Bill to provide Hazard Pay to health care workers introduced by Kendra Horn, Joe Neguse

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH)--Congresswoman Kendra Horn and Congressman Joe Neguse introduced new legislation Sunday that would provide hazard pay for all front line health care workers during the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.

The Hazard Pay for the Frontlines During Health Emergencies Act would require healthcare workers to receive an additional 25 percent of their salary as hazard pay during public health emergencies from their employers.

The act would also ensure federal reimbursement for 100 percent of associated expenses.

"Our health care workers are putting their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and halt the pandemic," said Congresswoman Kendra Horn. "Today's legislation provides them with the hazard pay they deserve."

As of Friday, more than 15 percent of total cases of coronavirus in the state was in healthcare workers, a total of 286.

Click here to view the bill text.