NEWARK, NJ — If you had to choose between going to the doctor or paying your rent, which would you pick? That's the crushing dilemma that thousands of workers at Newark Liberty International Airport are facing, a state lawmaker says.

Earlier this week, dozens of workers at Newark Airport did some traveling of their own, showing up in Trenton to advocate for the Healthy Terminals Act (S989). The bill would provide passenger service and retail workers at Newark Airport a $4.54 per hour, employer-paid supplement they could use to acquire health care. Companion legislation in New York would cover workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

According to labor union 32BJ SEIU, the bill would benefit roughly 10,000 workers at Newark Airport. Sen. Loretta Weinberg, who sponsored the senate version of the bill in New Jersey, said an overwhelming number of employees on the front lines of the busy airport are suffering extreme medical debt.

"Workers are forced to choose between going to the doctor and keeping a roof over their heads," Weinberg asserted. "That's not right." The bill is sponsored by Annette Quijano of the 20th District in the Assembly.

See related article: Meet 10 NJ Families Who Had To Crowdfund To Pay Medical Bills If it passes, the Healthy Terminals Act would be a much-needed ray of sunshine for workers like Teresa Wright, a baggage agent at Newark Airport.

Wright said she prays for the day when she can treat her on-the-job injury without worrying how to keep a roof above her head.