In The News

The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed how we interact with one another, how we earn an income, and how we live our daily lives. While the majority of the country is under statewide stay-at-home orders to bend the curve and save lives, our first responders, as well as the men and women serving on the front lines against the coronavirus in the medical community, are facing an unprecedented challenge.

To support and recognize these incredible and courageous individuals during our nation’s time of need, I have introduced the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations Act. The HEROES Act would create a four-month federal income tax holiday for healthcare workers and first responders battling the coronavirus. This legislation is modeled after the tax holiday our military service members receive while they are actively serving in a combat zone.

From the podium at the White House to the conversations happening in homes across the country, there is a firm understanding that we are at war — not against a military foe but a deadly virus. Under the HEROES Act, first responders, medical professionals, and senior caregivers working in a county with at least one positive COVID-19 patient would be eligible for the tax holiday. This includes law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, doctors, pharmacists, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff members. Whether an individual is administering care, performing clinical support, sanitizing equipment, or cleaning patient rooms in a licensed medical facility, they are included in this legislation.

The HEROES Act also includes a provision to address potential protracted hot spots around the country. The bill grants the authority to the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the tax holiday for an additional three months. This means if a community sees a spike in conditions outside the initial four-month window, the federal income tax exemption could be extended for healthcare workers and first responders serving in that community.

Perhaps now more than any time in our lifetimes, we are in need of the high-quality care that is being provided by doctors and medical professionals across the nation. Equally, we have again called on our first responders, whose ranks have been depleted in communities such as Detroit in my home state of Michigan because of positive tests for the coronavirus. Yet despite the challenges we are currently facing, the thin blue line and the thin red line continue to answer the call and rush into harm’s way when we need them most.

As Congress continues discussions on relief legislation to address the coronavirus, our economy, and our healthcare system, the HEROES Act should be an integral part of the conversation. If enacted into law, this legislation will have a direct benefit on the healthcare workers and first responders who are saving lives in the middle of this pandemic daily. The HEROES Act is a well-deserved thank you to those risking their lives to save and protect us.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican, represents Michigan's second congressional district. You can follow him on Twitter:@RepHuizenga

This op-ed by Congressman Huizenga first appeared in the Washington Examiner on April 13, 2020.