rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/gov-lamont-keep-your-promise-to-essential-workers?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-gov-lamont-keep-your-promise-to-essential-workers' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Connecticut AFL-CIO https://actionnetwork.org/groups/connecticut-afl-cio https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/247/032/normal/Essential_Workers_graphic.png Throughout the pandemic, our state's public health and public safety have depended heavily on the efforts of frontline workers. Long before PPE and vaccines were widely available, Gov. Lamont designated these workers essential with Executive Order 7H. They have cared for patients, stocked grocery store shelves, answered emergency calls, operated public transit systems, educated and cared for children, and ensured taxpayers had continued access to other essential services. The Connecticut Premium Pay Program passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Lamont earlier this year was intended to provide up to $1,000 to eligible essential workers. $30 million was allocated to the program, but more than 206,000 workers applied. 134,000 applications have been approved. Unless $100 million is added to the program, each worker will receive less than $250. Some will receive less than $50. Sums like those are more of an insult than recognition of a job well done. Urge Gov. Lamont to keep his promise to essential workers by fully funding the Connecticut Premium Pay Program and expanding it to include municipal and board of education essential workers and those in CDC vaccination category 1C, all of whom were designated essential in Executive Order 7H but excluded from the program. https://act.aflcio.org/letters/gov-lamont-keep-your-promise-to-essential-workers