Congressional Budget Office research in 2019 suggested that raising wages to $ 15 nationally could increase the pay of tens of millions of workers, although potentially at some cost to jobs – perhaps 1.3 million people who would otherwise not work they would be, in part because employers would reduce payroll.
States and localities can get help.
Biden’s plan would provide $ 440 billion in aid to communities, according to the government, in addition to funds for the reopening of schools. The relief plan would involve billions in small business grant and loan programs (how they would work is not entirely clear) and $ 350 billion in emergency funds for state, local and territorial governments.
State and local governments have seen their revenues decrease less than expected as a whole, but have suffered an uneven financial impact from the pandemic. They have significantly reduced payrolls, which is worrisome because they employ about 13% of American workers.
Public health measures are at the forefront.
Biden is asking for $ 160 billion in funding for a national vaccination program, expanded testing, a public health jobs program and other measures to combat the virus, according to the government summary.
The plan will invest $ 20 billion in a national vaccination program “in partnership with states, localities, tribes and territories” and will try to ensure that people can receive vaccines free of charge, regardless of immigration status. About $ 50 billion would go to improving testing, and $ 40 billion would go to reinforcing protective equipment and supplies, deploying emergency response personnel and improving supply manufacturing.
The plan would expand paid holidays.
Biden would renew paid leave clauses that were not extended as part of the December package, while eliminating exemptions for large and small employers. The plan would allow 14 weeks of sick leave, family and sick leave for caregivers working with closed schools or care centers, while providing a $ 1,400 leave benefit for skilled workers.
State and local governments and employers with fewer than 500 employees would be reimbursed for the costs through a refundable tax credit. Emergency license provisions would last until the end of September.