Singleton: Use Stimulus Money to Provide Hazard Pay Bonuses for Essential Workers

Trenton – State Senator Troy Singleton today urged the Governor and Legislative Leadership to consider utilizing a share of New Jersey’s federal stimulus money for hazard pay bonuses for our essential workers. The text of the letter is below:

Dear Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Speaker Coughlin,

I am writing to you today to respectfully request that you consider utilizing a share of New Jersey’s federal stimulus funds to provide hazard pay bonuses for our state’s essential workers. As the State Senator of the 7^th Legislative District, I appreciate your consideration of this request.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, when we spoke of those serving on the “frontlines,” it typically referred to the brave men and women in our military who were literally putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation. Now, when we speak of those on the “frontlines,” we are still referring to those who are sacrificing their lives and well-being, but it has taken on a new meaning –cashiers at grocery stores, chefs at restaurants, employees at warehouses, doctors and nurses at hospitals, operators of mass transit, staff at our nursing homes, and so many more.

These are the workers who, in spite of the danger, are heading into work each and every day because they have been deemed essential by the Governor’s Executive Orders. They risk exposing themselves and their families to this virus so that we can have food on our table, packages on our doorsteps, and healthcare, if needed. Their risk was our reward, allowing us to keep ourselves, families, and loved ones at home, safely social distancing. These heroes show up to work, and now New Jersey must step up to support them in return.

I hope that you will agree that these frontline workers are absolutely deserving of recognition that goes beyond the symbols of community gratitude already shown to them – thank you signs, drive-by parades, and donated meals. While these gestures are undoubtedly appreciated and significant, the State of New Jersey should properly compensate these heroes financially for their courageous efforts and provide them with a hazard pay bonus.

Most Sincerely,

Hon. Troy Singleton

Senator, 7^th Legislative District