I am a writer who worked incredibly hard to build my career. Before the crisis, I was able to put together multiple jobs to reach full-time employment. Now, I find myself left in that middle lurch due to being an independent contractor. On one hand, I don’t get anything from unemployment insurance. On the other, since I am not a business owner, I don’t get pandemic unemployment assistance. The problem for me with accessing PUA benefits is that at least in Utah, it asks for documentation that I don’t have since I’m not a business owner. Namely, I don’t have a general ledger and check register.
PUA absolutely must be expanded and extended. There are more than 10 million independent contractors in the United States and many often face challenges in receiving essential benefits due to having multiple part-time employers and piecing together compensation. It’s a lifeline.
Senators have a choice to make. And what they choose to do goes beyond a decision made in the chambers of the Senate building. It will drastically affect millions. It is the difference between lights on, food on the table and rent paid.
Sen. Mitt Romney has a choice to make for his constituents — vote for the health, well-being, safety, and economic security of Utahns or ignore their voices completely. He must stand up and do the right, sensible, moral thing on behalf of the state he claims to love and represent — extend unemployment benefits.
Rhett Wilkinson
Centerville