Moylan Passes COVID-19 Workers Compensation Legislation

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Recognizing the risks first responders and essential workers have faced throughout the pandemic, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, supported a bill in last week’s special legislative session to expand worker’s compensation benefits to essential workers who were exposed to COVID-19 while performing their job.

“Our essential workers and first responders across the state do so much for the residents of Illinois, and this pandemic has highlighted the tremendous sacrifices they make for all of us every day,” Moylan said. “We need to have their backs during this public health crisis, just like they have had ours every day.”

The Moylan-backed House Bill 2455 is an agreement between business and labor aimed at providing first responders and other essential workers who were exposed to COVID-19 with increased access to worker’s compensation benefits. The measure aims to streamline the process for workers to receive benefits, extends unemployment benefits and expands unemployment eligibility.

“Employers should be doing everything they can to help protect frontline workers,” Moylan said. “If safeguards fail, this bill helps ensure the right for workers to receive the compensation they deserve.”

To stay up to date with the state’s response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.illinois.gov. For questions or assistance concerning state issues, legislation or district matters, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at 847-635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.