Reitz Pushes for Workers Comp Benefits for COVID-19

RED BUD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is continuing his steadfast support for first responders with his vote to pass new protections for police and firefighters who have contracted COVID-19.

“Brave men and women serving as first responders on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 are catching this disease, and we have to have their backs,” Reitz said. “Police and first responders have been bearing the brunt of this difficult time while they risk their lives to keep us safe.”

Reitz voted to pass House Bill 2455, which expands workers compensation benefits for first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty to include all those who have contracted COVID-19. This legislation was the result of an agreement between representatives of business and labor interests to give Illinoisans combatting this disease on the front lines the financial aid they need without putting an undue burden on the Illinois economy. The bill passed the legislature with unanimous bipartisan support.

“It’s critical that we expand the available support to those who are risking their health and safety to protect our communities and work in dangerous conditions that may create more exposure to COVID-19,” said Reitz. “I’m urging the governor to sign this critical piece of legislation into law to show that our state will do what is right and protect our first responders who face additional exposure to this virus as they do their jobs of protecting us all.”