Huizenga proposes bill to support pay raises, bonuses for essential workers

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) on April 28 introduced legislation that would provide a payroll tax credit to employers to support bonuses or pay raises for essential employees.

Specifically, the Patriot Bonus Tax Credit Act of 2020, H.R. 6629, would provide a refundable tax credit for half of any form of wage increase put forward by an employer, including a raise in hourly wages, salary increases or bonus wages earned during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Huizenga’s office.

“All across America, truck drivers are delivering supplies, grocery store employees are stocking shelves, and sanitation workers are helping keep our communities clean,” Rep. Huizenga said. “These individuals are just a sample of those who have answered the call during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history.”

“The Patriot Bonus incentivizes pay raises and bonuses for essential employees. If the government is going to ask or in some cases require citizens to stay home, those who provide essential services should be rewarded,” added the congressman

Rep. Huizenga earlier in April also sponsored the bipartisan Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations (HEROES) Act of 2020, H.R. 6433, to provide a four-month federal income tax holiday for medical professionals and first responders in counties with at least one positive COVID-19 patient.

Both measures are under consideration by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.