Washington Sen. Patty Murray said Wednesday that any additional package of support for the American economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic must include extended paid leave for workers.
“I’m glad our bill got strong Democratic support in the Senate,” Murray said on a conference call with reporters, referring to an amendment she introduced that would grant 14 days of sick leave with costs to employers reimbursed by the federal government. “Paid leave for every worker has to be part of the next round of legislation.”
Murray’s legislation paired emergency paid sick leave support with a permanent paid leave proposal that had been introduced previously in the Senate. That bill would require businesses and self-employed individuals to pay a tax that would then be used to cover benefit payments for workers who needed to use it through a new federal agency.
The proposal was introduced as an amendment to a package of assistance that includes health coverage for coronavirus testing and assistance to states for those applying for unemployment as businesses shutter, but it failed on a party-line vote, with 47 Democrats in favor and 53 Republicans voting against.
The Senate also rejected another proposal that would have eliminated federal paid sick leave entirely and left payments up to the states. The full chamber then overwhelmingly approved an assistance package that was approved by the House of Representatives last week.
The Washington and Idaho delegations in the Senate all voted in favor of the multibillion-dollar bill, which will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk for a signature.
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch said in a statement the package was a necessary measure as more cases are diagnosed in Idaho and elsewhere.
“This legislation is far from perfect – and I strongly believe we must redouble our efforts to balance the federal budget – but the urgent needs of Idahoans and the integrity of the U.S. economy must be addressed as swiftly and comprehensively as possible,” Risch said.
His fellow GOP colleague, Sen. Mike Crapo, said attention must turn to supporting businesses that will be affected by long-term closures.
“Now, our strong underlying economy needs our help, and I will continue working with my Senate colleagues and the Administration to move forward to assist workers, families and small businesses who face financial fallout during this extraordinarily difficult time,” Crapo said in a statement.
Sen. Maria Cantwell struck a similar tone as her Democratic counterparts after the vote for passage, saying the package was a necessary step, but the chamber’s work was not done.
“I’m glad that communities that really need our help on testing and health care, like Tribal communities and veterans, will be receiving funding,” Cantwell said in a statement. “It also includes funding to help states deliver meals to seniors stuck at home and continue school lunch programs, because people shouldn’t have to choose between flattening the curve and eating.”
Murray was joined on a call with reporters by several Democratic colleagues who said any assistance to specific businesses, like airlines and cruise companies, would be a “nonstarter” without guaranteed paid leave for families. The Treasury Department has also reportedly suggested direct payments to families that would cost the federal government $250 billion.
“We have families home today. All of our schools in Washington state are closed today,” Murray said. “Parents are at home. Many are not getting a paycheck. We have businesses who’ve been told not to open their doors.”
