Letter to Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury - Soto Urges for Overtime and Hazard Pay Protections for First Responders

Letter

Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza,

I appreciate your efforts to quickly implement the provisions of the CARES Act during the
COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ongoing nature of this crisis requires additional assistance,
particularly as state and local governments face increasing costs and decreasing tax revenues due
to the emerging recession. One area of critical importance is the continued operation of our first
responder services, which is why I urge your full and fair consideration to allow local
governments to use resources from the state stabilization fund to cover the overtime and hazard
pay of first responders.

First responders are at the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic response. They are responding to
historically high 9-11 call volume, often without the necessary personal protective equipment.
They are in routine physical contact with potential infected persons and are directly exposed to the
danger of the crisis. Thus, without surprise, many first responders have contracted the virus, been
obligated to self-quarantine, and been thereby removed from the workforce. This has resulted in
widespread staff shortages and an increasing pressure for first responders to work extended hours.

Protecting first responders' ability to work is critical to public health and safety. This is why I urge
your full and fair consideration to allow local governments to use resources from the state
stabilization fund to cover the overtime and hazard pay of first responders. Thank you for your
time and attention to this important issue.

Sincerely

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