Hanbidge sponsors legislation to honor frontline and essential workers

Rep. Liz Hanbidge    May 8, 2020 | 10:46 AM

HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. Liz Hanbidge, D-Montgomery, is circulating legislation that would honor and show respect to the frontline and essential workers who have risen to the occasion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When drafted, Hanbidge’s resolution would recognize 2020 as Frontline Workers Appreciation Year.

“It has become increasingly clear that 2020 will be defined by how we as a commonwealth respond to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” Hanbidge said. “As a Pennsylvanian, I am enormously grateful for our frontline and essential workers, who have exemplified courage and determination to overcome the greatest public health crisis in living memory.”

Hanbidge began circulating the memo for this resolution in late April, and it already has 45 bipartisan cosponsors.

“Frontline workers have continued to perform their duties – often with limited protective gear – through long hours, daunting stressors and at great risk to their health and the health of their families,” Hanbidge said. “They do this so our great commonwealth can continue to function from the comfort and safety of our homes.

“It is through their sacrifices that we as a state can have the confidence to see through these trying times. It is only right for us to take a moment and show our appreciation for their efforts and bravery. This resolution is a small gesture in comparison to those sacrifices, but it’s way we can remind frontline and essential workers that they’re in the hearts and minds of all Pennsylvanians.”

Hanbidge also noted that she hopes for more bipartisan legislation to bring relief to frontline and essential workers, as well as all Pennsylvanians, from the impacts of the coronavirus.

In addition to the resolution, Hanbidge has sponsored or is cosponsoring several bipartisan bills whose purposes are helping those affected by COVID-19. Among the actions of those bills: