Vital workers deserve more than “Thank you”

Thank you, Congressman Cline, for recognizing the hard and selfless work being done by millions of Americans to help sustain us during the COVID-19 emergency.

But Congressman: Many of these absolutely essential workers are at or near the bottom of the ladder when it comes to pay, health care and job rights. Now that we can see how vital they are, I hope you will agree that they deserve more than thanks. They deserve living wages, guaranteed access to health care, paid sick leave and basic on-the-job protections– and not just during pandemics.

Unfortunately your voting record as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and as a member of Congress does not reflect a serious concern about these inequities. I hope the current circumstances are causing you to do some serious rethinking. Your constituents will be watching.