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Dear Friend, For months, our community has fought for the dignity and urgent needs of working people in the DC budget. This included organizing for expanded funding for excluded workers and securing Hero Pay for essential workers. Essential workers cared for us, kept us safe, and ensured that we could access critical services and goods. Excluded workers received nowhere near the support other Americans received through stimulus payments or unemployment benefits. All of these workers took on additional costs - even debts - to survive and keep their families safe over the last year. So when their needs were not addressed in yesterday’s budget vote we were outraged. Although yesterday saw major wins for paid family leave, affordable housing and tax justice, Hero Pay was completely eliminated and there were no additional funds for Excluded Workers. “I’ve spent my own money to keep myself and my family safe, and I’ve had to take unpaid time off of work to mourn the loved ones I’ve lost, the youngest one being 3 years old. Nothing can bring my loved ones back, but hero pay would help cover my lost pay for attending services for the people I’ve lost. Hero pay would also help me cover the cost of protecting my family, while I protect our neighbors.” - Kelli, essential healthcare worker "We’re not only fighting out of necessity, not just fighting for money. We’re fighting for our values, our representation, all of this work that we do." - Reina, former domestic worker Only three members of the Council stood up for working people: Councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Brianne Nadeau and Janeese Lewis George We’re going to need your help to increase our support on the Council! Will you stand with us and fight for workers in the DC budget? |
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Today, we’re making plans, but soon we’ll be ready for more action. We stand together in solidarity to demand respect for all workers - in the DC budget and beyond. |
