House Democrats push to include primary care workers in coronavirus relief package

Democratic Reps. Joaquin CastroJoaquin CastroFormer DNC finance chairman Henry Muñoz: Latinos 'need to lead ourselves' Overnight Defense: Trump says he's leaving Walter Reed, 'feeling really good' after COVID-19 treatment | White House coronavirus outbreak grows | Dems expand probe into Pompeo speeches House Democrats push forward on probe of Pompeo's political speeches MORE (Texas) and Deb HaalandDebra HaalandHispanic caucus report takes stock of accomplishments with eye toward 2021 Rep. Robin Kelly enters race for Democratic caucus vice chair OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium MORE (N.M.) led more than 30 of their colleagues in asking House leadership to broaden the definition of essential workers in the next relief package and guarantee them paid sick leave and affordable child care, among other benefits. 

The proposal would include family care and child care providers, who often lack traditional employment status. 

“The first three COVID-19 relief bills largely overlooked the needs of caregivers and those whose care needs may be best served in their homes,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiOn The Money: Businesses, wealthy brace for Biden tax hikes | Dow falls more than 650 points as COVID-19 cases rise, stimulus hopes fade | Kudlow doesn't expect Trump to release detailed economic plan before election Overnight Health Care: US sets a new record for average daily coronavirus cases | Meadows on pandemic response: 'We're not going to control it' | Pelosi blasts Trump for not agreeing to testing strategy Gaffes put spotlight on Meadows at tough time for Trump MORE (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin Owen McCarthyRocky Mountain National Park closed due to expanding Colorado wildfire Trump is out of touch with Republican voters on climate change The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Goldman Sachs - Iran, Russia election bombshell; final Prez debate tonight MORE (R-Calif.).

The lawmakers suggest the government develop “one-stop web portal and app” for essential workers to access information, find resources, assess eligibility for programs and apply for benefits.

They cite concern for family caregivers and child care workers who are not mentioned in the previous relief bills, and according to them, more than 52 million people in the U.S. are caregivers. Of those, 33 million are unpaid primary family caregivers of seniors and people with disabilities.

“The frontlines of this crisis start at home and will remain there as we fight this pandemic for the long haul,” Castro said in a statement. “The gross inequality of our health care and childcare systems is starker than ever, and that includes a complete lack of support for our nation’s caregivers.”

The timing of the next relief package, known as the CARES 2 Act, is expected to include hundreds of billions of dollars more to help workers, businesses and families weather the crisis. Pelosi said Thursday that Democrats will push to include $1 trillion in aid for states as well.