EMS and Corrections Officers Call on Congress to Fund the Front Lines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Tuesday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. ET, front-line EMS and corrections workers?from across the country will?hold?a press call to demand Congress develop a robust aid plan to fund critical public services at the state and local levels in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. While the?Trump administration continues to display incompetence in efforts to contain COVID-19, first responders and public service workers in states and localities across America are doing the real work needed to respond to the public health emergency.

EMS workers are often the first line in responding to COVID-19 cases in our communities and correctional officers around the country face the critical task of keeping the virus from spreading in prisons where inmates and staff run a high risk of exposure due to close proximity. For years, our nation's public service workers have been asked to do more with less because of staffing and budget cuts that were never restored after the Great Recession. These front-line workers put themselves in harm’s way, and for that they deserve to have every resource and tool available to protect themselves and keep our communities safe and healthy.