NJ Black Caucus: Healthy Terminals Act Would Boost Newark Airport

NEWARK, NJ — A bill that would help thousands of airport workers in Newark get health care coverage has gained the support of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus.

On Wednesday, the caucus issued a joint statement in support of the Healthy Terminals Act (S989/A2487).

The proposed legislation would require employers at Newark Airport to compensate workers with a benefits supplement that can be used to acquire health insurance. If passed, thousands of workers at Newark Airport would get "meaningful, affordable" protection during a time of need, spokespeople with labor union SEIU 32BJ previously said.

Nearly 35 percent of subcontracted workers at Newark Airport could be uninsured, according to a voluntary 2019 study from the union.

• See related article: Newark Airport Workers Rally For Health Care: 'I Pray To God'

The caucus’ full statement follows below:

“The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus fully supports of the Healthy Terminals Act (S989/A2487) that raises the standards for thousands of New Jersey’s airport workers.

“As we have learned during this unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19, health care is a right that should be afforded to all. The high risk of daily exposure to health ailments for our thousands of airport workers at Newark Liberty International Airport requires that efforts are made for their health as frontline workers. The Healthy Terminals Act would require employers to compensate covered workers with a standard benefits supplemental rate that may be used to purchase health care.

“The Healthy Terminals Act would grant covered workers additional compensation that can be used to acquire healthcare. This bill would cover approximately 12,400 workers and it would benefit an estimated 10,085 minimum wage workers, many of whom work for subcontracted companies, and many of whom are Black and Brown New Jerseyans. The Healthy Terminals Act will promote racial justice in our state, and will increase health care coverage amongst the communities that have been hardest by COVID-19.

“This legislation is compassionate, pragmatic and cost effect promoting health justice. It reduces the burden of public expenditure for health care and shifts the burden to private insurance. The public savings to reduced Medicaid and uncompensated care annually are in the millions. Finally, this legislation makes health care insurance accessible and affordable to frontline workers most in need at this time.”

• See related article: Airport Workers Push For Healthy Terminals Act In Newark
• See related article: Health Care Bills Are Crushing Us, Newark Airport Workers Say

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