Oklahoma democrats ask Gov. Stitt to declare grocery workers as emergency personnel

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH)--The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus Gov. Kevin Stitt a letter Wednesday asking him to temporarily declare grocery store, food retail, and food processing workers as emergency personnel in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The temporary designation would provide relief for Oklahomans who are working so people still have access to groceries in the state.

"This simple designation is about protecting hard-working Oklahomans, said Rep. Collin Wake (D-OKC). "Oklahomans, who in this situation, have risked their health to provide groceries to their community."

This temporary emergency personnel designation would provide funding for the following: two weeks paid leave, childcare, medical testing for coronavirus if it is needed, treatment for coronavirus if needed, and more access to personal protective equipment.

The Democratic Caucus wrote that this designation would benefit all Oklahomans.