"Federal Firefighters Deserve Better Pay And Benefits, Lawmakers Say"

"Firefighting can have lasting physical and mental consequences, and advocates argue it's time for the government to do more to help."

"A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill Tuesday to improve pay and benefits for federal firefighters, who often struggle to eke out a living while doing grueling, life-threatening work.

The legislation comes from Reps. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who all represent states that have faced serious wildfire devastation.

The bill seeks to raise federal firefighters’ hourly pay to at least $20 an hour and salaries to at least $20,000. It would also guarantee these firefighters receive health care, including robust mental health support; improve their paid leave and retirement benefits; and secure funding for housing and tuition assistance."
 
Lydia O'Connor reports for HuffPost October 19, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"‘Nobody Cares I Have Nowhere To Live’: Wildland Firefighters Struggle With Homelessness" (Guardian)

Source: HuffPost, 10/22/2021