One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
What The Coronavirus Stimulus Package Could Mean For LA Gig Workers
The Senate’s agreement on a coronavirus stimulus package includes a big boost in unemployment benefits — especially for self-employed workers, who previously couldn’t get those benefits at all.
The deal, which still needs to pass the House and get President Trump's signature, would increase weekly unemployment insurance payments by up to $600 per week. Currently, California’s payments top out at $450 per week.
In the past, only workers classified as employees were eligible for unemployment insurance. But under the new deal, self-employed workers and those in the gig economy — such as Postmates delivery workers and Uber drivers — could now receive payments.
L.A. driver Nicole Moore with Rideshare Drivers United said demand for rides has dried up — and drivers need help, fast.
“I'm talking to people that have no money in their bank account,” she said. “They have bills due on their cars, bills due on their homes, and they have a family that they’re supporting.”
AB5 MEETS CORONAVIRUS
Moore argues drivers already should have been eligible under AB5 — a state law pushing companies like Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees. But so far, companies have resisted that move.
Sponsored message
Regardless of how the benefits arrive, the need is widespread. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that more than 1 million Californians have already applied for unemployment over the past two weeks.
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
- Your No-Panic Guide To Coronavirus In LA So Far
- Tracking The Spread Of COVID-19
- Have A Question? We Will Answer It
SOME STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT COVID-19
We're all living through this extraordinary and frightening pandemic. The vast majority of our newsroom has been working from home (here's some advice on that) since March 11 to bring you calm, helpful reporting. We are answering your questions and taking more.
We're here to help. And if you can help support that effort financially, we'd be grateful.
Sponsored message
DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Get our daily newsletter for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Support our free, independent journalism today. Donate now.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
