers away from businesses.

He said economists have warned that a recession or even a depression will likely loom.

“A depression would be worse,” than increasing debt and possibly creating inflation, he said.